Crystal Manget

Photo of bowling balls - Friends add color to our lives

Friendships

As soon as I typed the word “friendships”, I heard the song “You’ve Got to Have Friends”. Yes, every person needs to have friends or at least a friend. But what is it about maintaining friendships that seems to be so difficult? I struggle to make friends. But once I do, I struggle to keep…

Photo of semi-colon tattoo on arm and painted rocks - Your Story doesn't have to end

#DoItForJack

I recently was given three rocks. They were painted and had the hashtag #doitforJack. My friend told me a little of his story. She found a rock while in New Hampshire. She now has relocated it to Alabama and painted three (that I know of) rocks that I now have. Jack was twelve years old…

Photo of stormy skies - Storms of life require Faith in God

Panic Attack

Years ago, I had an event happen that left me scared, both emotionally and physically. The event severed friendships and bruised my relationship with my spouse. It also left me without a safe feeling at church. I had a community within my church, but when relationships within the group soured, I was left with deep…

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day It is that time again, the time to honor our Mothers. It is a challenging day for some of us. It is a reminder that our Mothers are not with us. It is a deeply sad day. I have never really enjoyed Mother’s Day. I love the idea of celebrating mothers; however, at…

Photo of women with open arms welcoming the sun - Forgiveness is like sunshine for the soul

Apology

I am thinking about apologies today. I have been wondering why apologize. Because our parents forced us to say we were sorry even though we were not? We were taught to apologize when were caught doing something our parental unit decided was wrong. I googled apology. I found an interesting list of things pertaining to…

Photo of a scale and gavel - Are you judging?

Judge

Judging is a touchy subject. No one wants to admit they judge anyone, but we all do it. I have felt the sting of being judged. I strive towards not judging others and I was thinking I was doing a great job. That is until recently. Funny how blind we can be. As you know…

Photo of a first aid kit - Sometimes we need more than a band-aid

Too Focused on My Pain

I wake up with pain in my hips and back. I have tried not to complain but have failed miserably. I have iced, rubbed stinky heating gel on, and taken over the counter meds. I cannot walk because of the issue with my knee. There is so much more that I could write, but I…

Photo of presentation dress and a crucifix - Presentation vs Meaning, hmmm

Good Friday

When you look at all the events of Good Friday, how can you say it was good? It was horrible for one, but good for many. I never really thought much about Good Friday growing up or all the events that lead to the cross. By now, as a child, I would have had my…

Photo of a cross over a sheet of music - The cross puts a song in my heart

Throw Back Memory

Ever have a memory pop up in your head that you just could not stop thinking about? I did this morning and it was strange. I had a song that I tried to write in my teenage years. I had a few lines, but just could not finish it. I gave up writing because of…