With much anticipation, my two oldest started school today and the anticipation builds as the next two begin staggered start tomorrow.
It was quite nostalgic as we did a practice run on the bike route today and I recalled the last time I rode this route, the twins were in the bike trailer and the baby wasn't yet born.
As hard as it is to manage five kids, a house, a dog, two businesses, etc.; I am honored and blessed to be called "Mom."
ChristinaLynn }i{
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Monday, August 20, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Kids Say the Cutest Things
I've been trying to teach one of my 5 year old's to knock and be invited in before coming into someone's room. Well, he finally learned his lesson.
After a long day, not feeling the best and getting some cleaning done, I was changing my clothes to get ready to go out for dinner when I heard the door open behind me. I let out a slight squeal in shock and he quickly shut the door back.
I yelled through the door, "You have to knock before you open the door, and wait for someone to say, 'Come in!."
I then heard him, in the sweetest voice, "I don't ever want to see THAT again!"
ChristinaLynn }i{
After a long day, not feeling the best and getting some cleaning done, I was changing my clothes to get ready to go out for dinner when I heard the door open behind me. I let out a slight squeal in shock and he quickly shut the door back.
I yelled through the door, "You have to knock before you open the door, and wait for someone to say, 'Come in!."
I then heard him, in the sweetest voice, "I don't ever want to see THAT again!"
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, April 13, 2012
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
Friday, January 6, 2012
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{
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{
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
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{
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{
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer - Week 6
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 will protect him physically, mentally, and spiritually (Psalm 28:7-9; Psalm 41; John 17:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
Psalm 28:7-9 (NIV)
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Psalm 41 (NIV)
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
1 Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;
the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
2 The LORD protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
4 I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die and his name perish?”
6 When one of them comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it around.
7 All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,
8 “A vile disease has afflicted him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.
10 But may you have mercy on me, LORD;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
John 17:15 (NIV)
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.
2 The LORD protects and preserves them—
they are counted among the blessed in the land—
he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.
3 The LORD sustains them on their sickbed
and restores them from their bed of illness.
4 I said, “Have mercy on me, LORD;
heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5 My enemies say of me in malice,
“When will he die and his name perish?”
6 When one of them comes to see me,
he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;
then he goes out and spreads it around.
7 All my enemies whisper together against me;
they imagine the worst for me, saying,
8 “A vile disease has afflicted him;
he will never get up from the place where he lies.”
9 Even my close friend,
someone I trusted,
one who shared my bread,
has turned against me.
10 But may you have mercy on me, LORD;
raise me up, that I may repay them.
11 I know that you are pleased with me,
for my enemy does not triumph over me.
12 Because of my integrity you uphold me
and set me in your presence forever.
13 Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting.
Amen and Amen.
John 17:15 (NIV)
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer - Week 5
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:
Listening and Doing
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
- he will be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19).
Listening and Doing
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
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:
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{
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).
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{
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer - Week 4
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:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Psalm 97:10 (NIV)
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
- he will love You with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength and hate evil (Mark 12:30; Psalm 97:10)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
Psalm 97:10 (NIV)
Let those who love the LORD hate evil,
for he guards the lives of his faithful ones
and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
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:
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{
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{
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer - Week 3
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:
Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
- he will be a wise steward of our finances and all we possess, remembering that all things are Yours and entrusted to us for Your purposes (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:10-13).
Treasures in Heaven
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
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:
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{
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).
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{
Monday, September 19, 2011
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{
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{
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
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:
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{
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).
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{
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Lifting Your Husband Through Prayer
**I received a "prayer card" many years ago, created by FamilyLife. I plan to share a portion each Wednesday throughout the next several weeks. Use this opportunity to lift your husband through prayer, concentrating on God's Word and hiding it in your heart. I have been using this prayer card almost daily since I found it cleaning out my bookshelf for donations to a library my church is forming. I am once again amazed at how God works in my heart as I reach out to pray for others. I hope it will minister to you even more so.
Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
John 10:14 (NIV)
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Lord, I lift my husband to You today and pray, according to Your Word, that:
- You give him strength to lead (Joshua 1:7), time to know his family (John 10:14) and a passion to manage his home (I Timothy 3:4).
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
John 10:14 (NIV)
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
1 Timothy 3:4 (NIV)
He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, May 9, 2011
Life
As my oldest child turns fifteen (wow, fifteen! Really? Fifteen?), I stand in awe at my family. Each of my children is so uniquely special and loved. They each have their own personalities, strengths, needs and wants. From my fifteen-year-old who thinks she is ready to get her learner's permit, to my eleven-year-old who is growing into a young man much too soon for me, to the twins who are so much alike and yet so different, to the newest addition who is growing like a weed! They each need me and their dad in such different ways. They each show their love for us in different ways.
I can't imagine a Mother's Day without a single one of them. And yet, I found myself yesterday thinking of people I know who no longer have a "mother" in their lives and it saddened me deeply. I missed my mother-in-law terribly yesterday. But I was strangely comforted in the fact that I still have my mother and my grandmother to call and wish a Happy Mother's Day to. I don't want to think of the days when I will not have anyone to call on Mother's Day.
I'm no Super Mom, but the single comment I hear most often is, "Christina, I don't know how you do it!" Honestly, I don't know how I do it either! I never, ever pictured myself as the mother of five children. I never pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom. I really never pictured myself with three children under the age of five!
I really don't "do it." Not the right way, anyway. We do super cleaning when people are coming over and we live in toys and clutter when they're not. We never feel comfortable with someone just "stopping by" because we actually do live here - 24 hours a day! We have friends of the kids who come over a few times a week to hang out and we don't even notice. Every day, around 3:00 pm (and again at 4:00 pm, then again at 5:00 pm), I hear, "Mom, what's for dinner?" Then, I start thinking what I might have in the freezer that won't require too much defrosting. The dishes pile up in the sink because the dishwasher is full and hasn't been unloaded yet. My beautiful master bathroom with the dual sinks, water closet, and deep, oval garden tub and separate (too-small) shower is "decorated" in hooded towels, step stools and squirty tub toys.
I really am not a "stay-at-home" mom because I am always on the go. My children have learned to behave when we are out because we are always out. Except on those wonderful days when we wear our pajamas all day. There are days when I wake up and all I want to do is stay in bed or at least stay in my pajamas all day, but I can't. I have to get up and go to one appointment or another, pick up one child or another and shuttle them to one place or another. Then, there are days where I can't wait to get out of this house and I can't seem to get anyone else out of their pajamas!
But then. Every once in a while. There are those perfect days (or at least a few hours!). Where we have cooperation. We work together. We get out and about and things aren't completely crazy. We haven't forgotten something necessary at home. There isn't too much stuff in the car. Errands get accomplished.
Oh, wait!! That was that recurring dream I keep having! HA!
Seriously, I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Thank You, Lord for such a wonderful family that needs me. Thank You for a home that is a strong shelter for our family. Thank You for a loving husband with a good job and for continuing opportunities. Thank You for blessing me beyond what I could have ever asked for. But mostly, Thank You for loving me so much and for teaching me to love with Your unconditional love!
ChristinaLynn }i{
I can't imagine a Mother's Day without a single one of them. And yet, I found myself yesterday thinking of people I know who no longer have a "mother" in their lives and it saddened me deeply. I missed my mother-in-law terribly yesterday. But I was strangely comforted in the fact that I still have my mother and my grandmother to call and wish a Happy Mother's Day to. I don't want to think of the days when I will not have anyone to call on Mother's Day.
I'm no Super Mom, but the single comment I hear most often is, "Christina, I don't know how you do it!" Honestly, I don't know how I do it either! I never, ever pictured myself as the mother of five children. I never pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom. I really never pictured myself with three children under the age of five!
I really don't "do it." Not the right way, anyway. We do super cleaning when people are coming over and we live in toys and clutter when they're not. We never feel comfortable with someone just "stopping by" because we actually do live here - 24 hours a day! We have friends of the kids who come over a few times a week to hang out and we don't even notice. Every day, around 3:00 pm (and again at 4:00 pm, then again at 5:00 pm), I hear, "Mom, what's for dinner?" Then, I start thinking what I might have in the freezer that won't require too much defrosting. The dishes pile up in the sink because the dishwasher is full and hasn't been unloaded yet. My beautiful master bathroom with the dual sinks, water closet, and deep, oval garden tub and separate (too-small) shower is "decorated" in hooded towels, step stools and squirty tub toys.
I really am not a "stay-at-home" mom because I am always on the go. My children have learned to behave when we are out because we are always out. Except on those wonderful days when we wear our pajamas all day. There are days when I wake up and all I want to do is stay in bed or at least stay in my pajamas all day, but I can't. I have to get up and go to one appointment or another, pick up one child or another and shuttle them to one place or another. Then, there are days where I can't wait to get out of this house and I can't seem to get anyone else out of their pajamas!
But then. Every once in a while. There are those perfect days (or at least a few hours!). Where we have cooperation. We work together. We get out and about and things aren't completely crazy. We haven't forgotten something necessary at home. There isn't too much stuff in the car. Errands get accomplished.
Oh, wait!! That was that recurring dream I keep having! HA!
Seriously, I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Thank You, Lord for such a wonderful family that needs me. Thank You for a home that is a strong shelter for our family. Thank You for a loving husband with a good job and for continuing opportunities. Thank You for blessing me beyond what I could have ever asked for. But mostly, Thank You for loving me so much and for teaching me to love with Your unconditional love!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, April 21, 2011
OMG! Where have YOU been?!?
Ok, so it has been a long time since I made a regular post on here! Hopefully, I will be able to make a come-back :)
For anyone who hasn't heard, in addition to having a new baby in our family, I started a new business! Nothing like adding more to the chaos, right?!? You can check out my new business here or here. Thirty-One Gifts is a wonderful company that I am an Independent Consultant for. They are a faith-based company, built on the teachings of Proverbs 31, where they derive their name! And you know how I LOVE Proverbs 31! We have so many beautiful items such as purses, wallets, totes, organizers and so much more. And, many of our items can be personalized with your initial(s), name or favorite saying. With four boys, it lets me share a little girly-ness with my daughter again!!
Now, back to my handsome new bundle of joy! We welcomed our newest baby into our family back in November and he is just adorable. Although it means a few more years before I can get back to earning my degree and catching up my retirment fund, it also means many more years of Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy :) I am one of the lucky ones! I expect to total about 25 years of the wonderful magic of childhood! When the time comes that my youngest has decided that it is me or dad making all of those things happen, maybe I'll have a grandchild or two to share the magic with. Did I ever tell you how I cried the day my oldest "found out"? Ugh.
You all also know how I LOVE couponing! I was recently asked to come to a place of business for a "Lunch-N-Learn" to teach some ladies the art of saving through the couponing system. What do you think? I am the first to admit, I am no expert! But, maybe I can share what I know to help other struggling families. Should I do it?
As always, I'm taking your requests. What do YOU want to see on this blog? More coupon strategies and success stories? A new Bible study? Book reviews? More about my new business? Something else? Reader's choice!
ChristinaLynn }i{
For anyone who hasn't heard, in addition to having a new baby in our family, I started a new business! Nothing like adding more to the chaos, right?!? You can check out my new business here or here. Thirty-One Gifts is a wonderful company that I am an Independent Consultant for. They are a faith-based company, built on the teachings of Proverbs 31, where they derive their name! And you know how I LOVE Proverbs 31! We have so many beautiful items such as purses, wallets, totes, organizers and so much more. And, many of our items can be personalized with your initial(s), name or favorite saying. With four boys, it lets me share a little girly-ness with my daughter again!!
Now, back to my handsome new bundle of joy! We welcomed our newest baby into our family back in November and he is just adorable. Although it means a few more years before I can get back to earning my degree and catching up my retirment fund, it also means many more years of Santa Clause, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy :) I am one of the lucky ones! I expect to total about 25 years of the wonderful magic of childhood! When the time comes that my youngest has decided that it is me or dad making all of those things happen, maybe I'll have a grandchild or two to share the magic with. Did I ever tell you how I cried the day my oldest "found out"? Ugh.
You all also know how I LOVE couponing! I was recently asked to come to a place of business for a "Lunch-N-Learn" to teach some ladies the art of saving through the couponing system. What do you think? I am the first to admit, I am no expert! But, maybe I can share what I know to help other struggling families. Should I do it?
As always, I'm taking your requests. What do YOU want to see on this blog? More coupon strategies and success stories? A new Bible study? Book reviews? More about my new business? Something else? Reader's choice!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lord, Just One Compliant Child, Please!
Today I am struggling with being a good parent. I certainly don't feel like a good parent. There isn't any obvious proof that I am a good parent. Now, I'm not looking for an award for "World's Best Mom" or anything. Just a little respect, some obedience. I would completely feel like the best mom in the world if just one of my children was showing their full potential. Excelling at something, anything. Rather than being called at home by teachers, pulled aside at pick-up and completely embarassed by their behaviors. Don't get me wrong, there are moments like this. In the past. How long ago was it? I can't remember.
Help me, Lord, to cherish the times when my children make me proud of them. Help me tuck them away for these times when they frustrate me, embarass me, ignore me and disrespect me. Help me to keep my patience during these times and always let them know that I love them. No matter what. Just as You love me. No matter what. Lord, help me to dwell on the wonderful times and not the negative. Help me to raise responsible, respectful, productive members of society, who have a heart for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Help me, Lord, to cherish the times when my children make me proud of them. Help me tuck them away for these times when they frustrate me, embarass me, ignore me and disrespect me. Help me to keep my patience during these times and always let them know that I love them. No matter what. Just as You love me. No matter what. Lord, help me to dwell on the wonderful times and not the negative. Help me to raise responsible, respectful, productive members of society, who have a heart for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Cherokee Legend
Received this today and just had to share!
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian Youth's' rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him - alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us. Sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn.
Moral of the story:
Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian Youth's' rite of Passage?
His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him - alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!
Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him.
He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.
We, too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us. Sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.
If you liked this story, pass it on. If not, you took off your blindfold before dawn.
Moral of the story:
Just because you can't see God, doesn't mean He is not there.
"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, August 23, 2010
Children
God gives us children for a time
To teach them how to love the Lord,
To train them in His righteous ways,
To follow and obey His Word. —Sper
ChristinaLynn }i{
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