Mercy

May I share some good food with my hungry sisters? I LOOOOVE THESE WORDS:

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Administer TRUE JUSTICE; Show MERCY and COMPASSION to one another.......In your hearts DO NOT think evil of each other.'
    "But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and stopped up their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. So the Lord Almighty was very angry. When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen," says the Lord Almighty.......This is how they made the pleasant land desolate." Zechariah 7:8-13

Why, you may ask, do I love these words sooo much?  Because I NEED them!  If I am going to be completely honest, there are many times I am tempted to NOT show mercy. Mercy is:

KIND AND COMPASSIONATE TREATMENT OF AN OFFENDER, ENEMY, OR OTHER PERSON UNDER ONE'S POWER. A DISPOSITION TO BE KIND AND FORGIVING. IT SUGGESTS REPRIEVE FROM A FATE OF CONSIDERABLE SEVERITY, WITHOUT FURTHER IMPLICATION

I see it in me as a mom when my child spills a whole new gallon of milk and I want to grunt and spew forth something that will make them feel bad for what they've done. I see it in me as a wife when I've been hurt by my husband and I want to give him the cold shoulder. I see it in me at Meijers when I'm dealing with a clerk who has overcharged me and then makes ME go to the other side of the store to make right HER wrong. At those moments, the ugly, human, sinful part of me does not want to be kind but rather unleash my anger/frustration, even though if I were on the offending end my soul would scream for mercy.  Oh- but thank you Jesus for His Spirit in me that causes me to desire to be like Him- "Rich in mercy".

There are many times I am tempted to NOT be compassionate. Compassionate is:

Feeling or showing pity or deep feeling of sharing the suffering of another in the inclination to give aid or support or to show mercy; sympathize; to share or understand another's feelings or ideas

I see this lack of compassion in me when I am thinking about my own feelings and desires to be loved but not thinking about Rob's feelings and desires to be respected.

There are many times I am so quick to "think evil in my heart" and rush to "Guilty until proven innocent" rather than "innocent until proven guilty" (thanks Karin).
Evil is:

ANYTHING CAUSING AN UNDESIRABLE CONDITION, AS RUIN, INJURY OR PAIN; HARMFUL.

I hate to admit that I can think evil of someone, that I can quickly go down a negative road rather than the positive, believing the best about a person (actually- It is mostly with my husband than with others and I'm not sure why. It's certainly not him but rather a part of me that I hate and that God has been revealing so He can prune me and cut it off for good!) because I believe it is sooooo  incredibly ugly. However, I can share this with you,  because I am firm in my belief that God loves me, desires me to be honest to the core and in the depths of my inner being, has sent Jesus for this very reason, and healing comes only when we confess our sin/our ugly parts. Confessing this negativity as sin truly has healed me. God is changing me and creating in me the woman I deepy desire to be- the merciful, compassionate, believe the best about everyone and the glass half full kind of woman.

May I encourage you, my fellow travelers to store up these words in your heart. Use them as you would a sword in a battle when the temptation comes over you to not be merciful or compassionate or when the temptation comes to you to think evil of someone in your heart.  May it be said of us that those "Watergirls"  are the most merciful, compassionate, and sincerely positive women . May it be said of us that we are just like our Father.

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be "daughters" of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35 & 36

Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

Bloom!

My soul is rejoicing over here at Bombadil. Last summer I planted a tree near my driveway. I had pondered and searched until I found just the right one. When I found this willowy, airy, blooming with pink flowers tree, I knew I had found just what I was looking for.  So, I dug my hole, prepared the soil,  planted my tree and watered it faithfully all last summer. Although I did everything I knew to do there was still an uncertainty lingering deep within. I wondered, "Is this going to work? Will it really bloom next year? Oh God (really- 'Oh God', .. talking to Him, not taking His name in vain kind of 'Oh God') please help my little tree bloom and bring forth much beauty." I don't know about you, but flowers and beautiful things of nature have a way of reaching my soul like no other. My dream is  to have Bombadil OVERFLOWING with flowers screaming to my neighbors that God is a lover of beauty and an "overflowing/abundant kind of God." So now,
this Spring, my wondering and waiting is over and I am rejoicing over the beauty I am experiencing each time I pull in my driveway and take in the sight of my little willowy tree .

We are like that tree. God has planted us on this earth and it is his desire that we bring forth much beauty, much fruit, much delight and enjoyment.

" Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately, the tree withered." Matthew 21:18 & 19

"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a little while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering PRODUCE A CROP"  Luke 8:11-15

"I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off very branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ..no branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, HE WILL BEAR MUCH FRUIT; APART FROM ME YOU CAN DO NOTHING. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and MY WORDS remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." John 15:1-8

My dear friends- God is communicating with us all the time and seeking to reveal who He is. When my soul rejoices over this glorious little tree because it has flowers on it ( I did not rejoice when I "found nothing on it except for leaves") I say to myself, " I am made in the image of God, why does my soul rejoice in this? Could it be because His soul rejoices when my life flowers/bears fruit?" Then looking to His word and finding truths that reveal that He does indeed desire my life to flower, and he does indeed rejoice when I am bearing fruit my ponderings are confirmed. However, to bear any kind of fruit, I must first be planted in good soil, I must first have the seed of Jesus Christ planted in me. Then I must be watered by His words and retain them (keep them in mind, remember,continue to practice or employ). Finally, I must allow the master Gardener to prune me and cut off every branch that does not bring beauty or enjoyment believing that He is
sooooo good and only desiring to bring more and more and more beauty out of my life. I understand this. I get it. I don't want bushes and trees and flowers that don't bloom. I hunger and crave beauty. Where does that come from if not from being made in the image of my "Beauty-lovin'" Father. So looking at your own life- Please know this- God sees you and deeply desires you to bloom with the fruit of His Spirit:

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Galatians 5:22

Whenever you drive around or  are on a walk and notice all the beauty around you, know that that is God's desire for your life. ......listen to His whispers. His "blossoms" are the above mentioned fruits of the Spirit. He is actively involved in your life. Whenever things about you come up that are not so beautiful or enjoyable resist the temptation to be defensive or wallow in self-pity but rather allow him to prune you, believing that you are sooo deeply loved and He is only seeking to bring more beauty out of your life so that your joy, others joy, and His joy may be greater. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. May much fruit and flowers come from your life to the Father's glory. Kristy Joy Link

His Hand.........and my hand chair

A few years ago as I entered Wheatons Art and Supplies store there was this amazing chair that greeted me. It was this huge chair in the shape of a hand that almost took my breath away. It wasn't the chair itself that stirred me so, but rather all the truths that came rushing to my mind as I sat in the chair in the shape of a hand. It was this truth;

"Your HANDS made me and formed me." Psalm 119:73

and this one:

"I trust in you, O Lord. I say, "You are my God.' My times are in your HANDS." Psalm 31:14

This truth:

"The Father loves the son and has placed everything in his HANDS," John 3:35

and this truth;

"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your HAND will guide me, your right HAND will hold me fast." Psalm 119:7-10

This truth:

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; thought he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his HAND." Psalm 37:23 & 24

and this one:

"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my HAND. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's HAND." John 10:27-29

 This truth:

"When they see among them their children, the work of my HANDS they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Isreal. Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction." Isaiah 29:23 & 24

and this one:

"Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker, to him who is but a potsherd among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, 'What are you making?' Does you work say 'He has no HANDS'? Woe to him who says to his father, 'What have you begotten?' or to his mother, 'What have you brought to birth?' This is what the Lord says- the Holy One of Isreal, and its Maker; Concerning things to come, do you question me about my children, or give me orders about the work of my HANDS?  It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own HANDS stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. ." Isaiah 45:9-12

This truth:

"Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; We are all the work of your HAND." Isaiah 64:8

and this final truth;

"This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 'Go down to the potter's house, and there I will give you my message.' So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred (damaged, defaced, the quality spoiled; injured) in his HANDS; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me: "O house of Isreal, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the HAND of the potter, so are you in my HAND, O house of Isreal. If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will
reconsider the good I had intended to do for it." Jeremiah 18:1-10

So I bought that hand chair and it now sits in front of our trampoline. It not only serves to give my children a helping hand up onto the tramp., but also as a reminder to me (and hopefully my children) of all the truths of God's Word, all the truths I want to build my life upon. May I encourage you this day to meditate upon these words, allow them to sink deeply into your soul, do not let them just linger in your mind but think about them until they work their way down deep into your heart causing you to REALLY BELIEVE them and set your heart free. How freeing to really believe that his hands made us and that our days and times are in his hands. Please feel free to come to my home (a call first might help a little) and sit in my hand chair and allow me to take your picture to give you as a reminder that your life is in his hands. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Link

Mother's day banquet

 For all you women at the River- please remember that there is a Mother's day brunch at the River Downtown this Saturday, May 2, from 10-12 noon. We'd love to see you all and honor motherhood and the Creator of motherhood together.  Please e-mail me to let me know if you are coming by Thursday of this week. Thanks.

I'm inspired.

 

INSPIRED- to animate the mind or emotions of; To breathe life into; To rouse latent energies, ideals, or reverence.

 

About a week or so ago a man from my church, Matt Horvath,  pulled me aside and said he wanted to blesss me and get some diapers for my children ( child actually- only one more in diapers...yeah!) He said he came into a little extra money and he really wanted to do that for me. One of the reasons this was so inspirational and heart-touching was because I don't believe this man has much money. He could have used his "extra" money for many other things for himself or for someone else who had a greater need, yet he REALLY wanted to do this for me. I had forgotten about his desire to bless me like that UNTIL I got to church yesterday and there he stood with a bag of 2 packages of diapers, wipes, joy in his heart and a smile on his face. It reminded me of this truth:

 

"Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generousity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everthing- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in completle earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

 

Not only was I inspired by his generousity and his joy in sharing, but also that he was a man of his word. He told me he was going to buy me diapers and he did it.....and he did not linger. He gave me the diapers within a week of telling me he was going to do that. I don't know about you, but sometimes I struggle being a woman of my word and following through quickly. But oh, how I want to be like my friend, Matt.....like my Master, Jesus.

 

May I encourage us to ask God to make us incredibly generous women- that we would "excel in that gift" . May we also ask God to make us into women who do what we say we are going to do and do it quickly.  May God help us bring honor to His Name and beauty and righteousness to this earth by following His ways. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Link

another reminder to be alert

I think this will be my last Saturday morning encouragement as I'm finding a little bit more time to do a few other things could be very helpful. So, plan on a Monday-Friday deal, okay?

Last night, Rob and I were up in our room around 10:30/11:00ish discussing the events and thoughts/feelings of the day when we heard footsteps coming up our stairs. It is not unusual to hear little feet coming up to our room, but this was different. We heard the footsteps, then I heard a voice calling out to "Elyse" and I think even going into her room. We listened intently and then heard the footsteps go back downstairs. I turned to Rob and said, "I think Zeke might be sleepwalking." We finished our conversation thinking that Zeke had just walked back downstairs and gotten into bed. As we talked I said to Rob, "I think I still hear footsteps downstairs." I decided I better check. Much to my dismay, when I got downstairs I heard a voice OUTSIDE knocking on the front door. Zeke had sleptwalked OUTSIDE. This is the second time this has happened. After the first time, we put a dead bolt on the door he had used. I'm not exactly sure how he got out this time,
but what I am sure of is a sleep walking child is scary. He was totally unaware. How dangerous.He could have gotten hurt or lost. I'm so thankful Rob and I were awake and heard him.

MAY WE NOT "SLEEPWALK" THROUGH THIS DAY, THIS LIFE. Going through this day or life completely unaware of reality, the greater reality, the spiritual reality of things unseen but more real than we understand, can be very dangerous. We can get hurt  or lost when we are not awake and alert. I believe I shared before the importance of being alert, but may I remind us again.

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It'slike a man going away; He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, EACH WITH HIS ASSIGNED TASK (did you know you have an assigned task?), and tells the one at the door to keep watch." Mark 13:32-34

"Be alert, and always keep on praying." Ephesians 6:18

"Let us not be like the others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." 1 Thess. 5:6

May we enter each day fully in tune with the Spirit of God and where He is leading us and how He wants to use us. May we be obedient to every prompting that encourages bringing love and life and healing to each other. May we be alert and not sleepwalk through our days, our lives. Now- I have one upstairs who is not asleep or sleepwalking at all but is SCREAMING HER HEAD OFF. Time to go. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy

"True and reasonable"

I've had countless conversations with friends over the years who simply (maybe not so simply) DO NOT believe that the Bible is the Word of God. May I share some truths that have been helpful in increasing my own belief. People need a faith they can stand on,  one that is true and from God himself, not just something that is good for us.

This morning, may I recommend reading "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" by Josh McDowell. An excellent book about a man set out to disprove Christianity but actually came away being convinced of the reality of Christ.

God's word says about itself:

"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophets own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:20

"And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it NOT AS THE WORD OF MEN, BUT AS IT ACTUALLY IS, THE WORD OF GOD, which is at work in you who believe." 1 Thessalonians 2:13

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16 & 17

"That which was from the beginning, which WE HAVE HEARD, WHICH WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR EYES, WHICH WE HAVE LOOKED AT AND OUR HANDS HAVE TOUCHED- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; WE HAVE SEEN IT and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have SEEN AND HEARD." 1 John 1 :1-3

"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were EYEWITNESSES OF HIS MAJESTY. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." WE OURSELVES HEARD THIS VOICE that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain." 2 Peter 1:16-18

"Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by PROVING that Jesus IS THE CHRIST." Acts 9:22

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is TRUE and REASONABLE." Acts 26: 25

The following is  one of my favorite verses that I cling to often when I'm struggling to hold on to my faith and his teaching seems hard:

"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? " Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? WHAT IF YOU SEE THE SON OF MAN ASCEND TO WHERE HE WAS BEFORE! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some who do not believe."..................From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you? Jesus asked the twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. WE BELIEVE AND KNOW that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60-69

Where else do we go? There is no where else. He alone is God and speaks what is true. May I encourage us this morning to become deeper and fixed in our belief that the Bible is the word of God, not something man has simply made up. May we fix these words in our minds and hearts. May our belief in this take such a deep root that we would all grow and become 'Bold and stouthearted" for the glory of His Name. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and my you water another's soul. Kristy Link

whispers

 

I'm sure many of you have heard of the part of the "Serenity prayer" that goes like this:

 

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."

 

 

Have you ever heard of the rest of it? Oh- it is so beautiful. Allow me the pleasure of sharing it with you;

 

"Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen."

 

 

 

I am sooooo "reasonably happy" in this life. I have been blessed beyond measure and I thank Him every day of my life.Ask me why and I can give you a list of hundreds of reasons, my husband, children and family being on the top of that list.  And yet, there continues to be this ache in my soul, this longing for a world where every single soul loves Him deeply and where there is no more sin (in myself and others), no more pain and crying. Where I am "supremely happy with Him" in the next life. To those who don't know what I'm talking about it could sound "suicidal." Oh- but it's not. It's what I believe Timothy refers to when He says, "To all who have LONGED (yearned; wish earnestly; desire greatly) for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:8. I simply hunger for paradise and there is no paradise this side of heaven. I was feeling that longing this weekend as I experienced many who don't love Him (yet....hopefully) and the temptations and sin of this world. That longing was lingering in my soul on Saturday morning when Zeke woke up. Zeke is my almost 7yrs old son who seems to have many dreams. As I was making our Saturday morning pancakes (with pure maple syrup thanks to Bob and Patty..mmmmmmmmm....), Zeke shared a dream he had of me that night.  This is what he said:

 

" In my dream, dad and I both gave you a gift. Dad gave you the gift of being able to go anywhere you wanted to go. I gave you the gift of being anyone you wanted to be."

 

So, extremely curious, I asked him, "where did I want to go and who did I want to be?" He replied, "I don't remember who you wanted to be, but you wanted to go to heaven and be with Jesus."

 

I don't know what that was all about. However, I do know what if felt like. It felt like a whisper, "I know you, Kristy. I see you."

 

May I encourage you to live a well balanced life- A life of enjoying every moment you have been given as a gift, being "reasonably happy in this life." Also, hold on to the hope and longing of being "supremely happy with him in the next." May I encourage you to remember, whether Zeke's dream was really what it felt like or not, that the Bible says that God does indeed know us and see us. He knows the desires of our hearts. May He whisper to your heart today. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

 

Happy earth day!

    Happy Earth Day! Oh how I wish I could send this e-mail out on this adorable earth day stationary. It's all about sacrifice, right? Anyways...........

May I have the great honor of simply filling your mind with some truths from God's word that your soul may be full and rich today as you worship Him, the creator of the earth:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the EARTH" Genesis 1:1

"The EARTH is the Lords and everything in it." Psalm 24:1

"Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty; the whole EARTH is FULL of HIS glory." Isaiah 6:3

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the EARTH will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.......I am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the EARTH." Isaiah 51:6 & 12

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways' declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the EARTH, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8 & 9

"This is what the Lord says, "Heaven is my throne, and the EARTH is my footstool...has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being? This is the one I esteem; he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word." Isaiah 66:1 & 2

"Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord. "Do I not fill heaven and EARTH?" declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:24

"For the EARTH will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea......Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, 'Come to life!' Or to lifeless stone, 'wake up! Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it. But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the EARTH be silent before him." Habakkuk 2:14 & 18-20

"This then is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on EARTH as it is in heaven." Matthew 6:9 & 10

"Heaven and EARTH will pass away, but my words will never pass away." Matthew 24:35

"Then the eleven disciples (Judas, the betrayer, took his life) went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on EARTH has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:16-20

"Glory to God in the highest, and on EARTH peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on EARTH and under the earth, and every tounge confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Phillipians 2:5-11

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and EARTH and does not live in temples built by hands...he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the WHOLE EARTH; and 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 though he is not far from each one of us." Acts 17:24-27   (My favorite Birthday verse)

"First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say,"Where is this 'coming' he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation." But they deliberately forget that  long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the EARTH was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and EARTH are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will
disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the EARTH and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new EARTH, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3: 1-13

"Their mind is on EARTHLY things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior form there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Phillipians 3:19-21

 So, Happy Earth Day! May our spirits soar as we delight in His creation of the earth which refects the heart of the Creator. May we worship the "Creator" and not the "created things".  May we be good stewards of what He has entrusted to our care. May we hold this earth loosely believing this is not our true home and it shall soon pass away. May we "set our minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2 . May His will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Now go plant some flowers! Kristy Joy Link

Intercede!

Many of you have heard this story but it is on my heart to share again and with those who haven't heard it.

     Last year sometime, my family and I were coming home from a friend's house. Rob was driving, I was in the passenger seat and all 5 of our children were in the back. As we were riding, out of nowhere, a friend's name came to mind. As this name lingered in my mind, my heart became heavy for some reason and I began to pray. I wasn't really sure what to pray for or even why I was thinking about this name at this time, I only knew that I felt compelled to pray. So I did the only thing I knew to do and began saying, "Jesus, I bring Jamie's name before you. I don't know what he needs right now, but you do. Jesus, make your presence known to Jamie....Jamie, Jamie, Jamie.....(with a deep ache and "groaning" feeling)  . As I was praying this, Reese, my 3 yrs.old daughter, sitting behind Rob begins saying, "Jamie, Jamie, Jamie...............Jamie, Jamie, Jamie..." I turned to Rob and asked him "Why is she saying that name?" wondering if there was any
other reason besides the fact that I was praying for him at that very moment. There was no reason she would be saying that name. We hadn't talked about Jamie, I don't even think she knows a Jamie. I suspected that something amazing had just occured, but wasn't completely convinced......until it happened again a few days later.

    A few days later I was in my kitchen doing dishes (the story of my life) and Reese was in my sunroom close by. As I was standing there I felt an incredible burden for my cousin, Bobby, who was going through a difficult time. Again, I felt very compelled to pray not really knowing how. So, I simply said, "Jesus, you know Bobby, you know what he needs......Jesus ,I bring his name and needs before you.  Bobby (groan), Bobby, (groan), Bobby (groan)." As I am praying this in the quietness of my soul, Reese, who is playing in the room nearby, begins saying, "Bobby, Bobby, Bobby....Bobby, Bobbby, Bobby...." WE HAVE NOT TALKED ABOUT A BOBBY! I DON'T THINK SHE EVEN KNOWS A BOBBY! WHY IS SHE SAYING THAT AT THE EXACT MOMENT I AM BRINGING THAT NAME BEFORE THE CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE?????

So what in the world is that all about? Here is the only explanation I can give. God's word says,

"We know that the whole creation has been GROANING as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, GROAN INWARDLY as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies........In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT WE OUGHT TO PRAY FOR, BUT THE SPIRIT HIMSELF INTERCEDES FOR US WITH GROANS AND THAT WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:22-27

As a believer in Jesus Christ and as a woman who has asked to receive the Spirit of God, His Spirit lives in me. All I know is that I believe the Bible is true and I want to try to do what it says to do. The Bible says,

"Devote yourselves to prayer," Colossians 4:2

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, INTERCESSION and thanksgiving be made for everyone." 1 Timothy 2:1

INTERCESSION- Entreaty in favor of another
INTERCEDE- to plead on another's behalf

GROAN- To voice a DEEP, wordless, prolonged sound expressive of pain, grief; to suffer oppression or strain

I have interceded for people many, many times and I have never known if God has heard me or not. I believe He surprised me with a gift through this experience letting me know through my daughter that He INDEED hears the prayers, intercessions and groans of my heart. I don't believe there is any other explanation for how my daughter could speak both names, with no knowledge of what was going on in my heart, at the EXACT moment I was praying for them UNLESS God somehow revealed it to Reese in order to encourage me to KEEP PRAYING FOR HIS PEOPLE BECAUSE HE HEARS OUR PRAYERS. I have interceded countless times since this experience and have not had any other experience like this and probably never will. However, He asks us to walk by Faith- being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. It was enough for me to experience this once and I will hold on to it forever. On those days I don't feel like interceding or it feels like I'm getting
nowhere in my prayers and simply talking to the clouds, I recall this experience and say, "OH NO! I KNOW MY GOD HEARS ME AND THESE PRAYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I WILL PRAY AND INTERCEDE TO THE DAY I DIE!"

May I encourage you my friends to obey those promptings of your heart. When a name pops into your head out of nowhere, pray for that name. If you have said 'yes" to Jesus and received the Spirit of God- His Spirit lives in you. He wants to use you as a tool to bring His kingdom (" peace, joy, righteousness") in the lives of those around you. OUR INTERCESSIONS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE! HE HEARS US! To those of you who are weary in interceding may I offer this truth,

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest IF we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. You are loved and you are seen.  Kristy Joy Link

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should ALWAYS PRAY AND NOT GIVE UP!" Luke 18:1

Give credit where credit is due.

    While we were down in Florida for spring break, my dad, who just might be the #1 Orlando Magic fan (NBA basketball for those of you not familiar with this world....sshhh...... I won't tell my dad there are some of you out there who might not know this), took all the guys and myself to a game. This was probably one of the highlights of the break for our children since they are the sons of Rob Link who just happens to like basketball a "little." We arrived early all of us with our Magic shirts on, some of  us with our faces painted blue and white,  and one with a blue mohawk. My dad, being a seasons ticket holder, has a great connection with his  ticket agent and was able to get us in early so the boys could get some autographs. So Maggie, the ticket agent, led us through the back doors and  through those private hallways where the Magic players roam. Excitement was in the air. We arrived at the place where we could linger and wait for the
players to come out and receive their autographs.  As we were waiting, there were all kinds of people walking around looking somewhat important and like they definately contributed in making this evening and organization happen. There was one man, however, who carried an air of REAL importance. He was an older man walking with a cane accompanied by a few men in suits who seemed ready to do his will at a momen'ts notice. The man walked through the hallway waving and smiling to which I responded with a wave and a smile but feeling somewhat embarrassed that I didn't have a clue who this man was. I guess I did have one suspicion knowing that the founder/owner of this team was Mr. Rich DeVos, also the founder of Amway, but I wasn't sure. It was at this point that I thought to myself, "If this is Mr. DeVos, it is a shame I don't recognize him as he is the one who truly makes all of this possible. Without him there would be no Orlando Magic basketball
team (that would be a terrible thing, wouldn't it dad?). As soon as I sat down by my dad in our seats I had to find out who that man was. Sure enough, it was Mr. Rich DeVos. - the man who really deserved to be thanked and giving away his autograph (if you're into the autograph thing which personally, I'm really not). I sat there thinking, "How sad it would feel to have created something so wonderful for thousands and thousands of people, but not to be recognized and receive thanks for all you've done." The experience reminded me of how Jesus must have felt.

"He was in the world, and though the WORLD (a little bit more wonderful than an NBA team/organization) was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him." John 1:10

"For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him." Romans 1:21

May I encourage us today to reflect on the truth that this world was made through him. May we give credit where credit is due. May we give thanks to the One who really deserves to be thanked and worshipped and served. May we recognize him and his activity by studying the Scriptures and knowing who is behind this wonderful creation. As Earth Day approaches, may the earth not receive our praise but rather the Creator of the earth. God's word says,

"They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator- who is forever praised." Romans 1:25

May we recognize Him and may we thank Him. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

P.s- I just wrote a letter to Mr. DeVos thanking him for all he has done. I also brought a concern of mine to his attention knowing that he is really the one who has some power to do anything.  Perhaps this approaching Earth day we should write a letter to the  Creator of the earth thanking Him for His creation. As we carry concerns in this life may we bring them to the One who has the power to bring about change. Bring your concerns to the Most High.

Party Hardy!

    There's nothing like a great party  .Ahhhhhh-  The gathering of friends together, good food and drinks, music, dancing,(laser tag, ponies, and dinosaur jumps) laughter and rejoicing/celebrating. This is turning out to be a "Party weekend" for the Links as we have the joy and honor of celebrating 3 different friend's birthdays. So,  I've got parties on the brain which leads me to wonder; "What does your Word have to say about parties, God?"

"Now the tax collectors and 'sinners' were all gathering around to hear him. But the pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.' Then Jesus told them this parable:

'Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep untiwo l he finds it?And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, '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 over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

'Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, I tell you, there is REJOICING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD over ONE sinner who repents.'

Jesus continued: 'There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate. So he divided his property between them. 'Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began in to be in need.  So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that he pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!  I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went
to this father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. LET'S HAVE A FEAST AND CELEBRATE. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again: he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard MUSIC AND DANCING. So he called one of his servants and asked him what was going on. Your brother has come,' he replied, and your father has KILLED THE FATTENED CALF BECAUSE HE HAS HIM BACK SAFE AND SOUND.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate wih my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes
home, you kill the fattened calf for him!" "My son," the father said, 'you are always with me and everything I have is yours. But we HAD TO CELEBRATE AND BE GLAD, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive; he was lost and is found."

Luke 15

God loves a good party! God's heart is one of celebrating, rejoicing, eating good food and enjoying music and dancing. Do you know what makes his heart rejoice the most and cause Him to want to throw an extravagent party? It's not a birthday. It's not a graduation. It's not a retirement. His heart is most happy and the most ready to celebrate when the people He has created acknowledge that they have sinned, they've been wrong and choose to change directions and live life God's way. God's heart is the most joyful, most ready to dance a little jig (what that little jig would be and what that would look like is beyond my comprehension) when His children/ His sheep are with Him safe and sound desiring to live life with Him and in obedience to Him (because it is what is best for his precious children).

May I encourage you the next time you go to a party, to pause and be thankful that the God we love and serve is a party God. He is not some stingy, mean, party pooper. After all, He is the creator of friends, music, dancing, food and drink. He is the one who has blessed us with all those things to enjoy. It's all His idea. Isn't He brilliant and good?! May I also encourage you to either:

a. If you are a believer- Ask God to give you a heart like His that is bent on finding His lost sheep. Ask Him to use you in helping Him search carefully for His people and to not give up until you find them and they are safe and sound in the arms of the Father. Then throw a huge party!

b. If you are are in the searching stage -Reflect on your own life. Could it be that you are the lost sheep or the prodigal son? Could it be that you have lived your life wanting nothing to do with God and have simply gone your own way? Have you come to that place, like the prodigal son, who after living life for awhile without God realized ("came to his senses") it's better to live life with the father- not apart from Him. If you have been away from God- His heart is not against you. He is watching and waiting for you to come home. When/if you come- He will rejoice along with the angels in heaven. I really can't quite fathom it- yet I believe it.

Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. May you "Party Hardy".......you know what I mean. Kristy Joy Link

Pleasure

     Sin is pleasurable. Think about it. Don't you get a little delight out of  giving (not receiving- that's different) that sarcastic, hurtful response when you are angry? Or doesn't it feel just a little satisfying when you hold back on forgiving someone who has hurt you? Maybe I'm just a little worse than all of you but sometimes it feels good to complain and be negative. I've been thinking about the word "pleasure" this morning and what God's word has to say about it. Here's what I've found:

 

1. Although I, as a sinful human being, may take pleasure in wrongdoing- God doesn't!

 

"You are not a God who takes PLEASURE in evil (anything causing an undesirable condition as ruin,injury, pain; harmful;injurious); with you the wicked cannot dwell." Psalm 5:4

 

He is soooo good. He cannot delight in anything that harms his children and is not love. He cannot take pleasure in anything that is not right or beautiful.

 

2. Sin is pleasurable.

 

"He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the PLEASURES OF SIN for a short time. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ, as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward......he persevered because he saw him who is invisible." Hebrews 11:25-27

 

It becomes pleasure of sin for a short while VS. reward in heaven FOREVER.

Which one do you want? Temporary or eternal? Like Moses- we have to make a choice.

 

3. It is a terrible thing to love pleasure more than God.

 

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, LOVERS OF PLEASURE RATHER THAN LOVERS OF GOD- having a form of godliness but denying its power." 2 Timothy 3:1-5

 

4. God loves pleasure and loves to give us pleasure. His idea of pleasure is different, better, more holy, more loving, and more pure.

 

"They will be paid back wih harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of PLEASURE is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their PLEASURES while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed." 2 Peter 2:13-14

 

"You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with ETERNAL PLEASURES at your right hand." Psalm 16:11

 

I am so thankful to God that he has rescued me from my sinful self, that part of me that takes pleasure in sin, and has given me His spirit which is increasingly desiring more and more to say "No" to ungodliness and "yes" to the things that please Him. I am so thankful that He is increasing my desire to be a "Lover of God rather than a lover of pleasure."

 

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purfiy for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14

 

 

May I encourage you, my friends, to surrender yourself to Jesus and ask him to increase your love for God more than your love for pleasure. May we see the bigger picture, may we trade the "short time/temporary" for the eternal. May we have the eyes that see sin for what it is and the harm it brings to God's precious children and creation. As we allow Him to transform us, may it be said of us,

 

"You Watergirls are not women who take pleasure in evil." (from Psalm 5:4)

 

May we become just like our Father. Like Father, like daughter. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Happy weekend!

Kristy Joy Link

Righteousness rewarded!

 When was the last time your soul was stirred by a movie? I would love to sit face to face with each one of you and hear what movie stirred you and why.  Movies are stories that whisper of eternal truths and reveal the deeper depths of our own souls and longings. I love that whenever Jesus taught He used stories and parables. My soul was stirred last night by the movie "Slumdog millionaire." Have you seen it? Although very disturbing, it was an awesome movie. There was one scene that will be forever imbedded in my mind and heart. If you haven't seen the movie yet you may not want to read any further because I'm about to give away a little part of the movie.

The movie is about a man who grew up in the slums of India. He made it onto the show "Who wants to be  a millionaire" and progressed further than anyone else ever had. He had an extremely difficult and poverty stricken life and I'm sure the desire for money was strong. He was one question away from becoming a millionaire and the tension was rising. At a break in the show he and the host of the show were both backstage in the bathroom. The host shared that he too knew poverty and had climbed out of it's clutches and expressed a desire to help him make sure he did not have to return to that life. The host then left the answer to the next question on the bathroom mirror. As the show resumed and the next question was given it was that moment of CHOICE. What was he going to do? Was he going to give the answer the host had given him and win the money (the money he so desperately needed) yet have to live with the truth that  he did not win honestly OR was he
going to  value righteousness and honesty over money, say "NO" to the temptation freeing his soul yet losing all of the money he needed and had earned honestly up unto this point? AHHHHHHHHHHHH! It's at this point, this critical juncture, that my soul was stirred most. What was he going to do? What would I do?  I could feel the temptation right along with him, the struggle of whether to "REJECT THE WRONG AND CHOOSE THE RIGHT" or give in to those desires warring against the soul. So, guess what he did? He first chose to use this as his opportunity to use his "50/50" bringing it down to either "B" (the letter the host had given him to answer and "win" with) or "D". After moments of waiting and leaving me on the edge of my seat he chose the letter "D". HE REJECTED THE WRONG! He chose to give up all the money he could have had in order to do what was right, in order to be honest and live freely in his soul. YEAH! YIPPEE! HE DID IT! HE OVERCAME THE
TEMPTATION!  Then guess what happened. The letter "D" was actually the correct answer. The host had lied to him. My own soul swelled with joy. He did what was right thinking it would cost him the game but he was rewarded. HE WAS REWARDED!!!!YEAH!

Why is that soooo soul stirring for me (and you too, I'm sure)? What deeper truth does that reveal? Righteousness matters and righteousness will be rewarded - either in this life or the life to come. 

"Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!"- Isaiah 1:16 & 17
"Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:4

We are not saved by our own righteousness, we will not get to heaven by all of our own good acts- No- access to heaven has only come to us as a gift, through the righteousness of Jesus, to be received. But we most certainly are rescued and saved FOR righteousness. Doing what is right matters greatly and God sees it all. He sees every single choice we make to choose the right despite of the great temptation to choose the wrong. Someday, we will be rewarded for all of those choices.  So next time you are in that moment of decision time ,think of yourself on the big movie screen with God sitting by watching your movie ,cheering for you, deeply desiring you to reject the wrong and do what is right. Imagine Him high fiving all the angels in heaven over your choice. Your life is a story/a movie. Someday you and God will watch it together and you will be rewarded. The Bible says so. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's
soul. And may you watch a soul stirring movie! Kristy Joy Link

Obedience

    Isn't it amazing that children survive childhood? With all the dangers in this world I sometimes sit in awe that I'm still alive at the wonderful age of 36 years. One evening while we were in Florida, I had the children help me clean up the pool area.  Reese, my beautiful and strong willed, 3 yrs. old, desiring to be a servant began bending over the pool to help take out some of the floatation devices. While appreciating her helpfulness, Reese does not yet know how to swim without her life jacket so I thought it would be wise to give her a different job. I looked into her precious little eyes and said to her, "Reese, DO NOT bend over this pool to help because you could fall in and drown/die/be hurt very badly." She responded with an "okay mom.'  A few minutes later while I was putting a raft in the screened in porch, still within sight of the pool, I looked around to find Reese and there she was in the pool, trying to stay afloat, but not
successfully. I jumped in and grabbed her (thankfully the pool is small and she was near the edge)  wondering if I should hug her or shake her first ( not really). I hugged her of course and was incredibly thankful she was okay. The scare of it all was a natural consequence. Once again, I was reminded and reminded her of the importance of OBEDIENCE and the consequences of DISOBEDIENCE.

It is often through parenting that my appreciation and awe of God increases as does the reality of what I must really look like to Him. It is not rare that at that moment of being incredibly frustrated at the disobedience of my own children and thinking "I can't believe they just disobey me like that," I hear that whisper, "You, little Miss Kristy, are just like them."  It's true. I can be soooo disobedient. In fact, I have recently been disobedient and I, like Reese, am suffering some natural consequences.

Here are just a few of God's thoughts on obedience:

1. He deeply desires us to be obedient children because He loves us and desires what is best and most peaceful for our lives.

"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is BEST for you, who directs you in the way you SHOULD go. IF ONLY you had paid attention to my commands, your PEACE would have been like a river, your righeousness like the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48:17 & 18

So how is your obedience my friends? If your life is not peaceful could it be you are not being obedient to how God says you should live?  Are you worried? Could it be you are not paying attention to his command to be thankful, lay your request before Him and trust Him?  Is there stress within your marriage? Could it be you are not paying attention to His command to submit to and respect your husband?  Is your soul empty, anxious, hopeless, or angry? Could it be you are not paying attention to His commands to read and meditate on His words ALL DAY LONG and to BELIEVE His words?

2. We always have a choice: Obey or disobey

"Reject the wrong; choose the right." Isaiah 7:15

REJECT- refuse to accept, consider, grant; Deny; discard as useless and defective; throw away; spit out or vomit

CHOOSE- select from possible alternatives; prefer above another; to want or desire

3. We have all been disobedient, we are all in need of God's mercy, there is only one who was perfectly obedient all the time- His name is Jesus. It is through having His life in us that we have the power to overcome.

"God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have MERCY on them all." Romans 11:32

"There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins." Ecclesiastes 7:20

May I encourage you first and foremost to be thankful today for God's mercy. In view of His mercy towards our disobedience may we desire to obey Him and to choose what is right and good rejecting all wrong, all that brings harm to his people and his earth. May we fall on our knees in desperation for His power and strength to flow through us. Remember, "the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak." Jesus tells his disciples to PRAY. May we pray diligently that we would become obedient children for our sake and for the sake of His most Holy Name.

"The world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father commanded me." - Jesus

"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." 1 John 2:6

Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. May our obedience lead many to want our most awesome God!
Kristy Joy Link

I awoke this morning very much aware that this is the first anniversary of a friend's husbands' last breath on earth. One moment he was painting with his wife, enjoying life together with her, the next moment he fell off the ladder severly wounding his head leading to his final breath. I did not know this man, Kevin Brown, that well. However, I am deeply inspired by him. He left a legacy. I was not able to go to the funeral, but my husband spoke at it and came home reporting that he had never been to a funeral like it. I heard it was a celebration of this man's life lived unto Jesus Christ and there was much rejoicing at the thought of him making music (he was a musician) with the one he had always sung about. Hundreds and hundreds  and hundreds (maybe a thousand) of lives somehow touched by this one life, lived as life should be lived, "By God, For God". I had been outside watering some flowers when a neighbor of mine drove past telling me he went to
the most amazing and inspiring funeral he had ever been to. Something in me longed for that to be said of my funeral. Although I didn't know Kevin well, I think of the impact of his life and find myself deeply inspired to live every second for the One whom I was created by and made for, the One I will stand before face-to-face and give an account of my life, the One who has rescued me, saved me, opened my eyes, forgiven me and loved me.

Kevin Brown went home to live with Jesus in the place of no more crying, mourning, pain, sickness and in the "presence of His majesty." Yet, on this earth, still walks his beautiful wife and daughter, his son, and a large family including his mom, dad, many brothers and sisters, in-laws, nieces, nephews........The pain of their loss forever imbedded in their soul. My own soul aches over their loss. I am so sorry. Their only solace in all of this: Kevin accepted, received and believed in Jesus Christ. They KNOW he is in heaven.

May I simply share two thoughts :

"Why 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

The BIble is clear and our experience on this earth confirms that we are all going to breathe our last breath and none of us knows  when that will be. Are you ready to meet the One who longs for you to live with him forever in Paradise?  This is our time, as long as we have breath, to seek Him, find Him, seeking his forgiveness for the ways we have hurt his precious people and offended His all-loving and good heart and accept His generous offer of His grace.

Secondly, As you go about your day, walk sensitively. We have no idea what the people we encounter this day have experienced. We have no idea when we go through the check out lane at the grocery store what this day means to them or has brought their way. May we bring kindness, love, tenderness and gentleness everywhere we go. May we touch the heart of another soul with a warm and sincere smile possibly giving them the strength to face another day.

God's word says, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress........" James 1:27

God's heart knows the depth of pain in the souls of those who have lost parents and husbands. He cares. He wants us to care and be His hands and feet bringing love and comfort to their distressed souls.

To all those out there who have lost loved ones- God sees you and He cares.

Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and a little stirred by the reality of the brevity of this life. May we all be wise with the days He has given us. We are not promised another.
Kristy Joy Link

Invited in

Hello my friends out there. Although it was great to get away and have a WONDERFUL time in Florida with my parents, family and the warm glorious sun, it is also great to be home with the opportunity to encourage my fellow travelers in this life journey. I hope you all had a joyful Easter celebrating the truth that Jesus Christ is alive and " because Jesus lives forever....he is able to save COMPLETELY those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:24). It is my hope for you that you experience personally the "saving completely" by "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light (what's Florida sun compared to this?), whom no one has seen or can see." (1 Timothy 6:15) I know this Easter was especially meaningful to me as I am experiencing Him saving me from me once again......I KNOW HE IS ALIVE AND INVOLVED!

One of the first nights we were in Florida I took the girls for a run around the block. As I was approaching my paren'ts home, a few houses down were a few guys shooting some hoops playing a little street basketball. Knowing how much my two oldest boys love playing basketball I wondered if it would be fun for them to join in this game with these guys. Believing much in life requires asking, I simply asked the guys if they would be open to having a few young white boys join the game. They seemed to reply with an openess and excitement so I came home and shared the opportunity with my guys. My middle son, Max, responded quickly and enthusiastically while my oldest, son, Jake, declined for the moment (Definately different personalities). As I walked with Max down the road to where they were playing, they were all gathered in a big huddle away from the hoop. Not sure of what was going on, Max and I walked slowly by them waiting for some response
from them, but nothing came. It was a little intimidating for me as it became obvious to me that Max was sharing my feelings as he began saying, "Come on mom. Let's go home.....come on." So, desiring to honor him, on our second walk past this intimidating huddle I yelled to the guys, "I think we'll take a rain check." At this point, Max was walking briskly a few feet in front of me wanting to get out of there as quickly as possible. The guys yelled back to me, "What??! We're just pumping up the ball. They don't want to play?" As softly as I could, I whispered/yelled (if you can do those two things at the same time) "Could you invite him in? His name is Max." One of the oldest guys instantly shouted, "Max, do you want to play some basketball with us?" I watched Max stop immediately upon hearing this invitation, turn around and excitedly walk toward these guys with a completly different demeanor than I had observed just moments before. Everything
changed the moment they invited him, this stranger, in. Did you know that God cares about inviting the stranger in? Listen to His words:

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will seperate the people one from another as a shepherd seperates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was A STRANGER AND YOU INVITED ME IN, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Then the righteous will answer him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? 'The King will reply, 'I tell you the TRUTH whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:31-40

Have you ever been the "stranger"? Have you ever been the hungry, thirsty, sick, imprisoned, or naked? Although this can't compare with many of your stories of being a "stranger", I was reminded through this experience and through watching Max of the vulnerable and uncomfortable place this is. As Max's mom, knowing how much he wanted to play but realizing his place as a stranger, I knew the only way he would stick around was if he was invited by THEM. Everything changed the moment they welcomed him. As a result of their invitation, I got to sit by and watch my son have the time of his life playing a little street ball. As Max's mom, I was incredibly thankful to these guys who not only welcomed him in, but called him by name many times throughout the game, put their arms around him and coached him, cheered for him when he made his shots, gave up their opportunity to shoot so that Max could make the point, and extend their arms and kind words
when he fell down. For a moment, I could relate to the heart of God as a parent.I was so pleased and thankful for these guys. God is our Father and every soul walking on this earth belongs to Him. How much it must grieve Him when we don't love his children well, when we don't invite them in or do all the other things he asks of us. On the other hand, how much joy we must bring to His wonderful Fatherly heart when we love and care for his precious, precious children. Do you see how good His heart is? Do you see His love for every soul?

May I encourage you today, whatever your situation and wherever you are to be sensitive to the stranger. Maybe it is someone who is new to the neighborhood, your school, your work, your church, your neighborhood basketball game. Remember or consider how it feels to be on the outside- it's such an uncomfortable and vulnerable place. Your words of welcome, inviting them in to join you in whatever it may be communicates "I see you. You matter and are important. You are a soul that God loves and cares about.". May I remind you that God sees us and is involved in our every moment. He cares about our choices of loving others or not. Our choices here and now affect our eternal destiny. May I encourage you to meditate on the beauty of the heart of God. When this world tries to convince you that either there is no God or that He is not a good God, may you be reminded from His truth that He is soooooooooo good. His depth of care and love for every soul is much
more than we can comprehend. May we bring joy to our Father's heart and his children today. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

p.s. Jake eventually came down and was invited in by them as well.