Have I ever told you guys just how much I LOVE Gods' words. I LOVE THEM! They are like honey to my soul and fill me with such hope, peace, strength...
Last night Rob and I had quite a ....a.......well, let's just call it a "HEATED discussion." It's probably THESE kinds of "discussions" that COULD lead down a dark road. BUT NOT FOR A WOMAN WITH GOD'S WORD AND A WOMAN OF PRAYER. I woke up this morning sad, frustrated, weary, but NOW, after having spent time in God's word and simply sitting with Him, NOW, this day is FULL OF OPPORTUNITY. I actually feel like I'm on a treasure hunt, seeking out wisdom and where I have been wrong and right according to God's word. He is taking me DEEPER, into MORE TRUTH and MORE WISDOM....more of Himself.
EVERY EXPERIENCE WE HAVE IS AN OPPORUNITY TO GET MORE WISDOM AND MORE OF GOD'S TRUTH....TO KNOW HIM & HIS WAYS BETTER.
God's word says, "Give thanks in all circumstances"- 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I am so thankful for our heated discussion last night as it has given me a hunger to know more of God's ways, to understand more of myself and what branches God might still have to cut off to make me more fruitful.
Do you know what His word says about wisdom?
Do you know what wisdom is?
WISDOM is the understanding of what is true, right, or lasting.
" My son (daughter), if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." Proverbs 2:1-5
"Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forge my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. THOUGH IT COST ALL YOU HAVE GET UNDERSTANDING." Prov. 4:7
May I encourgae us all to not get struck down by the situations and circumstances of life. May we see them as "OPPORTUNITIES." Every day we have the choice to get mad, sad, depressed, etc...OR we can press into God and His words getting to know Him and His ways better and better leading to more and more life, peace, and joy. May we choose the latter. Enjoy your opportunities today. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
FW: People are hurting.
I had a CRAZY experience at the store last night. When I arrived at the store I sat in the parking lot for a bit finishing up a phone call. I had opened my door preparing to get out but since there were no cars beside me I lingered with my door open and continued on with my phone conversation. As soon as I noticed a car wanting to pull into the space next to me I shut my door and gave a polite wave to say "sorry my door was open taking up this space." I looked into the car that had just pulled in and smiled at the woman and her son who were now my parking lot "neighbors." I finished my phone call and went into the store.
As I entered the store I was greeted by this woman and her son. At first I thought it was a friendly greeting when she smiled at me and said, "I saw you out in the parking lot." It wasn't until her next sentence that I realized I had done something to offend this woman. She proceeded to "GO OFF" on me about something I was truly CLUELESS about. As she YELLED at me in front of everyone in the store, I sought to understand why she was soooo upset. After being completely taken off guard, I said in reply to her yelling, "Pardon me?" trying to say it in the correct tone of truly seeking understanding and not wanting to sound defensive. I was met with the response of "OH, SO YOUR DEAF NOW TOO. UGHHHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE LIKE YOU. GET A HEARING AID LADY." As she walked away continuing to mumble out loud something I still couldn't really understand, I stood there feeling like I had just been punched in the gut and thus began the conversation with my "Father" uttering in my heart the words, "Ouch, God. That hurt."
As I strolled through the store (The "$ store " on Westnedge to give those of you in this area a mental picture) I took many deep breathes, prayed many prayers for both the woman and myself, and let the sting of the encounter be healed by many of His truths. As I went from aisle to aisle I continued seeing the son of this woman. Every time I would turn the corner and he would catch a glimpse of me he would run away. He was probably about 9 years old. I wondered how embarrassed he felt for the behavior of his mom and pondered how many times he had experienced situations like this causing him to want to run and hide from the people his mom had hurt. I felt sad for him. After seeing him for the 3rd time I tried to whisper words of peace to him letting him know it was okay and I wasn't angry. He just ran away again. I was reminded of how much our silly behavior affects those we love. I immediately cried out to God for more wisdom (in my heart of course. That would be VERY EMBARRASSING to have a mom that cried out out loud to God in the middle of the store. I at least have a little wisdom) that I may be a blessing to my children, not an embarrassment. I felt very sad for him.
I was in that store for quite a while trying to find just the right things for my daughter, Reese's, 4th "Princess" birthday coming up. After wondering how to handle this situation and questioning God whether or not I should approach this woman again and after having been in the store for at least 45 minutes now continuing to catch glimpses of her, I decided I would apologize for whatever I did that offended her. She clearly had not been talking to God and didn't seem to be any more "cooled off". I finally figured out that my offense was "gawking at her" when I had looked into her car. She went on to say some more hurtful words as the Spirit of God roused within me great compassion for this woman knowing that there must be some great wounds in her soul. After walking away from me clearly exasperated, she came back to me and said, "And for your information, I had to come in here tonight and tell a friend of mine someone she loves is dying of cancer." Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. There it is. There is the possible (if not just one) source of all this anger. After telling her I was sooo sorry for her pain I decided it was time to check out.
As the sales clerk was scanning my items, I commented on the bird candle holder that was being rung up. I told her how I loved the little candle holder because it reminded me of God's words that say "Are we not worth more than many birds." (Matthew 10:30). She began to cry telling me how it was her daughter's boyfriend who died in the major car wreck of last week and how a few months ago they found her brother- in -laws remains out on a highway nearby. As I listened to her share her pain and watched as the tears flowed freely from her eyes (there was no one behind me in line) I thought to myself and spoke to God, "Oh God- there is soo much pain in the souls I encounter......sooo much hurt."
May I encourage us all to be very alert to every soul we encounter. We have NO idea what is going on in their world and why they act the way they do. May we be women who seek to look past the outward apperance of things, and wait on God to reveal the deeper things of the heart. May He shower us with His strength and the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is a world out there that we will be entering today that desperately needs the touch of our Father. May we be wise. May we walk closely with him ready to be used by him at any moment bringing his kingdom of "peace, joy, and righteousness" EVERY WHERE WE GO! Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy
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As I entered the store I was greeted by this woman and her son. At first I thought it was a friendly greeting when she smiled at me and said, "I saw you out in the parking lot." It wasn't until her next sentence that I realized I had done something to offend this woman. She proceeded to "GO OFF" on me about something I was truly CLUELESS about. As she YELLED at me in front of everyone in the store, I sought to understand why she was soooo upset. After being completely taken off guard, I said in reply to her yelling, "Pardon me?" trying to say it in the correct tone of truly seeking understanding and not wanting to sound defensive. I was met with the response of "OH, SO YOUR DEAF NOW TOO. UGHHHH! I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE LIKE YOU. GET A HEARING AID LADY." As she walked away continuing to mumble out loud something I still couldn't really understand, I stood there feeling like I had just been punched in the gut and thus began the conversation with my "Father" uttering in my heart the words, "Ouch, God. That hurt."
As I strolled through the store (The "$ store " on Westnedge to give those of you in this area a mental picture) I took many deep breathes, prayed many prayers for both the woman and myself, and let the sting of the encounter be healed by many of His truths. As I went from aisle to aisle I continued seeing the son of this woman. Every time I would turn the corner and he would catch a glimpse of me he would run away. He was probably about 9 years old. I wondered how embarrassed he felt for the behavior of his mom and pondered how many times he had experienced situations like this causing him to want to run and hide from the people his mom had hurt. I felt sad for him. After seeing him for the 3rd time I tried to whisper words of peace to him letting him know it was okay and I wasn't angry. He just ran away again. I was reminded of how much our silly behavior affects those we love. I immediately cried out to God for more wisdom (in my heart of course. That would be VERY EMBARRASSING to have a mom that cried out out loud to God in the middle of the store. I at least have a little wisdom) that I may be a blessing to my children, not an embarrassment. I felt very sad for him.
I was in that store for quite a while trying to find just the right things for my daughter, Reese's, 4th "Princess" birthday coming up. After wondering how to handle this situation and questioning God whether or not I should approach this woman again and after having been in the store for at least 45 minutes now continuing to catch glimpses of her, I decided I would apologize for whatever I did that offended her. She clearly had not been talking to God and didn't seem to be any more "cooled off". I finally figured out that my offense was "gawking at her" when I had looked into her car. She went on to say some more hurtful words as the Spirit of God roused within me great compassion for this woman knowing that there must be some great wounds in her soul. After walking away from me clearly exasperated, she came back to me and said, "And for your information, I had to come in here tonight and tell a friend of mine someone she loves is dying of cancer." Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. There it is. There is the possible (if not just one) source of all this anger. After telling her I was sooo sorry for her pain I decided it was time to check out.
As the sales clerk was scanning my items, I commented on the bird candle holder that was being rung up. I told her how I loved the little candle holder because it reminded me of God's words that say "Are we not worth more than many birds." (Matthew 10:30). She began to cry telling me how it was her daughter's boyfriend who died in the major car wreck of last week and how a few months ago they found her brother- in -laws remains out on a highway nearby. As I listened to her share her pain and watched as the tears flowed freely from her eyes (there was no one behind me in line) I thought to myself and spoke to God, "Oh God- there is soo much pain in the souls I encounter......sooo much hurt."
May I encourage us all to be very alert to every soul we encounter. We have NO idea what is going on in their world and why they act the way they do. May we be women who seek to look past the outward apperance of things, and wait on God to reveal the deeper things of the heart. May He shower us with His strength and the fruit of His Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is a world out there that we will be entering today that desperately needs the touch of our Father. May we be wise. May we walk closely with him ready to be used by him at any moment bringing his kingdom of "peace, joy, and righteousness" EVERY WHERE WE GO! Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy
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Monday, August 3, 2009
"Running for daddy"
I don't think there was a dry eye when she crossed the finish line. "She" was Cassie Stersic, the 8 or 9 yrs old daugther of the man who Cran Hill Ranch (the camp I went to this weekend)had named their triatholon after in order to honor his name and memory. Tim Stersic had run this race for the last seveal years with great seriousness. He swam, biked, and ran with all intention of winning. I believe last year he did win (or at least came in second) and then two weeks after running this race, Tim unexpectedly finished his REAL race and was taken home to be with his Creator, Father, and Friend. He, like Paul would be able to say,
"I have fought the good fight, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7
What was it about Cassie, Tim's daughter, crossing the finish line that brought everyone to tears? I can't neccessarily speak for everyone else but for myself it was her shirt. She wore this shirt that had printed on the back "Tim Stersic" and on the front of the shirt, the part we all saw as she crossed the finish line just under one year after her daddy was taken from her, was printed, "RUNNING FOR DADDY."
I can't get those words out of my mind.
As I watched her cross the finish line I felt very mixed emotions. I felt incredibly sad over her loss and an intense hatred for death. I also felt incredibly inspired. I wanted to be like her. I wanted a shirt like hers. I believe her shirt whispered our mission as believers.
Tim was her daddy, her "Abba". She knew him intimately. She knew that he loved her deeply. She experienced him on a daily basis as he "fathered" her, providing for her needs, teaching and training her, loving her. And now, having loved him as her father she was running her race to honor his name.
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:8-12
As Cassie ran, carrying around in her body the death of her father, something happened in my spirit. I found life at work in me. I found myself inspired to run my life race for the honor of my "Daddy." Cassie knew her father loved to run, so she ran to honor his name. We know that our "Father" loves to LOVE, so we LOVE to honor his name.
Scripture is clear and full of truths that speak of this as our very mission in life- to run for the sake of His name, His glory, His honor. "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." As we carry around in our bodies the death of Jesus, all he went through out of love for us, all he has done to provide for us and to teach us,the hope he has set before us, may we be infused with a passion to make him known and bring honor to his name.
May we all know God and Jesus as "Abba". May we all run our race (live our life) "for our daddy"...to honor him and his name. As the world watches, and sees us cross our finish line someday still wearing our "shirt" may they be moved to tears and be full of desire to know this One we run for.
"Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame...." Hebrews 12:1 & 2
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in he games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly....." 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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Friday, July 24, 2009
FW: Temptation
Let me remind myself and all my friends out there who want to know Jesus better and may be struggling with temptation:
JESUS IS SYMPATHETIC! HE KNOW AND UNDERSTANDS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!
Ponder these two truths:
1. "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18
2. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fimly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been TEMPTED in EVERY WAY, just as we are- yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:14-16
TEMPTED- To entice someone to commit an unwise or immoral act, especially by promise of reward
I don't know what you will be tempted by today, but I am sure you will be tempted in some way. Use these two truths as "swords" to enter into the battle. Jesus knows what you're going through. His word says he is sympathetic to our weakness, he knows the pressure, the great desire to give into the temptation and he is able to help. Whatever your temptation- see it for what it is- unwise or immoral leading to harm or danger. Jesus LOVES us and deeply desires us to experience his Kingdom- peace, joy, and righteousness.
"There is no temptation taken you but that which is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Ask God to show you the way out he is providing. Temptation itself is not sin. It's what we do with the temptation that matters. Fight the good fight today! Remember, "He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." We are already "perfect forever" in God's eyes because of what Jesus has done for us, but we are now in the process of "being made holy." Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered. Kristy Joy Link
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JESUS IS SYMPATHETIC! HE KNOW AND UNDERSTANDS WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH!
Ponder these two truths:
1. "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18
2. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fimly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been TEMPTED in EVERY WAY, just as we are- yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:14-16
TEMPTED- To entice someone to commit an unwise or immoral act, especially by promise of reward
I don't know what you will be tempted by today, but I am sure you will be tempted in some way. Use these two truths as "swords" to enter into the battle. Jesus knows what you're going through. His word says he is sympathetic to our weakness, he knows the pressure, the great desire to give into the temptation and he is able to help. Whatever your temptation- see it for what it is- unwise or immoral leading to harm or danger. Jesus LOVES us and deeply desires us to experience his Kingdom- peace, joy, and righteousness.
"There is no temptation taken you but that which is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:13
Ask God to show you the way out he is providing. Temptation itself is not sin. It's what we do with the temptation that matters. Fight the good fight today! Remember, "He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." We are already "perfect forever" in God's eyes because of what Jesus has done for us, but we are now in the process of "being made holy." Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered. Kristy Joy Link
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
It is IMPOSSIBLE for God to lie!
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE." Hebrews 6:18
Really?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
Why? Why can't you? It's "impossible"? It's not capable of happening? Why?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
I can lie. I can easily lie. But not you. It' IMPOSSIBLE for YOU to lie.
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
Just how good are you, God, that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for you to lie? Just how much do you love righteousness? Show me just how Loving you must be. How great is your wisdom, your love and concern for others, your hatred of evil that you just CAN'T lie?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
So when you say you made me, you see me, you love me and care about me, it has to be true?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
When you tell me to not let my heart be troubled, and to trust in you because you have prepared an awesome place for me in paradise, I should believe you?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE"
"We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a LIAR, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:9-12
It's imPossible for YOU to be a LIAR so what you say about Jesus Christ MUST BE TRUE!
Oh Jesus- May we know and believe in the depths of our beings that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO LIE! May we live like we believe it! Blessings! K.J.L
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Really?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
Why? Why can't you? It's "impossible"? It's not capable of happening? Why?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
I can lie. I can easily lie. But not you. It' IMPOSSIBLE for YOU to lie.
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
Just how good are you, God, that makes it IMPOSSIBLE for you to lie? Just how much do you love righteousness? Show me just how Loving you must be. How great is your wisdom, your love and concern for others, your hatred of evil that you just CAN'T lie?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
So when you say you made me, you see me, you love me and care about me, it has to be true?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE."
When you tell me to not let my heart be troubled, and to trust in you because you have prepared an awesome place for me in paradise, I should believe you?
"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR GOD TO LIE"
"We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a LIAR, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life." 1 John 5:9-12
It's imPossible for YOU to be a LIAR so what you say about Jesus Christ MUST BE TRUE!
Oh Jesus- May we know and believe in the depths of our beings that IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO LIE! May we live like we believe it! Blessings! K.J.L
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The ant
While I was painting the "tree house" in my backyard yesterday, I got bit by a little fire ant. Do you ever think about ants? The Bible speaks of them in a couple different places:
"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it STORES ITS PROVISIONS IN SUMMER and GATHERS ITS FOOD AT HARVEST." Proverbs 6:6-8
"Four things on earth are small, yet they are EXTREMELY WISE; Ants are creatures of little strength, yet THE STORE UP THEIR FOOD IN THE SUMMER." Proverbs 30:25
Things to ponder this day:
*Live by the "YET".................ants have no commander, they are small, they have little strength, YET..........Don't let the things stacked against you determine who you are.
*It is EXTREMELY WISE to:
1. Prepare for the future
2. Save and store up while the provisions are available
STORE: A stock or supply reserved for future use; to deposit in a storehouse for safekeeping
PROVISIONS: a stock of neccessary supplies, especially food
SUMMER: Any period regarded as a time of fruition, fulfillment, happiness, or beauty
May we be women who are extremely wise.May we be prepared for our future of meeting God. May we be wise with our money. May we be wise with our time. Now is the time that God favors what we do. May we be women who store up God's words (food for our souls) while it is summer and we have his words available. We don't know when the winter will come. May we be women who are busy at work following in Jesus' footsteps when he says,
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4 & 5
"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20
When you see an ant today or tomorrow may these words enter into your heart and mind causing you to ask yourself and God, "Am I being wise like the ant? Am I preparing for my future and making the most of the day I have and all it's provisions?" Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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"Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it STORES ITS PROVISIONS IN SUMMER and GATHERS ITS FOOD AT HARVEST." Proverbs 6:6-8
"Four things on earth are small, yet they are EXTREMELY WISE; Ants are creatures of little strength, yet THE STORE UP THEIR FOOD IN THE SUMMER." Proverbs 30:25
Things to ponder this day:
*Live by the "YET".................ants have no commander, they are small, they have little strength, YET..........Don't let the things stacked against you determine who you are.
*It is EXTREMELY WISE to:
1. Prepare for the future
2. Save and store up while the provisions are available
STORE: A stock or supply reserved for future use; to deposit in a storehouse for safekeeping
PROVISIONS: a stock of neccessary supplies, especially food
SUMMER: Any period regarded as a time of fruition, fulfillment, happiness, or beauty
May we be women who are extremely wise.May we be prepared for our future of meeting God. May we be wise with our money. May we be wise with our time. Now is the time that God favors what we do. May we be women who store up God's words (food for our souls) while it is summer and we have his words available. We don't know when the winter will come. May we be women who are busy at work following in Jesus' footsteps when he says,
"As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." John 9:4 & 5
"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where theives do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:20
When you see an ant today or tomorrow may these words enter into your heart and mind causing you to ask yourself and God, "Am I being wise like the ant? Am I preparing for my future and making the most of the day I have and all it's provisions?" Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
FW: A broken spirit
Did you ever see the movie, The Horse Whisperer? Remember the scene where the horse was soo wild and disobedient that the horse whisperer had to wound him a little with great gentleness until he brought that horse into submission? Life was not going to be good for either the horse or the owner until the horse was broken and ready to submit to it's owner. I think I experienced that last night.
After driving 12 hours in a van with cooped up kids , coming home from my grandma's 90th birthday party in New York, I was weary and simply ready for bed. However, during one of our stops, one of my children (who I will keep nameless) was very disobedient and disrespectful and in need of some serious discipline. After getting everything unloaded, 4 other children in bed, and myself in a state of mind to disicpline well and not in anger, this precious child of mine and I sat on our couch ready to enter into some soul work. As I gathered this child up in my arms, stroking this beloved's hair, we began chatting about the day. I took off my little " 25 characteristics of a fool" frame hanging on my wall and GENTLY AND LOVINGLY began reading some of the characteristics. Immediately, this child stood up and with the same kind of attitude of the wild horse in the "Horse Whisperer" began walking around the room saying to me, "Are you calling me a
fool?....Go ahead. Call me a fool." As I let this child wrestle with the Words of God, I sat quietly by, continually reminding this child how much I loved him/her and how deeply he/she was loved by God. Finally, after many minutes of dialouge and redirecting this child's thinking, reminding him/her of the depth of love for this beloved's soul and allowing the pain of the truth to sink in, this child of mine slumped into the couch with a beautiful contrite spirit saying with all sincereity and humility, with tears and remorse, "I AM a fool, mom. I'm sooooo sorry." As I embraced this child fully, I reminded my "gift" that he/she wasn't a fool but rather acted like a fool . I shared how many foolish choices I have made myself. We talked about how God's Word is given to us to help us see ourselves for who we really are, to be sorry over our foolish ways and to change. God's Word isn't given to us to beat us up but rather to help us
become all that God meant for us to be. After probably 1/2 hour of engaging in "soul work" this child couldn't keep his/her hands off of me. I received sooo much lovin' and had my wonderful child "back". I went to sleep thankful for the Words of God and their power.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART." Hebrews 4:12
"This is the one I esteem: he who is HUMBLE AND CONTRITE IN SPIRIT, and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:2
May we be women who let the Word of God do its work in us. May we not fight it as defensive wild horses but rather may we be broken, ready to admit as we slump into the couch, " I am a fool. I have been wrong." And may we find great joy and delight in being esteemed by God. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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After driving 12 hours in a van with cooped up kids , coming home from my grandma's 90th birthday party in New York, I was weary and simply ready for bed. However, during one of our stops, one of my children (who I will keep nameless) was very disobedient and disrespectful and in need of some serious discipline. After getting everything unloaded, 4 other children in bed, and myself in a state of mind to disicpline well and not in anger, this precious child of mine and I sat on our couch ready to enter into some soul work. As I gathered this child up in my arms, stroking this beloved's hair, we began chatting about the day. I took off my little " 25 characteristics of a fool" frame hanging on my wall and GENTLY AND LOVINGLY began reading some of the characteristics. Immediately, this child stood up and with the same kind of attitude of the wild horse in the "Horse Whisperer" began walking around the room saying to me, "Are you calling me a
fool?....Go ahead. Call me a fool." As I let this child wrestle with the Words of God, I sat quietly by, continually reminding this child how much I loved him/her and how deeply he/she was loved by God. Finally, after many minutes of dialouge and redirecting this child's thinking, reminding him/her of the depth of love for this beloved's soul and allowing the pain of the truth to sink in, this child of mine slumped into the couch with a beautiful contrite spirit saying with all sincereity and humility, with tears and remorse, "I AM a fool, mom. I'm sooooo sorry." As I embraced this child fully, I reminded my "gift" that he/she wasn't a fool but rather acted like a fool . I shared how many foolish choices I have made myself. We talked about how God's Word is given to us to help us see ourselves for who we really are, to be sorry over our foolish ways and to change. God's Word isn't given to us to beat us up but rather to help us
become all that God meant for us to be. After probably 1/2 hour of engaging in "soul work" this child couldn't keep his/her hands off of me. I received sooo much lovin' and had my wonderful child "back". I went to sleep thankful for the Words of God and their power.
"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the THOUGHTS AND ATTITUDES OF THE HEART." Hebrews 4:12
"This is the one I esteem: he who is HUMBLE AND CONTRITE IN SPIRIT, and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:2
May we be women who let the Word of God do its work in us. May we not fight it as defensive wild horses but rather may we be broken, ready to admit as we slump into the couch, " I am a fool. I have been wrong." And may we find great joy and delight in being esteemed by God. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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Friday, July 17, 2009
what if?
In conversation with someone last night, the comment was made about wanting to have enough truth inside her heart for the time our Bibles may be taken away. Great thought!
WHAT IF OUR BIBLES WERE BANNED TODAY? WOULD WE HAVE ENOUGH OF GOD'S WORDS STORED UP IN THE DEPTHS OF OUR SOULS???????
Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy
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WHAT IF OUR BIBLES WERE BANNED TODAY? WOULD WE HAVE ENOUGH OF GOD'S WORDS STORED UP IN THE DEPTHS OF OUR SOULS???????
Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy
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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Matthew 10:27-42
Yeah! I got my haircut yesterday (nothing crazy different). Thanks to a very kind and generous Crystal Witteveen, (thank you, thank you, thank you!) I now have that "fresh and clean" feeling. Whenever I get my hair cut I cannot help but ponder that portion of Scripture in Matthew that speaks about hair:
"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. AND EVEN THE VERY HAIRS OF YOUR HEAD ARE ALL NUMBERED. So don't be afraid; YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN MANY SPARROWS. Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophets reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man, will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones BECAUSE HE IS MY DISCIPLE (motive matters), I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
I was just going to write the words about hair, but I found myself wanting to know what came before and after.....the context. So let me just remind us of some important truths to meditate on today:
1. We need to speak up for Jesus.
2. It is a very serious matter to get things right with God before we meet Him face to face.
3. Don't be afraid of death. It will come to us all. If you are right with God through belief and acceptance of Jesus, your soul will live on in paradise with Him.
One of my favorite quotes is, 'All men die. Not all men really live."
God is aware of ALL THINGS (Hebrews 4:13). He sees you......He knows the secrets of your heart and where you are at all times. Remember that song, "I always feel like, someone is watching me...and I have no privacy."
5. You are worth soooooooo much to Him. You are sooooo special.
6. GOD IS AMAZING! HE'S A GENIUS! HE'S BRILLIANT! HOW IN THE WORLD CAN HE KNOW THE NUMBER OF HAIRS ON THE HEAD OF EVERY SOUL THAT HAS WALKED THIS EARTH???? HE IS HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE AND WORTHY OF THE GREATEST AWE AND RESPECT!
7.Believing that truth, that He knows every detail of our life, should cause us to be peaceful and free from fear and worry.
8. There are serious consequences for disowning Him here on this earth.
9.Believing and accepting Jesus as truth will draw a line in the sand. It may cause division between you and those who don't believe. It all comes down to this,
You are either for Jesus or you are not. If you choose to be on His team, He is your first allegience- even over family.
10. We were created for Him. He wants to be our first love over everyone else.
11. We will, someday, be rewarded for all of our expressions of love because of our faith. Hang in there. He sees what is done in secret. You will be rewarded.
12. Jesus has a very tender heart toward little children and cares about them soooo deeply. He wants his followers to care as well.
Wow! All that just from getting a little ol' haircut. May His words sink deep, deep, deep into your soul today. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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"What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. AND EVEN THE VERY HAIRS OF YOUR HEAD ARE ALL NUMBERED. So don't be afraid; YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN MANY SPARROWS. Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn
'a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law-
a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophets reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man, will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones BECAUSE HE IS MY DISCIPLE (motive matters), I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
I was just going to write the words about hair, but I found myself wanting to know what came before and after.....the context. So let me just remind us of some important truths to meditate on today:
1. We need to speak up for Jesus.
2. It is a very serious matter to get things right with God before we meet Him face to face.
3. Don't be afraid of death. It will come to us all. If you are right with God through belief and acceptance of Jesus, your soul will live on in paradise with Him.
One of my favorite quotes is, 'All men die. Not all men really live."
God is aware of ALL THINGS (Hebrews 4:13). He sees you......He knows the secrets of your heart and where you are at all times. Remember that song, "I always feel like, someone is watching me...and I have no privacy."
5. You are worth soooooooo much to Him. You are sooooo special.
6. GOD IS AMAZING! HE'S A GENIUS! HE'S BRILLIANT! HOW IN THE WORLD CAN HE KNOW THE NUMBER OF HAIRS ON THE HEAD OF EVERY SOUL THAT HAS WALKED THIS EARTH???? HE IS HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE AND WORTHY OF THE GREATEST AWE AND RESPECT!
7.Believing that truth, that He knows every detail of our life, should cause us to be peaceful and free from fear and worry.
8. There are serious consequences for disowning Him here on this earth.
9.Believing and accepting Jesus as truth will draw a line in the sand. It may cause division between you and those who don't believe. It all comes down to this,
You are either for Jesus or you are not. If you choose to be on His team, He is your first allegience- even over family.
10. We were created for Him. He wants to be our first love over everyone else.
11. We will, someday, be rewarded for all of our expressions of love because of our faith. Hang in there. He sees what is done in secret. You will be rewarded.
12. Jesus has a very tender heart toward little children and cares about them soooo deeply. He wants his followers to care as well.
Wow! All that just from getting a little ol' haircut. May His words sink deep, deep, deep into your soul today. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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Tuesday, July 14, 2009
He is light!
As the sun shines down on you today, remind yourself or tell yourself for the first time:
"God is LIGHT;in Him there is NO DARKNESS AT ALL." 1 John 1:5
He is sooooooooooooooooooo good and pure.
.............not an ounce of evil.......all LOVE.
Everything He does is good, right, & out of His best interest for us.
May it sink DEEP, DEEP, DEEP, into your soul just how good He is.
Think more about how good He is today than your own struggles. Your spirit will be much more peaceful.
Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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Monday, July 13, 2009
POWER!
While I was worshipping God in church yesterday, my spirit hungered for more of God's power in my own personal life and in my church as a whole. As I sang songs to God I couldn't get this verse out of my mind:
"There will be TERRIBLE ( unpleasant, disagreeable) times in the last days. People will love themselves. They will love money. They will brag and be proud. They will tear others down. They will not obey their parents. They won't be thankful or holy. They won't love others. They won't forgive others. They will tell lies about people. They will be out of control. They will be wild. They will hate what is good. They will turn against their friends. They will act without thinking. They will think they are better than others. They will love what pleases them instead of loving God. They will act as if they were serving God. But what they do will show that THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON GOD'S POWER. Have nothing to do with those people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Oh how I need His words in me to remind me of what He considers truly TERRIBLE. As I read these words I kept saying to myself, "It is terrible, Kristy, to act without thinking. It is terrible to seek to please yourself more than seeking to please God. Kristy, it is terrible to be ungrateful for all you have and to not be thankful".......... If we live the way the above verse mentions we will be making our choice to turn our backs on God's power in our lives. In another version of Scripture is says, "having a form of godliness, but denying it's power."
May we be women who have POWERFUL lives.
POWERFUL; 1. Effective or potent, as medicine.
2. Great
How sweet the sound that as we choose to say "no" to these "terrible" ways we could possibly be like MEDICINE, first to our own souls then to the souls around us bringing healing and wholeness to our world. Remember that sin (any wrong doing) leads only to death and decay (YUCK!)
MEDICINE: 1. Any agent used to treat disease or injury
May our saying "NO!" to everything that the PERFECT, LOVING, ALL WISE & KNOWING Creator says is terrible lead to more effectiveness and potency in bringing healing to our hurting, not knowing who God really is, world.
Blessings from Bombadil! Kristy Joy Link
P.s.- Remember if you're in Kalamazoo- we are meeting at Kelli Luke's house this Thursday night from 7pm-9pm to discuss Chapters 7-12 of the book,
"The Shack". All are invited and welcome to come. E-mail me if you'd like Kelli's phone # or e-mail for directions.
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"There will be TERRIBLE ( unpleasant, disagreeable) times in the last days. People will love themselves. They will love money. They will brag and be proud. They will tear others down. They will not obey their parents. They won't be thankful or holy. They won't love others. They won't forgive others. They will tell lies about people. They will be out of control. They will be wild. They will hate what is good. They will turn against their friends. They will act without thinking. They will think they are better than others. They will love what pleases them instead of loving God. They will act as if they were serving God. But what they do will show that THEY HAVE TURNED THEIR BACKS ON GOD'S POWER. Have nothing to do with those people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5
Oh how I need His words in me to remind me of what He considers truly TERRIBLE. As I read these words I kept saying to myself, "It is terrible, Kristy, to act without thinking. It is terrible to seek to please yourself more than seeking to please God. Kristy, it is terrible to be ungrateful for all you have and to not be thankful".......... If we live the way the above verse mentions we will be making our choice to turn our backs on God's power in our lives. In another version of Scripture is says, "having a form of godliness, but denying it's power."
May we be women who have POWERFUL lives.
POWERFUL; 1. Effective or potent, as medicine.
2. Great
How sweet the sound that as we choose to say "no" to these "terrible" ways we could possibly be like MEDICINE, first to our own souls then to the souls around us bringing healing and wholeness to our world. Remember that sin (any wrong doing) leads only to death and decay (YUCK!)
MEDICINE: 1. Any agent used to treat disease or injury
May our saying "NO!" to everything that the PERFECT, LOVING, ALL WISE & KNOWING Creator says is terrible lead to more effectiveness and potency in bringing healing to our hurting, not knowing who God really is, world.
Blessings from Bombadil! Kristy Joy Link
P.s.- Remember if you're in Kalamazoo- we are meeting at Kelli Luke's house this Thursday night from 7pm-9pm to discuss Chapters 7-12 of the book,
"The Shack". All are invited and welcome to come. E-mail me if you'd like Kelli's phone # or e-mail for directions.
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Saturday, July 11, 2009
You Will Be
I was watering my flowers the other day when a butterfly flew by. My heart skipped a beat, the most gentle rush of wonder stirred in my soul and it literally took my breath away .Immediately my spirit groaned, "Oh God, I want to be transformed like that butterfly, I want to be beautiful like that butterfly." It was then that I heard that WONDERFUL, GENTLE WHISPER,
'"You willl be."
"The Lord said, "Go out. Stand on the mountain in front of me. I am going to pass by." As the Lord approached, a very powerful wind tore the mountains apart. It broke up the rocks. But the Lord wasn't in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire came. But the Lord wasn't in the fire. And after the fire there was ONLY A GENTLE WHISPER. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his coat over his face..".
1 Kings 19:11-13
"Dear friends, now we are children of God. He still hasn't let us know what we will be. But we KNOW that when Christ appears, we will be like him." 1 John 3:2
"Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But SOMEDAY we will see clearly. We will see FACE to FACE. What I know now is NOT complete. But SOMEDAY I will know completely, JUST AS GOD KNOWS ME COMPLETELY." 1 Corinthians 13:12
May your breath be taken away today by one of His millions of wonders. May you hear his gentle whisper filling your soul with peace, joy and hope.We are not yet what we will be. I believe it! Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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'"You willl be."
"The Lord said, "Go out. Stand on the mountain in front of me. I am going to pass by." As the Lord approached, a very powerful wind tore the mountains apart. It broke up the rocks. But the Lord wasn't in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake. But the Lord wasn't in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire came. But the Lord wasn't in the fire. And after the fire there was ONLY A GENTLE WHISPER. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his coat over his face..".
1 Kings 19:11-13
"Dear friends, now we are children of God. He still hasn't let us know what we will be. But we KNOW that when Christ appears, we will be like him." 1 John 3:2
"Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But SOMEDAY we will see clearly. We will see FACE to FACE. What I know now is NOT complete. But SOMEDAY I will know completely, JUST AS GOD KNOWS ME COMPLETELY." 1 Corinthians 13:12
May your breath be taken away today by one of His millions of wonders. May you hear his gentle whisper filling your soul with peace, joy and hope.We are not yet what we will be. I believe it! Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Don't give up!
There are days that being a mom feels like the most exhausting, frustrating, perplexing, and seemingly thankless job. Then there are days like yesterday. Days when all my work seems to be paying off a little and I am overjoyed, completely fulfilled and incredibly thankful for this very important job I have of nurturing, training, discipling 5 precious little souls. Actually, yesterday felt a little like both.
>
> Yesterday:
>
> Zeke's (my youngest son) love tank was full and pouring out to his oldest brother, Jake, because something has happened in Jake where he has recently been making visible and consistent choices of choosing love over hate, generousity over greed, and selflessness over selfishness. In the Link household, with 3 boys, 11,9 and 7 yrs, there is much bickering. There are many things in parenting that are wearisome to the soul, but nothing quite like bickering. I don't know what it is in the sibling relationships that causes them to LOVE to pick on each other, but I HATE it. So almost every day, all day I am seeking to teach them God's words about love, building each other up, dying to oneself and applying negative consequences when they choose to go their own way and not Gods'. It seems that after 11 years of HARD WORK and many prayers something is taking root in my son's soul and he is CHOOSING to love his brothers. I cannot describe the joy in my soul
> when I have witnessed this week ,Jake taking Zeke out for ice cream and paying with his own money, Jake helping his brother on the computer, Jake offering to buy Zeke a drink when he was complaining of being "sooooo thirsty", Jake dying to himself and verbalizing, "Zeke can go first."
>
> My second son, Max, and I began our day with a wonderful conversation about "sowing and reaping." Max is noticing how kind Zeke is now being to Jake.I took Max out to a rock in my garden and had him read the words on this rock, "Love is found where it is shown." We talked about how loving Jake has recently been to Zeke and how that is filling up Zeke's soul causing him in turn to be kind and loving back to Jake. Jake is simply reaping what he has sown. I highly encouraged (for the millionth time) Max to sow seeds of love into Zeke's soul as well and watch and see what happens. Late in the afternoon sometime yesterday, Zeke came running into the house yelling, "Mom, mom.......Max is being kind to me.'
>
> I think I spanked (very controlled, 1 or 2 swats on her bum with much talking about "does mommy spank you because I love you or hate you?") my 3 year old daughter 4 times yesterday. Anyone who denies the truth of Scripture, "Surely I was sinful at birth," has possibly never raised a child. All day long, we dealt with issues of lying and stealing, being destructive and selfish. My precious little girl probably sat in the "check your heart" chair for a total of an hour yesterday. I was in awe as this kind of disciplining (for the 4th time) was still going on up until dinner time. After dinner, however, while we walked around Meijers I observed a change in her. She told me with much joy how she saw a piece of candy on the floor and chose not to pick it up and eat it. She climbed up into my arms sharing with me how she looked a man in the eyes and thanked him when he complimented her beautiful little ballerina outfit. When I called her name to come she
> responded immediately with a cheerful, "yes mom."
>
> Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Parenting is truly exhausting and yet when I see changes, when I have spent hour after hour, day after day, week after week, year after year, of seeking to pour God's words into my children and discipline them when they disobey, and I see glimpses of change, it is all worth it! I agree with the Scripture that says, "I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth."
>
> May I encourage us all (myself included) to keep up the hard work you are doing, whatever it is. God's word says in Galatians 6 :9
>
> " Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop IF WE DON'T GIVE UP. So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it."
>
> "All hard work leads to profit." Proverb
>
> Being a mom, being there for your children to teach them God's words, encouraging them when you see them make wise choices and disciplining them with much love when they don't, praying for them, not giving up when you feel like a failure as a mom and like nothing you're doing is making any difference, pouring as much goodness and truth into their souls as you possibly can IS ONE OF THE GREATEST HONORS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN LIFE. Hang in there my friends. Don't give up! Don't quit. Today is a new day full of possiblities. Perhaps this will be the day you will witness the word of God taking root. Perhaps this will be the day you will be rewarded for all your hard work, whatever it is. Just don't give up! He sees you and all your labor. Blessings from Bombadil.Kristy
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
>
> Yesterday:
>
> Zeke's (my youngest son) love tank was full and pouring out to his oldest brother, Jake, because something has happened in Jake where he has recently been making visible and consistent choices of choosing love over hate, generousity over greed, and selflessness over selfishness. In the Link household, with 3 boys, 11,9 and 7 yrs, there is much bickering. There are many things in parenting that are wearisome to the soul, but nothing quite like bickering. I don't know what it is in the sibling relationships that causes them to LOVE to pick on each other, but I HATE it. So almost every day, all day I am seeking to teach them God's words about love, building each other up, dying to oneself and applying negative consequences when they choose to go their own way and not Gods'. It seems that after 11 years of HARD WORK and many prayers something is taking root in my son's soul and he is CHOOSING to love his brothers. I cannot describe the joy in my soul
> when I have witnessed this week ,Jake taking Zeke out for ice cream and paying with his own money, Jake helping his brother on the computer, Jake offering to buy Zeke a drink when he was complaining of being "sooooo thirsty", Jake dying to himself and verbalizing, "Zeke can go first."
>
> My second son, Max, and I began our day with a wonderful conversation about "sowing and reaping." Max is noticing how kind Zeke is now being to Jake.I took Max out to a rock in my garden and had him read the words on this rock, "Love is found where it is shown." We talked about how loving Jake has recently been to Zeke and how that is filling up Zeke's soul causing him in turn to be kind and loving back to Jake. Jake is simply reaping what he has sown. I highly encouraged (for the millionth time) Max to sow seeds of love into Zeke's soul as well and watch and see what happens. Late in the afternoon sometime yesterday, Zeke came running into the house yelling, "Mom, mom.......Max is being kind to me.'
>
> I think I spanked (very controlled, 1 or 2 swats on her bum with much talking about "does mommy spank you because I love you or hate you?") my 3 year old daughter 4 times yesterday. Anyone who denies the truth of Scripture, "Surely I was sinful at birth," has possibly never raised a child. All day long, we dealt with issues of lying and stealing, being destructive and selfish. My precious little girl probably sat in the "check your heart" chair for a total of an hour yesterday. I was in awe as this kind of disciplining (for the 4th time) was still going on up until dinner time. After dinner, however, while we walked around Meijers I observed a change in her. She told me with much joy how she saw a piece of candy on the floor and chose not to pick it up and eat it. She climbed up into my arms sharing with me how she looked a man in the eyes and thanked him when he complimented her beautiful little ballerina outfit. When I called her name to come she
> responded immediately with a cheerful, "yes mom."
>
> Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Parenting is truly exhausting and yet when I see changes, when I have spent hour after hour, day after day, week after week, year after year, of seeking to pour God's words into my children and discipline them when they disobey, and I see glimpses of change, it is all worth it! I agree with the Scripture that says, "I have no greater joy than to see my children walking in the truth."
>
> May I encourage us all (myself included) to keep up the hard work you are doing, whatever it is. God's word says in Galatians 6 :9
>
> " Let us not become tired of doing good. At the right time we will gather a crop IF WE DON'T GIVE UP. So when we can do good to everyone, let us do it."
>
> "All hard work leads to profit." Proverb
>
> Being a mom, being there for your children to teach them God's words, encouraging them when you see them make wise choices and disciplining them with much love when they don't, praying for them, not giving up when you feel like a failure as a mom and like nothing you're doing is making any difference, pouring as much goodness and truth into their souls as you possibly can IS ONE OF THE GREATEST HONORS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN LIFE. Hang in there my friends. Don't give up! Don't quit. Today is a new day full of possiblities. Perhaps this will be the day you will witness the word of God taking root. Perhaps this will be the day you will be rewarded for all your hard work, whatever it is. Just don't give up! He sees you and all your labor. Blessings from Bombadil.Kristy
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
A story
"Then he told them many things by using stories.....The disciples came to him. They asked, "Why do you use stories when you speak to the people? He replied, "You have been given the chance to understand the secrets of the kingdome of heaven. It has not been given to outsiders...Here is why I use stories when I speak to the people. I say, "They look, but they don't really see. They listen, but they don't really hear or understand.....But blessed are your eyes because they see. And blessed are your ears because they hear." Matthew 13:3-16
>
>
> The Bible says Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Jesus who loved using stories thousands of years ago is still the same God who loves to use stories today. Yesterday, a friend of mine and I went to hear a "story". We went to the FREE, 10 a.m. movie at The Rave ( I highly recommend this) which just happened to be "Horton Hears a Who." There we sat watching this very entertaining Dr. Seuss cartoon with our children delighting in the characters and animation and oblivious to what my friend and I are seeing/hearing as the truths of God being revealed. Have you seen this movie? Have you heard it? I mean did you SEE it? Did you HEAR it? In Luke 24:31 & 32 it says, "Their eyes were opened and they recognized him...they said to each other, "He talked with us on the road. He opened the Scriptures to us. WEREN'T OUR HEARTS BURNING INSIDE US DURING THAT TIME?"
>
> As we sat there listening to this story, our hearts were "burning inside us."
>
> Here is what I/we heard:
>
> 1. Remember that compared to the HUGENESS of God you live on a "speck."
>
> "God sits on his throne high above the earth. Its people look like grasshoppers to him." Isaiah 40:22
>
> "Heaven is my throne. The earth is my footstool." Isaiah 66:1
>
> Remember how small we are. Our lives are just little stories in the grand scheme. There is another perspective( a much bigger one) on your life.
>
> 2. Not everyone hears and believes
>
> 3. Believing in God may seem so silly to those who haven't "seen" or "heard" and they may make fun of you or even persecute you for it.
>
> "If people hated me and tried to hurt me, they will do the same to you. ..They will treat you like that because of my name. They do not know the One who sent me." John 15: 20 & 21
>
> We, like Horton, can expect to be made fun of or possibly even persecuted for believing something the world thinks is silly (Jesus is really God & is alive)
>
> 4. People may pressure us to give up, renounce our faith and quit when the going gets tough. A true believer remains faithful!
>
> "Don't throw away your bold faith. It will bring you rich rewards. You need to be faithful. Then you will do what God wants. You will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35
>
> 5. It can be very scary to speak of things that seem silly to people. However, speaking them can save them. Be like the Mayor who KNEW he heard the VOICE and SPOKE the message to the people. It was a message that ultimately saved/rescued them.
>
> "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God for salvation to all who believe."
>
> 6. When the Mayor asked Horton to reveal himself and make himself known to all the people- there was no response leading the people to believe there really was not anyone out there listening. That wasn't the reality, however. There was something else going on in Horton's world that led him to be silent. He really was there. He really did hear the people and their request.
>
> GOD'S SILENCE DOES NOT MEAN HE IS NOT THERE!!!!! HE IS THERE! HE HEARS YOUR CRIES!
>
> 7. The mayor wanted to be great. The way he became great was by being believing the words of the one who was much bigger than him and held his world in his hands.
>
> You will not be truly great if you seek greatness apart from belief and obedience to the One True God and his son, Jesus Christ.
>
> "Anyone who wants to be important among you must be your servant. And anyone who wants to be first must be the slave of everyone. Even the son of Man did not come to be served. Instead, he came to serve others. He came to give his life as the price for setting many people free." Mark 10:43 -45
>
>
> There was much more I "HEARD" but I'm out of time. I highly recommend seeing the movie and hearing for yourself what God is trying to communicate. If you really HEAR, consider yourself blessed because that is evidence that YOU BELONG TO GOD. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. May you HEAR His voice! He is real and we truly are just a "speck." Kristy Joy Link
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>
>
> The Bible says Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. The Jesus who loved using stories thousands of years ago is still the same God who loves to use stories today. Yesterday, a friend of mine and I went to hear a "story". We went to the FREE, 10 a.m. movie at The Rave ( I highly recommend this) which just happened to be "Horton Hears a Who." There we sat watching this very entertaining Dr. Seuss cartoon with our children delighting in the characters and animation and oblivious to what my friend and I are seeing/hearing as the truths of God being revealed. Have you seen this movie? Have you heard it? I mean did you SEE it? Did you HEAR it? In Luke 24:31 & 32 it says, "Their eyes were opened and they recognized him...they said to each other, "He talked with us on the road. He opened the Scriptures to us. WEREN'T OUR HEARTS BURNING INSIDE US DURING THAT TIME?"
>
> As we sat there listening to this story, our hearts were "burning inside us."
>
> Here is what I/we heard:
>
> 1. Remember that compared to the HUGENESS of God you live on a "speck."
>
> "God sits on his throne high above the earth. Its people look like grasshoppers to him." Isaiah 40:22
>
> "Heaven is my throne. The earth is my footstool." Isaiah 66:1
>
> Remember how small we are. Our lives are just little stories in the grand scheme. There is another perspective( a much bigger one) on your life.
>
> 2. Not everyone hears and believes
>
> 3. Believing in God may seem so silly to those who haven't "seen" or "heard" and they may make fun of you or even persecute you for it.
>
> "If people hated me and tried to hurt me, they will do the same to you. ..They will treat you like that because of my name. They do not know the One who sent me." John 15: 20 & 21
>
> We, like Horton, can expect to be made fun of or possibly even persecuted for believing something the world thinks is silly (Jesus is really God & is alive)
>
> 4. People may pressure us to give up, renounce our faith and quit when the going gets tough. A true believer remains faithful!
>
> "Don't throw away your bold faith. It will bring you rich rewards. You need to be faithful. Then you will do what God wants. You will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35
>
> 5. It can be very scary to speak of things that seem silly to people. However, speaking them can save them. Be like the Mayor who KNEW he heard the VOICE and SPOKE the message to the people. It was a message that ultimately saved/rescued them.
>
> "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God for salvation to all who believe."
>
> 6. When the Mayor asked Horton to reveal himself and make himself known to all the people- there was no response leading the people to believe there really was not anyone out there listening. That wasn't the reality, however. There was something else going on in Horton's world that led him to be silent. He really was there. He really did hear the people and their request.
>
> GOD'S SILENCE DOES NOT MEAN HE IS NOT THERE!!!!! HE IS THERE! HE HEARS YOUR CRIES!
>
> 7. The mayor wanted to be great. The way he became great was by being believing the words of the one who was much bigger than him and held his world in his hands.
>
> You will not be truly great if you seek greatness apart from belief and obedience to the One True God and his son, Jesus Christ.
>
> "Anyone who wants to be important among you must be your servant. And anyone who wants to be first must be the slave of everyone. Even the son of Man did not come to be served. Instead, he came to serve others. He came to give his life as the price for setting many people free." Mark 10:43 -45
>
>
> There was much more I "HEARD" but I'm out of time. I highly recommend seeing the movie and hearing for yourself what God is trying to communicate. If you really HEAR, consider yourself blessed because that is evidence that YOU BELONG TO GOD. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. May you HEAR His voice! He is real and we truly are just a "speck." Kristy Joy Link
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He is working!
On Saturday night, July 4, four of my children and myself spent the night at my parent's summer home at a camp called Sandy Pines. While we were enjoying our time together outside by the fire , my parent's neighbor came over to chat for awhile. It was no surprise that she came and desired to linger near my mom because my mom and dad have the Spirit of God in them; that Wonderful Spirit of love, acceptance, and compassion. Ever since I was a little girl my mom has always attracted and spent time with people who others have cast aside. This neighbor who lingered was a woman who for unknown reasons had a very deformed face. Having recently had a bump on my nose (which is gone now....yeah!) causing my spirit to be sensitve to issues of "beauty" and the "flesh", I couldn't get this woman off my mind. I found myself wondering what life is like for her. My spirit immediately began crying out to God, "what do you want to say to me through her? What do you
> want to teach me, Father?" and "What would you have me say to her? What does her soul need?"
>
> The woman left our gathering, but she did not leave my mind. We enjoyed the rest of our evening watching fireworks and lighting our own fireworks ( which was actually done by our 11yrs. old son much to his chagrin). At the end of the evening, I needed to go retrieve my van which had been parked at quite a distance from my parents. Upon arriving at the main street, I was greeted by the longest line of golf carts (the main mode of transportation at this camp) I have ever seen. I literally had to wait 10 minutes before I could simply run across the street without getting hit. I got into my van, turned it around and was very graciously let into this golf cart parade by some kind gentleman only to find myself driving behind this woman who had been on my mind all night. There she sat in front of me, all alone on the back of a golf cart with my head lights shining on her ,highligting the face that could not be erased from my mind sall that evening.
>
> What was that? What is that? How is it that in this "sea of golf carts", after waiting and waiting for an opening to cross the road and then reenter into the parade, I end up behind the ONE face that had pierced my soul that evening?
>
> I drove behind her watching her and again, calling out to God on her behalf and mine.
>
> Two things I want to encourage you with.
>
> 1. "God is working in YOU." Phillipians 2:13. -
>
> He is working all around you to draw you close to Him and His thinking. He is working to draw your heart into things of heaven and not of this earth. I just read this morning,
>
> "They think only about earthly things. But we are citizens of heaven. And we can hardly wait for a Savior from there. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the power to bring everthing under his control. By his power, he will change our earthly bodies. They will become like his glorious body." Phillipians 3:19-21
>
> 2. He wants to use you in the lives of those around you.
>
>
> God is God. He is in control of all things and His timing is perfect. He alone knows what is real, true, and at the end of this life. He alone knows what your soul and another's soul needs. May we be alert to His activity and open to what He wants to teach us. Be observant of the people He brings into you life. May we live as citizens of heaven with our minds not too caught up in the things of this earth, the things that the Bible says are "temporary." May we be women who "walk by faith and not by sight." May we be messengers to others of God's love, mercy, compassion, incredible goodness and the hope of Heaven that he offers to us. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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> want to teach me, Father?" and "What would you have me say to her? What does her soul need?"
>
> The woman left our gathering, but she did not leave my mind. We enjoyed the rest of our evening watching fireworks and lighting our own fireworks ( which was actually done by our 11yrs. old son much to his chagrin). At the end of the evening, I needed to go retrieve my van which had been parked at quite a distance from my parents. Upon arriving at the main street, I was greeted by the longest line of golf carts (the main mode of transportation at this camp) I have ever seen. I literally had to wait 10 minutes before I could simply run across the street without getting hit. I got into my van, turned it around and was very graciously let into this golf cart parade by some kind gentleman only to find myself driving behind this woman who had been on my mind all night. There she sat in front of me, all alone on the back of a golf cart with my head lights shining on her ,highligting the face that could not be erased from my mind sall that evening.
>
> What was that? What is that? How is it that in this "sea of golf carts", after waiting and waiting for an opening to cross the road and then reenter into the parade, I end up behind the ONE face that had pierced my soul that evening?
>
> I drove behind her watching her and again, calling out to God on her behalf and mine.
>
> Two things I want to encourage you with.
>
> 1. "God is working in YOU." Phillipians 2:13. -
>
> He is working all around you to draw you close to Him and His thinking. He is working to draw your heart into things of heaven and not of this earth. I just read this morning,
>
> "They think only about earthly things. But we are citizens of heaven. And we can hardly wait for a Savior from there. He is the Lord Jesus Christ. He has the power to bring everthing under his control. By his power, he will change our earthly bodies. They will become like his glorious body." Phillipians 3:19-21
>
> 2. He wants to use you in the lives of those around you.
>
>
> God is God. He is in control of all things and His timing is perfect. He alone knows what is real, true, and at the end of this life. He alone knows what your soul and another's soul needs. May we be alert to His activity and open to what He wants to teach us. Be observant of the people He brings into you life. May we live as citizens of heaven with our minds not too caught up in the things of this earth, the things that the Bible says are "temporary." May we be women who "walk by faith and not by sight." May we be messengers to others of God's love, mercy, compassion, incredible goodness and the hope of Heaven that he offers to us. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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Beauty is fleeting.
On the 27th of May, for my husband's 38th birthday, I decided to surprise him and give him something he has hinted about for 3 years. I went with a friend and got my nose pierced. It wasn't that I necessarily always wanted my nose pierced but rather something I wanted to do because I love my husband and knew it would be something he would appreciate and enjoy. But guess what! After having it in for one month, I have now developed a little bump by this "beautiful" nose ring leaving me feeling not so beautiful. So as I walk around with this hopefully temporary bump, I am reminding myself of this truth:
>
>
> "Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain (fleeting) but THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD SHALL BE PRAISED." Prov. 31:30
>
> May we "fear" Him. May we be in awe of Him. May our eyes be fixed more on Him than ourselves. May serving Him and doing what he says be our greatest joy. May we not get caught up in ourselves but rather be mesmerized by Him. I know if I focus my attention on my own insecurity my heart will be a little sadder, I will be a little more irritable and I won't reach out to others. However, as I shift my attention to enjoy the beauty of God my heart is freed, my joy is greater and others matter more than myself. So don't focus your attention on your 'bumpy nose" today. Focus on Him and you shall be praised. Blessings from Bombadil.....home of the woman with a nose ring and a bump. Kristy Joy Link
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>
>
> "Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain (fleeting) but THE WOMAN WHO FEARS THE LORD SHALL BE PRAISED." Prov. 31:30
>
> May we "fear" Him. May we be in awe of Him. May our eyes be fixed more on Him than ourselves. May serving Him and doing what he says be our greatest joy. May we not get caught up in ourselves but rather be mesmerized by Him. I know if I focus my attention on my own insecurity my heart will be a little sadder, I will be a little more irritable and I won't reach out to others. However, as I shift my attention to enjoy the beauty of God my heart is freed, my joy is greater and others matter more than myself. So don't focus your attention on your 'bumpy nose" today. Focus on Him and you shall be praised. Blessings from Bombadil.....home of the woman with a nose ring and a bump. Kristy Joy Link
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Trust Him!
"May the God of hope fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you TRUST in Him so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit."
> Romans 15:13
>
> TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM!
>
> He knows what is best!
> He knows the "rest of the story."
> Know His word- Do His word!
> He loves you. He sees you. He is with you. He is making something beautiful out of your life. He knows the pain. He cares. You are not alone. He is working.
>
> TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM!
>
> Tell Him over and over "I trust you! You are sooo good and want to bring good out of my life. I trust you to bring into my life all that will bring more beauty out of my life- even if it's painful." No pain- no gain!
>
> May we '"overflow with hope" today of living in paradise and being completely perfect with no more pain, seeing Him face to face. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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> Romans 15:13
>
> TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM!
>
> He knows what is best!
> He knows the "rest of the story."
> Know His word- Do His word!
> He loves you. He sees you. He is with you. He is making something beautiful out of your life. He knows the pain. He cares. You are not alone. He is working.
>
> TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM! TRUST HIM!
>
> Tell Him over and over "I trust you! You are sooo good and want to bring good out of my life. I trust you to bring into my life all that will bring more beauty out of my life- even if it's painful." No pain- no gain!
>
> May we '"overflow with hope" today of living in paradise and being completely perfect with no more pain, seeing Him face to face. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
His name
I was at the store the other day when I heard two different people, at two different times say the name "Jesus Christ" in a very irreverent manner. When I hear people say His name like that or say "Oh my God', I cannot help but wince. To wince is to shrink back as in pain or distress; to flinch. My heart aches and the prayer that Jesus prayed on the cross comes to mind, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Did you know one of the ten commandments is;
>
> " Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." or said another way
> "Don't take the name of God in vain." Exodus 20:7
>
> Vain- lacking substance or value; without due respect
>
> When we speak of God or Jesus it should be done with the greatest respect, honor, full of substance and value. Anything less is a misuse. When I heard His name spoken "in vain" I began a conversation with God that went something like this,
>
> "Oh God- if they knew you they wouldn't use your name like that. I don't think they know you. Help them to know you. Help me to know you. I know you are HUGE and more awesome than I can imagine, but I can't quite fathom just how great you are. If I really understood just how majestic you are I would hardly be able to utter your name. How do you want me to stand up for your name when I hear it spoken like that?"
>
> May we seek to know just how awesome he is so when we hear his name our only response is to bow either physically or spiritually in our hearts. May we draw others around us into the great joy of knowing Him that they may love His name as well. May God give us wisdom to know how to defend His Most awesome name with the greatest love and respect. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link
>
> " As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me." Romans 14:11
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>
> " Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." or said another way
> "Don't take the name of God in vain." Exodus 20:7
>
> Vain- lacking substance or value; without due respect
>
> When we speak of God or Jesus it should be done with the greatest respect, honor, full of substance and value. Anything less is a misuse. When I heard His name spoken "in vain" I began a conversation with God that went something like this,
>
> "Oh God- if they knew you they wouldn't use your name like that. I don't think they know you. Help them to know you. Help me to know you. I know you are HUGE and more awesome than I can imagine, but I can't quite fathom just how great you are. If I really understood just how majestic you are I would hardly be able to utter your name. How do you want me to stand up for your name when I hear it spoken like that?"
>
> May we seek to know just how awesome he is so when we hear his name our only response is to bow either physically or spiritually in our hearts. May we draw others around us into the great joy of knowing Him that they may love His name as well. May God give us wisdom to know how to defend His Most awesome name with the greatest love and respect. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link
>
> " As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me." Romans 14:11
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Life!
This is a day of reflection for me. It's a day of celebration and remembering. I am compelled this day to fill my mind with what is true about life- after all- I only have one life to live and am never promised another day. On this day that I celebrate entering the world 37 years ago, I find myself asking with a deep passion- "Oh God- teach me more about life. What do you say about life?"
>
> ***You say that You are the giver and creator of life:
>
> "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth....he himself gives all men LIFE AND BREATH and EVERYTHING ELSE.....He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him."- Acts 17:24-27
>
> "For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before on of them came to be." Psalm 139: 13-16
>
> I don't understand it at all. It's way too huge for me to comprehend. I believe it!
>
>
> ***It is good to walk this life with the end in view knowing our time here is short
>
> "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Psalm 39:5
>
> "You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14
>
> ***My life is not my own
>
> "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."- Jeremiah 10:23
>
> "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20
>
> ***I'm not to worry about my life! My life and every other human's life is sooooooo valuable.
>
> "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not LIFE more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?" Matthew 6:25
>
>
> ***I am asked to watch over my life
>
> "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's LIFE does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Luke 12:15
>
> "Watch your LIFE and your doctrine closely." 1 Timothy 4:16
>
> ***I am asked to not love my life and be willing to lay it down for the sake of others
>
> "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters- yes, even his own LIFE- he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26 ( this doesn't really mean God wants us to hate our family- He is teaching that NOTHING should come before Him. He is #1 priority)
>
> "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his LIFE for his friends." John 15:13
>
> "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
>
> "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:10
>
> ***Being born once, physically, is not enough. I must be born again- spiritually- if I am to have real, true, everlasting life.
>
> "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' 'How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." John 3: 3-6
>
> ****Knowing God and Jesus is what life is all about
>
> "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
>
> ****At the end of my life, I will have to give an account to my Creator.
>
> "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12
>
> "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
>
>
> ***What I do now, how I use this life He has given me affects my future ( Heaven- life with Him- vs. Hell- future life without Him and "treasures in heaven")
>
> "They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13
>
> "Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven..." Matthew 6:19
>
>
> Oh- I could go on and on. My time has ended as I hear Elyse (and have been listening to her the last 20 minutes). May our lives be pleasing to the Giver and Creator of Life. May we make the most of every opportunity. May we use His words to guide us into what is true as there are sooo many temptations and deceptions out there. May He give us the power to lay down our own lives. May we love Him sooooo much that we don't fail in obeying Him. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
Lauren found her dream laptop. Find the PC that's right for you.
>
> ***You say that You are the giver and creator of life:
>
> "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth....he himself gives all men LIFE AND BREATH and EVERYTHING ELSE.....He determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him."- Acts 17:24-27
>
> "For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before on of them came to be." Psalm 139: 13-16
>
> I don't understand it at all. It's way too huge for me to comprehend. I believe it!
>
>
> ***It is good to walk this life with the end in view knowing our time here is short
>
> "Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath." Psalm 39:5
>
> "You don't even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14
>
> ***My life is not my own
>
> "I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps."- Jeremiah 10:23
>
> "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" Galatians 2:20
>
> ***I'm not to worry about my life! My life and every other human's life is sooooooo valuable.
>
> "Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not LIFE more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. ARE YOU NOT MUCH MORE VALUABLE THAN THEY?" Matthew 6:25
>
>
> ***I am asked to watch over my life
>
> "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's LIFE does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Luke 12:15
>
> "Watch your LIFE and your doctrine closely." 1 Timothy 4:16
>
> ***I am asked to not love my life and be willing to lay it down for the sake of others
>
> "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters- yes, even his own LIFE- he cannot be my disciple." Luke 14:26 ( this doesn't really mean God wants us to hate our family- He is teaching that NOTHING should come before Him. He is #1 priority)
>
> "Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his LIFE for his friends." John 15:13
>
> "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
>
> "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." 2 Corinthians 4:10
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> ***Being born once, physically, is not enough. I must be born again- spiritually- if I am to have real, true, everlasting life.
>
> "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.' 'How can a man be born when he is old? Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!' Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." John 3: 3-6
>
> ****Knowing God and Jesus is what life is all about
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> "This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3
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> ****At the end of my life, I will have to give an account to my Creator.
>
> "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:12
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> "Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13
>
>
> ***What I do now, how I use this life He has given me affects my future ( Heaven- life with Him- vs. Hell- future life without Him and "treasures in heaven")
>
> "They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelation 14:13
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> "Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven..." Matthew 6:19
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>
> Oh- I could go on and on. My time has ended as I hear Elyse (and have been listening to her the last 20 minutes). May our lives be pleasing to the Giver and Creator of Life. May we make the most of every opportunity. May we use His words to guide us into what is true as there are sooo many temptations and deceptions out there. May He give us the power to lay down our own lives. May we love Him sooooo much that we don't fail in obeying Him. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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Am I special?
Last night I was setting out my "you are special" plates for a few dinner guests. My table setter for the evening immediately verbalized his inner most, deepest question of the heart, "what about me? Am I special?" Oh, that question! It resides in the heart of all of us, doesn't it? "Am I special?" Do I matter? Does my life here on this earth make a difference? Is there anything unique that stands out about me?
>
>
> YES! YES! YES!. How peaceful our hearts would be if we really believed that our lives are soooo precious and soooo special to our Creator. Is it not AMAZING and is God not whispering something when He has created billions of people and NONE OF THEM/ NOT ONE OF US have had the same fingerprint? He compares us to no one and we are free to be the one he has created us to be.
>
> "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:20 & 21
>
> Here is my prayer for all of us this morning,
>
> "I pray that you, being rooted and established (ponder the depth of meaning here all you gardeners) in LOVE, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18 & 19
>
> As we walk through life this day, may our souls be at rest in the knowledge that Christ's love for each one of us is soooooo deep it is difficult to grasp and each one of us is sooo special to him. May we not have to fight for people's attention because we belive in the depths of our soul that we are special to the one who has made us for a particular purpose- maybe common or maybe noble- but it doesn't matter because we were made for Him and His purpose. May we be overwhelmed today at the miracle and wonder of the Creator giving a different fingerprint to every soul that has walked this earth and may we treat each soul as the special creation that they are. You are soo special! You are so special! He even knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). Tell someone they are sooooo special today! Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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>
>
> YES! YES! YES!. How peaceful our hearts would be if we really believed that our lives are soooo precious and soooo special to our Creator. Is it not AMAZING and is God not whispering something when He has created billions of people and NONE OF THEM/ NOT ONE OF US have had the same fingerprint? He compares us to no one and we are free to be the one he has created us to be.
>
> "Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?' Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Romans 9:20 & 21
>
> Here is my prayer for all of us this morning,
>
> "I pray that you, being rooted and established (ponder the depth of meaning here all you gardeners) in LOVE, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:18 & 19
>
> As we walk through life this day, may our souls be at rest in the knowledge that Christ's love for each one of us is soooooo deep it is difficult to grasp and each one of us is sooo special to him. May we not have to fight for people's attention because we belive in the depths of our soul that we are special to the one who has made us for a particular purpose- maybe common or maybe noble- but it doesn't matter because we were made for Him and His purpose. May we be overwhelmed today at the miracle and wonder of the Creator giving a different fingerprint to every soul that has walked this earth and may we treat each soul as the special creation that they are. You are soo special! You are so special! He even knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). Tell someone they are sooooo special today! Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
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Monday, May 18, 2009
Spam...ugh!!
Hey ladies...
For those of you who regularly check the blog, sorry about the spam! I think I've filtered it all out, so we shouldn't have any more problems. If you ever see spam starting to creep onto the blog, just leave a comment on one of the posts or let Kristy know.
Thanks again!
Amy
For those of you who regularly check the blog, sorry about the spam! I think I've filtered it all out, so we shouldn't have any more problems. If you ever see spam starting to creep onto the blog, just leave a comment on one of the posts or let Kristy know.
Thanks again!
Amy
A dream place
If you could go ANYWHERE in this wonderful world that God created, where would you desire to go? Why? What is it about that Dream PLACE that draws your heart near? I would love to sit down for coffee (with lots of vanilla creamer) with each one of you and hear your answer to this question. Well, last year, my incredibly generous parents shared with us that they would like to bless Rob and I for our 15th anniversary by taking our 5 children for us for 2 WEEKS and give us their time share that can go almost anywhere in the world. Although Hawaii sounded wonderful, the place that Rob and I have talked about desiring to go for years, was IRELAND & SCOTLAND. We would dream and think, "MAYBE for our 25th anniversary we could go to Ireland/Scotland." Now, because of my parent's thoughtfulness,generousity, & craziness (they just might regret their offer to watch our 5 kids for 2 weeks)we will be leaving for our "Dream place" on Thursday, May 28- June 12, 2009
(in less than 2 weeks). As I have shared my joy with friends around me, I've often been asked the question, "Why Ireland/ Scotland?" Hmmmmmm- great question! Why????What is it for me about that place that seems to stir my heart so? Well- I think it is a combination of many things.
(in less than 2 weeks). As I have shared my joy with friends around me, I've often been asked the question, "Why Ireland/ Scotland?" Hmmmmmm- great question! Why????What is it for me about that place that seems to stir my heart so? Well- I think it is a combination of many things.
1. The story of St. Patrick bringing Jesus to the pagan "Emerald Isle" inspires me.
2. My favorite movie is "Braveheart" bringing freedom to Scotland
3. I LOVE sheep!
4. I LOVE castles, Kings, princesses.
5. I LOVE the color GREEN and all the life and growth it represents.
6. I LOVE Irish music.
For the rest of this week I'll speak more in detail about the above mentioned things. For today, however, may I share that in the depths of my soul I would love for every one on this earth to be able to go anywhere in the world they desired to go. I don't know why I have been offered this. I accept this gift very humbly.
We all, however, HAVE been given the hope of going to the most beautiful PLACE........"PARADISE."
"Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today, you will be with me in PARADISE."
John 23: 42 & 43
PARADISE- 1.Heaven, the abode of righteous souls after death.
2. Any place of ideal beauty or loveliness
3. A state of delight
PLACE- 1. a portion of space; an area with definite or indefinate boundaries.
2. an area occupied by or set aside for someone or something
3. a definite location
4. a particular town or city
"Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a PLACE for you. And if I go there and prepare a place for you,I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the PLACE I am going." John 14: 1-4
" Here we don't have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." Hebrews 13:14
"He was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." Hebrews 11:10
"They were longing for a better country- a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
Hebrews 11:16
"Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." John 17:24
"Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear fom their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning, or crying or pain.......he showed me the Holy City......it shone wiht the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel........The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. ..On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. ..Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:3-27
Having the excitement and joy of looking forward to going to Ireland, my "earthly" dream place, certainly is a blessing and fun. However, I will be honest - it would mean nothing to me if it did not speak to me of something greater, of my longing for my TRUE/REAL/PLACE I LONG TO GO TO.....HEAVEN. Having the hope and dream of being in the place where God dwells in His glory and perfection can get me through anything. I do not NEED to go to Ireland- although I will embrace the opportunity with an incredibly thankful heart. As you go about your day, may you go with the knowledge that just as my parents have offered me a wonderful place to go to, your Heavenly Father has offered to you the "hope of Heaven....paradise". May you dream of that place today. May you be able to get through anything knowing that someday, as a believer in Jesus, you will be with Him in a place like no other place (Ireland cannot begin to compare).May you prepare well for
your going to this "Dream place'. Don't forget your ticket- a relationship with Jesus Christ. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
Friday, May 15, 2009
SEEK HIS FACE.
All I have to say is I think God is BRILLIANT! I am in awe of His creation this morning. As I was reading the Psalms this morning I came across a verse that has stirred my soul (and stirred my friend, Becky Rice's soul b/c her name is by the verse in my Bible on September 2007). The verse is from Psalm 27:8 and it says:
" MY HEART SAYS OF YOU, 'SEEK HIS FACE!!!' YOUR FACE , LORD, I WILL SEEK."
So this morning I'm thinking about His face. I'm thinking about how the face is all his idea. Think about the eyebrows that add so much expression, the eyes that are a window to the soul and communicate so much without saying a word, the ears given to us to listen, the nose given to us to smell,, the mouth given to us to speak with, smile and frown with, laugh with, a tounge given to us to taste with. Think about how we can shift our head tilting it from side to side using just one little tilt to communicate compassion or how we use it to nod up and down communicating, "yes" or side to side speaking a "no." Isn't it AMAZING how EVERTHING on our face somehow communicates what is going on inside our HEART. And it's ALL ABOUT THE HEART!
My children are ALWAYS looking at my face to see how I feel about something. They are constantly watching my expressions to see how Ifeel about their actions; if there is a smile they know I am pleased, if there is a frown or a furrowed eye brow they know the opposite is true. It's funny, I often will walk around my home praying for people, crying out to God on their behalf, and not realizing my facial expression until one of my children will say, "What's wrong, Mommy?" It is a daily occurance to find children's books in my room deposited there by Reese who does not appreciate characters in her books with angry looks.
So what about us? Are we looking to our Heavenly Father's face to see how HE feels about our thoughts and our actions? He sees them all, what we do and say, what we think about. The angels in heaven know this,
"See that you do not look down on ONE of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven ALWAYS SEE THE FACE OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN." Matthew 18: 10 & 11
What does that face of God look like, I wonder, when we look down on the little ones? Is it angry, sad, disappointed, or hurt, because He loves those little ones soooo deeply and does not want us to hurt them or consider them unimportant.
May we be women who seek his face always! Before we speak a word to our friend, our husband, our parents, our children may we look to his face to see if what we are about to say would benefit His child. Before we make a decision, may we look for his head nod, yes or no. May we hold always before us His eyes that reveal this truth:
"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and RICH IN LOVE." Nehemiah 9:17
May we seek His face more than we seek the faces of the people on this earth.
May we be in AWE today, and everyday, of His creation of the face, made in His image.May we have a greater understanding of just how much the heart, our heart, matters to God and just how much he wants His heart and how feels to matter to us. May every face we see today remind us that,
"Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?" Psalm 94:9
Seek his face TODAY, my friends. Hold on to the hope that although right now we may "see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." 1 Corinthians 13:12
SEEK his face. Seek HIS face. Seek his FACE! Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
God see
Thursday, May 14, 2009
There is a lot of excitement brewing in my household. It's only 6a.m and I already have 2 children stirring. I've reminded them 3 times already that this is "mommy's time" and it needs to be QUIET. I can't blame them though- We ARE celebrating Zeke's 7th birthday today. The streamers are hanging from the ceiling behind me, the "special plate" is at the table with donuts ready to be eaten, presents are waiting to be opened, balloons are floating around everywhere and monkeys are hanging from our light fixture (Zeke is really into monkeys this year). As I was sitting there asking God what I should write about this morning in the midst of all this hoopla, Reese sneezed. Rob, who was heading out the door, yelled from the next room, "Bless you baby." Reese immediately responded with,
"Don't call me baby, daddy! I'm not a baby, I'M A BIG GIRL. I USED TO BE a baby BUT NOW I'm a big girl."
Do you hear the cry of her heart? Do you hear the cry of OUR heart??? Don't call me what I used to be! Call me what I am NOW!"
As a woman who believes in Jesus, has acknowledged her need for His forgiveness and cried out for mercy, let me share with you who you are NOW:
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
John 5:24
USED TO BE : Living in death BUT NOW: living in life
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, BUT whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
USED TO BE: condemned BUT NOW: not condemned
"Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth........- remember that at that time you were seperate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the convenants of the promise, WITHOUT HOPE AND WITHOUT GOD IN THE WORLD. BUT NOW in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13
USED TO BE: without hope & w/o God in the world BUT NOW: with hope & with God in the world
"At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the undgodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8
"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms....." Ephesians 1:18-20
USED TO BE: powerless BUT NOW: powerful
"For you were once darkness, BUT NOW you are LIGHT in the Lord." Ephesians 5:8
USED TO BE: darkness BUT NOW: light
"You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But YOU DO NOT REALIZE that you are WRETCHED, PITIFUL, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become RICH, and white clothes to wear so you can COVER your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can SEE." Revelation 3:17-18
USED TO BE: wretched, pitiful, poor , blind, naked BUT NOW: rich, covered in perfection, can see
"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11: 6
USED TO BE: not pleasing to God BUT NOW: pleasing to God
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5: 17
USED TO BE: old BUT NOW: new!
"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, USEFUL TO THE MASTER, and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21
USED TO BE: ???useless to God??? BUT NOW: useful to the Master
I could go on & on of who we"used to be" without Jesus but who we are NOW in Him. However, it is BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH EXCITEMENT over here and I need to go celebrate a boy who who "was given life and breath" 7 years ago today. .....THANK YOU JESUS! May you reflect all day NOT on who you were but on who you are NOW. In your inner place when people bring you back to who you once were may you be able to say with deep conviction,
"I USED TO BE THAT WAY.....................BUT NOW..................................."
Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link
Monday, May 11, 2009
Rejoice
I had such a wonderful, celebratory and full of rejoicing weekend. On Friday night as my family gathered around our dinner table, we celebrated Reese who had her first ballet recital (she got to sit at the plate with a tutu under it), we celebrated both of our Moms in honor of Mother's day (they both got the "you are special" red plates) and we rejoiced with Rob and Max who ran their first "Riverbank run" together on Saturday ( they got to use some converse hightop shoe flowerpots as cup holders). On Sunday, Rob and the children all celebrated with me for the 11th annual Mother's Day dinner at Taco Bell.( I got to eat at a table decorated with a table cloth and vase with lilacs). It was a wonderful weekend for which I have thanked God for, however, I am very aware that not all weekends will be like this for me in the future nor was this a "rejoicing" weekend for some of my friends. So I find myself asking God this morning, "What do YOU say
about rejoicing?" and thinking of friends who did not rejoice this weekend or whom have maybe not rejoiced in anything for awhile I wonder, "What can we always rejoice in, God, when there doesn't seem to be anything to celebrate?" Here are the truths that I found in God's word about "rejoicing":
about rejoicing?" and thinking of friends who did not rejoice this weekend or whom have maybe not rejoiced in anything for awhile I wonder, "What can we always rejoice in, God, when there doesn't seem to be anything to celebrate?" Here are the truths that I found in God's word about "rejoicing":
"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot- come, let us REJOICE IN HIM. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-let not the rebellious rise up against him..Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."
Psalm 66:5-12
***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN HIM AND WHAT HE HAS DONE!
"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made: let us REJOICE and be glad in it." Psalm 118:22-24
***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE DAY THAT GOD MADE A WAY FOR US TO BE AT PEACE WITH HIM.
"May your fountain be blessed, and may you REJOICE IN THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH. A loving doe, a graceful deer- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love." Prov. 5:18 & 19
***Did you guys know this was in the Bible? Read it over and over and see what God says to you. This is really a verse for men, but I thought I'd throw it in there
"I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not REJOICE that the spirits submit to you, but REJOICE that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20
***IF WE HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS AND RECEIVED HIM AS OUR WAY TO GOD WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE THAT OUR NAMES OUR WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.......HE KNOWS YOUR NAME........IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN HEAVEN????? I HOPE SO.
"REJOICE with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more REJOICING in heaven over one sinner who repents than ove ninety nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:6 & 7
***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE WITH JESUS WHEN PEOPLE COME TO KNOW HIM AND DECIDE TO LIVE LIFE HIS WAY.
"REJOICE with those who REJOICE; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15
***IF WE HAVE NOTHING TO REJOICE ABOUT AT THE TIME- WE CAN & SHOULD REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO DO."
"REJOICE in the Lord always. I will say it again: REJOICE!" Phillipians 4:4
***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE WONDERFUL QUALITIES AND ACTS OF GOD
"Weeping may remain for a night, but REJOICING comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5
"Be joyful in hope." Romans 12:12
***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE HOPE THAT LIFE IS NOT HOPELESS; GOOD DAYS WILL COME AGAIN & WE WILL HAVE PERFECTION IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY IF WE HAVE CHOSEN JESUS.
"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41
***WE CAN REJOICE WHEN WE SUFFER DISGRACE FOR HIS NAME B/C IT MEANS WE ARE LIVING A WORTHY LIFE FOR GOD.
So we never know what tomorrow will bring, if it will bring a weekend full of rejoicing or one of mourning. But whatever it brings, may we be women who have the words of God stored up in us and despite sorrow or seemingly nothing to rejoice in, may we be able to rejoice in the above mentioned things. Despite our circumstances may we "Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered (or rather prepared) ..........Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
Friday, May 8, 2009
"to protect"
I love to run! Once when I was at my parent's home in Florida I was running around the block when this dog came running toward me. Mean looking dogs running straight towards me do not provide me with a great sense of peace and safety. So, I did the only thing I knew to do and said, "God, you tell me that you come to the resuce of those who call on the name of Jesus. JESUS! Would you please PROTECT me from this dog?" Immediately, with no one else in sight, a car alarm went off scaring the dog away. With thankfulness of heart, I let out a relieved, "Thank you, God."
Another time, while in Florida, I was running around the track a few blocks from my home. I had been running alone at the track until a man appeared with a golf club in hand. He was planning on playing golf in the field right by the track. He said "Hi" to me and I certainly wanted to be friendly back without being "too" friendly. As I continued running around the track, I became more and more unsettled in my spirit about this man. I began praying and saying, "Jesus- You know all things. I don't know this man and the motives of his heart but you do. I'm feeling a little scared right now and I ask that you PROTECT me from this man........this man with the GOLF CLUB in his hand who might just whack me over the head." When I finished my run the man was standing at the exit seemingly waiting for me. I had to turn my back on him to walk home, so as I began walking I breathed another silent prayer saying, "Jesus, PROTECT me." I cannot describe
the down to the second perfect timing. Just as I came to the street, a car pulled up right to where I was. Inside that car was my husband. In disbelief I asked, "What are you doing here?" Rob said, "I don't know, I was at the store and just thought you might want a ride home." "YES!!! I WANT A RIDE HOME!". Once again, my heart was "overwhelmed with wonder" at the protection my Father in heaven had provided me.
This is my testimony, my personal experience with calling on the name of Jesus.
The third quality and somewhat of a "job description" described in the word,"Mother" is "To protect."
PROTECT- To keep from harm, attack, or injury, to guard;defend; to shield- having something or someone placed between the threat and the threatened.
As moms, moms- to-be, women who have "spiritual children", etc........it is our job to protect our children, just as Jesus protects us. Listen to what God's word says about the word "protect" and lets see what we can learn.
1. "You are my hiding place. You will PROTECT me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7
For us to be protected and to protect our children- we must first make Jesus Christ our hiding place. It is when we come to the True Living God and call on his name making Him our "hiding place" that we enter into a protected state.
2. "Discretion will PROTECT you, and understanding will guard you." Prov. 2:11
It is our responsibility as moms, to seek wisdom, get understanding and discretion first for ourselves then to pass that on to our children. Remember God's word that says,
"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie thema s symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN, TALKING ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU SIT AT HOME AND WHEN YOU WALK ALONG THE ROAD, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AND WHEN YOU GET UP. WRITE THEM ON THE DOORFRAMES OF YOUR HOUSES AND ON YOUR GATES, SO THAT your days and the days of your children my be many ....." Deuteronomy 11:18-21
Applying God's wisdom, understanding and discretion offers protection to us and our children
3."Holy Father, PROTECT them by the power of your name.......When I was with them I PROTECTED them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.....My PRAYER is not that you take them out of the world but that you PROTECT them from the evil one........My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.....' John 17:11, 15, & 20.
Jesus, himself, prayed to the Living God for us. As moms, we need to PRAY for the protection of our children. According to Scripture, there is an evil one.
4. "Love always PROTECTS......" 1 Corinthians 13:7
When we love the way God wants us to love we will be used in protecting our children.
It is my hope for us, that we will all know and experience personally the protection of God and offer protection to our children through leading them to Jesus, teaching them, praying for them, and loving them well. God loves us all soooooo deeply. As I write, I am aware of some of your situations where you were not protected seemingly by God or by your moms. My heart aches deeply with you and for you. As you sort through that pain (and I would love to help any of you sort through that), it is my hope that you come to the belief that God does love you, has seen you every moment of your life, desires to protect you and rescue you as you call on His name.
Happy Mother's Day this Sunday. May all you mothers out there be honored. May all you women out there who have lost mothers be comforted (I am soooo sorry), May all you women out there who desire to be moms and are not yet keep hoping. May all you women out there who have been hurt by mothers mourn and yet be able to offer forgiveness. May all you single moms out there take one day at a time relying on Jesus every step of the way (you have one of the toughest jobs...my heart is with you). Mother's day brings so many different thoughts and emotions. On this day, May the Creator of Motherhood be honored. He really had a brilliant idea in making moms. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
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