Crystal Stine
About the Author

Crystal is passionate about cultivating a community where faith, fitness, and friendship come together. Author of “Creative Basics: 30 Days to Awesome Social Media Art,” Crystal is a writer, speaker, host of the Write 31 Days challenge, and coach who shares encouragement at her blog, crystalstine.me. Connect with her on...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Crystal,
    I have “walked in those pumps” as well – climbing the corporate ladder and only being content to be a leader and not a follower. Granted, I did have some gifts and talents in administration, but most of my motivation came out of insecurity and pride which basically has its roots in sinful selfishness. It’s a hard obstacle to overcome. Thankfully, God humbled my heart and I have been able to find so much more joy in serving and in cheering others on in their successes. Truly, the greatest among us are those with a servant’s heart. Thank you so much for sharing honestly from your heart and your experience…cheering you on 🙂
    Blessings,
    Bev

    • Bev, your comment made my heart warm this morning. I was watching the IF:Gathering this weekend and praying about what’s next, and God just kept whispering “serve.” Thank you for affirming that!

  2. Thank you, ‘selfishness’ in other circles is attributed to Christians who are walking in the light of the Word who refuse to share their body by choosing to honour God above men.

  3. This is a daily struggle for me to love my people well, mostly that comes by serving them. Thank you for the encouragement to stay in the game and the reminder of the dignity in service. At the office, in my home, at church, I’m being prompted to ask myself – “What would love require me to do?”

    • What a beautiful way to phrase that question, Missy. I think I’m going to write that down in my office as my own reminder today!

    • It’s like swimming against the current isn’t it? So hard. Grateful to do the hard work alongside you, NJ – you cheer for me in a way that teaches me what it really means to have an encouraging heart.

  4. Amen Crystal. And isn’t that truly having the heart of Jesus? He said he came to serve not to be served. My husband doesn’t care for the word servant (I think he acquaints it with subservient) but I willingly and delightfully serve those whom God has called me to serve.Selflessly giving knowing that God fills, restores and sees me.

  5. Love all that you gleaned from our ancient sister, Phoebe! What a powerful role model for ALL of us who struggle with striving rather than serving. Thanks for your honesty and humility, dear Crystal.

  6. This is just a beautiful piece of writing, thank you Crystal. Phoebe moments – I love that. All to give glory to God. I love Phoebe in the bible – a few years ago I felt I was given in prayer by God the name Phoebe for a future child. With no husband yet – I’m not so sure this may have been correct. Even without this – I should continue to look to Phoebe for my servant heart.

  7. Wonderful post that hits home, Crystal! I don’t think that it’s by accident that the word ‘prostatis’ reminds me of the word prostrate. In order to be a humble servant I have to be humble, and sometimes I have to lie prostrate before my God. I cannot do either of those things if my selfish desires and ego get in the way. Thank you!!

  8. Thank you for your honesty! I, too, heard God nudging me towards service & humility this weekend at IF:gathering. One of the speakers said, “Pray for bigger humility rather than a bigger platform.” So good. Cheering you on & in the journey with you!

    • Loved listening to those amazing women this weekend – and was so blessed by how God used their words to affirm these words in my heart!

  9. Crystal,
    Cheering you on to serve others. Sometimes God wants us to take a step back from corporate ladder climbing and serve others.
    Lately I find myself wanting to serve others more and more. I guess as I age (50) and take care of my dad (90) I see more people who need help. I just want to go and serve God. I would love to be a Phoebe. Want to hear “Well done good and faithful servant”.
    Blessings 🙂

  10. Lovely reflection Crystal… I have no doubt you’re already being transformed into a Phoebe… Love it when God does that…

  11. Crystal, what a beautiful post. And oh, how I can relate. I’ve spent years working to first remember who I am in the Lord’s eyes matters more than how others view me. And His affirmation should be enough for me. I’m still working on that.

    But, I loved the questions you are asking yourself about using your resources for those in your circle of influence. I’m going to post those so I can remember them too.

    I loved this!

  12. Thank you, Crystal, for highlighting the joy of “Phoebe” moments. Sometimes I need reminding that serving humbly and selflessly is the way to godly success–the kind that brings lasting fulfillment.

  13. Amen Crystal! Oh how easily I forget the backwards way of the kingdom of God. Such good questions on how can we serve right where we are. Praying my eyes are opened and heart changed to “see.”

  14. Beautiful post, Crystal. Your genuine desire to share your struggles as a means of encouraging others is such a blessing. And you are not alone … it’s easy for me to slip back into those old patterns in my life as well. I love that you shared about Phoebe and her character.

    • Oh friend, you have such a wonderful way of making me feel brave enough to share these stories. Thank you for letting me know I’m not alone!

  15. I wish I could ram this into my head and it would stick. God has placed me in a humble position that seems very inconsequential to me. I keep worrying that I’m not DOING anything that matters for His Kingdom. I feel like I’m spinning wheels. But every time I try to step out of the borders he has me in, anxiety, feelings of stress and being overwhelmed hit like a ton of bricks. Why can’t I just choose joy right where I am? Consistently? ARGH. Trying so hard to live redeemed and just be. But every message of service and reaching the lost leave me spinning those wheels again and looking for “the opportunity.” Lord, I am so confused where I am supposed to be. Please help me stop and breathe and accept my place today. Help me be a light to others where I am. Show me what I’m supposed to be and give me confidence to be that, trusting that if and when its time to move, you will come get me. I won’t “miss” it.

  16. thank you for the reminder of Phoebe and the call to serve. I needed it today when the blizzard raged outside and I’m homebound with a sick hubby. It’s not about ME, but what brings God glory!

  17. Such a great and thought-provoking post. Thank you so much for sharing your heart, because this: “When the desires of my heart don’t line up with what God has planned for me, I become envious and bitter, and I wonder Why not me? instead of How can I support her?” OUCH!