Real talk with a Side of Laughter - Blog #1: Introduction

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About the Writer:

I am your aspiring blog writer, Crystal Raber.

I am wife to Jake Raber. We have been married 15 years and we have 4 wonderful children.

I am an adopted biracial woman who was raised in a Mennonite home in the South. I love to cook! I love Jesus and I love long discussions over coffee or tea!

Relationships play a huge role in my life and in how I see the world. I am a firm believer in the idea that everyone should be loved, heard, and seen. My desire is always that the people who interact in my world would feel important and valued! I am a deliverer of hope! My story has many nights of hopelessness and now that I am more acquainted with the sunlight my mission has become to be a BRINGER of Hope and Love and Joy!

I am a firm believer of Jesus and the Salvation that He brings into our lives. That being said I do not see myself as religious. I have had many moments wherein I did not know who God was or what role He played in my life and I’ve learned to trust His ability to guide me and our family into truth without me needing to strive and have all the boxes checked off. God has been so gentle with my wrestling heart and my questions and my angst and slowly He has won my heart and most days I can say “God I trust You”! Other days I admit very freely “God I’m not sure that you know what is happening in my life and I’d like for you to let me tell YOU what I want done!”

Most people will tell you that I embrace vulnerability and authenticity with open candid conversation about nearly any subject. I often say...my life is an open book. If someone can grow by me sharing my story than why would I not? I love analytical conversation and try to see others perspectives or point of view.

I believe that we as humans can choose to always evolve into a higher version of who we were yesterday if we allow ourselves to be open to our environment and God’s love to teach us valuable lessons and in that process embrace the change and growth that He has for us. Much of my growth has been based on rather everyday circumstances and opportunities because that’s where I’m placed, in the everyday. So often we go looking for big change. Big Miracles, big deliverance, big conferences, big surprises...however in my life God has taught me quietly one day at a time with whoever/whatever is right in front of me. Sometimes that has been my husband, sometimes my children, sometimes my garden, sometimes a cup of soup from a friend, sometimes a coffee with an acquaintance who becomes a close confidant. Our Spirits are constantly hungry and reaching for more revelation, more truth, more opportunity to walk in and so often we pass up the very thing we are hungry for by passing it by because it looks ordinary or mundane.

Anyway we will dive into many topics in a likely unorthodox fashion much like wildflowers blooming in the middle of summer. As we go along I’d be open to topic requests and I will share my perspective and would love to hear your feedback. I want this blog to be a conversation because we grow and learn through conversation and sharing of hearts.

Watch for a second blog, exploring the name!