On June 6, 2010 my father was killed while riding his motorcycle. At the time of his death, he wore a shirt that read:
I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive safely at death.
Very fitting for a man who rode out the tidal surge from Hurricane Ike on an air mattress.
This T-shirt phrase began to resonate in my mind in the days following his death as did Ephesians 5:15-16…
Look carefully how you walk. Live purposefully, not as the unwise, but as wise. Redeeming the time because the days are evil.
I began to wonder if I’m tiptoeing. I questioned my walk.
Is it with purpose? Am I making the most of my time?
My prayer is, when I take my last breath, I have lived the life I was created to live. I refuse to tiptoe through life only to arrive comfortably and conveniently at death.
I look forward to encouraging you, as well. So, browse around the pages of Faith, Family, Thanks Living and Healthy Living. Hopefully, you’ll be inspired to live life fully and with purpose by…
Refusing to Tiptoe.
Refusing to Tiptoe 
Cristal- Hello! I saw that you subscribed to my blog. Welcome!
I am sorry about your Dad; it is wonderful that you are already looking at how you live your life as a result of how he lived his.
It looks like we have shared interests. Stay in touch if you like!
Many blessings,
Erika
Cristal,
Thank you for finding and subscribing to my blog. I am inspired by the life and story of your father. Sounds like he was an amazing man. I can relate to the influence a father can have on a daughter’s life. My dad passed away four years ago. I miss him like crazy. But I can equivocally say that even in his death he is shaping who I am. I encourage you today in your blog, your ministry, and in your quest to Live Life on Purpose. There is no other way. I look forward to reading your posts.
–Kerry-Ann
Thanks for sharing this and because of this great post about your father, I’m following your blog 🙂
So nice to meet you, Eva. I look forward to browsing your blog and getting to know you.
Blessings,
Cristal
Wow! this was truly food for thought! I too have been thinking about my contribution to the Kingdom and wondering if I am fulfilling the divine He has for my life. Be encouraged in the Lord.
Thee Potter’s Hand
Thank you. And I encourage you to continue seeking to fulfill that divine plan You know He has for you. You’ll never regret the days you spend living life fully for Christ. Be blessed.
Cristal
I just found your blog, and it looks wonderful. Can’t wait to read more!
Thank you for the kind words. Nice to meet you. And I hope you come back and visit soon!
Hi Cristal,
I have nominated you for the “Versatile Blogger Award!” Follow this link: http://lorischulz.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/versatile-blogger-award/
Blessings to you!
Lori
Thank you, Lori! That is a very thoughtful gesture. I appreciate you considering me! 🙂
Cristal
I cannot imagine a more beautiful and meaningful tribute to your lovely dad! Thanks for sharing with us–I, too, refuse to tiptoe anymore!! Praise God from Whom All Blessings flow! love, sis Caddo
I am so glad you stopped by, Caddo. I had an opportunity to browse your blog and found some beautiful words written there. I can’t wait to go back! Together, we can refuse to tiptoe through life. 🙂
Be blessed today,
Cristal
I am glad I found your post. We share a similar passion. I don’t just want to meander through life come as it may. I want to have purpose and passion! I want to inspire others to have the same!
You have a beautiful blog, and I love the one you posted on Provocative Christian. That is how I found you. I am going to revamp my blog in May, but if you want to check it out now it is http://www.joyceglass.org
May God continue to richly bless all that you do!
It’s nice to meet you, Joyce. I am glad to meet others who are aiming to live life fully! I am eager to check out your blog (now and in May). 😉
Thank you for stopping by. And may God also richly bless you!
Cristal
Dear Cristal,
You are such a blessing to me! I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! Blessings to you!
You are a blessing, as well, April. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and consideration!
I can see that your dad and me would have enjoyed each other.
I just had to smile big when I read your comment, Larry. Thank you for your kindness.
Cristal, I nominated you for the Sunshine Award. No pressure. Participate only if it fits in with your blogging style.
http://identitylovefaith.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/sunshine-award/
Thank you, Vince! That truly is an honor. I’m always “wowed” (and humbled) that anyone would think of Refusing to Tiptoe for these awards. Y’all make me feel so special! I have never known, though, how to participate without making the post be about “me” (which is contrary to what I feel like RTT is supposed to be…more of Christ, less of me). If ever I figure out how to do both, I will gladly participate! I love FUN!! And, you’ve made my day, Vince. 🙂
Cristal – I know what you mean. I’m not into personal accolades either. Still, I see God manifested in what you write, so that’s why I choose you. For HIS glory!
I just nominated you for a new blogger award! Thank you for your honesty and willingness to make your struggles public. Blessings, Lauren
Check it out at http://acupofbliss.wordpress.com/2012/05/10/a-writing-award-and-an-update/
Thank you, Lauren. This is very humbling. I enjoy following your blog. You inspire me to think deeply and write courageously. So, this award coming from you is quite “rewarding”!
Hi Cristal,
I’ve nominated you for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Details are on my latest post:
http://connectingdotstogod.com/2012/06/07/blog-awards/
Thank you for your consistently beautiful, truthful and inspiring posts.
Bless you,
Judy
I am humbled by your thoughtfulness, Judy. What a compliment coming from you! I have yet to figure out a way to “accept” blogger awards without diverting attention away from what God’s called me to share on Refusing to Tiptoe (and calling attention to myself). But, I am so thankful to know there are those who think of this blog worthy to be awarded!
Blessings to you, Judy!
Cristal
Hi Cristal,
I completely understand – no pressure:) I truly appreciate your God-honoring and encouraging posts.
Judy
Cristal, I just nominated your blog for two awards ~ Blog on Fire and Kreative Blogger. Congrats!! Here’s a link to the nominations: http://beesymama.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/blog-on-fire-and-kreative-blogger-awards/ :0)
Really! Wow…thank you, Juliet, for thinking of me! Your kindness is much appreciated. 🙂
Cristal, I nominated your blog for 3 awards at my site!
http://craigmotor.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/3-awards-shine-on-one-lovely-blog-and-the-blog-of-the-year-2012/
Glad to be back Cristal! I recently made the change to WP.com with a new look but same name…bushel and a pickle. I am following you (again) to catch up after the change. I am contacting you because you followed me to ask if you would take a look at the “new” one and consider following me at the new spot. Thanks. Linda
Aw, this was a very nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to produce
a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and don’t manage to get nearly anything
done.