My husband and I married on April 13th, 2002. Just a few short weeks after our wedding, my world turned upside down. My brother, Christopher, was killed in a car accident on May 2, 2002. I can remember the day like it just happened yesterday. 
 
I was angry. My heart was torn to pieces. I had so many questions. Why did this happen? Why my brother? I bargained a lot with God. But after awhile, you realize it’s got you nowhere. After years went on, I was at the point where I finally accepted Chris was no longer here and instead in heaven.
 
Taking it back to even before my brother’s death, my mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in February 2000. This disease would cause three major strokes with seven T.I.A (mini strokes). Due to her health, my dad, two brother’s and I along with mom decided that she needed 24/7 care. We never thought we’d be having to make that decision. After all, my Mom had been a registered nurse for over 30 years. We moved her in February, 2012.
 
On January 4th, 2015, my mom had her third and final stroke. The doctors gave mom her options and she had made her decision according to her quality of life. She decided to live the rest of her days according to God’s will.
 
At the time, I was juggling with work, my children’s activities and school, and with my mama in the hospital. I felt like I was falling apart at the seams. Life wasn’t making sense at all. I prayed to God everyday. I prayed for a miracle. I prayed that mama would change her mind and she’d fight to stay here. I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Everyday that I was with mama in the hospital, I helped take care of her. From washing her hair and body, doing oral cares, massaging her body to just overall taking care of her. I even laid with her and would just cry myself to sleep. To see this beautiful and amazing woman who taught me everything, suffering and dying, just hurt my heart. I read her the Apostles Creed, bible verses and prayed together every day. Her face would light up like a Christmas tree! Not once did my mom loose her smile.
 
Mom passed away peacefully in the early morning on January 13th, 2015. I felt like my purpose in life was blank. I felt like an orphaned child. My childhood had been erased. I thought I had all the answers before. But once again, God proved me wrong. He has the answers. He is silent, but He always answers.
 
I have always been a believer of signs from God, like coincidental occurrences. Since my brother’s death, I’ve had red cardinals visit. I’ve read that they can be a representative of a loved one who has passed and they show up when you need them most. One of those, “I know it was you God!” moments. I tell my story so others know that they aren’t alone. Our society thinks that Christians aren’t allowed to grieve. And if we do grieve, we are told that’s not the appropriate way. Truth is, we grieve because it’s human and we miss that person.
 
 If it wasn’t for my faith, I wouldn’t be who I am today. My faith gets me through the most darkest times. Without it, I’d be a lost vessel washed up on this beautiful earth. 
 
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” ~Hebrews 11:1
 
“Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.” ~Romans 10:17

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Crystal Glause

My name is Crystal Glause. I grew up in Dannebrog, NE. My Dad, Dave Sr. still resides in Dannebrog. I have 2 brothers, Bryan and Dave Jr. After moving several times, my family and I made our home in the country by a town called Worms, NE. I am married to the love of my life, Jason. We have 3 beautiful daughter's! Our oldest is Michaela Anne, 16 years old and a junior in high school. Our middle is Kristen Elaine, 13 years old and a 8th grader. And our youngest is Alyson Jean, 11 years old and a 6th grader. All 3 go to Palmer Public School in Palmer, NE. I have 2 indoor cats, George and Miles as well as numerous outdoor cats. I am dubbed the crazy cat lady! You can't tell that I love cats right?! I am a licensed esthetician (I treat the skin!) at Elle Salon and Spa. I offer services of microdermabrasions, facials, plant peel, body wraps, professional make-up applications, professional body waxing, pedicures, manicures, etc. I absolutely love my career and clients! I have always had a passion with helping others. I enjoy uplifting others and building ones self-esteem. I am a Sunday School Teacher for 3rd and 4th graders at the Zion Lutheran Church in Worms, NE. My husband, daughter's and I are all members there. I enjoy teaching God's word! I am very original, but can be unpredictable. I am very outgoing! I love to talk. I'm also the one who's voice you could hear 10 blocks away. I love to make people smile and laugh! I'm a lover of music. I have had numerous friend's ask me what my favorite genre is. I tell them a little bit of everything. But I listen mostly to country. My greatest gift is my faith from my heavenly father! As a child, I didn't grow up going to church but attended a few Sunday school classes. I was baptized at 13 and confirmed to Lutheran at 27. I didn't have a bible growing up, but I knew who Jesus was. The only thing I had was a pocket bible of the New Testament. I also taught myself and recited the Lord's Prayer when I was 8 years old. Meeting my husband was surely a God send! It lead me to worship God. I am a firm believer that strength comes from faith. I just can't imagine my life not believing in the promises from God. My faith has lead me to where I am today. In turn has lead me to my path to righteousness and eternal salvation. Each day is a gift from God to us here on earth. My hope is to inspire people. That's what lead me to this sight over a year ago. After reading several authors blogs, I felt it was time to tell my story and spread the good news of Jesus!