Thankful

Well, my husband most certainly had a memorable 39th birthday yesterday. He spent a good chunk of it in the E.R. with our daughter Reese.  My girls and I had been home in the afternoon planting flowers and playing "Princess." was actuallly the one planting the flowers and Reese and Elyse were in their "castle" (the garage) preparing it for a party (pretend, of course). They were being the sweetest sisters, excitedly sweeping and setting up chairs for all the "friends" that were going to come to their "castle." However, as things in life happen this way, one moment I heard laughter and joy and the next moment I heard screaming and crying. I ran to the garage to see what had happened and sadly found Reese's big toe covered in blood and half of it hanging off. It was CRUSHED and I wondered if the E.R. was going to be able to save it. I quickly threw the girls in the van, called Rob to have him meet us at the E.R. and off we went. As I drove
there, listening to my daughter screaming and saying over and over, "I want my brothers, I want Zekey, I want Maxie, I want Jakey,I want grandma and grandpa, I want Ralfie (our dog), and on and on through other people she knows, I felt soooo incredibly thankful for Bronson hospital. I kept thinking "what would I do, if we did not have access to a hospital??"  When we arrived within a matter of minutes we were greeted sooo warmly. Everything was organized so well and we were admitted very quickly. The nurses were so sweet to Reese giving her stickers, crayons, and chatting with her seeking to help take her mind off the pain. Everyone did their job so well and within 2 1/2 hours we were leaving the E.R. with a very sore, but stitched up toe.

    This morning, as I sat quiet before God, this Scripture came to mind:

    " Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" When he saw them, he said, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." As as they went they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and THANKED HIM- and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." Luke 17:11- 19

After reading this truth, I was prompted to thank God for Bronson hospital, knowing that ultimately it is him working in this world to bring healing to the people he loves.  Listen to this verse:

" Each should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering GOD'S GRACE in its various forms....so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. " 1 Peter 4:10

May we be the most thankful of women, not taking a thing for granted.  First, thanking God as the source for every good gift and then thanking his people for every way we are blessed. May we be like the ONE who returned and gave thanks. May we draw many to Him, who calls us to be thankful, through our thankfulness. Now, I'm off to Bronson..............with a note.  Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Life

Today we are celebrating my husband's 39th birthday. Today, he begins his 39th year of LIFE. Rather than speaking of my husband which you have heard me do on many occasions, I have been drawn this morning to what God has to say about "LIFE." Listen (I mean, REALLY,  L*I*S*T*E*N)  to what the Creator has to say about life:

"I set before you today LIFEand prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in HIS ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed....Now CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your children may live and that you many love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD IS YOUR LIFE..." Deuteronomy 30:15-20

"You have made known to me the path of LIFE..." Psalm 16:11

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

"Whoever of you loves LIFE and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry." Psalm 34:12-15

"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 39:4 & 5

"No man can redeem the LIFE of another or give to God a ransom for him- the ransom for a LIFE is costly, no payment is ever enough- that he should live on forever and not see decay...But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish. This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. ...The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will see decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will redeem MY LIFE from the grave; he will surely take me to himself."Psalm 49:12-15

"The corrections of discipline are the way to LIFE..."Prov. 6:23

"with persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his live, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his LIFE." Prov. 7:21-23

"Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching DAILY at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For whoever finds me finds LIFE and receives favor from the Lord. But whoever fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death." Prov. 8:33-36

"I know, Oh Lord, that a man's LIFE is not his own; it is not for a man to direct his steps." Jeremiah 10:23

"Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's LIFE does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15

Ahhhhhhh! I could go on and on all day taking in these words. However, the children have awoken ready to celebrate once again (May hits the Links hard as far as birthdays).  May you celebrate LIFE today. It is a "gracious gift" (1 Peter 3:7) Blesssings from Bombadil. Kristy LInk
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Itchy!

Ahhhhhhhhhh! I have never had this before. My eyes itch like crazy!!!!! It's taking everything I have to not give into the temptation to itch because once I start, it's all over. So, as I sat at my table  this morning with my itchy eyes wondering where to go and begin in my time with God,  I kept thinking about this verse in God's word that uses the word, "itching."  Listen to these words that are from God (the one who knows all):

    "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who WILL judge  the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; BE PREPARED in season and out of season: correct, rebuke and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their ITCHING ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, ENDURE HARDSHIP, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
    For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 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 4:1-8

So, "Think with Link" for a moment, will you? 

    *This letter was written by Paul, the one who was a persecuter of Christians, but had a radical encounter with Jesus where God spoke to him and caused him to be blind for a few days. His life was never the same after that, and he changed from one who persecuted Christians to a leader in Christianity. There are people in your life who may hate Jesus and persecute you for your faith. However, perhaps today may be the day God reveals himself to them and changes them into a fully devoted follower.  Don't give up hope!

    * Paul lived with these two truths in mind ALL THE TIME:
            *My entire life, all I do and say, is done in the presence of God and Jesus. Nothing is hidden from God
            *Jesus is coming back. God is at work RIGHT NOW preparing his eternal kingdom.

    *There is the truth and there are "myths" and "restless cravings/desires"  that are simply words that we just want to hear because it makes us feel good or  keeps us from being responsible, etc..
May we make sure we are on the side of TRUTH and not just listening to what we want to hear.

    *It is a fight - a battle, a struggle, a wrestling- to keep the faith (not "a" faith, but "the" faith- faith in Jesus as     the way to the Father- not earning heaven through what we do, but receiving it as a gift from God because of     his goodness) . But it is the GOOD fight. Hang in there!
    (you are not alone. We are all in this together).

    *There is a crown in store for those who have "longed for his appearing." We should LONG for Jesus to come back to earth and make everything right- to wipe away all sickness, all tears, all pain, everything evil and not of him, everything that detroys his beauty, etc...

    LONG- yearn for; desire greatly; wish earnestly

    *If we are not desiring him or his appearing with any part of our heart, perhaps we should ask ourselves a few questions:
            *Do we know him?
            *Do we understand what he offers?
            *Have we become complacent?
            *Have we made this earth our true home rather than heaven?
            *Do we not grieve over sin the way He does, and not love the good like he does???
            *....and many more questions..........

May it be these words, his words, that guide our thinking and captivate our hearts. May we have an "itch" for heaven and his kingdom - peace, joy, righteousness,  Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

A Sincere apology

I had a teacher approach me last week and share with me how touched she was by my son's apology. Curious, I asked her what was it about the apology that touched her so. She said it was his SINCERITY.
 I jokingly (but kinda /not really) replied, "Oh, he has had lots of practice."  Upon reflection, I think that's one of the highest compliments I could receive about one of my children. After all, God knows we aren't perfect and will fail Him and each other. That's why he sent Jesus-  to be perfect for us. So,  isn't a sincere apology (that leads to changed behavior) what God  is looking for and finds touching as well? Listen to the HEART of GOD:

"This is what the Lord says, 'Heaven in my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where is the house you will build for me? Where will my resting place be? 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

"I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit..." Isaiah 57:15

CONTRITE: Humbled by guilt and repentant for one's sins.

REPENT-  to FEEL remorse or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite as to change one's mind regarding it.

"I tell you, there will be MORE REJOICING in heaven over ONE sinner who REPENTS than over the 99 who dont need to repent." Luke 15:7

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance BUT NOW he commands all people EVERYWHERE to REPENT. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given PROOF of this to ALL MEN by raising him from the dead." Acts 17: 30

"If you REPENT, I will restore you that you may serve me;
if you utter WORTHY, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must NOT turn to them." Jeremiah 15:19

"Unless you REPENT, you too will all perish." Luke 13:5

Oh my friends- God is sooooooooo good. He is LOVE and he is LIGHT and there is NO DARKNESS in him. All he requires of us is to be sincerely sorry for the ways we have hurt him, his people, and  his creation. He simply wants us to feel remorse over how we have destroyed all things BEAUTFIUL through our ignorance, not caring, rebellion, laziness,  fear, self-pity and selfishness, disbelief,  etc.......He just wants us to be like the tax collector who :

"would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

May it be said of us, as it was of my son, "Her apology touched me."

May our apologies to God and our fellow men be:

    *Sincere- true, presenting no false appearance, pure, unadulterated, genuine

    *May we see and feel deeply how we hurt God and  his people through our words/actions or lack of                         words/actions.  May we seek to understand their hearts.

    *May we "make EVERY EFFORT to  live in  peace with ALL men..." Hebrews 12:14

    "May we be QUICK to apologize, " If your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of     the altar. First GO and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Settle matters quickly         with your adversary." Matthew 5:25

    *May we PROVE our repentance through our actions, showing that we are REALLY sorry for our behavior.     Acts 26:20 says, "I preached that they should REPENT and turn to God and PROVE THEIR REPENTANCE     by their deeds."

    *May we NOT MAKE EXCUSES and blame others. A good apology is this:
        " I am soooo sorry for the way I hurt you. I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?"  (said with                         SINCERITY) Period! Period! Period!  Resist the TEMPTATION to say, "But.........I was only,....but                     you........." (This is the HARDEST part for me......and my children..........and etc....)

Blessings from Bombadil. Now go touch lives with your sincere apologies. Kristy Link
   

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Mom Monday..."All gone"

Happy Mom Monday! To any of you who may have noticed that I didn't write for 3 days last week, I apologize. It was all "mom" related. My daughter, Elyse, is actually turning 3 years old today and I figured I ought to be a good mom and have at least some kind of little photo album for this poor 5th child (who hasn't had any album done until now) to look through on her birthday. So, I was up until midnight 3 nights last week working on a special book for her. Having stayed up that late but still getting up early really affected my morning. By the time my juices were flowing and I had written half a page, my children needed me and my time was up. So sorry.  It's a new week, however, and hopefully I'll be returning to my normal schedule. The album is done and I enjoyed snuggling in my bed last night with the birthday girl, on her birthday eve, remembering her "story" of being brought into this world (I highly recommend birthday eve celebrations,
snuggles in your bed looking at pictures of your child's birth, tickles &  whispers of "I love you sooo much...etc..." }

    One of the children that needed me this week early in the morning was one of my precious son's who needed to write an apology note to his teacher for some things that happened in class. As everything in life requires balance, just as we disciplined this "gift" of ours and brought down the hammer, we also needed to speak life giving truth in a way that was memorable. I had been at Micheals during this situation and found this little eraser for $1.oo that said "All gone." I  also found a cool little box, also for $1.00 and put the eraser in there.  Later that day when my son got home, I had him open the "treasure box" and find the eraser inside. I shared with him that although we make mistakes Jesus has "erased" them and says they are "All gone" in his eyes if we only confess and receive his gift.  God's word says:

" For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."  Jeremiah 31:34

" I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." Isaiah 43:25

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. " Psalm 103:12

"Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when THIS PRIEST had offered for ALL TIME  one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." Hebrews 10: 11-14

"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now, he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, WITHOUT BLEMISH AND FREE FROM ACCUSATION- IF you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." Colossians 1:21-23

Jesus "erases" are sins/ "no no's"/ wrongdoings and makes them "all gone." May we give our children this wonderful message as much as needed, in as many ways possible until it sinks in deeply into their soul and they are forever grateful to the One who has done this for them. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"The Lord DELIGHTS in....."

My oldest son ran in a 6th grade track meet yesterday. Before he could scoot out the door this morning, I made sure he "ate" this truth for breakfast (only after I ate it first, and boy did it taste DELCIOUS to my soul):

" His pleasure is NOT in the strength of the horse, nor is his delight in the LEGS OF MAN;
The Lord DELIGHTS in those who FEAR HIM, who put their hope in HIS UNFAILING LOVE."
Psalm 147:10 & 11

**We can bring the Creator of the Universe delight and pleasure with our lives.

**The strength of the horse and the legs of man are gifts received from God that can possibly lead to pride.

** "Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? Isaiah 10:15

**We bring God joy when we humble ourselves and admit that life is NOT all about us but rather it IS all about him.

**How refreshing in this world that loves us based on our strength, our intelligence, our beauty, our acccomplishments, etc.....God delights in us simply when we delight in him and appreciate & put our hope in his UNFAILING love.

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Change your focus from yourself today and try standing in awe of him in your thinking. May humility win the battle against pride in your own soul today.  May your soul find rest in his unfailing love.
 Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Mom Monday!

Happy Mom Monday.

"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a FATHER/MOTHER DEALS WITH HIS/HER OWN CHILDREN, ENCOURAGING, COMFORTING, AND URGING you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." 1 Thessalonians 2:11 & 12

This is a great verse teaching/reminding us of one of our major responsibilities as moms.  It is our job, our honor, our responsibility, our joy to use our time with our children to "encourage, comfort, and urge" them to LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD.

WHY???
    *It is why we are here.
            "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, FOR WHOM AND THROUGH WHOM                         EVERYTHING EXISTS...."Hebrews 2:10
       
            "All things were created by him and FOR HIM."Colossians 1:16

    * Because God deserves it. He is worthy of our best.
        *"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am             a master, where is the respect due me?....For I am a great King,' says the Lord Almighty, "and my name         is to be feared among the nations." Malachi 1: 6 & 14

    *It communicates love and thankfulness to God and all he has done for and given us.
            *"If you love me you will obey my commandments."
            *"The world must learn that I love the Father and do everything he commands."
            "Therefore in view of God's mercy offer bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God."
                Romans 12:1

    * For his name's sake
            * "He guides me in paths of righteousness FOR HIS NAME'S SAKE." Psalm 23: 3

    * We will be held accountable for our lives on this earth
            *"For we will all stand before God's judgment seat: It is written: "As surely as I live,' says the                         Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God."  So then, each of us will give             an account of himself to God." Romans 14:11 & 12
         

ENCOURAGE (you to live a life worthy of God)- inspire to continue on a chosen course; impart courage or confidence to ; embolden; give support

    Here's what this looked like for me this morning with my 12 year old:  He knows he needs to come over to me before he gets on that school bus at 7a.m. so I can give him some "daily bread." I read to him from Ephesians 5:1 that says, "Be imitators of God, therefore as dearly loved children, and live a life of love, just as Christ gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." I told Jake as he sees the flag outside our home with the "L" on it for "Link" to let it also remind him to "Live a Life of Love." It was a 2 minute interaction where I simply sought to inspire him to continue on seeking to love.

COMFORT- to soothe in time of grief or fear; to ease physically; relieve , as of pain, give well-being
       

URGE- to entreat earnestly and repeatedly, plead with. To advocate persistently; to request or pressure a person to do something that one advocates; making an earnest appeal for such action.

I'm running out of time. Let me encourage you, comfort you and urge you as moms. We have the greatest privilege in life. We only have a limited time to pour into these precious children of ours and we are never promised another day. It is HARD to be a mom. It requires so much of us, more than we often have to give. We fail, we feel lilke bad moms, we feel alone.....................................every mom who has walked this earth KNOWS EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL.............God knows how we feel. Let him quiet you with his love and his promise to be with you. "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." May I URGE you to keep the end in view. The end where you can honestly say before God and your children that you gave it your all, and although you may have failed at times, you earnestly sought to love them and teach them about God.  The end where "her children arise and call her blessed." Psalm 139: 28 We can do this! It is a holy calling
that deserves our greatest attention!  Now, may you go and encourage, comfort and urge your little sheep. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link   

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"Then they will know...."

Today is my son's official 8th birthday.This will be short because we have some celebrating to do and everyone is excitedly  waking up early around here today. Since my son's name is Ezekiel, I'd love to share something from that great book. 
It says countless times in this book,  "Then they will know that I am the Lord."

God is continually seeking to make himself known. He is bringing things, circumstances and people into our lives to open our eyes to the truth  that He is the one true God. His heart is for us to KNOW that He is who he says he is and we can trust him. May we use our life to know him and make him known! Blessings from Birthday Bombadil. Kristy LInk

 
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Invited!

We have a tradition in our family that our children get birthday parties every 4 years (4 yrs., 8yrs, 12 yrs....) So last night we celebrated Zeke's  8th birthday at Chuck E. Cheeses with just a few  (I wish we could have invited all) of his friends. While Zeke opened his presents, whoever's gift he was opening had to share something they appreciated about Zeke. One of the boys said, "I like/appreciate that Zeke invited me to his birthday party."  As soon as he said that, my thoughts drifted to these two verses:

" This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1John 4:9 & 10

This boy appreciated/loved Zeke because Zeke appreciated/loved this boy. We love God, because He first loved us.

" Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then he sent some more servants and said, "Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.' But they paid no attention and went off- one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized his servants, mistreated them and killed them. The king was enraged. He sent his army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find. So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find,
both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests. But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. 'Friend,' he asked, 'how did you get in here without wedding clothes? The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.' For many are invited, but few are chosen." Matthew 22:1-14

THINK WITH LINK:

    * Think of the best wedding banquet/reception you've ever been to. We cant' even begin to compare it to what God has in store for us in heaven. God LOVES to celebrate and is the most generous host we'll ever know. I personally don't want to even think about missing out on the party he will be throwing in heaven.

    *Why would people NOT want to go to the best party ever thrown? Why would they be offended at being invited to a banquet? Why, like Zeke's buddy, wouldn't they love God more for  just being invited to this awesome place revealing that God's heart is for us to be with him in Paradise?

    * Who are the servants he has sent to you to invite you to the wedding banquet? How have/are you treating them? why?

     * God doesn't give up asking the people he loves to come to his party the first time. He sends more servants and asks again. He REALLY wants you/us at his party! He is SERIOUS about this.

    *Although God REALLY wants us to come party with him and he sends out a few invitations, there does come a time he will respect our wishes and give us what we want. He is not going to force us to come.

    *There will always be an excuse not to respond to the invitation.
        *stubborness ("They refused"), unbelief
        *paid no attention....didn't think it was serious enough, thought they had lots of time, busy w/ other things

    * THE WEDDING BANQUET IS GOING TO HAPPEN WHETHER YOU COME OR NOT!

    *At the party, God WILL notice what we are wearing- "wedding clothes vs. non wedding clothes

    *God called the man without the wedding clothes, "Friend."There will be lots of people that God LOVES DEEPLY seperated from him for eternity if they are not wearing the "right clothes"

    *WEDDING CLOTHES ARE NOT OPTIONAL FOR THIS PARTY.

    *If you were invited to a banquet and told "formal- suit and tie/dress required" would you doubt or disregard that message???? Would you be mad at the hosts, after they told you what was expected, if they didn't allow you to enter? Whose responsibility is it to listen and respond accordingly?

    *JESUS IS OUR "WEDDING CLOTHES." According to Scripture, only those who have received what he offers- believing he is who he says he is, receiving the gift he paid for with his life, and turning from our unloving ways - will enter the party. Our own good works ARE NOT APPROPRIATE DRESS. 

    *The only response when we meet the King and see that he was serious about the "wedding clothes", if we haven't dressed appropriately before the banquet, will be "SPEECHLESSNESS."

    *People who don't accept Jesus will be sepertated from God (love, light, everything good) and it will be the biggest regret of their life ("gnashing of teeth"... ie: "ahhhhhhh, why didn't I believe he was serious! Why didn't I respond!!! why? why? why? )

    * God invites all to his party. Only those who have embraced Jesus are picked to enter the party.

May we be like Zeke's buddy and love God more for inviting us. May we respond to the invitation and enjoy all the party has to offer! Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link

    *If you are his servant, he wants to use you to invite others to the party. Who is he sending you to?
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"The least of these"

I was sitting with some friends at McDonalds yesterday sharing with them about my experience the night before at my friend, Sherry Galloway's, gymnastic meet.  This friend, Sherry, is so special to me. She has been my friend for probably at least 9 years now. She is my age, but because of her mental impairment I more often  than not take more the role of "mom"  with her. Throughout the years, I've taken her grocery shopping, driven her places, provided food and meals for her and have just been there to love on her. She, and her cat "Baby Bob" who has different clothes on every time I see him & whose birthday parties I try to attend,  are a source of delight for me. Well, Monday night of this week my girls and I headed over to WMU to support our special friend. I have often felt like I'm the only one Sherry has to help her, but again and again I am shown this is absolutely not true. As the girls and I headed up in the elevator with some
other people, I asked who they were coming to see. "Sherry Galloway," was their  answer. I couldn't help but smile and together we shared our joy in how we've come to know her. Upon entering the meet I sat down where the greeters directed me to go. I began chatting with the woman next to me and asked her who she was here to see. I shouldn't have been surprised when she answered, "Sherry Galloway." At the end of the meet, it became clear that us three "groups" of people were not the only ones there to support Sherry. That was just one of the many things that blessed me that night. I was also blessed by the encouragement that was given among the "special olympic's" teamates. They would yell and scream for each person who got up to do their event. After each person's moment of glory had ended, no matter how well or poor they did, they would run through a line high fiving and hugging each other. When the awards were handed out in the end, it
didn't matter whether they got first or sixth place, they were all elated with their ribbons and showed their joy in the most uninhibited way. I left there that evening believing deep in my heart that somehow that was a taste of heaven.  The love and joy that was in that place was beautiful.   So, I had just finished sharing some of these thoughts with my friends and encouraged them to, if they ever had the opportunity, to engage in a friendship/ relationship with someone who is mentally impaired. I simply shared they are a tremendous source of blessing.  Probably not five minutes after that, Mike, my mentally impaired buddy who works at Mcdonalds on Stadium  Dr. and who I've seen and chatted with every Tuesday morning for this past year,  approached me. Out of nowhere, Mike says to me in the presence of my friends sitting there, "You can use my 50% McDonalds discount when you come in here. I can pick one person to share it with."
Understand that I have been in there almost EVERY Tuesday morning and he has NEVER offered this to me. But just minutes after I had encouraged my friends to become involved with mentally impaired people because they will be blessed, this mentally impaired friend of mine offers me his 50% off discount showing that what I am speaking of is TRUE.

God's words says,

" WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME." MATTHEW 25:40

Was that God, confirming what I had just shared with my friends? Did God move through Mike, prompting him to bless me like that as if to say from God, "Do this! Love all my people, especially the "least of these" because I love them soooooo much and when you are kind to them you are kind to ME." I believe it! May you love the "least of these" today and every day and may you be blessed! Kristy Link
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"ALL THE PEOPLES"

Yesterday, as I was pushing my almost 3 year old around in the jogging stroller, she spent her time making up songs and then talking on her pink pretend phone.  During both activities she used this phrase, "all the peoples."  First, when she was singing her song about Jesus loving her, her sister, her brothers, her mommy, and her daddy and "all the peoples.." Then while she was talking on her phone to who knows who, she was telling the person on the other end, " Thank you for Reese, Jake, Max, Zeke, etc,.... and "all the peoples." She mentioned to her "friend" that she likes "all the peoples."
    As her mom, I was soooo happy to hear that she had on her mind and in her heart, "all the peoples," because I believe that is the heart of God. Listen to some of his words:

" For God so loved THE WORLD that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life....." John 3: 16

"EVERY LIVING SOUL belongs to me, the father as well as the son- both alike belong to me." Ezekiel 18:4

"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." 2 Peter 3:9

"Which is the greatest commandment?" Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind' ...and the second is like it, 'Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes HIS SUN (I love that!) to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:44- 48

May we, as women who are serious about doing what Jesus commands and thinking like he thinks, love "all the peoples." May those who experience us everywhere we go take note that we show no favoritism and may we see every living soul as one that is precious to God, belonging to him. May "all the peoples" from Kalamazoo and beyond come to believe that God loves them and sees them through our lives. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another soul. Kristy Link

p.s. For those of you who know the stories of my daugther Reese and her fascination with scissors.......the haircutting bandit has struck again.............for the 4th time! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

 
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"mere words"

Happy Mom Monday. I hope you all had a peaceful and joyful Mother's day. Taco Bell was as delicious as ever for the12th year in a row.

    Have you ever told your child to do something and they haven't done it? Have you ever just used your words, your nagging, your complaining, or just getting angry to try to correct their behavior? How has that worked for you? I know way too well how that has worked for me- IT DOESN'T  (well, for at least 4 out of my 5 children)!
God's word says:

"A servant cannot be corrected by mere words; though he understands, he will not respond." Prov. 29:19

A few verses before that it says,

"The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother." Prov. 29:15

As you are teaching, training, disciplining your children, remember that (controlled) pain (with much love) is a great teacher. 

The best example I ever heard of this is when you get pulled over by a police man b/c you were speeding, he doesn't have to come and yell and pour out his anger on you. Police men usually are very calm and kind, but they give a harsh "rod of correction" through the ticket they give you. It's not our anger that will get our children to change their behavior, in fact, God says,

"Man's anger doesn NOT produce the righteous life that God desires." James 1

A good, painful consequence will be helpful in getting our precious children's attention.

"Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with a rod, HE WILL NOT DIE. Punish him with the rod (not in anger, of course) and SAVE HIS SOUL FROM DEATH." Prov. 23:13 & 14

May God's words be useful in helping us train and teach our children that they may grow up to be a delight to our souls. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

A rich welcome!

Last night, my 4 children and I went to the airport after church to welcome home my almost 8 year old son, Zeke, and my husband, Rob,  who were returning from Washington D.C.  Rob's grandpa passed away a few months ago and it was scheduled for this past Wednesday for him to be buried and have a special service at the National Arlington Cemetary.  Since it is a tradition for Rob to take each of our children on a special "Just dad and me," trip when they turn 8, this seemed like the  perfect trip for Zeke.
    We arrived at the airport just minutes before they arrived . As we waited, the anticipation grew. We all stood staring through the doors scanning the crowd for the 2 faces we know and love. Finally, after minutes of waiting, we saw the ones we were looking for. As soon as we spotted them and before they could get through the doors, my 2 girls (4 yrs.& 2 years) began jumping up and down squealing with delight. As soon as Zeke and Rob made it through the doors, there were 5 people attacking them with hugs, kisses, and lots of joy/laughter. There is NOTHING like receiving a "RICH WELCOME."

Listen to this truth:

    "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For IF you do these things you will never fall, AND you will recieve a RICH WELCOME into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:11

I have no idea what this will look like but I KNOW the difference between a "rich welcome" and a "poor/lame/.....welcome."  I know which one my soul desires. 

So, how do we receive this "rich welcome?"  God's word says, "IF you DO THESE THINGS..."  

"These things?"  Hmmmmmmmmm....... What things??? "Tell me, tell me! I want a rich welcome!"

Let's back it up to the verses before. 2 Peter 1:5-9 says:

"For this very reason, make EVERY EFFORT to add to your faith GOODNESS; and to goodness, KNOWLEDGE; and to knowledge, SELF-CONTROL; and to self-control, PERSEVERANCE;  and to perseverance,GODLINESS; and to godliness, BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and to brotherly kindness, LOVE. For IF you possess THESE QUALITIES in increasing measure, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins....Therefore, my brothers......."

Are you and I making every effort to possess these qualities in increasing measure thus creating a "rich welcome' for ourselves?

If you've forgotten or don't know just how beautiful and good to the soul a rich welcome is, head on down to the airport to make you thirsty. Hold the image before you and live your life accordingly. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link
 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

Inspired!

Inspiration, the stimulation of the faculties through an agency such as a person, that MOVES the intellect or emotions, can come when you least expect it. The other day I was sitting at Lincoln Elementary  in Kalamazoo, Michigan watching my son's flag football game. I had chosen to sit next to a family that I knew a little, but not as well as I had wanted to. As the mom and I were chatting, her daughter, who happened to be the only girl on this all-boy team, came off the field as first-time quarterback and into her mom's loving arms as probably not the first time crying daughter. Sitting next to the mom, I couldn't help but overhear what exactly was causing these tears.  Let me tell you, it was NOT what I expected!  This was her very first time ever playing quarterback and as any firsttime anything, there was some room for improvement.  Some of the boys on her team began complaining and wanted to put in someone different. If that had
been me (and it wouldn't have because I don't even think I'd have the guts to be the only girl on an all boy team anyways!) my tears would have come because I wasn't doing a good job and I would have been full of self-pity hearing all kinds of "Failure"  & "Just quit!" whisperings.  That was NOT why this precious little girl was crying. She was crying because the boys on the team didn't want her to KEEP TRYING. She knew she wasn't the best quarterback, but she desired the opportunity to posssibly BECOME the best by being willing to fail, to keep trying and not give up, and to refuse to let her "failure" define her.

Maybe some of you are just like her and have this BEAUTIFUL tenacious spirit. If so, I'm "envious." I , personally, do not naturally have this spirit, but I see it and it inspires me. It breathes life into my soul. I believe it speaks of the truths of God:

1.  It's a NON- PEOPLE PLEASING spirit:

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." Prov. 29:25

"Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would no be a servant of Christ." Galatians 1:10

2. It's a FEAR-LESS spirit:

    " There is no fear in love. Perfect love casts out fear" 1 John 4:18

    "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity(fear), but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
     2 Timothy 1:7

3. It's an, "I CAN DO THIS!" spirit:

    "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me." Phillipians 4: 13

    " Everything is possible for him who believes."Mark 9:23

4. It's a PERSEVERING spirit:

    " For though a righteous man falls 7 times, he rises again." Prov. 24:16

    "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial...." James 1:12

Another definition of the word, "Inspiration" is - DIVINE guidance or influence exerted directly upon the mind and soul of man.

Oh my friends- Our God knows us each individually. He knows all of our strengths and weaknesses. He knows who we are now and who he desires us to become. He knows our deepest need at any given time. This situation may not have inspired you because perhaps it's not your "issue." But we all have "issues." We all have hidden thoughts, fears, ways of thinking and being that God wants to address. He is whispering to us all the time, sometimes through people or things that INSPIRE us and sometimes through other things/ways.  When was the last time you were inspired or " moved deeply in your soul being guided or influenced by God?" God speaks through people, nature, etc.... Pay CLOSE attention to your own soul and what affects it. Ask yourself, "Why did that just move me???  What is God trying to say to me?"

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and LEAD me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23 & 24

May you be inspired today. And may you hear God speaking to you through it. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

   

   

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

A heart breaking bumper sticker.

 A few days ago I saw a bumper sticker that took my breath away and broke my heart. It said,

"Jesus, please save me from your followers."

I deeply desired to follow that truck until I could ask him "why??? What have you experienced from people who claim to follow Jesus??"   Not having the time to follow through on that desire, I made a right turn while he turned left and drove off into the distance with his incredibly disturbing heart on his window for all to see.

Immediately, my heart turned to prayer apologizing to God on behalf of his followers, myself included.

"Oh Father, I am sooo sorry. You are sooooooooooooo incredibly beautiful, sooooo attractive and winsome, you are love, you are light,  you are gooc, you are wise, etc.......everything I want to be.It breaks my heart that people might not want YOU because of our lives.  Show me where I might be turning people off from you. Show me where I might be walking in disobedience to your commands or in a lack of wisdom. I'm thinking of the truths you've given us:

" You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?.....You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed  (reviled, railed against) among the Gentiles because of you."

"He guides me in paths of righteousness for HIS NAME'S SAKE." Psalm 23

Oh God, your name is sooo awesome. May that bumper sticker NOT BE SAID OF US!"

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14

"Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them but to show that they can be fully trusted so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior ATTRACTIVE.  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 godly lives..... Titus 2:9-12

May we love God and His name soooo much that we deeply desire to live for the sake of making his name great  May we understand that people may either be drawn to God or pushed away from him because of our lives.

"Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord MUST turn away from wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19

As we go out today into our world, may we be wise in everything we say and do knowing that either our obedience to his teachings or disobedience is affecting those around us who God deeply loves and wants to reveal himself to. May we know Him and make him known .............NOT have people pray to him for protection from us. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy LInk

P.s. We all know we are not perfect, hence our need for God, but God's word does say to "aim for perfection."  (2 Corinthians 13:7-11). If we do something wrong making God's name less than desirable, for the sake of His name, may we be quick to apologize to whoever observed our ungodliness helping people see it's our "going our own way" that is unattractive NOT GOD HIMSELF.

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26

"Behold wonder."

I've had these word stickers that I bought at Hobby Lobby (Oh yeah- good ol' H.L!) for 50% just sitting in my basement. Well- this week I decided it was time to finally put them up for all to see. The words I bought were:

                                    "BEHOLD WONDER."

As I contemplated just where exactly to put them, there really wasn't much thinking needed. I know that some of  the most "WONDER- FULL"  things in my home, are my children.  I agree with God's word when it says,

" And the Lord was GRACIOUS  (kind) to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to 3 sons and 2 daughters."
1Samuel 2:21

So, right outside by bedroom are the words, "Behold wonder" and baby pictures of 5 precious Link children.

After I put the words up on the wall, I made sure that my children knew what the word "WONDER" meant.

WONDER means "that which arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration; a monumental human creation regarded with awe."

Then I made sure they knew that these were not just empty, untrue words from the opinion of a "mom", but straight from the heart of God himself, words that are TRUE!

"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." Psalm 139:14

There are soooo many things we need to teach our children, but one of the deepest, most important & core truths we need to drill into their brains and hearts, is that they are soooooooooooooooo precious both to us and to God. They are 'WONDER- FULL" simply because God created them and there is no one else in the entire world like them. No one else ever has or ever will have their fingerprint.

I want my children to "KNOW FULL WELL," that they are a "WONDER." Of course, not more "wonderful" than anyone else, and not without their flaws, weaknesses, imperfections and sins that reveal their desperate NEED  for God and a Savior, the ONLY PERFECT ONE,   but at the core of who they are, "even the very hairs of their head are all numbered....they are WORTH MORE than MANY birds." (Matthew 10:31).

There are too many voices in the world and in our children's own minds and hearts telling them they are not worth very much and aren't too "wonderful." May we do all we can as moms, to fill our children's minds with the truth that they are a "WONDER."

This week I wrote a note to a friend who gave me some of his own homemade PURE maply syrup. In my note I expressed A LOT of delight  in and thankfulness for his gift to me. He responded with the words,

" I am likewise blessed by your delight."

His words came through to my heart like the voice of God, "who richly provides us with everything FOR OUR ENJOYMENT." (1 Timothy 6:17)

How Blessed God must be when we delight in our children, thanking him for his "gracious" gift given to us through them and praising HIM for the WONDER they are. Likewise, how sad it must make his heart, when we don't "BEHOLD WONDER"  that He has created and given us for our enjoyment. May we teach our children that they are a "wonder," and may we bless the heart of God by our delight in them. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

p.s. "DISCIPLINE your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul." Prov. 29:17

If you have forgotten that your child is a wonder, perhaps it's a discipline issue. It is our job to train our kids.

 "I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." Phillipians 1:25 & 26