Give joy and health today.

During this time of gift giving, joy, and good news, allow me to remind us to give a gift to every person we come in contact with today:     "A cheerful LOOK brings JOY TO THE HEART, and GOOD NEWS gives HEALTH to the bones." Proverbs 15:30   Smile today. SMile and give the gift of "joy to the heart". It's free. Who doesn't want joy? And speaking of "good news" giving health................give someone health today. Share the "Good news" with them. What is that good news??   "Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY that will be for ALL PEOPLE. Today in the town of David a SAVIOR ( A person who rescues someone from dire circumstances) has been born to you; he is CHRIST THE LORD. " Luke 2:10   Here's the Good news:   " Our sins are forgiven on account of HIS NAME. * We will be presented as blameless and free of accusation before GOd because of Him..Jesus  *We are never alone.............Immanuel- God with us *He has opened the way to Paradise/perfection....a future with no more crying,pain, death *we don't have to be "good enough," we CANT BE good enough...we just have to believe & receive Jesus as the way to GOd. * He has given us the "Gift of righteousness"...He was perfect FOR US.   That is GOOD NEWS TO ME.    It takes away any fear I have of dying.    It takes away the pressure of TRYING SOOOOO HARD TO BE GOOD,    It takes away my deep lonliness knowing He is ALWAYS WITH ME,   It gives me hope that He sees me as perfect............and oh how I long to be perfect   It settles me in the deepest places, gives me an "anchor for my soul," knowing paradise is coming.   Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....Good news indeed brings health to MY BONES.   May we be alert today, to who GOd wants us to bring "Joy and Health" through our cheerful looks and good news. 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 whisper of Arthur's Christmas

Sooooo,  "Arthur's CHristmas,"...................DId you get a chance to see it? Did you hear his whisper?     Arthur was on a MISSION in which he DEEPLY BELIEVED. He made it his goal to help people/childern BELIEVE THAT SANTA IS REAL He made it his goal to help people /children BELIEVE THAT SANTA IS GOOD. He made it his goal to help people/children BELIEVE THAT SANTA CARES PERSONALLY ABOUT EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD.   Arthur had a role in life: To do HIS PART in making Santa's name great and helping each person KNOW, BELIEVE, EXPERIENCE his REAL LOVE & CONCERN.   Now for the whisper of GOd:   "Make it your goal to help my people BELIEVE THAT I/GOD/JESUS AM REAL. Make it your goal to help my people BELIEVE THAT I AM GOOD. Make it your goal to help my people BELIEVE THAT I CARE PERSONALLY ABOUT EACH INDIVIDUL PERSON.   Do your part, (and you have a part) in making My name (God/Jesus) great and helping each person that I direct you to to kNOW, BELIEVE, AND EXPERIENCE MY REAL LOVE AND CONCERN."   "Jesus answered, 'The work of GOd is this: to BELIEVE in the ONE HE HAS SENT." John 6:29   "Cast all your anxiety on him, because HE CARES FOR YOU.' 1 Peter 5;7   Oh, I could give soooo many more truths from His Book but I am out of time. May we serve our Father  with the same passion that Arthur served his father. May we make it our goal to help others BELIEVE that Jesus is REAL, GOOD, AND HE CARES. 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

BELIEVE

As we are out shopping during this wonderful season, we WILL see the word, "BELIEVE." It will of course be referring to "Santa," but may I remind us that the REAL St. Nickolas was a LOVER OF JESUS; The ONE who is the TRUE source and object of our belief. Whenever we see this wonderful word may we hear HIS WORDS whispered in our ears:     "He (Jesus) said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to BELIEVE all the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter glory?" Luke 24:25   "To all who received him, to those who BELIEVED in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12   "FOr God SO LOVED THE WORLD that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever BELIEVES in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever BELIEVES in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not BELIEVED in the name of God's one and only Son. "John 3:16-18   "Whoever BELIEVES in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36   "Many of the Samaritans from that town BELIEVED in him because of the woman's testimony." He told me EVERYTHING I EVER DID." So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became BELIEVERS. They said to the woman, "We no longer BELIEVE just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves and we KNOW THAT THIS MAN REALLY IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WORLD." John 4:39-42   "The work of God is this: to BELIEVE in the one he has sent." John 6:29   ""FOr my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and BELIEVES in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6:40   "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who BELIEVES in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and BELIEVES in me will never die. Do YOU BELIEVE THIS?"  Yes, Lord," she told him, "I BELIEVE that YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD, WHO WAS TO COME INTO THE WORLD." John 11:25-27   This season truly is about BELIEF. Not Belief in Santa Claus but rather BELIEF IN THE CREATOR OF ST. NICK, belief in the ONE who Christmas is ALL ABOUT'; Belief in the One who will very soon be sending a blanket of snow to remind us   "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." Isaiah 1:18   Blessings from Bombadil. May we not be like EVE who BELIEVED the LIE and was BELIED (see all those words in the word "believe?"  May we BELIEVE the TRUTH...JESUS CHRIST. "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

Reverent submission

"During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions WITH LOUD CRIES AND TEARS to the ONE who could SAVE HIM FROM DEATH, and he was heard BECAUSE OF HIS REVERENT SUBMISSION.'  Hebrews 5:7     Today, if you think it is valuable and beneficial, ponder the words, 'Reverent" and "submission"   Sub= under   May I remind myself and you, that OUR MISSION IN LIFE is to be UNDER God's mission.   "For I have come down from heaven NOT TO DO MY WILL, but to do the will of him who sent me." John 6:38   ""The world must learn that I lOVE THE FATHER AND THAT I DO EXACTLY WHAT MY FATHER HAS COMMANDED ME." John 14:31     "The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar adn the truth is not in him.  If anyone OBEYS HIS WORD Gods' love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: whoever claims to live in him MUST WALK AS JESUS DID." 1 John 2:4-6   May our mission today, be obedience to what our Father commands. Help us, God. 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

Happy November!

Happy November................a month to consider/meditate upon/ remember/ BE:                       THANKFULNESS/THANKFUL     "Give THANKS to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in HIS HOLY NAME; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and HIS STRENGTH; seek HIS FACE ALWAYS. REMEMBER the wonders he has done, his miracles...   For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place......   Give THANKS TO THE LORD, for he is GOOD; His LOVE endures forever. Cry out, "Save us, O God oru Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may GIVE THANKS TO YOUR HOLY NAME, that we may glory in YOUR PRAISE." 1 Chronicles 16: 8-35  (minus a few)   Oh my friends, He is GOOD. Maybe that doesn't 'FEEL" true right now, but it IS TRUE. Remember.  Cry out!!!!  Make it your highest goal to cultivate a thankful heart and to make HIs goodness known.  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 other day I asked a woman, "What do YOU need?? How can we love YOU better?"   Her response: "Love my daughter. When you love her, you ARE loving ME."   Hmmmmm????? Do you think it sounds like this woman is made in the Imade of God??   "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the LOVE YOU HAVE SHOWN HIM as you have helped HIS PEOPLE and continue to help them. We want EACH OF YOU to show this same DILIGENCE to the VERY END." Hebrews 6:10 & 11 May we begin this day, live this day, end this day, loving and helping HIS PEOPLE and thus blowing a huge kiss of love to the 'MOST HIGH"..........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

Potluck for Women only on Saturday, Nov. 12 @5p.m.

" Hey RIver  Women! Come together for a large group potluck to hang out and eat some good food! (Because it is a FACT that you all make some crazy good food!)   When: Saturday, Novemeber 12 at 5pm.    Where: Home of Ryan and Sara Stockinger            10626 Almena Drive            Kalamazoo, MI 49009            Sara's cell: 269-615-3524   What: Bring a dish to pass of your choice. If we end up with mostly desserts, well, ...we'll make do  "

"No buts!!!"

I've been smiling all morning thinking about what my 4 year old daughter said last night, to my 6 yrs. old little girl.  While we were driving to a basketball game, the girls and I chatted about the lightening we were experiencing. It was amazing last night, lighting up the whole sky. We chatted about the awesome creator of lightening and also about the dangers of it. WHen we arrived at our destination and had to walk from our car into the courthouse, Reese, my 6 year old, was very scared. When I offered to pray for her she responded with, "okay, but...."  Before another word had time to come out of her mouth, her little sister said very firmly,    "No "buts", Reese. God is with us. He is in our hearts because we asked HIm. He will protect us."    "Have you never read, "From the lips of CHILDREN and infants you have ordained praise?." - Jesus.......Matthew 21:16   "A little child will LEAD them." Isaiah 11; 6     "Jesus called a little child and had him stand among them, and he said, "I tell you the TRUTH, unless you CHANGE and become like little CHILDREN, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4   "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children." Matthew 11:25   May this 4 year old little girl lead us. As soon as we start with our "yeah, buts..." May we be silenced by the wisdom revealed to a little child,    "No buts! God is with us............"   "Do NOT BE AFRAID, FOR I AM WITH YOU." Genesis 26:23   "Don't be afraid of them, for I AM WITH YOU AND WILL RESCUE YOU," declares the Lord."   Blessings from Bombadil. ....home of a proud mother of a little girl who takes Jesus at his word. 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

"That's how the lost get found."

I printed off these lyrics this morning after hearing this song the other day and being encouraged:     " SO when you get the chance are you gonna take it There's a really big world at your fingertips and you know you have the chance to change it Theres a girl on the streets, shes cryin Theres a man whose faith is dying Love is calling you.......   Don't let the lights go down Don't let the fire burn out cause somewhere, somebody needs a reason to believe WHy don't you rise up now? Don't be afraid to stand out Thats how the lost get found."     Remember Jesus' words, "I will make you fishers of MEN." Remember Jesus' heart for going after the ones who don't yet know him. Be alert today. He may direct your path with someone who needs YOU to "stand out" for Him, to give hope, to encourage, to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the people He considered worth giving up His own life for. May we NOT let the FIRE go out! Don't be Afraid!!!! "That's how the lost get found." Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy LINK .......home of a woman who NEEDED these words.   "Your Father in Heaven KNOWS WHAT YOU NEED before you even ask HIm." Matthew 6:8 "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

God is REAL.

There has been someone around town that I have sensed I have offended. I wrote this person a note many months ago, sharing something about God in the note. Notes are always funny though, because you can lose the tone and the heart behind the message. I've been sensing whenever I see this person where I usually see them that he is unsettled in his spirit by my presence.   So, I began speaking to the One who "searches our hearts and minds," encourages us to make every effort to seek peace with our "brothers and sisters" and knows what has been going on in my friend's spirit. I have told my Master, that if I have hurt or offended or miscommunicated anything with this friend to please arrange our paths to cross in a random place and to let my spriit know what I am to say. So, guess who I ran into at D & W yesterday and guess who knew IMMEDIATELY in her heart that she should apologize or at least acknowledge that she has been possibly offensive...  Seeking to be obedient, I spoke what I think I needed to speak and when I left his wife gave me a huge hug (?). I'm not sure what all that meant but I think it affirmed that I needed to address this and that God sees the deepest places of our hearts, knows what we need and cares, and is our guide throughout the day.   May our eyes be opened this day to where and who He is guiding us to.  If there is anyone out there, whom we need to say something to, may God give us the strength to speak up. "His kingdom come, His will be done."  God is REAL, my friends. He is "always at His work" of drawing people to himself and encouraging us to LOVE, LOVE, 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

Made to Dance in the presence of the Son

My friend dropped by the other day with a box of goodies she was getting rid of. In that box, there was one of those little Solar dancing daisies. Have you seen those?? I was at a friend's house last year and she pointed to her little dancing daisy and said, "That little thing makes me so happy."   I didn't really understand it then, but Now I get it.  Whenever this little gadget is in the presence of the sun, it DANCES.  When it is not in the presence of the sun, it does NOT dance.     We, like the solar dancing daisy,  were made to dance in the presence of the Son.   "Let Isreal rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with DANCING." Psalm 149 2 & 3     May we spend time in the Son's presence today; listening to his words, his promises and believing them. ......and may we DANCE!!!!!!   Blessings from Bombadil!....a new home for a dancing little solar flower that now, like my friend, makes ME happy. 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

Happy Mom Monday

Happy Mom Monday.  Do you ever have those days where you just feel like a failure as a mom??  I had one of those days yesterday.  So, I had to use a little of my M.O.M. power:   Mind Over Matter   I had to "use my willpower to rise above adversity and make good decisions."   In other words, I had to Cry out God and push my will to surrender to his will and his words despite how I was feeling and what I seemed to be up against with my children.  In my heart, I was FEELING very angry, like I wanted to be really rough with a few of my kids. Yet, I know that God's word constantly encourages us to bring our will in submission to His will.  His will is to act wisely, with great love and patience.   "Every prudent man/woman ACTS OUT OF KNOWLEDGE (Not FEELINGS)." Prov. 13:16   So, may we put into practice our M.O.M. power today, using our Mind (  our thinking, our meditating on God's word) over Matter (an unpleasant or disagree situation)...   Blessings from Bombadil........ Hang in there, moms. God promises that someday we WILL reap a harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP!!! 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

DAWIM......LAWIY

"This looks like it could be addictive for some people," were the words I spoke to my husband as we got our first (and my only) tattoo together.  My husband happens to be one of the "some people." I think he's on tattoo number 14????? The thing I LOVE most about his tattoos are that they ALL have some spiritual meaning/significance. In fact, awhile back  we had our family dinner devotions every night for 2 weeks based on a different one of his tattoos                    Well, I'm definately NOT one of the "some people," but if I were I think I would get this tattooed on my fingers/ hands:               Left hand (one letter on each finger):    D A W I M              Right hand ( "                    "         ):    L A W I Y   Any guesses as to what those letters stand for??     D....eath A....t W...ork I.....n M...e     L.....ife A....t W...ork I......n Y.....ou   Listen to this great truth:   "We have this treasure in jars of clay.......We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for JESUS' SAKE, so that his life may be reavealed in our mortal body. So then, DEATH IS AT WORK IN US, BUT LIFE IS AT WORK IN YOU. " 2 Corinthians 4:10-12   Or another way to say it:   " This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."  1 John 3:16   So, wake up this day saying to God:   " Thank you for loving me so much, Jesus, that you would give up your life for me. The knowledge of that breathes such life into my soul. Knowing I am loved by you gives me great reason to face this day.Help me to be alert to where you might be asking me to lay down my life, my selfishness, to show someone else love; to show them YOU.  Use me to breathe LIFE into someone elses soul. May I be like you today, a "Life-giving spirit." Although I do not want to get those letters tattooed on my fingers, would you TATOO them on my SOUL that I might remember your words and have the greatest joy of revealing you to those who don't yet know you. May it be!!"   Help me be alert:            * In my home          * with my children          * With my husband          * On the road          * at school          * at the grocery store          * at the gas station          * at the football game, the track meet, ballet, gymnastics          * at church          * in the parking lot          * in my neighborhood          *  and anywhere else you might lead me.   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

Destruction or eternal life????

I just got back from a run around my neighborhood and a conversation with my neighbor and entered my home with this TRUTH ENGRAVED UPON MY HEART:    "Do not be DECEIVED: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature WILL REAP DESTRUCTION; the one who sows to  please the Spirit, from the Spirit WILL REAP ETERNAL LIFE." Galatians 6:7   WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!   Sin brings destruction. It WILL hurt you and those you love. You will "cry your eyes out for a month "(or more) if you CHOOSE to "sow to please your sinful nature."   CHOOSE LIFE, My friends!!!  "Sow to please the Spirit!!!"   Blessings from Bombadil............home of a woman who desires to HEED THE WARNING. 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 traveling companion

Before I left my house I prayed, "Jesus, I invite you to come with me, go before me, and please be my traveling companion."          This past Friday I had a wonderful gift given to me of some time with a very special friend who lives in Virginia.  My husband, who usually is my traveling buddy (whenever I do travel, which really isn't much) bought me a ticket to fly to Virgina for the weekend.  I flew form K-zoo to Detroit to Virginia.  I was a little nervous because usually Rob is the one who gets us to where we need to go, but now it was all up to me. After arriving in Detroit, I looked up the gate number for my connecting flight and headed straight there. Upon arrival, I checked in making sure that was the correct gate number and then sat down waiting for them to announce when it was time to board.   While I was waiting, a woman came and sat down next to me. We began chatting about all kinds of things and during our little chit-chat she mentioned something about the fact that sometimes airports change the gates of the departures.  As soon as she mentioned that, she asked if I had checked to see if perphaps MY gate for my connecting flight had changed.  The thought hadn't ever even crossed my mind. I didn't know they did that. It actually seemed a litte mean to me making me run to another place after I was quite settled where they originally told me to go. I had been sitting there the entire time and they sure hadn't mentioned anything about a gate change.  So, I approached the front desk and asked if the gate to Roenoke, Virginia had changed.  Sure enough, the gate that I was now supposed to be at where the plane was taking off in 20min. was changed to the entire other end of the airport.  I gathered my things, thanked the woman who informed me of such things happening at times, and hauled bootie down to the other end of the airport making it there just in time to board flight 2989.   A. Just luck that that woman came and mentioned that to me???   B. Coincidence??   C. Or the hand of Jesus, going before me and coming with me as my traveling companion guiding me to where I needed to be??    I choose and BELIEVE "C."   May you ask him to be YOUR "traveling companion" today through life.   "The Lord WILL GUIDE YOU always." Isaiah 58:11   "In your UNFAILING LOVE you WILL LEAD the people you have redeemed. In your strength you WILL GUIDE them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13   May you/we believe that He knows exactly what we need when we need it. May we TRUST HIM. Ahhhhhhhhh......what rest and peace is there in believing that. Blessing 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

stand firm!!

"Therefore , my dear sisters, STAND FIRM. LET NOTHING MOVE YOU. AlWAYS, GIVE YOURSELVES FULLY TO .............(TO WHAT???)  ..........THE WORK OF THE LORD,..................(WHY??)...........BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT YOUR LABOR IN THE LORD IS NOT IN VAIN (Lacking substance or worth; fruitless)." 1 Corinthians 15:58     How can we give ourselves "FULLY" today??  What is the work God has for you to do today? Do you know that NO LABOR OF LOVE IS IN VAIN????   Everything you do today, done in love prompted by your faith MATTERS. He sees!! Keep loving! Keep giving yourself!  Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy LInk

Don't say a word

"When Job's three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and SYMPATHIZE  WITH him and COMFORT him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; THEY BEGAN TO WEEP ALOUD, AND THEY TORE THEIR ROBES AND SPRINKLED DUST ON THEIR HEADS. Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. NO ONE SAID A WORD TO HIM BECAUSE THEY SAW HOW GREAT HIS SUFFERING WAS. "  Job 2:11-13   When suffering is great, may we just be there/be present, weeping and crying with our friends who are mourning. May we feel and express compassion; commiserate, seek to understand our friend''s feelings. May we be wise enough to understand that many times it is better to NOT SAY A WORD. Blessings from Bombadil....home of a friend who needs the sacred wisdom of when it is better to not say a word. 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

Limited perspective

I was sitting down on a chair painting our fence white the other day when I had a little reminder. I thought I had gotten everything covered and couldn't believe it when I stood up giving me a very different perspective. I had missed a TON.  I was reminded of these truths as I stood ABOVE my gate/fence/posts:    "You say "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. BUT YOU DON'T REALIZE THAT YOU ARE wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and slave to put o your eyes, so you can see."     "You are from below; I am from ABOVE. You are of this world. I am not of this world." John 8:23   "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   "He sits enthroned ABOVE the circle of the earth and its people are like grasshoppers............ his UNDERSTANDING NO ONE CAN FATHOM." Isaiah 40:22 & 28   "The earth is my footstool." Isaiah 66:1   It is soooo easy in this world to forget that our perspective is that of one which is "below." God sees ALL. He understands all that is missing in our lives(and the lives of those around us)  even though we might insist that we don't need a thing. Or maybe we are sooooo far from insisting we dont' need a thing and are VERY AWARE of our need/needs. Maybe we have become soooo weary because from our perspective things arent' looking so great. May we trust the One who is from above. He sees ALL. He knows exactly what is needed for the situation you are in and WHEN to give it to you. He is the God of perfect timing.  Trust Him!!!!  He knows what is coming and just how amazing it is.     May we NOT live life from our incredibly limited perspective. May we seek daily the perspective of Him who is from above; The One whose understanding NO ONE CAN FATHOM.  So get off your little chair and stand up, get into God's word, and view your life from His  "Above" perspective..........He is preparing us for Heaven, Paradise, the place of no more pain, tears, mourning or death.  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

NEW

Last night, we gathered in the living room to bring some "LIFE" to our children. We sat around talking about the summer and preparing for this NEW school year.  We asked each of them to share about their hopes for this NEW school year and then Rob shared his hope for them this NEW year.   Rob shared this truth:        " You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made NEW in the attitude of your minds; and to PUT ON THE NEW SELF, created to be LIKE GOD in TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS and HOLINESS."  Ephesians 4:22-25   As our children, "put on" their new school clothes or as we "put on" our new work clothes, may we all be mindful of putting on our NEW SELF..........."created to be LIKE GOD."  May the "ATTITUDE OF OUR MINDS," be FULL of righteousness and holiness. Blessings from Bombadil...........home of an 8th grader, 6th grader, 4th grader, 1st grader,  and preschooler who are FULL OF EXCITEMENT at the NEWNESS of a school year. 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: The Golden Rule

Applying the "Golden Rule" to my own parenting has proven to be most helpful (most of the time.......I would LOVE to be engaged in chatting about my thoughts/feelings,  but for some reason my boys don't seem to love that as much as I do ().     'So in EVERYTHING, do to others what you would have them do to you." Matthew 7:12   As we parent today, or interact with anyone today, may we follow this teaching of the One who KNOWS ALL.    May we speak to others the way we desire others to speak to us (with love, gentleness, kindness, and patience) May we be mindful of our body language and facial expressions giving to our children what we desire others to give to us (eye contact, smiles, expression, interest, fully present, etc)   May we give to our chidren the love  and expressions of it that we soo desire in the depths of our souls ( physical touch, time, acts of service, gifts, words that build up and bless)   May we give them the forgiveness, grace and mercy that we sooo desperately hunger for and are in need of ourselves.  How do you want someone to treat you when you ACCIDENTALLY spill milk all over the floor??? Or when you FORGET/MISPLACE  your keys or phone somewhere??     May we treat our children the same way that we want to be treated. 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

crown and a gown

It doesn't take long when sitting around a table with 4-6yrs. old GIRLS  for the conversation to turn to chatting about Princesses. I experienced that again, yesterday, as I sat with 6 little girls for a little "tea party."   After the conversation began with the youngest at the table bringing the topic up, I decided to engage and ask the girls,   "What do you think makes a true princess??"   With much conviction, Lydia, the 4 year old who was hosting this little shindig, stated as FACT,   "A CROWN and a GOWN!! A Princess HAS TO HAVE a beautiful dress!!"   When the slightly older girls at the table decided to speak their minds about what makes a girl a princess and mentioned that God has something to do with it, this little bundle of expression said,   "No!!!! That's NOT TRUE! A true princess has to have a gown/a pretty dress and a crown."   Little did she know they were both right.   Being a TRUE PRINCESS has EVERYTHING to do with our relationship with the King(God) AND having a GOWN and a CROWN   A princess is a princess because her Father is a King--any daughter of a King is a princess.   " God, the blessed and only Ruler, the KING OF KINGS and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light..." 1 Timothy 6:15   "Yet to all WHO RECEIVED HIM, to those who BELIEVED IN HIS NAME(JESUS), he gave the right to become CHILDREN (DAUGHTER'S ) OF GOD." John 1:12     Lydia was also correct. A TRUE PRINCESS HAS TO HAVE A GOWN & A CROWN!!   " For HE HAS CLOTHED ME WITH GARMENTS of salvation and arrayed me in a ROBE OF RIGHTEOUNESS."  Isaiah 61:10   "Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him. "Take off his filthy clothes.' Then he said to Joshua, "See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put RICH GARMENTS on you." Zechariah 3:3 & 4   "Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 13:14   JESUS IS OUR GOWN.     A true Princess has a CROWN:   " The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news............to bestow on them  a CROWN OF BEAUTY instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  Isaiah 61:1 & 3   "Praise the Lord , O my soul; all my inmost being praise his name....who redeems your life from the pit and CROWNS YOU WITH LOVE AND COMPASSION." Psalms 103:1 & 4     "At that time, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Fathe, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to LITTLE CHILDREN. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke 10:21   May we learn from 4 year old little Lydia that a TRUE PRINCESS HAS TO HAVE A GOWN AND A CROWN!!!! We must be clothed with Jesus and crowned with his love and compassion. May we learn from the 6 or 7 year old little children that it is ONLY GOD who can make us TRUE PRINCESSES. 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 special visitor

We've had some excitement around the Link household the last two evenings.  We've had a very special visitor knock on our door; not just once, but twice. The Kalamazoo Police have been receiving a call from a particular neighbor of ours because our cars are parked on our grass while we are waiting for our newly poured driveway to harden. The Police came not only on Monday in response to a complaint, but they were called AGAIN last night and came to speak with us one more time.               I'm not sure what causes a person to call the police on a neighbor about an issue like this, but thankfully I know the One who does.   "For the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts." 1 Chronicles 28:9     He knows the deeper issue of this precious neighbor's heart. He understands the motive behind the thoughts of this neighbor for whom Christ died.   He has given me his wonderful truth to fight this tiny little battle with:   "Be VERY CAREFUL, then, HOW YOU LIVE- NOT as UNWISE but as WISE, MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY, because the days are evil. Therefore DO NOT BE FOOLISH, BUT UNDERSTAND WHAT THE LORD'S WILL IS.................Submit to one another OUT OF REVERENCE FOR CHRIST." Ephesians 5:15-21   * I need to be "very careful," because living rightly requires great care   *He wants me to be wise, but the option to be unwise is out there ...and often much easier   *I have an opportunity here and He wants me to make the MOST of it.   *If I don't understand what HIS WILL is, I will be foolish & make unwise choices/reactions   *I need to search Scripture to find out what I KNOW is HIS WILL ( Love & truth are always involved)   *It is out of my "REVERENCE FOR CHRIST," that I die to my sinful, earthly nature to get mad, get even, hold a grudge, care more about myself than my neighbor etc.......   Whatever this day brings you, may you engage it with God's words. May you/we be "very careful,", "wise," and may we "make the MOST of EVERY opportunity."  Blessings from Bombadil.......home where some cars are parked in the grass for one more day with the blessing of the Police, but apparently not the blessing of a PRECIOUS neighbor.  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

"walk in wisdom.."

Happy Mom Monday...........             There are soo many opportunities throughout a day to "Show our annoyance" as a mom (or any other role we are in). Listen to the word of God:   " A FOOL SHOWS HIS ANNOYANCE AT ONCE, but a prudent woman overlooks an insult." Proverbs 12:16   As tempting as it might be to show our annoyance, it actually makes US look like a fool. Isn't it more beautiful and attractive to see a mom who is patient and able to overlook some things or be gentle in dealing with those annoyances rather than easily irritable.   " Love is patient, it is not rude, it is not easily angered (irritated)......"1 Corinthians 13:4     As we go about our day mothering our children, may we do it with much WISDOM.   "She who walks in WISDOM is kept safe." Proverbs 28:26   We have the opportunity THIS DAY to not only bless our children with our walking in wisdom, but to reveal the GLORY OF GOD. All of HiS ways are soooo attractive and a blessing to Him and the souls around us. Who knows who we might draw to the Lord through our "momming" today????   My prayer for us today:            Oh Father, You have given us the greatest joy and responsibility to love, nurture, teach and train these precious creatures of yours. You don't promise us another day of this great honor. May we be moms who walk in wisdom for the sake of YOUR NAME. All of your commands lead to life, peace, more beauty, more joy, and more love. They are not burdensome ("And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world." 1 John 5:3). May we die to our annoyances that our children and others might live. LOVE THE WORLD THROUGH US, GOD!!! Amen. "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

Pruned!!

I commented to my neighbor,yesterday, on the beauty of one of her bushes. She said to me,    "Yeah, my husband pruned it this year. He cut it way back/down. It scared me because I thought it wouldn't grow back but it actually grew back bigger and better."   Ohhhhh, the wisdom and goodness of God.   " I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he PRUNES so that it will be EVEN MORE FRUITFUL."  John 15: 1 & 2     Pruning might hurt a little, but oh how much more beauty..................................   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

"YOU ARE MAKING ME FEEL GRUMPY!"

How do you react when you hear the name- GOD???  How do His truths affect your heart and change your attitude/perspectives???  Allow me the great honor of sharing this delightful story with you that just happened this past Saturday.         I was at a  Monster/Hula birthday party for a precious 4 year old little girl who had invited many other little 4 year old girls. Some of us moms and dads were sitting around chatting while many of these cuties were enjoying the swingset and all that it offered.  In the midst of us parents chatting, the words, (screams???)   "You are making me feel grumpy!" exploded into the air.   Those words continued to bellow out of this little soul becoming louder and louder each time. Things that come out of children are always more funny when it is not your own child so I sat back and was actually finding this little girl and her expression of her words quite humorous.  Noticing that this particular little girl's mom was not there at this time, I realized that she might actually need a little help and have someone step in on her behalf. So, I decided to engage and help "shepherd her heart."  I walked over to the swingset, bent down, put my arm around her and said, "I hear that something is making you feel grumpy. Is this true?"   "Yes!!!" she said.   I asked all the other girls around to please stop swinging and to listen to her heart because God cares about her.   When I asked "what or who is making you feel grumpy?," pointing at the person who was disturbing her insides, she said, "She is trying to go higher than me!!"   "Ohhhh, I see," I said. "Do you think she is better than you because she is going higher than you?   "Yes," she replied.   I proceeded to tell her, "You don't have to compete with her. You were made for God."   At the mention of that name, she stopped looking around, stared deeply, straight into my eyes, and with a  curious, respectful, questioning tone said, "GOD?"   Looking right back at her, I said, "Yes,..... GOD. You were made for God. You don't have to compare yourself with others. God just wants you to do the best YOU can do. So don't watch her, just do the best swinging that YOU can do."    I wish you could have seen how the mention of his name and the truth that I shared with her CHANGED HER.  Her eyes became FULL OF PEACE. She continued swinging the entire rest of the party, yelling, "I'M DOING MY BEST." I think (I guess I'm not totally positive, but I think..) she might have even yelled, 'I'M SWINGING MY BEST FOR GOD."   I will never forget observing this little child go from "YOU ARE MAKING ME FEEL GRUMPY" to the most peaceful and joyful, "I'M DOING MY BEST."   May HIS WORDS and the mention of his name change US and our attitudes from grumpy to peaceful today and everyday. 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

Happy Mom Monday....

I've been struggling connecting with one of my children,lately.            The other day I played a game of "basketball" with him....the thing he loves to do most.           That same night, I received the BIGGEST hug from him.          I think we "connected" again.     Happy Mom Monday. As hard as it is ( and I find it very hard sometimes), Stop what you are doing and PLAY or DO what your children lOVE to do. Remember to enter their world. You just might capture their heart again. .....After all, isn't that one of the many reasons we love Jesus...........He entered our world. Go enter your kids worlds today. You just might receive a HUGE hug at the end of your day.  And don't forget to hug/thank/blow a kiss to the One who loved you enough to enter your world. 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

You are in control

I was in Ludington this past weekend for a Gus Macker tournament with some very special friends. I could write on several things that blessed me while I was there, but above them all was being a part of the early morning worship/devo time led by the father of this precious family, The Bandstras. As I often do, I could not keep from crying. My children seem to love to point this out and with my face turned to the other room I could hear my kids whisper, (and NOT whisper).."Mom's crying again."..........."Why are you crying, mom?"  My oldest son nailed it right on the head when I heard him say, perhaps sarcastically (but I don't really think so) , "She's crying because she thinks its beautiful." Jake, my oldest son, knows me. He should I suppose having lived with me for 13 years.  It was beautiful. It was BEAUTIFUL. It is EXACTLY how it is suppose to be, the way God designed the family to function.......the Father/ the Big Daddy of the clan, passing on the most wonderful truths of God to his children, and not only his children, but to my children as well.  He led his 5 children and beautiful wife, and my five children and myself in this song:   YOU ARE IN CONTROL:    You are my shepherd I have no needs You lead me by peaceful streams and you refresh my life   You hold my hand and you guide my steps I could walk through the valley of death and I won't be afraid   Because You are in control You are in control (3x)   You cause everything to work together you truly have a Sovereign plan and You know who I am And you made me who I am And you love who I am   Because You are in control You are in control (3x)     May these words of God "Dwell in you richly" today.  May you/we BELIEVE 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

Seen, known, and loved!

Elyse, my little 4 year old daughter, LOVES to sing. Yesterday, and even a few days before that a song came out of her heart, seemingly out of nowhere:    "I see you. I know you. I love you................................I see you. I know you. I love you!" ...........over and over again.   When I asked her, "Who sees us and knows us and loves us, Elyse?" almost offended at my question as if to imply, "Duh, mom, don't you know," she replied,     "God"     Sounds Biblical to me!   "You are the God who SEES ME' for she said, "I have now seen the ONE who SEES ME." Genesis 16:13   "Oh Lord, you have searched me, and you KNOW ME." Psalm 139:1   " Dear friends, since God SO LOVED US, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11    Ahhhhhhhhhhh......I can make it through another day KNOWING and BELIEVING the God who made the UNIVERSE sees me, knows me and loves me. After all,   "Perfect love drives out FEAR." 1 John 4:18   So let the song out of the heart of a child, a 4 year old little girl, "given to her for you,"  settle your souls. YOU are SEEN. You are KNOWN. YOU are LOVED.  Actually, I belieive the text says, "SO LOVED." 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

He cares for YOU.

As I sat on the floor next to my daughter, yesterday, who sat in the "Check your heart" chair feeling VERY ANGRY... I realized once again what a TREASURE this truth is:     " Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. CAST ALL YOUR ANXIETY( CARES) ON HIM BECAUSE HE CARES FOR YOU." 1 Peter 5:6-7   What a privilege to have the opportunity to teach my daughter where to go with her anger. To be able to sit with her and counsel her to get out all the thoughts she is having that are causing her anger to a God that cares is a gift. He cares. He REALLY, REALLY CARES.  Then to guide her in listening to HIM and HIS THOUGHTS ON HER SITUATION AND THINKING.   How does one get through life in all its difficulties, all the raging emotions and questions, without the belief and knowledge that the One who created us, the One who understands us and knows us better than we know ourselves, and understands the situations or people that are causing us to be angry in all it's entirety, CARES???? He cares .   May we ALL sit in our own "check your heart" chairs and get out everything going on in our inner world. After we've gotten 'IT" all out, may we take the time to LISTEN to God and HIS COUNSEL. After all, he is:   "wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom." Isaiah 28:29   May we take great delight in knowing that HE CARES. He cares about YOU and HE cares about THEM ( the "them" or whatever it/who it is that is making you angry, etc.....) 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

Two climbing roses planted

I just planted two of the very same kind of climbing roses,one on each side of my garage door.  As I entered my garage yesterday and looked at both of the plants, I found that the one on my right is growing and has green leaves all over it.  I felt soooo happy and excited to see all the beauty that is going to come from it. The one on my left, however, looks dead. There is nothing on it; no signs of life or beauty. I felt soo sad. I wondered if I should dig it up and see if I can get my money back or at least get a new one, one that WILL produce flowers/beauty, what it was MADE to do.  This morning I had the thought,   "Perhaps I will keep them both, the one that is alive and full of beauty AND the one that appears to be dead with no growth at all, as a symbol and a reminder of the following words from the ONE we were made for, the ONE who deeply desires beauty and growth from his "flower bushes,"...........US:       "I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. ....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 and 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 you. This is to MY FATHER'S GLORY, that YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT, showing yourselves to be my disciples. "  John 15:1- 8   " Then Jesus told this parable:  ' A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, 'For three years now I've been coming to LOOK FOR FRUIT on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down!! Why should it use up the soil?'  'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." Luke 13:6-9  "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Luke 3:8     May we be like the one rose bush planted on the right side of my garage, growing and bringing forth "fruit" and beauty as we abide in the vine and allow HIS WORDS to dwell in us richly.   It is our Master gardener's deep desire for us to draw close to Him so we may add sooo much beauty to HIS WORLD. Isn't He a GOOD GOD for LOVING BEAUTY!!! What symbols can you put around your home to whisper to and remind your soul of your Master's desires??? 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

Happy Mom Monday!!

"Then they can TRAIN the younger women to LOVE their HUSBANDS and CHILDREN."  Titus 2:4   Remember that we need some TRAINING to LOVE.   Training is coaching. It is coaching in some mode of behavior. It is to help make proficient with specialized INSTRUCTION AND PRACTICE.      Here are a few of God's instructions on LOVE:   "Love is PATIENT (long-suffering), love is KIND, ..........it is NOT RUDE, it is NOT EASILY-ANGERED, it keeps NO RECORD OF WRONGS...."   That is the instruction. Now.......PRACTICE patience, kindness, not being rude, not getting mad easily and keeping no record of wrongs.   Remember that following Christ means dying to ourselves and learning to obey his instructions.   "A patient man has GREAT UNDERSTANDING." Prov. 14:29   Understand this moms and wives (and all other women) ....it doesn't feel good to your children's or husband's souls when YOU ARE IMPATIENT, UNKIND, RUDE, EASILY ANGERED & KEEPING A RECORD OF ALL OF THEIR WRONGS .  Those DON'T  bring life to your family. As moms  & follower of Jesus Christ, we are called to bring LIFE!!!   "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, SO THAT the life of Jesus may also be revealed in OUR BODY. For we who are alive are always being given over to DEATH FOR JESUS' SAKE, SO THAT HIS LIFE MAY BE REVEALED IN OUR MORTAL BODY. So then, DEATH IS AT WORK IN US, but LIFE IS AT WORK IN YOU."  2 Corinthians 4:10-12       Know God's instructions my friends. Practice them over and over until you are incredibly skilled at PATIENCE, KINDNESS, NOT BEING RUDE OR EASILY ANGERED, AND KEEPING NO RECORD OF WRONGS. DIE TO YOURSELF .........SO THAT CHRIST CAN BE REVEALED THROUGH YOU to your husband, to your children, to all the people God brings you.       We are  "Training ourselves to be GODLY." 1 Timothy 4:7    We are a "prudent women who ACT OUT OF KNOWLEDGE" (NOT feeling & emotion and mere instinct). Prov. 13:16     Like any good coach would train and encourage his/her players in the game.......may I encourage you in the "game" of 'moming/wifing/ womaning"  ..........YOU CAN DO THIS!!! YOU HAVE THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD INSIDE OF YOU (IF YOU HAVE ASKED HIM TO DWELL WITHIN YOU). YOU HAVE INSTRUCTIONS. NOW DO THEM! YOU HAVE A SACRED OPPORTUNITY TO REVEAL CHRIST TO THOSE AROUND YOU IF YOU WILL DIE TO YOURSELF!!! COME ON LADIES!!! WE CAN DO THIS. WE CAN BRING SOOOOO MUCH LIFE TO OUR FAMILIES. THIS IS MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN ANY GAME (basketball, soccer, tennis, etc....) This is LIFE.  Blessings from Bombadil. "Coach" Kristy   "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

Beauty

Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! What is it in me that LONGS for BEAUTY???  It is one of my deepest desires. Beauty in me, beauty in my children, beauty in my home. I crave it. It heals. It inspires. It comforts.   We had another tornado warning the other night. I had worked in my yard that day planting some climbing roses. All of my hard work to bring beauty to my home could be gone in a second.   Where can I go, then, with this deep, deep, longing and desire for beauty??? I know of only one place- The hope of heaven. Paradise. Jesus.   "Zion, PERFECT IN BEAUTY..."  Psalm 50:2   May we seek to bring beauty everywhere we go here on earth, but may the hope of heaven, paradise, through Jesus Chris  be the "anchor for our soul," tying us down to a deep HOPE when beauty here on earth is destroyed, could be destroyed,  or is not yet attained, To be sure, this hunger for beauty can only be that we are made in his image and part of what we were made for. God IS beauty. 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

Hide and seek

"He himself gives ALL men LIFE and BREATH and EVERYTHING ELSE." Acts 17:25   You and I are alive today because God wants us to be alive today. Your neighbors, family, co-workers, enemies, etc.. have life because God gave them life.   Do you know WHY we have breath and life????   "God did this SO THAT men would SEEK HIM and perhaps REACH OUT FOR HIM AND FIND HIM." Acts 17:27   Are we seeking HIM? Are we REACHING OUT for HIM???? Have we FOUND HIM???   SEEK- to try to locate, discover, search for, move to or go toward,   REACH- to stretch out or put forth, extend, to touch or take hold of by extending some bodily part; to go as far as ; suceeding in communicating with   We have been given life and breath today to seek HIM and to find HIM. It is WHY we are here. I'm sooo thankful I'm not here to try to be the most beautiful, rich, talented, popular, intelligent,  being, for life would be HIGHLY discouraging and disappointing if that was why I was put here,  but rather to find the ONLY ONE who is all those things and more and to worship HIM. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy JOY Link   "You will SEEK me and FIND me WHEN YOU SEEK ME with ALL of your HEART." Jeremiah 29:13   "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

"Engrossed"

"Time is short.............From now on ........those who use the things of this world, as if not ENGROSSED in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." 1 Corinthians 7:29 & 31   Engrossed- occupy the complete attention of ; absorb wholly   May we ENJOY  the "things of this world." May we USE the things of this world. But may we hold them loosely not giving them our entire and complete attention ,but simply using them to be a blessing and bring glory to God. May we guard our hearts from becoming too engrossed that we fail to be used in advancing the kingdom of God. Blessing 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

Teach me! Correct me! Rebuke me! Train me! I want to be beautiful!

"ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED and is USEFUL for                 1. TEACHING                  2. REBUKING,                  3. CORRECTING, and                  4. TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, so that the woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for EVERY GOOD WORK.'   2 Timothy 3:16   "For the word of God is LIVING and ACTIVE. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the THOUGHTS and ATTITUDES of the heart. Nothing in ALL OF CREATION is HIDDEN from GOD'S SIGHT. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom WE MUST GIVE ACCOUNT." Hebrews 4:12-13   There are sooo many things that I do not know or understand, but ONE THING I DO KNOW: I NEED GOD'S WORD!!!!! I desperately need it this morning to teach me, rebuke me, correct me, train me in what is right. I NEED IT to judge my thoughts and attitudes and to reveal to me where I've gone wrong in some things. Oh how I LOVE this Book and the MOST AWESOME GOD it reveals to me. This God that loves me, is commmitted to my growth and becoming beautiful; this God that sees me, knows what I need, "in whom are hidden all the keys of wisdom and knowledge,"  and who has plans to prosper me. How does one live, I mean REALLY LIVE with peace, joy, and love in the INNER BEING without a daily/hourly dose of these words????? I do not know. I only know that I NEED THEM!!!! Blessings from Bombadil. ....home of a woman who AGREES HEARTILY with this passage of Scripture:   "The law of the LORD is perfect, REVIVING THE SOUL.. The statutes of the LORD are TRUSTWORTHY, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are RIGHT, givng JOY TO THE HEART. The commands of the LORD are RADIANT, giving LIGHT to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is PURE, enduring forever The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether RIGHTEOUS. They are more PRECIOUS THAN GOLD, than much pure gold; they are SWEETER THAN HONEY, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant WARNED; in keeping them there is GREAT REWARD." Psalm 19:7-11   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

An answered prayer.

The Prayer, the journal, the "above all else guarding your heart," the wrestling, the surrender, the dependence of a mom's heart on the day of her daughter's 4th outdoor birthday party in which everything was planned for outside, but the weather was forcasting rain and thunderstorms.   "It is the morning of Elyse's 4th birthday party. I KNOW you are very aware of this. You know all of the children that have been invited. Being that it is a "Tangled" party with Rapunzel and all of her hair, "You know the number of hairs on their head  and my head."  You are the GREATEST party planner. You are the God of details, the sun, of children, of hair.   I'm anxious about the weather. I don't know what I will do if it rains today. My brain hurts from planning the outdoor part of the party. I don't know if I can think now of replanning the party for indoors.   "The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition (A solemn supplication or request to a SUPERIOR AUTHORITY; requesting a benefit from a person in authority) with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God." Phillipians 3:5 & 6   This is THE WORD OF GOD. This is TRUE for MY SITUATION TODAY.   "Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7   You have seen all the work and thought I have put into this party. You have seen how hard I am trying to be organized and orderly. I don't think I can switch things up if it rains and have it in my home. I have invited too many children. Do you think I can?? Would YOU still have the party and just have it in my home or should I cancel if it rains??   I want to bless people's souls. I'm afraid if it was in my home it would be too chaotic. It already is sometime just with 5 children. I can't imagine adding another 16.   You, Father in Heaven, know what I need before I even ask. (Matthew 6)   You are the One who controls the wind and weather. No thing is too hard for you.   "This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us- whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him. " 1 John 5:13   I am asking for a GLORIOUS evening, Full of sunshine and sunbeams, warm gentle breezes. We are "fellow-workers" and I NEED YOU to come through for me. Even if it does rain, perhaps, "blesssings come in raindrops," and I will still choose to believe that you are good and you know what is best. "     IT WAS A GLORIOUS EVENING.   "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, GOD!!!!!!!!!   "I sought the Lord, and he answered me." Psalm 34:4   May we seek him every day, hour, minute of our lives, pouring out our hearts to him about EVERYTHING, the ONLY ONE who can do anything about our situations. As we seek him and experience answers to our prayers (although perhaps not all of them because He is God and knows what is best), may our joy be great and our reverence and awe of the Ruler of all Creation grow deeper and deeper. Amen! 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

Not being ABLE to see

Without my contacts in or my glasses on, I CANNOT SEE WELL. I would be considered "legally blind" without the aid of either of those WONDERFUL INVENTIONS.  This morning, I decided to go for a little while without any help from my contacts or glasses. Everything was cloudy, unclear, and not in focus. I simply COULD NOT SEE WELL.  Hear what God says:   " Now there was man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him." In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you  the TRUTH, no one can SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD UNLESS HE IS BORN AGAIN. ' How can a man be born when he is old?""  Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the TRUTH, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should no be surprised at my saying, "You must be born again." The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:1-8   Just as I am unable to see well without my contacts or glasses, Jesus says that unless we are "born again," unless we bend our knee to Jesus and ask His Spirit to come dwell within us, we are UNABLE to see the "kingdom of God."   Have you put your "glasses on/ contacts in" so that you can see? Have you been "born again" by the Spirit of God???"   "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit , IF THE SPIRIT OF GOD LIVES IN YOU. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is IN YOU, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness, And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living IN YOU, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who LIVES IN YOU." Romans 8:9-11   People who don't have the Spirit of God living in them, people who have not been "born again," are unable to see the Kingdom of God. May we be used by God to help others "SEE" so that they don't miss out on all that God is and all He is doing around us. 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......The Three Musketeers

I don't know about you, but one of my GREATEST DESIRES as a mom is for my children to love each other well (hmmmmm.....sounds like Someone else I know). There are not many other things that can bring my soul as much joy as when I see my children playing together well, being kind to each other, laughing, and caring for each other.  The opposite of that is also true that one of the things that grieves me and saddens me most is when my children have a day full of fighting, quarreling, etc....... Soooo, as a mom I am trying to do everything I can to help my children love each other. This is HARD WORK.  However, God's word says,   "All hard work brings a profit."        While I was out and about at Big Lots a few months ago I found these boxes that look like books. They were titled, "The Three Musketeers." Since I have 3 boys, I'm always a sucker for "Three Musketeer" anything. I bought the 3 boxes thinking of them as some sort of investment in my boy's lives,  encouraging them to follow the motto:   "All for ONE, and ONE for all!!!!"   or in God's words,   " How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in UNITY."   Not sure when exactly I would give them these boxes, I kept asking God to show me the right time.   After all, his word says,   " He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart: HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE THAT HAVE YOUNG." Isaiah 40:11   Believing it is HIM who is LEADING ME, I was given this idea to give the boxes  to them on Mother's day, letting them know the greatest gift they can give me as a mom  is for them to be the "Three Musketeers."   After giving them the boxes, a new idea popped into my head (" HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE THAT HAVE YOUNG."). We needed something to put into these boxes and so last Thursday we had our first "Three Musketeer Thursday."  I printed off a picture of the three musketeers on-line, and wrote on it their very first assignment and then put it in each of their boxes:   "Walk to Treat St. (and ice cream shop down the road) together with Barkly (our newfoundland dog) and tell the cashiers that you are "Jake, Max, and Zeke Link."  They will tell you what to do next. Be home at 5;30"   I had gone to Treat St. before them and purchased a small ice cream cone for each of them. I told the cashiers  they could get them ONLY AFTER they told the cashiers something they LOVED about each of their brothers. They also had free doggy cones so they were each to be given a cone to give to Barkly.   That began our first, once a month, 'Three Musketeer Thursday," just one more effort made to seek to bring unity to the LInk brotherhood.  They still fought that night. Ahhhhhhhhhh!!! May we keep making efforts, keep encouraging, disciplining, praying, persevering and  waiting until some day all our hard work as moms brings a profit of "good and pleasant unity." 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

From the rising to the setting of the sun....

Psalm 113   "PRAISE the Lord.   Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the LORD. Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.   FROM THE RISING OF THE SUN TO THE PLACE WHERE IT SETS, THE NAME OF THE LORD IS TO BE PRAISED.   The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the ONE who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?   He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with the princes, with the princes of their people.   He settles the barren woman in her home as the happy mother of children..   Praise the Lord."       See if you can TRY to PRAISE HIS NAME from the rising of the sun to the setting of the sun...( ALL DAY LONG). No matter what happens today...PRAISE HIS NAME......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

He AILS our TAILS!!!

This past Friday night we had a Marriage Mini-conference at our church. One of the things my husband and I spoke about was the work and ways of the evil one who is bent on destroying marriages.  Here is a little something to tuck away in your heart and mind as you grow in years and love with your hubby (or as you simply go through life....this can apply to just plain ol' life as well as marriages)     AIL- to cause pain, make ill or uneasy; trouble   TAIL- The bottom, rear, or hindmost part of anything   SATAN AILS OUR TAILS!!   In other words.......He is a PAIN IN THE BUTT, BACKSIDE, GLUTEOUS MAXIMUS, REAR, BOTTOM, _________________(insert your own word)         T ...empts.......Matthew 4: 1...."Tempted by the devil."  and 1 Corinthians 7:5 A...ccuses......Zechariah 3:1..."Satan at his right side to accuse him." I....incites ......Job 2:3...."Though you (Satan) incite me against him to ruin him." L...ies ...........John 8:44..."When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar." S...teals.........John 10:10..."The thief comes to steal........"   May we get good at recognizing HIS tactics so we may be able to say like Paul,   "For we are not unaware of his schemes." 2 Corinthians 2:11   Marriage is God's idea and it is BEAUTIFUL! It's no wonder the evil one wants to destroy us. When we give in to his ways we end up walking with our TAILS between our legs because his ways always bring shame and death. However, if we hold fast to God's words, believing that we are in a battle and his word is our sword , we can fight this evil enemy and have beautiful marriages that remain faithful to the end and are rich in love and mercy.   Next time you think it's your husband who is the pain in your butt PERHAPS it is actually the evil one stirring up some temptations, accusations, incitements, lies, and stealing your joy, peace, thankfulness for your man.   Be on the look out. He is like a "roaring lion looking for someone to devour." What a pain in my bootie he is. I HATE him.  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........."I am a jealous God."

I hope you all had a beautiful Mother's day either honoring or being honored.   I had a fun and interesting conversation with my 5 year old daughter on Mother's Day eve.  I was tucking her in bed, and she was exceptionally affectionate. As I was receiving many kisses from this precious little girl she said to me,   "Why do I have to love God more than you??? I want to love you more. I don't love him more than I love you. Why does he say I have to? He sounds jealous...'Love me, love me.' I don't want to. I want to love you more, mom."   Talk about honesty and struggle with God!!! It was soooo pure and simply the truth about what was going on in her heart.   We had had a conversation before about priorities and how God should always come first in our hearts and that He is the one we should love most.   "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life- he cannot be my disciple."  Luke 14:25   As wonderful as it is to receive this kind of love from our children, it is our job to help them fall more and more in love with Jesus. Our children were not made for us. They were made for Him;   " All things were created by him and FOR HIM.' Colossians 1:16   They were made to worship the Creator, not the created thing ( a mom.....that was ALL HIS IDEA.....He is the Creator of motherhood, us moms.........we are the 'created thing').....   "....they worshipped and served created things rather than the Creator." Romans 1:25   Most certainly, God desires moms to be honored and it is a beautiful thing to him to see children loving their parents, honoring and obeying them. However, God has made moms in His image to reveal some of HIS  characteristics . A mom comforts her child to show him/her that God is a comforter.   "As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you."Isaiah 66:13   When I asked a friend what she really appreciated about her mom she said, "Her unfailing love."  Why can a mom love like that?  God has made many moms to reveal His Unfailing love:   " The earth is full of HIS UNFAILING LOVE." Psalm 33:5   "May your unfailing love be my comfort." Psalm 119:76   "What a man desires is unfailing love." Proverbs 19:22   As awesome as a mom can be, us moms are imperfect and we can fail our children. We are not God. We need to continually point them to the One who will not fail them.   " Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU. I HAVE ENGRAVED YOU ON THE PALMS OF MY HANDS." Isaiah 49:15 & 16   As far as God being "Jealous," Reese was absolutely correct in her observation.   " You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God , am a JEALOUS GOD." Exodus 20:5   "Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is JEALOUS, is a Jealous God." Exodus 34:14   May we do our best to reveal the characteristics of God to our children, but may we always point them to the "Creator."  May we encourage honest questions and  struggles from our children, allowing them the freedom to work their faith out. May we LEARN FROM OUR CHILDREN and be honest with God about our own hearts, questions, and struggles. May we remember that God is a jealous God and He alone should be number one in our lives.........even before our own moms, dads,  husband, children........only then does life work as healthy as it should. 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

Celebrate!!!!

I wish you all could have sat around my dinner table with my family the other night. We had soooo much fun celebrating one of our own.   After much struggle  and many failures of seeking to get this one particular child to go to his room when in need of discipline, without complaining, without talking back or throwing a fit, but with a very respectful and obedient, "Yes mom/ yes dad,"... we FINALLY had a SUCCESS!!!!!  It happened on Sunday night.  This one of the "Fab. 5," was not being a good listener when listening was required and so Rob told him to go to his room. Wondering how he would do THIS TIME, holding my breath and cheering for him in my heart to respond rightly, HE DID IT!!! He simply said, "Yes, dad," and he got up and he went into his room with NO  FIGHTING BACK OR COMPLAINING.  Yeah!!!!!            So, on Monday morning, as I was having my time with God, sitting quiet and listening, I had a strong sense that we REALLY needed to CELEBRATE this spiritual growth for our son.  I decided that on Tuesday night, he was going to eat off of the "You are Special" plate. I told him that we were sooo proud of him for choosing to respond the way he did and that we were going to celebrate and honor him for the choice he made. I asked him what meal he would like for that evening and proceeded to make it with great joy, I put his picture on my "Count your blessings" board along with what he did that was such a blessing, and set the Red plate right near dad's spot. When it was dinner time and every one was in their place, I proceeded to tell them that we were celebrating tonight. I asked everyone to clap and cheer for our growing son to which everyone complied and the cheering that went on  was like what you would hear at a winning sports game.  There was whistling, clapping, cheering using this one particular child's name.  I wish you could have seen my son's face. He LAUGHED, SMILED FROM EAR TO EAR, and had to put his face in his hands because he couldn't stop. He was beaming the rest of the night.   I wish you all could have been at my dinner table with my family the other night.   May I remind us to   "Rejoice with those who rejoice." Romans 12   "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   May we not give up seeking to bring ourselves first and then those God has placed us as an authority over to righteousness. May we NOT BECOME WEARY IN DOING GOOD and may we reap a HUGE harvest.  When there is growth in our own lives first and then those God has given us..may we CELEBRATE HUGELY.  Growing in doing what is right is worthy of a HUGE PARTY. So, if you are like my child and have struggled and failed, and struggled and failed, and struggled and failed, and struggled and failed, but haven't given up and  have FINALLY done the right thing ....CELEBRATE!!!! Go buy yourselves a Starbucks or some fresh flowers. God LOVES right doing. He loves when his women refuse to disrespect their husbands. He loves it when his children learn to have thankful hearts instead of whining/complaining/negative hearts. If you have been able to give thanks and focus on the positive today when you used to go down the negative road.....CELEBRATE!! May we get better and better in the Family of God at throwing amazing parties and celebrations in honor of spiritual growth and doing what is right in this world where doing the wrong is a constant temptation.  Blessings from Bombadil............home of one fun dinner party in honor of a boy who FINALLY obeyed his daddy in a very respectful way.  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