SEEK HIS FACE.

All I have to say is I think God is BRILLIANT! I am in awe of His creation this morning. As I was reading the Psalms this morning I came across a verse that has stirred my soul (and stirred my friend, Becky Rice's soul b/c her name is by the verse in my Bible on September 2007). The verse is from Psalm 27:8 and it says:

" MY HEART SAYS OF YOU, 'SEEK HIS FACE!!!' YOUR FACE , LORD, I WILL SEEK."

So this morning I'm thinking about His face. I'm thinking about how the face is all his idea. Think about  the eyebrows that add so much expression, the eyes that are a window to the soul and communicate so much without saying a word, the ears given to us to listen, the nose given to us to smell,, the mouth given to us to speak with, smile and frown with, laugh with, a tounge given to us to taste with. Think about how we can shift our head tilting it from side to side using just one little tilt to communicate compassion or how we use it to nod up and down communicating, "yes" or side to side speaking  a "no." Isn't it AMAZING how EVERTHING on our face somehow communicates what is going on inside our HEART. And it's ALL ABOUT THE HEART! 

My children are ALWAYS looking at my face to see how I feel about something. They are constantly watching my expressions to see how Ifeel about their actions; if there is a smile they know I am pleased, if there is a frown or a furrowed eye brow they know the opposite is true. It's funny, I often will walk around my home praying for people, crying out to God on their behalf, and not realizing my facial expression until one of my children will say, "What's wrong, Mommy?" It is a daily occurance to find children's books in my room deposited there by Reese who does not appreciate characters in her books with angry looks.

So what about us? Are we looking to our Heavenly Father's face to see how HE feels about our thoughts and our actions? He sees them all, what we do and say, what we think about. The angels in heaven know this,

"See that you do not look down on ONE of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven ALWAYS SEE THE FACE OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN." Matthew 18: 10 & 11

What does that face of God look like, I wonder, when we look down on the little ones? Is it angry, sad, disappointed, or hurt, because He loves those little ones soooo deeply and does not want us to hurt them or consider them unimportant.

May we be women who seek his face always! Before we speak a word to our friend, our husband, our parents, our children may we look to his face to see if what we are about to say would benefit His child. Before we make a decision, may we look for his head nod, yes or no. May we hold always before us His eyes that reveal this truth:

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and RICH IN LOVE."  Nehemiah 9:17

May we seek His face more than we seek the faces of the people on this earth.

May we be in AWE today, and everyday, of His creation of the face, made in His image.May we have a greater understanding of just how much the heart, our heart, matters to God and just how much he wants His heart and how feels to matter to us.  May every face we see today remind us that,

"Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?" Psalm 94:9

Seek his face TODAY, my friends. Hold on to the hope that although right now we may "see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." 1 Corinthians 13:12

SEEK his face. Seek HIS face. Seek his FACE!  Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

God see

There is a lot of excitement brewing in my household. It's only 6a.m and I already have 2 children stirring. I've reminded them 3 times already that this is "mommy's time" and it needs to be QUIET. I can't blame them though- We ARE celebrating Zeke's 7th birthday today. The streamers are hanging from the ceiling behind me, the "special plate" is at the table with donuts ready to be eaten, presents are waiting to be opened, balloons are floating around everywhere and monkeys are hanging from our light fixture (Zeke is really into monkeys this year). As I was sitting there asking God what I should write about this morning in the midst of all this  hoopla, Reese sneezed. Rob, who was heading out the door, yelled from the next room, "Bless you baby." Reese immediately responded with,

 "Don't call me baby, daddy! I'm not a baby, I'M A BIG GIRL. I USED TO BE a baby BUT NOW I'm a big girl."

Do you hear the cry of her heart? Do you hear the cry of OUR heart??? Don't call me what I used to be! Call me what I am NOW!"

As a woman who believes in Jesus, has acknowledged her need for His forgiveness and cried out for mercy, let me share with you who you are NOW:

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life."
 John 5:24

USED TO BE : Living in death                                                                                            BUT NOW: living in life

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, BUT whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

USED TO BE: condemned                                                                                                   BUT NOW: not condemned

"Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth........- remember that at that time you were seperate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the convenants of the promise, WITHOUT HOPE AND WITHOUT GOD IN THE WORLD. BUT NOW in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

USED TO BE: without hope & w/o God in the world                                                                BUT NOW: with hope & with God in the world

"At just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the undgodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope  to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his INCOMPARABLY GREAT POWER FOR US WHO BELIEVE. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms....." Ephesians 1:18-20

USED TO BE: powerless                                                                                                    BUT NOW: powerful

"For you were once darkness, BUT NOW you are LIGHT in the Lord." Ephesians 5:8

USED TO BE: darkness                                                                                                        BUT NOW: light

"You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But YOU DO NOT REALIZE that you are WRETCHED, PITIFUL, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become RICH, and white clothes to wear so you can COVER  your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can SEE." Revelation 3:17-18

USED TO BE: wretched, pitiful, poor , blind, naked                                                                    BUT NOW: rich, covered in perfection, can see

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11: 6

USED TO BE: not pleasing to God                                                                                            BUT NOW: pleasing to God

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5: 17

USED TO BE: old                                                                                                                       BUT NOW: new!

"In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument  for noble purposes, made holy, USEFUL TO THE MASTER, and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 2:20-21

USED TO BE: ???useless to God???                                                                                        BUT NOW: useful to the Master

I could go on & on of who we"used to be" without Jesus but who we are NOW in Him. However, it is BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH EXCITEMENT over here and I need to go celebrate a boy who who "was given life and breath" 7 years ago today. .....THANK  YOU JESUS!  May you reflect all day NOT on who you were but on who you are NOW. In your inner place when people bring you back to who you once were may you be able to say with deep conviction,

"I USED TO BE THAT WAY.....................BUT NOW..................................."

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

Yesterday, Reese and Elyse, my 3yrs old and almost 2yrs old daughters, spent time in the Tot Spot. The Tot Spot is the childcare provided at the YMCA while parents go work out. I'm VERY thankful for this place. On the ride home from the "Y" I usually get to hear an earful of stories and events that took place within the hour of our seperation. Yesterday, Reese told me about a little girl who was being mean to her. If she would have been silent, I would have asked her, "What did you do or say to the little girl when she was mean to you?" However, Reese is different from my 3 sons and is appropriately nicknamed by her grandpa as, "Chatterbox," so I didn't need to ask her anything. She went on to say that she told that little girl,   "MY DADDDY IS STRONG!"   In other words, " You better watch out little girl because I'm one protected "pudding head"(the nickname her daddy calls her), you mess with me and you mess with my daddy, and my daddy can come to my rescue. After all, he rescued me just the other day when he killed the bee in my house and I ran around Bombadil singing, "Daddy saved the day!"   Sadly, I know many of your stories. I know that many of you don't even know who your daddy is. Even as I write that I can feel the deep ache in my heart as I feel your pain and longing. Or perhaps you have a daddy but he has not come to your rescue, perhaps he has even been one of the people you needed to be rescued from. Maybe you are the mom who doesn't have a daddy for your children either through death, divorce, or perhaps you never married. Whatever your story is, according to God's word, you can use the same words Reese used to fight off your enemy because as a believer in Jesus YOU DO HAVE A DADDY AND YOUR DADDY IS STRONG! Listen to His words:   "The Lord your God is with you, HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3: 17   "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." Proverbs 18:10   Or listen to what Jesus said when he was being arrested:   "Put your sword back in its place,' Jesus said to him,....Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?" Matthew 26:52-54   "Listen to me,...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth.  Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I WILL RESCUE YOU." Isaiah 46:1-4     You have a "Daddy", a "Father in heaven" a "Papa" who hates to see his little girl hurt. He sees you. This is what he says:   "Don't say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you. Proverbs 20:22   "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge (to take revenge or exact satisfaction for a wrong); I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD." Romans 12:17-21   May you walk this day fearless, believing and knowing in the depths of your soul that your "daddy" is strong and that someday He will pay back everyone who has hurt you. He loves you and is angry when people mistreat you. May you call on His name and experience him "killing your bees" so you may run around your home singing, "Daddy saved the day!" Experiences with Him grow your faith so when your next enemy comes you can boldly say to them, believing with conviction, "My daddy is strong" ( "you really don't want to mess with me because He will pay you back for this.")   Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link   p.s.- My stationary won't change to "plain text" this morning. Perhaps God knows you need this "cloud" stationary to remind you there is a higher, above the clouds perspective. There is One who is above all looking down on this earth and He sees the big picture- the beginning and the end. Trust Him!!!!!!

Rejoice

I had such a wonderful, celebratory and full of rejoicing weekend. On Friday night as my family gathered around our dinner table, we celebrated Reese who  had her first ballet recital (she got to sit at the plate with a tutu under it), we celebrated both of our Moms in honor of Mother's day (they both got the "you are special" red plates) and we rejoiced with Rob and Max who ran their first "Riverbank run"  together on Saturday ( they got to use some converse hightop shoe flowerpots as cup holders). On Sunday, Rob and the children all celebrated with me for the 11th annual Mother's Day dinner at Taco Bell.( I got to eat at a table decorated with a table cloth and vase with lilacs). It was a wonderful weekend for which I have thanked God for, however, I am very aware that not all weekends will be like this for me in the future nor was this a "rejoicing" weekend for some of my friends. So I find myself asking God this morning, "What do YOU say
about rejoicing?" and thinking of friends who did not rejoice this weekend or whom have maybe not rejoiced in anything for awhile I wonder, "What can we always rejoice in, God, when there doesn't seem to be anything to celebrate?" Here are the truths that I found in God's word about "rejoicing":

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot- come, let us REJOICE IN HIM. He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-let not the rebellious rise up against him..Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance."
Psalm 66:5-12

***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN HIM AND WHAT HE HAS DONE!

"The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made: let us REJOICE and be glad in it." Psalm 118:22-24

***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE DAY THAT GOD MADE A WAY FOR US TO BE AT PEACE WITH HIM.

"May your fountain be blessed, and may you REJOICE IN THE WIFE OF YOUR YOUTH. A loving doe, a graceful deer- may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love." Prov. 5:18 & 19

***Did you guys know this was in the Bible? Read it over and over and see what God says to you. This is really a verse for men, but I thought I'd throw it in there

"I saw Satan fall like lightening from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not REJOICE that the spirits submit to you, but REJOICE that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:18-20

***IF WE HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS AND RECEIVED HIM AS OUR WAY TO GOD WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE THAT OUR NAMES OUR WRITTEN IN HEAVEN.......HE KNOWS YOUR NAME........IS YOUR NAME WRITTEN IN HEAVEN????? I HOPE SO.

"REJOICE with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more REJOICING in heaven over one sinner who repents than ove ninety nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15:6 & 7

***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE WITH JESUS WHEN PEOPLE COME TO KNOW HIM AND DECIDE TO LIVE LIFE HIS WAY.

"REJOICE with those who REJOICE; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

***IF WE HAVE NOTHING TO REJOICE ABOUT AT THE TIME- WE CAN & SHOULD REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO DO."

"REJOICE in the Lord always. I  will say it again: REJOICE!"  Phillipians 4:4

***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE WONDERFUL QUALITIES AND ACTS OF GOD

"Weeping may remain for a night, but REJOICING comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5

"Be joyful in hope." Romans 12:12

***WE CAN ALWAYS REJOICE IN THE HOPE THAT LIFE IS NOT HOPELESS; GOOD DAYS WILL COME AGAIN & WE WILL HAVE PERFECTION IN HEAVEN SOMEDAY IF WE HAVE CHOSEN JESUS.

"The apostles left the Sanhedrin, REJOICING because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name." Acts 5:41

***WE CAN REJOICE WHEN WE SUFFER DISGRACE FOR HIS NAME B/C IT MEANS WE ARE LIVING A WORTHY LIFE FOR GOD.

So we never know what tomorrow will bring, if it will bring a weekend full of rejoicing or one of mourning. But whatever it brings, may we be women who have the words of God stored up in us and despite sorrow or seemingly nothing to rejoice in, may we be able to rejoice in the above mentioned things. Despite our circumstances may we "Be joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered (or rather prepared) ..........Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

"to protect"

I love to run! Once when I was at my parent's home in Florida I was running around the block when this dog came running toward me. Mean looking dogs running straight towards me do not provide  me with a great sense of peace and safety. So, I did the only thing I knew to do and said, "God, you tell me that you come to the resuce of those who call on the name of Jesus. JESUS!  Would you please PROTECT me from this dog?" Immediately, with no one else in sight, a car alarm went off scaring the dog away. With thankfulness of heart, I let out a relieved, "Thank you, God."

 Another time, while in Florida, I was  running around the track a few blocks from my home.  I had been running alone at the track until a man appeared with a golf club in hand. He was planning on playing golf in the field right by the track. He said "Hi" to me and I certainly wanted to be friendly back without being "too" friendly.  As I continued running around the track, I became more and more unsettled in my spirit about this man.  I began praying and saying, "Jesus- You know all things. I don't know this man and the motives of his heart but you do. I'm feeling a little scared right now and I ask that you PROTECT me from this man........this man with the GOLF CLUB in his hand who  might just whack me over the head." When I finished my run the man was standing at the exit seemingly waiting for me. I had to turn my back on him to walk home, so as I began walking I breathed another silent prayer saying, "Jesus, PROTECT me." I cannot describe
the down to the second perfect timing. Just as I came to the street, a car pulled up right to where I was. Inside that car was my husband. In disbelief I asked, "What are you doing here?" Rob said, "I don't know, I was at the store and just thought you might want a ride home." "YES!!! I WANT A RIDE HOME!". Once again, my heart was "overwhelmed with wonder" at the protection my Father in heaven had provided me.

This is my testimony, my personal experience with calling on the name of Jesus.

The third quality  and somewhat of a "job description" described in the word,"Mother"  is "To protect."

PROTECT- To keep from harm, attack, or injury, to guard;defend; to shield- having something or someone placed between the threat and the threatened. 

As moms, moms- to-be, women who have "spiritual children",  etc........it is our job to protect our children, just as Jesus protects us. Listen to what God's word says about the word "protect" and lets see what we can learn.

1. "You are my hiding place. You will PROTECT me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7

 For us to be protected and to protect our children- we must first make Jesus Christ our hiding place. It is when we come to the True Living God and call on his name  making Him our "hiding place" that we enter into a protected state.

2. "Discretion will PROTECT you, and understanding will guard you." Prov. 2:11

 It is our responsibility as moms, to seek wisdom, get understanding and discretion first for ourselves then to pass that on to our children. Remember God's word that says,

 "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie thema s symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. TEACH THEM TO YOUR CHILDREN, TALKING ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU SIT AT HOME AND WHEN YOU WALK ALONG THE ROAD, WHEN YOU LIE DOWN AND WHEN YOU GET UP. WRITE THEM ON THE DOORFRAMES OF YOUR HOUSES AND ON YOUR GATES, SO THAT your days and the days of your children my be many ....." Deuteronomy 11:18-21

Applying God's wisdom, understanding and discretion offers protection to us and our children

3."Holy Father, PROTECT them by the power of your name.......When I was with them I PROTECTED them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.....My PRAYER is not that you take them out of the world but that you  PROTECT them from the evil one........My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.....' John 17:11, 15, & 20.

Jesus, himself, prayed to the Living God for us. As moms, we need to PRAY for the protection of our children. According to Scripture, there is an evil one.

4. "Love always PROTECTS......" 1 Corinthians 13:7

When we love the way God wants us to love we will be used in  protecting our children.

It is my hope for us, that we will all know and experience personally the protection of God and offer protection to our children through leading them to Jesus, teaching them, praying for them, and loving them well.  God loves us all soooooo deeply. As I write, I am aware of some of your situations where you were not protected seemingly by God or by your moms. My heart aches deeply with you and for you. As you sort through that pain (and I would love to help any of you sort through that), it is my hope that you come to the belief that God does love you, has seen you every moment of your life, desires to protect you and rescue you as you call on His name.

Happy Mother's Day this Sunday. May all you mothers out there be honored. May all you women out there who have lost mothers be comforted (I am soooo sorry), May all you women out there who desire to be moms and are not yet keep hoping. May all you women out there who have been hurt by mothers mourn and yet be able to offer forgiveness. May all you single moms out there take one day at a time relying on Jesus every step of the way (you have one of the toughest jobs...my heart is with you). Mother's day brings so many different thoughts and emotions. On this day, May the Creator of Motherhood be honored. He really had a brilliant idea in making moms. Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

Watch over

When you hear the word, "Mom" (or "mother", "mum", "mommy", ....), what qualities come to your mind? According to Webster dictionary, one of the definitions given for  the term/word, "Mother" means:

1. To watch over-to look or observe carefully or attentively; to guard; keep a watchful eye on; to be on the lookout or alert; keep up on or informed about
2. To nourish
3. To protect

For the next three days I simply want to comment on each one as it relates to God and mothers made in His image. Today, I want to focus on "watching over" and what God's word says about how God watches over us.

"Hear the word of the Lord, O nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: 'He who scattered Israel will gather them and will WATCH OVER HIS FLOCK LIKE A SHEPHERD." Jeremiah 31:10

"The Lord WATCHES OVER the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Psalm 1:6

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-
He who WATCHES OVER YOU will not slumber;
indeed, he who WATCHES OVER Isreal
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord WATCHES OVER YOU-
The Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm-
He will WATCH OVER YOUR LIFE;
The Lord will WATCH OVER YOUR COMING AND GOING
both now and forevermore."
Psalm 121

(sidenote: This passage could present some problems for people who have been harmed. The subnotes in my Bible say this, "Theological reflection must take all perspectives into view. God is eternally aware of the situation of each of us. Job and the writers of the Psalms of lament offered a different perspective. They complained of God's silence and asked how long He would wait to help. They felt lonely and rejected.")

My encouragement today is to first of all believe that God does see you in your situation and He IS watching over you.  He is very aware of your past , present, and future. He is called the "Overseer of your soul" 1 Peter 2:25.  Matthew 6:8 says "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." I don't fully understand how this all works, but I believe it. Last week I was at McDonalds and there was this woman that really stood out to me. As I noticed her, in my heart I cried out, "Jesus." She looked like she had had a hard life. I thought, "I'm going to see this woman again." So yesterday, in what seemed to be a random situation I ended up at Woods Lake school and there was that woman, seemingly struggling and in need. GOD'S HEART IS TO TAKE CARE OF THOSE IN NEED. ALL THROUGHOUT SCRIPTURE HIS HEART IS BEING POURED FORTH AS ONE THAT DESPERATELY LOVES AND HURTS FOR HIS CHILDREN ON THIS EARTH WHO SUFFER. In fact, one of my favorite verses says,

"He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. IS THAT NOT WHAT IT MEANS TO KNOW ME? DECLARES THE LORD."
 Jeremiah 22:16

So when I saw that woman again, after having just seen her a week earlier and crying out to Jesus for her ,I knew and believed in my heart that God is watching over her. He sees that woman. He sees you.

May I also encourage us as  moms, moms- to -be, or grandmas, to "watch over" our children carefully, observing them and being alert to the condition of their heart and what their heart needs. May we keep up on what is going on in their lives and be informed about what they need at the stage they are in. Blessings on you as you watch over your chidren or whoever is placed under your care. If you are done in your role as "mother", enjoy the truth that your Father in Heaven is watching over you.............God says it. I believe it! Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Joy Link

God is a teacher and so are you, "mom".

I saw something on the news yesterday that seemed to disturb me a bit. I'm sure this doesn't surprise you as there are MANY disturbing things on the news. This troubling bit of information was simply a poll taken about how people would describe Mrs. Obama. They were given threee options:

1. Classy
2. Nice/nice lady
3. Motherly

Of course, "classy" was the word most people used to describe her. The unsettling thing about it for me was the reptuation that "motherly" seems to have. It seemed to imply, well, "not classy, not nice". Classy means stylish, elegant, refinement in grace in movement, manners, or apperance; excellent.  So were they implying that motherly means NOT stylish, or refined, NOT excellent???? I simply left viewing the news clip with a bad taste in my mouth feeling sad about how the world seems to view the term "Mother" which means so much to me...and I believe God.  Whether they meant to or not there simply seemed to be a negative conotation in the term "motherly." I'd love to change that image!  I believe when God created a mother it truly was one of His greatest ideas, one of which reveals His character and His desire for His precious children. Yesterday we chatted about a mom as a builder and creator, made in the image of God. Today, I want to reflect
on a mom being a teacher, made in the image of God.

God is "The Teacher". Listen to His heart:

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

"This is what the Lord says- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Isreal: I am the Lord your God, who TEACHES you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea." Isaiah 48: 17 & 18 

"Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my TEACHING. My Father will love him, and we will cometo him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my TEACHING. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me." John 14:23 &24

Being made in His image and placed here to be His "hands and feet" and to be "useful to the Master" , this is what His Word says about moms as teachers:

"Listen my son, to your Father's instruction and do not forsake your MOTHER'S TEACHING. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." Proverbs 1:8 & 9

"My son, keep your father's commands and do not forsake your MOTHER'S TEACHING. Bind them upon your heart forever; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you." Prov. 6:20-22

"A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him." Prov.17:25

"Don't withhold discipline (teaching) from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death." Prov. 23:14

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

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

"The sayings of King Lemuel- an oracle his MOTHER TAUGHT HIM:.....'O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel- not for Kings to drink wine,not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. ...Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31: 1-9

Do you see it? Do you see the beauty and the power we have as a mother teaching our precious children. Are you aware of the window of opportunity we have? It goes soooo fast. If you are a young mom now, NOW IS YOUR WINDOW, YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN THE WAYS OF THE LORD BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE AND THE WINDOW HAS CLOSED. Do you see that we can teach our children and save their soul from death. We can teach them causing them to bring peace and delight to those around them. This is my greatest desire which therefore causes me the greatest angst when my children do not bring peace and delight. We, as mothers, have the incredibly important job of training our children to be "Kings" and "princesses" and if we do not do our job our children may  be a "disgrace".  As a mother, we have the potential to bring soooooo much life and peace to our children and to save them from sooo much pain in this world. May we take our job very seriously and see it
for the glorious opportunity it is. My mom taught me many things, before it was too late, and I cannot describe how thankful I am.

These teaching opportunities come all throughout the day......thus making it very important that we spend much time with our children.  The other day, we were driving down the road and one of my sons made some comment about the homeless person he saw walking along the street. I very quickly and firmly said, "Boys, the Links NEVER, EVER, EVER, laugh or make fun of a homeless person. Could you imagine what it would be like to have no home? It would be awful! The Links help homeless people, understand?

May we be great teachers just as our Father in heaven teaches us. Blessings from Bombadil. May your soul be watered and may you water another's soul. Kristy Joy Link

Fw: Mother's day- "Builder and Creator"

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Kristy Link <kristylink@att.net>
To: kristylink@att.net
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2009 8:50:34 AM
Subject: Fw: Mother's day- "Builder and Creator"


Shoot! I failed to mention in the thank you's below an intregal player on our team- Laurie Engbers- who besides being a teacher, a mother to 2, and a wife, shopped for and baked 80 cookies for us to all decorate. Thanks a ton Laur!



----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Kristy Link <kristylink@att.net>
To: kristylink@att.net
Sent: Monday, May 4, 2009 7:29:19 AM
Subject: Mother's day- "Builder and Creator"

This past Saturday, our gathering of believers had a  marvelous Mother's day celebration brunch. We had a great time eating awesome food - especially the fruit bowl that looked like a bouquet of flowers(thanks Krystal and Judd, and Ade Fraaza), delighting in a beautifully decorated room (thanks Niki Meujr), watching a hilarious embarrassing Mom video (thanks Amy Deboer),  being inspired and challenged with God's words (thanks Angie Byrne), worshipping and writing letters to our moms/children with beautiful music (thanks Kati Hultman),  being welcomed warmly and sharing our hearts and stories with great facilitators (thanks Kelli Luke),  receiving fun and generous prizes (thanks for the haircuts and facials Denise Glas, Crystal Witteveen, and Denise Downer) and all this happening by the leading, planning, organizing, coordinating of Adrienne Fraaza. It is a beautiful idea, this "Body of Christ", where we were all given different gifts and asked to
work together as a team to bring glory to God through loving, encouraging, strengthening, blessing  and teaching one another.We missed all who could not attend.  It was a joy and honor to celebrate Motherhood and the Creator of it all. In fact it was soooo much fun, the rest of this week, in honor of Mother's day on Sunday, I will be writing about motherhood and God. 

Today I want to focus on God as Creator/Builder.

Creator- One that creates, that brings about, causes to exist, produces.

Builder- One who forms by combining materials or parts. One who gives form to according to a definate plan or process; one who forms, fashions, molds, creates; One who builds up and renews the strength or health of and increases the value, quality, beauty, reputation.

"For you CREATED my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (By the way, there's a lot of "knitting" going on @ the River)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. May frame was not hidden from you when I was made in that secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body." Psalm 139:13-16

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying; ' Before I FORMED you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:4

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is FORMED in a Mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5

It's really amazing to stop and ponder Him making us in our mother's womb. How in the world does he do it? Eyes, ears, noses, mouths, hair, hands, feet, taste buds, feelings, immune system, receiving food in the womb from the umbilical cord which turns into this cool belly button.....IT'S UNBELIEVABLE when you really stop to meditate on His works. My soul can't help but stand in awe of His genius.

Now you, either as a Mother of biological children or a "mother" who simply loves, nurtures, comforts and invests in people's lives are made in His image. You, too, are a creator and a builder. Here is what God's word says in Proverbs 14:1

"The wise woman BUILDS her own house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

Every day we are either building up or tearing down. Every day is an opportunity that we have to be used in increasing the "value, quality, beauty, strength, and health" of those we "mother". May I offer two helpful, Scriptural building tips:

1. "Now I commit you to the word of His grace which can BUILD YOU UP and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified."- Acts 20:23

May we give our children, biological or spiritual, His words of His glorious grace bringing healing and strength to their souls.

2. "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and BUILD EACH OTHER UP..." 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

May we encourage our children and let them know that they can walk with Jesus every day of their life NEVER FEELING OR BEING ALONE.

3. "Everyone who hears these words of mine and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE, is like a wise man who BUILT his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet IT DID NOT FALL BECAUSE IT HAD ITS FOUNDATION ON THE ROCK. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who BUILT his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27

May we build our houses on the rock, on Jesus, and put all of his words into practice that our homes may NEVER FALL!

We always have a choice my friends, and we need to take responsibility for how we are building our homes. Are we being wise and building them according to God's ways or are we choosing the way of a fool thus resulting in our house being torn down and in great potential of falling with a great crash. It is my deepest desire that myself and all my friends would choose option #1. Remember this truth:

"A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the lord." Proverbs 19:3

We cannot blame God when we have been foolish with the what He has given us. We must learn to take responsibility for our own actions, confess our sin to God and ask Him to teach us His ways which lead to life and peace. If we have been foolish (and all of us have at one time or another) may we be able to say these words like David,

"Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your Word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees...it was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:67 &71

Pain is not bad if it causes us to admit that it is better to go God's way. Pain alerts us to a problem that needs to be addressed. Pain is a gift. If your home feels like it is being torn apart right now, may I encourage you to seek God and His ways and build your house on the Rock! As a mother ,you are a creator and builder just like your "Father"- may you build and create much beauty in your home or wherever it is you "mother". Blessings from Bombadil. May your sould be watered and may you water another's soul. Look for ways to bless any kind of mom you see this week wherever you go. Kristy Joy Link

Mother's day- "Builder and Creator"

This past Saturday, our gathering of believers had a  marvelous Mother's day celebration brunch. We had a great time eating awesome food - especially the fruit bowl that looked like a bouquet of flowers(thanks Krystal and Judd, and Ade Fraaza), delighting in a beautifully decorated room (thanks Niki Meujr), watching a hilarious embarrassing Mom video (thanks Amy Deboer),  being inspired and challenged with God's words (thanks Angie Byrne), worshipping and writing letters to our moms/children with beautiful music (thanks Kati Hultman),  being welcomed warmly and sharing our hearts and stories with great facilitators (thanks Kelli Luke),  receiving fun and generous prizes (thanks for the haircuts and facials Denise Glas, Crystal Witteveen, and Denise Downer) and all this happening by the leading, planning, organizing, coordinating of Adrienne Fraaza. It is a beautiful idea, this "Body of Christ", where we were all given different gifts and asked to
work together as a team to bring glory to God through loving, encouraging, strengthening, blessing  and teaching one another.We missed all who could not attend.  It was a joy and honor to celebrate Motherhood and the Creator of it all. In fact it was soooo much fun, the rest of this week, in honor of Mother's day on Sunday, I will be writing about motherhood and God. 

Today I want to focus on God as Creator/Builder.

Creator- One that creates, that brings about, causes to exist, produces.

Builder- One who forms by combining materials or parts. One who gives form to according to a definate plan or process; one who forms, fashions, molds, creates; One who builds up and renews the strength or health of and increases the value, quality, beauty, reputation.

"For you CREATED my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. (By the way, there's a lot of "knitting" going on @ the River)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. May frame was not hidden from you when I was made in that secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body." Psalm 139:13-16

"The word of the Lord came to me, saying; ' Before I FORMED you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." Jeremiah 1:4

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is FORMED in a Mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." Ecclesiastes 11:5

It's really amazing to stop and ponder Him making us in our mother's womb. How in the world does he do it? Eyes, ears, noses, mouths, hair, hands, feet, taste buds, feelings, immune system, receiving food in the womb from the umbilical cord which turns into this cool belly button.....IT'S UNBELIEVABLE when you really stop to meditate on His works. My soul can't help but stand in awe of His genius.

Now you, either as a Mother of biological children or a "mother" who simply loves, nurtures, comforts and invests in people's lives are made in His image. You, too, are a creator and a builder. Here is what God's word says in Proverbs 14:1

"The wise woman BUILDS her own house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

Every day we are either building up or tearing down. Every day is an opportunity that we have to be used in increasing the "value, quality, beauty, strength, and health" of those we "mother". May I offer two helpful, Scriptural building tips:

1. "Now I commit you to the word of His grace which can BUILD YOU UP and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified."- Acts 20:23

May we give our children, biological or spiritual, His words of His glorious grace bringing healing and strength to their souls.

2. "God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and BUILD EACH OTHER UP..." 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

May we encourage our children and let them know that they can walk with Jesus every day of their life NEVER FEELING OR BEING ALONE.

3. "Everyone who hears these words of mine and PUTS THEM INTO PRACTICE, is like a wise man who BUILT his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet IT DID NOT FALL BECAUSE IT HAD ITS FOUNDATION ON THE ROCK. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who BUILT his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27

May we build our houses on the rock, on Jesus, and put all of his words into practice that our homes may NEVER FALL!

We always have a choice my friends, and we need to take responsibility for how we are building our homes. Are we being wise and building them according to God's ways or are we choosing the way of a fool thus resulting in our house being torn down and in great potential of falling with a great crash. It is my deepest desire that myself and all my friends would choose option #1. Remember this truth:

"A man's own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the lord." Proverbs 19:3

We cannot blame God when we have been foolish with the what He has given us. We must learn to take responsibility for our own actions, confess our sin to God and ask Him to teach us His ways which lead to life and peace. If we have been foolish (and all of us have at one time or another) may we be able to say these words like David,

"Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your Word. You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees...it was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." Psalm 119:67 &71

Pain is not bad if it causes us to admit that it is better to go God's way. Pain alerts us to a problem that needs to be addressed. Pain is a gift. If your home feels like it is being torn apart right now, may I encourage you to seek God and His ways and build your house on the Rock! As a mother ,you are a creator and builder just like your "Father"- may you build and create much beauty in your home or wherever it is you "mother". Blessings from Bombadil. May your sould be watered and may you water another's soul. Look for ways to bless any kind of mom you see this week wherever you go. Kristy Joy Link

prepared

 Good morning friends. I'm so sorry- I needed this morning to prepare for the Mothers Day brunch tomorrow morning. I hope to see many of you there. May you be well prepared for all the taks the Lord have given you- to the glory of His Name! Blessings from Bombadil. Kristy Link