You Might Be An Overachiever If ...

I know, I'm telling my age with this throwback to Jeff Foxworthy!

As Christians, we often hear that we have to "learn to say 'no'," we need to take a look at our lives and make sure we're not over doing it.  {c'mon, stay with me here}  We need to "be still" and not be so busy.

Wait for it, wait for it!

Okay, but what if we've done that and we're STILL busy?  What if the things that are keeping us busy are the things of God, the things He has called us to do?  What if we don't feel like overachievers, but the people around us call us overachievers?

Let me put it out there.

Just because the things we are called to do keep us busy - and sometimes, physically exhausted - doesn't mean we shouldn't be doing them!!

If the Lord called you to do something, if He fills your cup, if He blesses you in the doing, if He gives you strength to endure, then you had better be doing it!

If you don't it is SIN!  If you don't He doesn't fill your cup.  He doesn't bless you.  He doesn't give you strength to endure.  Most importantly, if you don't, it could cause someone to falter on their path or even worse - not to know God's unending love and provision!!

I'm sure the Proverbs 31 woman was called an overachiever.  I feel certain that Mary AND Martha were too!

God called us all to live B-O-L-D-L-Y!  To be in this world and not of it.  He called us to live in a way that points others to Him.

So, the next time someone stops you and says, "I don't know how you do it!"  Just smile, point to Heaven and simply say, "He fills my cup!"

ChristinaLynn }i{

Peace and Rest

As I was getting into bed last night, frustrated, worn-out, depleted, I picked up my devotional - out of a feeling of obligation, not desire. No matter what, God has the right word for me at the right time.

Here's what He provided me, my manna:

"Have you ever noticed that in the quiet darkness of night there seems to be something special about the presence of God? He is always with you, even during the daytime, and you can talk to Him anytime, even when you're busy. But during the day there are many distractions that keep you from focusing on His presence for an extended period of time. And by the end of the day you've often experienced problems and frustration that can cause you to feel lonely and needy. It is then that you can finally give God the time and attention to the one who is the answer to your needs. When you yearn for God in the night, seek Him earnestly, and you'll find He will minister to you in a special way. He will provide answers to any problems you may have, and He will give you peace and rest."

 From the book Ending Your Day Right by Joyce Meyer. Copyright 2004 by Joyce Meyer. Published by FaithWords. All rights reserved.

It was a bit like being hit square between the eyes with a 2x4.  Realizing that He did not move.  He was right there, all along.  The entire day was His.  He knew my frustrations and the distractions that arose.  He knew my feelings.  He was waiting for me to seek Him earnestly.  Although peace and rest did not come for many hours, God did and does provide.  He met me where I was and ministered to me as only He can.

Lord, thank You for Your infinite wisdom.  Thank You for continuing to draw me to You.  You know my innermost thoughts and feelings.  You know my needs and supply them at every turn.  You are the all knowing, all present, all powerful Lord and I seek to honor You.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Ch-ch-ch-changes

Over the last couple of months, things have changed in my coupon world.  My dear, sweet husband has been telling me since the beginning of my coupon journey that one day my all-time favorite coupon blogger was going to stop doing what she does so well. 

And then it happened.

Since then, I've had to re-learn what I already knew about coupons from a new perspective.  In the interim, God provided an opportunity for me to teach coupon basics to a great group of women through my church.  Because of this, I've decided to share with you all {I would say "ya'll", but it looks funny when I type it and the computer puts that squiggly red line under it} my shopping list in hopes that you can see exactly what I plan to buy, what coupons I plan to use and then hopefully, what I actually end up purchasing along with how much I spent and how much I saved.  In a nutshell, real-life examples.

So, that's my plan.  I truly hope you find it helpful and I really appreciate and look forward to your feedback!!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Pray With Me!

The Bible tells us that where 2 or 3 are gathered together in His name, there He is in the midst.  I don't believe God puts restrictions on that gathering together requiring that it be in-person, so I ask that you join me in prayer for the following people and circumstances.  Please feel free to comment and leave your own prayer requests as well.

• Michelle - for God's Will in her financial and marriage circumstances
• V.K. - for parents to have an open & forgiving heart & opportunities to re-build relationships
• Chris - for health and healing and the faith that can move mountains
• Cheri - for health and healing and someone to brighten her day and lighten her load
• The countless, unnamed family & friends with hearts hardened to the wonderful world of freedom in Jesus Christ - may they have a small stream to soften or a huge boulder to break their hardened hearts and open their soul's eyes to the magnificent glory of our Lord and Father, Jesus Christ
• Me - use me, Lord to further Your Kingdom, making me bold and courageous for You

ChristinaLynn }i{

God - The Ultimate Multi-Tasker

A good friend told me one time that there are certain things about our beliefs - and they may be different for each of us - that we just can not wrap our minds around.  We must accept these things on faith alone because our finite brains can not comprehend the endless possibilities of an Infinite Creator.  For her, I believe it was the Trinity, how one God can be three and yet still be One. 

For me, at least for today, it is God's omnipresence.  You've heard the saying, "Wherever you are, be all there."  God is truly everywhere.  Not the way we are, spread so thin that we do a lot of things, but don't do any of them well.  He is fully present here with me, just as much as He is fully present on the other side of the world with someone else, and just as much as He is fully in Heaven with the saints and those who have passed before us.

It is more than my finite brain can comprehend, but I delight in the knowledge that one day, I will see Him face to face.  Never more to wonder how He does what He does.  Simply delighting in His presence.

Lord, teach me today how to live in Your presence and be all there.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Publix RULES!

I had an AWESOME time shopping at Publix this morning!  Not only are they always the most friendly and clean store in the neighborhood, their prices are just THE BEST!

I filled up my cart again today with over $150 worth of groceries.  I am thrilled to say that I only spent $58.69, and saved $114.18!!!!

God is good, all the time!

ChristinaLynn }i{

A Plight for Flight

Today it is my priviledge to share with you the plight of a man near and dear to my heart, "ole Blake."

You'll love his story and I hope that you'll share his story and if you can, support his causes.  Here's a little about him, in his own words:

• "Cold and peaceful tonight, a great day for me again, I got to help a student with his science project, His dad is military and deployed overseas, I like being a stand in Dad when it comes to helping kids to learn and understand, Guess I should have truly been a real teacher instead of just teaching how to build model planes. After my bout with death in 1974, I awoke knowing that what part of my life was not spent in earning a living and suporting my family, was to be spent in helping others. For years I tried this and that helping foks and I felt good about doing it..but I also felt that there was something else, another way that I should helping, then one day, I discovered that I love helping kids to learn to build model airplanes, I also learned that I could teach them a lot more than building if I used the plane building as examples of things in real life too, like 'Integrity' of a glue and then relating what integrity meant otherwise. Likewise about being 'honest' about whether or not you completed all the steps in the plan. As we built, the kids learned to trust me and I came to realize that some of my answers to their questions were opinions right off the top of my head with no real foundation to the answers. It was then that I returned to school, not for a degree but to learn to give qualified answers to their questions. My reasoning, though faulty it may be was that if they trusted me, what I might tell them just might affect the way they lived their lives. And I did not want to give bad advice. Although not formally, I am still going to school to learn how to answer their question and teach them even more about life as I learn it. Now perhaps you may understand why I want to build my 'Legacy of Wings Project' and why ole Blake is happy in his heart, but empty in his pocketbook" 
• "Hello Folks, Blake Walston here, 69 years young. Just an old man who is happily married for  49 years (August 1, 2011) and who builds, teaches, flies model airplanes, and enjoys internet conversation with good people world wide. I have a dream to share that I want to make happen. I am too old to solicit funds to make this dream come true and I have no gimmicks or sales pitches, just want to share an old man’s dream of a legacy that I want to leave behind. I ask only for prayers if you are a praying person and good wishes if you are not.
  This is the dream:  Legacy of Wings Project:  The purpose of Legacy of wings is help kids and young adults find the careers that they love, to find work that they enjoy and by  doing so, my hope is that they will learn how to fly not particularly in the air but in their hearts and minds.  It is a pure joy to work around someone that loves their work. It creates a very happy atmosphere."   Read more about the Legacy of Wings Project here.
• "Because of a bankruptcy by our landlord, we received notice December 30, that we are going to be evicted from our home unless we can pay off 80% of the balance which is $20,000, we need to come up with $16000 dolllars, Our retirement pay is not great enough to borrow the money. If there is a way that we can get 500 people to donate 30 dollars we will own the house free and clear. If anyone cares to donate I have a paypal account at this address: ablaker2@sbcglobal.net I thank you in advance for spreading the word And if there is ever a way to repay it, I will. If you care to google our home, we are located at 114 Cardinal Ave. Perry, Georgia, 31069 My cell phone is 478-997-1653, I want to be sure folks know this is not a scam."

I know the heart of this man is flying tonight from the graciousness of friends, family and even total strangers that have donated to help him keep a roof over the heads of his dear wife and her mother.  As of this writing, they are still needing 349 donations of $30.  I am enthralled to know how high his heart will fly when they reach their goal and keep their home!


Trusting in God's love to share this story and hoping it reaches the world!

ChristinaLynn }i{

God Helps Those...

Who help others.

I know that's not how the saying goes, but I do think it's way more accurate. 

Here's a chance to prove me wrong:

"Just for those who have not seen this before. From The Walston's house, we wish you a great New Year. May you live in good health, aquire enough wealth to keep you safe and warm and enough love to fill your life with some left over to share. Now a special request that I am very reluctant to make. Because of a bankruptcy by our landlord, we received notice December 30, that we are going to be evicted from our home unless we can pay off 80% of the balance which is 20,000, we need to come up with 16000 dolllars, Our retirement pay is not great enough to borrow the money. If there is a way that we can get 500 people to donate 30 dollars we will own the house free and clear. If anyone cares to donate I have a paypal account at this address: ablaker2@sbcglobal.net I thank you in advance for spreading the word. And if there is ever a way to repay it, I will. If you care to google our home, we are located at 114 Cardinal Ave. Perry, Georgia, 31069 My cell phone is 478-997-1653, I want to be sure folks know this is not a scam. Hugs and May God Bless Regards ole Blake Please do not contribute if it would in anyway cause material injury to yourself or family"

This is a man who spends as much of his "free" time as possible giving to others.  He's now in need of help and God has already shown up in a BIG way and I have no doubt we will soon be hearing a shout of hooray all the way from Perry, Ga to let us know the goal has been met!


Will you be part of it?
 
ChristinaLynn }i{

A New Year

As we embark on a new year, there are so many tasks and activities to be done to prepare ourselves for success.  A new year provides us a great opportunity to take inventory of our lives.  Spiritual.  Mental.  Physical.  Financial.  Social.  Things like updating budgets, home organizing, goal setting become commonplace in our vocabulary.

While we go through this process, it is also a wonderful opportunity to take inventory of our blessings.  To "name them one by one," just as the old song states.  Keeping in mind that blessings sometimes come in wolves clothing.  My sister once wrote this (I hope she still believes it):

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful for the valley, 

It means you've just come off one mountain and are heading towards another.

Be thankful for illnesses, 

Without them good health wouldn't mean as much.

Be thankful for the time, however long or short, you had with your loved one before God called them home,

Those precious memories will be with you until you see them again.

Be thankful for your family, even when they drive you crazy, 

Without them you'd be alone in this world.

Be thankful for the lean times, 

They make the wealthy times that much sweeter.

Be thankful for your sins, 

They're why Christ died for you!

   ---Michelle Rodgers

There will always be those who have it better or worse than we do and there will always be times that were better or worse for us.  Regardless of better or worse, we need to be able to not only live in the circumstances we are currently in, but learn how to thrive and be joyful in any circumstance. 

Praising Him through it all.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Create In Me

Since you've come to this blog, you have probably figured out by now that I enjoy writing.  You may also have come to the realization that I don't spend nearly enough time writing.

I lead a busy life.  I find that my family and my physical body crave structure, discipline and schedules to be prosperous, but my mind and soul crave spontaneity, creativity and diversity to not just live, but to thrive.  Lately, thriving has taken a back seat to simply surviving.

There are times when I must force myself to take a step back and re-evaluate my goals and priorities and weed out things that are keeping me busy that are just not that important.  Usually this process begins with me feeling overwhelmed, having missed some deadlines - whether "real" or self-imposed, and frustrated, feeling like life is just too difficult and so tired of racing the salmon to the top of the stream.

http://www.christart.com/Christian Clip Art

I also often come to the place where I know that some of the things I am passionate about, I am constantly being pulled away from.  I know this pull all too well and I know where it comes from.  I know that Jeremiah 29:11 says:  "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"  Anything else is not from God.

There have been so many things that God has placed on my heart to share with you over these past few weeks that may now be lost forever.  To stop.  Listen.  Acknowledge and accept.  Then obey His will right away is of the utmost importance.  The inspiration of the Spirit is not a switch that I can turn on and off when it is convenient for me.  The frailty of the moment soon passes and the opportunity to change a life that should have been touched by my obedience may never come again.

God uses the things that I am passionate about to reach others and also to change me to be more like Him.  These passions are my spiritual gifts that were determined by God to prosper me, not to harm me, in every situation, in this generation as He saves me to the uttermost.  Not just once from the depths of hell, but daily He saves me from a life apart from God.  As Expositor's Commentary says, "...complete deliverance, no matter what the need..."

Praise God for the uttermost! 

Lord, Thank You for saving me to the uttermost as only You can!  Help me to obey Your will by acting on the passions that the Spirit ignites.  Don't let a moment pass that can be used to further Your kingdom in my life and the lives of others here on earth and for eternity.  Create in me a clean heart and a new life in You!

ChristinaLynn }i{

The Mountains and the Valleys

I was blessed to be in the house of the Lord for two special opportunities last week. First to hear teaching from a woman truly annointed by God - practical, honest, real preaching of The Word. Then, to be a part of the Girls of Grace Conference.

A neighbor and true friend invited me to the women's fellowship at her church and I was sincerely blessed! The event, the fellowship, and the message made an impact on me that I am grateful for.

I found myself, even before the message began, getting easily distracted in my thoughts and letting my mind wander. Thoughts then came to mind that I was not "feeling" what I was participating in. My head was there, but my heart was just not in it. The message God brought home through the speaker was to renew my mind in a way to insist on His presence in my daily life. Also that we have to sharpen our spiritual senses and learn to perceive the kingdom of God in our present reality. As the speaker said, this requires me to see and trust a different reality and to take an offensive posture of the heart, presenting myself for service to God in order to "rise up" in outlasting, enduring victory to overcome!

Then, the Girls of Grace Conference Saturday was a blessing for myself and my daughter. So many special speakers and worship music! I learned how to be a Wildflower for Christ with the three C's: Clear out the contamination, Cultivate with the Son and Water of Life, to become a new Creation! I learned how I reflect God uniquely through His beauty and His mystery in Psalm 17:8, 45:11 and Zephaniah 3:17. I learned that breaking free means having balance and balance means having the right amount of concern, not too much and not too little. Balance brings respect rather than judgement.

My daughter's eyes were opened to the "Wait for Steak" campaign that taught her that there isn't a man on the planet that can complete her, don't look for one and don't expect it from one. This was presented in such a great way to make an impact on teenage girls not to settle for a boy instead of waiting for a man and really detailed what qualities they should be looking for in a man, knowing that manhood is a CHOICE!

I was also blessed to be with friends! I think we sometimes take for granted, or just ignore the need for female companionship, mentoring and accountability that we so desperately need in this life.

And I have truly experienced the unfortunate battle from the enemy since Saturday.

Lord, I pray that You will remove the distractions and competing priorities that are taking me away from Your Word and Your Will. Make my focus Lord, on God and family first!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Lifting Your Wife Through Prayer - Week 3

From a "prayer card" published by FamilyLife. Use this opportunity to lift your wife through prayer, concentrating on God's Word and hiding it in your heart.


Lord, I lift my wife to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:

• You will release her from worry or guilt over things she is not responsible for or in control of (Matthew 6:25-34; Luke 12:22-32).

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
Do Not Worry


25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?


28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
ChristinaLynn }i{

Coupon Jackpot!

Today is definitely the day to get extra copies of the Sunday paper! In addition to the four coupon inserts we found out about here for SmartSource (SS), RedPlum (RP), Proctor & Gamble (PG) & Pepsi Moments to Save, I also received General Mills (GM - over $18 in coupons) and Take Time to Play ($61 in coupons)!

Now is a great time to see how God can use couponing to help you prosper!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Lifting Your Wife Through Prayer - Week 2

From a "prayer card" published by FamilyLife. Use this opportunity to lift your wife through prayer, concentrating on God's Word and hiding it in your heart.


Lord, I life my wife to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:

• her physical health will be strong and her stamina high (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Time For a Tune-up

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time to take a look at our challenge to pray for our spouse. 

Have you been dilligent in your prayers for your spouse since we began?

If you have missed days here and there or gotten side-tracked, don't worry!  I have missed days too, but I take comfort in the knowledge that I am praying for my spouse more now than I was just a few weeks ago! 

I don't believe God expects us to be perfect, only that we continue striving for Him and His will daily.

Keep up the effort.  Maybe set a reminder on your phone, or a post-it on your mirror, you could even leave yourself a voice mail.  Whatever you do to help remember things.  Start back fresh this week and watch God do amazing things in your marriage!

ChristinaLynn }i{

Lifting Your Wife Through Prayer

Here's the first in a series of prayer card posts I promised you to pray for your wife.  The information here is taken from a prayer card my husband received many years ago and is published by FamilyLife.  Let it minister to you!

Lord, I lift my wife to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:

• she will know Your will for her life, pleasing You in all respects and bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:9-10).

Colossians 1:9-10 (NIV)
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
ChristinaLynn }i{

Praying for Your Wife

My husband also has a prayer card to help husbands pray according to God's Word for their wives.  So, I'll borrow this card from my husband and you can expect to see these posts on Tuesdays.  Let your husband, brother, father, son and the other men in your life know to look for Lifting Your Wife Through Prayer and don't forget about Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer on Wednesdays.

This is a great opportunity to apply God's Word to your life in a practical way.  Read the prayers and included scriptures and pray the fruit of God's Word into your spouse throughout the week.

Don't have a spouse? 

Pray for your future spouse.  Pray for your parents.  Pray for your children and their spouse or future spouse. 

Let God lead you.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer - Week 2

From a "prayer card" published by FamilyLife. Use this opportunity to lift your husband through prayer, concentrating on God's Word and hiding it in your heart.

Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:

• You bless his work and show him daily how to honor You in his attitude and spirit; confirm the work of his hands unto Your purpose (Psalm 90:16-17; Daniel 6).

Psalm 90:16-17 (NIV)
May your deeds be shown to your servants,
your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.


Daniel 6 (NIV)
Daniel in the Den of Lions

1 It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, 2 with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. 4 At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. 5 Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.”

6 So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. 11 Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. 12 So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or human being except to you, Your Majesty, would be thrown into the lions’ den?”

The king answered, “The decree stands—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

13 Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” 14 When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

15 Then the men went as a group to King Darius and said to him, “Remember, Your Majesty, that according to the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.”

16 So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep.

19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”

23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

24 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

25 Then King Darius wrote to all the nations and peoples of every language in all the earth:

“May you prosper greatly!

26 “I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel.

“For he is the living God
and he endures forever;
his kingdom will not be destroyed,
his dominion will never end.
27 He rescues and he saves;
he performs signs and wonders
in the heavens and on the earth.
He has rescued Daniel
from the power of the lions.”

28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

ChristinaLynn }i{

Priorities

Have you ever had one of those moments where you had to make a decision about what would make "the list" today and what would just get bumped? 

I had one of those moments today.  Even though I thought when school started back things would calm down and give me a little more time to get things done, I have been running from one appointment to the next for the past three weeks and today was no exception. 

As I was readying the little ones for preschool and gettin the baby fed and changed, I was reviewing my day in my head.  Open house tonight for the older two kids, two different schools but at the same time.  Well, I can't be in two places at once.  Have to pick up a few things at the drug store.  Need to make a grocery shopping list with coupons to complete before the sale ends tomorrow.  Finish laundry that was started late yesterday.  Oldest son has a doctor's appointment in the afternoon, so daughter will have to wait after school until I get back.  So the question creeps up:  Do I really have time to go to Ladies Bible Study this morning?  Well no, honestly, I do not have time to go.  It's the first meeting of the fall session, maybe they won't be doing much except going over the layout, routine, etc. 

I drop the twins off at preschool and start heading down to the church, then pull into a parking lot to make sure I have some cash for the book or if I'll need to run back home to get my checkbook.  Ok, cash is there, time to decide.  The Still, Small Voice speaks to me:  "Go, God will provide." 

No arguing with that.  I'm on my way. 

I arrived a few minutes early and decided to check my phone for any news or messages.  Started out of the car, unpacked the stroller and I over hear someone referring to my business.  Exciting!  She wants to book with me.  As I went into the sanctuary, it was refreshing to be back in the fellowship of other women.  I was able to spend some time with our Children's Minister who has been diligently praying for and checking up on our baby who's been having some medical challenges.  It was nice to see some familiar friends, some I've known for years and some I've just met.  It was also nice to meet some new women who've recently joined our church or who are visiting.  Even though it was the first meeting of the fall session, it was a full lesson.  A refreshed video study, A Woman's Heart:  God's Dwelling Place by Beth Moore.  The audio wasn't working on the overhead screens, so we had to view on a small TV on a cart.  I didn't have the exact amount for the book and there was no change, but our Children's Minister was able to make change for me.  The baby was being loud and wanting to pull everyone's attention to him.  A very sweet lady helped me rock and soothe the baby.  I'm sure it was nice for him to see anyone other than me for even just a few minutes.  Another friend helped soothe a baby, giving the mom a quick break. 

I was truly blessed to be in the house of the Lord today and so touched by the encouragement and support of such godly women.  Now, to carve out time for the daily homework that is part of the workbook study because the Voice has returned, "Do it, God will provide."

When we set our priorities in-line with God's will, He will fill our cup to overflow.  That's not to say there won't be challenges, but that those challenges will be met with a means of fulfillment that can't be matched.   

ChristinaLynn }i{

My Utmost

 Several months ago, I began a journey though I didn’t realize it at the time.

My Mother-in-law had passed away a few months prior and I had recently given birth to my fifth child. It was time to re-evaluate life. My husband has an excellent work ethic and we knew God would provide financially. I love my kids and enjoy being a stay-at-home mom. I needed to find a way to be a woman again, mentally as well as physically. Take the opportunity to have lunch alone or with friends, or “splurge” on a pedicure, sans kids.

Ironically, it was through my kids that I found my sponsor for Thirty-One Gifts. I had only purchased two items at the time and had never been to a party, but the more I looked at the catalog and reviewed the information, I felt God leading me to make a decision. Then, I found out there would be a temporary freeze to join as an Independent Consultant. On the last day before the freeze, I sent in my information and decided that if I didn’t make the deadline, it would mean there was a better opportunity for me down the road. I found out two days later that my application had been received and I would begin my new career!

I had my first party weekend and exceeded all expectations I could have had. I had thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of the women, showing all of the products and all of the wonderful uses, and seeing everyone’s faces light up when they heard the special for the month!

The next month proved to be just the opposite and I found myself wondering if it was all going to be worth it. How was I going to keep this going?

My husband would see my discouragement and remind me that we had decided that if it became too stressful for me, we would walk away. I enjoyed it so much; I wondered how I would ever be able to walk away. But, I couldn’t stand the disappointment in myself. Finally, I gave up control and left it in God’s hands. I knew that if He led me to this, He would provide a way.

As soon as I allowed God to have control, I began to see improvements again in my business. Over the next few months, I went along this “yo-yo” path.

My first six months as a consultant taught me more than I could have ever imagined. My Mother-in-law used to tell me that I had moxie. I never quite knew what she meant until this journey led me to the Merriam-Webster definition.

mox•ie \ˈmäk-sē\

1: ENERGY, PEP active strength of body or mind

2: COURAGE, DETERMINATION strength of mind to carry on in spite of danger;

3: KNOW-HOW knowledge gained by actually doing or living through something;
I have learned that I have more energy than I ever thought possible and the pep I had from long ago has returned. Some would say that I am courageous to speak publicly the way I do in small or large groups. Many say public speaking is their number one fear and yet it seems God has blessed me with this talent, for which I am grateful. The knowledge I have gained is truly priceless and I could never have leaned it without living through the beginning stages of this new career nor without the strength and encouragement of my sponsor and fellow consultants.

One of my favorite aspects of this business is that I am able to give so much away. Fundraisers specifically designed to donate products or cash, hostess benefits pre-determined by Thirty-One Gifts, donations and additional incentives and giveaways that I provide on my own; it is such a blessing to be able to give back to my community, those in need, and those who make this dream possible.

I am continuously being taught that the more I rely on Him, the less stressful life becomes. The more my husband sees how much I enjoy this, he wants me to keep going too!

I understand that in order for me to give Him my utmost, in order to see my husband pleased in me, and for me to see myself as enterprising, I have to give up control to my Lord and Savior. In His hands, I can have simplicity and success. In His hands, my worries seem so small!

ChristinaLynn }i{