The challenge: You can't say anything negative about your husband ...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. Also, you must say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband.
If you struggled with the challenge yesterday, start fresh today! It does take some practice, but you will get better at it every day if you are persistent.
Galatians 5:13b ...serve one another in love. Find some way that your husband is serving you or your family and praise him for his strength in serving others. If possible, find some small token that will help him in this service. For my husband, this might be as simple as extra super glue to help glue all of our kids broken toys. He is so much better at this than I am and he enjoys doing it.
Also, keep in mind that this week you are remembering your dating days. Think about something that you remember from those days that you can incorporate back into regular life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A 1950's Housewife
(Uh-hmmm, now that I have your attention!)
A segment from the Rachael Ray Show has inspired me to write the next series on this blog. If you ever read my previous blog, you'll recall the series I did on Proverbs 31 and will see some similarities, but many differences and hopefully a new twist on some not-so-new information.
For some background, the Rachael Ray segment was related to the TV series Mad Men. I have not seen the shows and really don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are set in the 1960's. The couples on the Rachael Ray show claimed to be modern-day 1950's housewives and that it makes their life wonderful. I'm not completely sure how their day-to-day lives differ from most stay-at-home moms, but we will look at one woman's blogs during this series as well as other resources including daily actions you can take to improve your home, marriage and relationships.
Courtney writes the blog I just mentioned, Women Living Well, and although I am starting late, I will begin where she began and incorporate my other resources with it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
So, let's begin. The first week is to let you all know that I am participating in this challenge.
ChristinaLynn }i{
A segment from the Rachael Ray Show has inspired me to write the next series on this blog. If you ever read my previous blog, you'll recall the series I did on Proverbs 31 and will see some similarities, but many differences and hopefully a new twist on some not-so-new information.
For some background, the Rachael Ray segment was related to the TV series Mad Men. I have not seen the shows and really don't know anything about them other than the fact that they are set in the 1960's. The couples on the Rachael Ray show claimed to be modern-day 1950's housewives and that it makes their life wonderful. I'm not completely sure how their day-to-day lives differ from most stay-at-home moms, but we will look at one woman's blogs during this series as well as other resources including daily actions you can take to improve your home, marriage and relationships.
Courtney writes the blog I just mentioned, Women Living Well, and although I am starting late, I will begin where she began and incorporate my other resources with it. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
So, let's begin. The first week is to let you all know that I am participating in this challenge.
I'm not sure how to put the You Tube video in, but you can visit Courtney's blog to see the video there. If I can figure it out, I'll add it later.
The next thing I am to do is to tell you about my dating days with my husband. When he asked me out, I wasn't sure what to think or how to act. I hadn't been on a date in several years. We started out going to a Saturday night church service at the church he was attending, then had dinner and saw a movie. We started all of our future dates with church, but dinner and a movie got expensive, so sometimes we would rent a movie instead. One of my fondest memories is lying on the couch together watching a movie with the fireplace going (yes, in Florida! Sometimes we would open the doors to let enough cold air in to keep the room from getting too hot!). Nowadays, because of "baby weight" I don't think we would both fit lying on the couch together! Maybe the couch has gotten smaller :)
To make more of this challenge, I am incorporating the 30-Day Encouragement Challenge. For the next 30 days, you can't say anything negative about your husband...to your husband...or to anyone else, about your husband. You must also say something that you admire or appreciate about your husband...to your husband...and to someone else, about your husband. Feel free to share!!
Day One: Proverbs 31:11-12 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. Is there anything you can do today to instill confidence in your husband? Are you bringing him good today and all the days of your life? The challenge today asks that you thank your husband for choosing you and to start the day: "Give him a 'wake up call' he'll never forget - a big 'I love you' and an 'I'm so glad I'm your wife!'"
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 8
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
This is our opportunity to make bold declarations of faith, to know that God answers our prayers. As it says in Psalm 37:4, we know that God is able and willing to give us the desires of our heart because we have examined ourselves to be in His will and asked for His will to be done and we have delighted ourselves in Him. We can then take a last opportunity to praise Him again for all He has done and all He is doing.
I hope that you all have enjoyed this study of The Lord's Prayer and how we can apply it to our daily prayer lives.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This is our opportunity to make bold declarations of faith, to know that God answers our prayers. As it says in Psalm 37:4, we know that God is able and willing to give us the desires of our heart because we have examined ourselves to be in His will and asked for His will to be done and we have delighted ourselves in Him. We can then take a last opportunity to praise Him again for all He has done and all He is doing.
I hope that you all have enjoyed this study of The Lord's Prayer and how we can apply it to our daily prayer lives.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 7
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil...
This is another segment where we pray for God's help, but we also have to do our part. We need to equip ourselves for the battle that we are going to face. Yes, it's a battle. We are asking God to lead us not into temptation, but also to deliver us from evil when we face temptation. We will face temptations, one way or another and we have to have ourselves equipped to fight that temptation when it arises.
This brings us to Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on the whole armor of God. The Bible says we should gird our loins with TRUTH and this refers to the most sensitive, delicate parts of our body and spirit to be protected with the truth. Then, to put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is to protect your heart with what is right according to God's standard, not the world's. Next, we are to READY our feet with the Gospel of peace. This is to make sure we are ready to share the peace that God offers. We should then have the shield of FAITH. The stronger your faith, the easier it will be to defeat and protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy. Then comes the helmet of SALVATION and the sword of the spirit, the BIBLE. We must believe in and accept God's gift of salvation and hide His Word in our heart by memorizing Scriptures to be prepared for the battle. Lastly, we learn that we must PRAY in the spirit, which is to pray according to God's will as we discussed in The Lord's Prayer - Part 4.
You can read more about another post on my previous blog about the armor of God here.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This is another segment where we pray for God's help, but we also have to do our part. We need to equip ourselves for the battle that we are going to face. Yes, it's a battle. We are asking God to lead us not into temptation, but also to deliver us from evil when we face temptation. We will face temptations, one way or another and we have to have ourselves equipped to fight that temptation when it arises.
This brings us to Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on the whole armor of God. The Bible says we should gird our loins with TRUTH and this refers to the most sensitive, delicate parts of our body and spirit to be protected with the truth. Then, to put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, which is to protect your heart with what is right according to God's standard, not the world's. Next, we are to READY our feet with the Gospel of peace. This is to make sure we are ready to share the peace that God offers. We should then have the shield of FAITH. The stronger your faith, the easier it will be to defeat and protect yourself from the attacks of the enemy. Then comes the helmet of SALVATION and the sword of the spirit, the BIBLE. We must believe in and accept God's gift of salvation and hide His Word in our heart by memorizing Scriptures to be prepared for the battle. Lastly, we learn that we must PRAY in the spirit, which is to pray according to God's will as we discussed in The Lord's Prayer - Part 4.
You can read more about another post on my previous blog about the armor of God here.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 6
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...
Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness and to forgive others. After you have praised God for who He is, where He is and what He has done and is doing in your life, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Not only for yourself but also for others who have hurt and wronged you.
When we ask for forgiveness, God says our sins are as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That is such a refreshing thought! That we are no longer a part of the sin we created and the sin is no longer a part of us. When these sins are brought back to our minds, and the temptations are right in front of us to sin again, we have to remind ourselves that it is not God who is bringing them to mind, it is the enemy (who I will not honor with a name). In our next segment, we will talk about how to defeat him.
We also have to be willing to forgive others. This can sometimes be hard, but you will find a new kind of love and peace when you find the ability to forgive others. Remembering that those times when the hurt and agony may be brought by God to help you learn to forgive, but it may be from the enemy to help you feel defeated and angry all over again. Take this opportunity to release others for the hurt they have caused you and ask God to help you remember it no more.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Now is the time to ask God for forgiveness and to forgive others. After you have praised God for who He is, where He is and what He has done and is doing in your life, now is the time to ask for forgiveness. Not only for yourself but also for others who have hurt and wronged you.
When we ask for forgiveness, God says our sins are as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). That is such a refreshing thought! That we are no longer a part of the sin we created and the sin is no longer a part of us. When these sins are brought back to our minds, and the temptations are right in front of us to sin again, we have to remind ourselves that it is not God who is bringing them to mind, it is the enemy (who I will not honor with a name). In our next segment, we will talk about how to defeat him.
We also have to be willing to forgive others. This can sometimes be hard, but you will find a new kind of love and peace when you find the ability to forgive others. Remembering that those times when the hurt and agony may be brought by God to help you learn to forgive, but it may be from the enemy to help you feel defeated and angry all over again. Take this opportunity to release others for the hurt they have caused you and ask God to help you remember it no more.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, June 25, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 5
Give us this day our daily bread...
This one is near and dear to my heart because it correlates to the verse this blog is based on and is talking about God's provision for a prosperous life for us. It also speaks back to the provision God made for the Israelites with His daily manna from heaven.
God wants us to prosper, He wants to shower us with blessings. We have to do our part by making sure we are in His will in our prayer lives, our church, habits, tithing and any other parts of our lives He would have us surrender to Him.
Pray for God to give you your daily bread, to provide for you today, to teach you to more fully trust in Him, and to show you areas of your life that you need to walk more with Him.
ChristinaLynn }i{
This one is near and dear to my heart because it correlates to the verse this blog is based on and is talking about God's provision for a prosperous life for us. It also speaks back to the provision God made for the Israelites with His daily manna from heaven.
God wants us to prosper, He wants to shower us with blessings. We have to do our part by making sure we are in His will in our prayer lives, our church, habits, tithing and any other parts of our lives He would have us surrender to Him.
Pray for God to give you your daily bread, to provide for you today, to teach you to more fully trust in Him, and to show you areas of your life that you need to walk more with Him.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 4
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done...
Take this opportunity to pray for God's will to be done in your life; in the lives of your family and friends; your church leaders and members, future members and the unsaved your church is trying to reach; your local, state and national government, its political and spiritual leaders; and for the peace that will come to Jerusalem.
Remember that you should be looking for God's will to be done, not your own. Many, many times, I have found that I did not get what I prayed for only to find out that what God had planned was far better than I could have ever imagined. Likewise, there have been times I have gotten what I prayed for and realized God was telling me the whole time that it would never work out well.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Take this opportunity to pray for God's will to be done in your life; in the lives of your family and friends; your church leaders and members, future members and the unsaved your church is trying to reach; your local, state and national government, its political and spiritual leaders; and for the peace that will come to Jerusalem.
Remember that you should be looking for God's will to be done, not your own. Many, many times, I have found that I did not get what I prayed for only to find out that what God had planned was far better than I could have ever imagined. Likewise, there have been times I have gotten what I prayed for and realized God was telling me the whole time that it would never work out well.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, June 21, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 3
Hallowed be thy name...
Think on and use the names of Jesus and the names of God.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Messiah, The Anointed One, The Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, The Word, The Lily of the Valley, The Ancient of Days, Jehovah, My Rock and My Fortress, The Rose of Sharon, Excellent, Rock of Ages, Redeemer, The Potter, The Great Physician, Master, Provider, King of the Jews...
There are so many more. Just think of the name(s) of God that you need to call upon at that time. Meditate on the meaning of that name and what it represents to you. Praise God for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done for you, your salvation, your health, wealth, well-being and any blessing He has given you. Praise His name above all names.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Think on and use the names of Jesus and the names of God.
Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Wonderful Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, The Lamb of God, The Good Shepherd, The Messiah, The Anointed One, The Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, The Word, The Lily of the Valley, The Ancient of Days, Jehovah, My Rock and My Fortress, The Rose of Sharon, Excellent, Rock of Ages, Redeemer, The Potter, The Great Physician, Master, Provider, King of the Jews...
There are so many more. Just think of the name(s) of God that you need to call upon at that time. Meditate on the meaning of that name and what it represents to you. Praise God for who He is. Praise Him for what He has done for you, your salvation, your health, wealth, well-being and any blessing He has given you. Praise His name above all names.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Lord's Prayer - Part 2
Our Father who art in Heaven...
Just picture it, the 12 gates made of pearl, 12 layers of foundational stones inlaid with gems of sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and many more. A golden city with a river as clear as crystal, the Tree of Life bearing crops, no need for sun or moon, because our glorious Lord and Savior gives us the light. And His face will be in our minds and His name on our foreheads.
Get this mental picture every time you pray. Picture what Heaven will be like. Picture our Lord in all of His glory, as best as you can with our mortal eyes. Know who you are talking to. Make it personal, a real relationship with Him!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Just picture it, the 12 gates made of pearl, 12 layers of foundational stones inlaid with gems of sapphire, emerald, topaz, amethyst and many more. A golden city with a river as clear as crystal, the Tree of Life bearing crops, no need for sun or moon, because our glorious Lord and Savior gives us the light. And His face will be in our minds and His name on our foreheads.
Get this mental picture every time you pray. Picture what Heaven will be like. Picture our Lord in all of His glory, as best as you can with our mortal eyes. Know who you are talking to. Make it personal, a real relationship with Him!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Lord's Prayer
Many of us have heard The Lord's Prayer and may even have it memorized (Matthew 6:9-13). Have you ever really studied the words contained in the prayer? What about the verses right before the prayer? I'm going to take the next few posts to talk about the specifics and I welcome your comments!
Adapted from the outline of Dr. Larry Lea, the teachings of Marcel Murray and personal study.
First, let's look at the verses right before The Lord's Prayer. Jesus had only recently recruited some fishermen to follow Him, to make them fishers of men. He was already being followed by multitudes of people because of his teaching, preaching and healing. He went up into a mountain with His disciples to escape the crowds and spend some quality teaching time with His disciples. We understand from Luke 11:1, that at some point during His praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Then Jesus said to them in the very beginning of Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (KJV). The Living Bible says, "Pray along these lines:." When we review these two statements, we can see that Jesus intention was not for us to recite the prayer exactly as He has said it, but instead, to use this prayer as a guide for how to pray. Think about that as you read the prayer.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Next, we will take the first portion of the prayer and talk specifically about how we can use it as a guide in our own prayer life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Adapted from the outline of Dr. Larry Lea, the teachings of Marcel Murray and personal study.
First, let's look at the verses right before The Lord's Prayer. Jesus had only recently recruited some fishermen to follow Him, to make them fishers of men. He was already being followed by multitudes of people because of his teaching, preaching and healing. He went up into a mountain with His disciples to escape the crowds and spend some quality teaching time with His disciples. We understand from Luke 11:1, that at some point during His praying, His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Then Jesus said to them in the very beginning of Matthew 6:9, "After this manner therefore pray ye:" (KJV). The Living Bible says, "Pray along these lines:." When we review these two statements, we can see that Jesus intention was not for us to recite the prayer exactly as He has said it, but instead, to use this prayer as a guide for how to pray. Think about that as you read the prayer.
"Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
Next, we will take the first portion of the prayer and talk specifically about how we can use it as a guide in our own prayer life.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Something to Think About
Estimated cost of raising a child born this year: over $300,000
Average lifetime income with a 2-year degree: over $2,000,000
Average cost of retirement: over $1,000,000
Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior:
ChristinaLynn }i{
Average lifetime income with a 2-year degree: over $2,000,000
Average cost of retirement: over $1,000,000
Eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior:
PRICELESS!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Honest Scrap
My first ever blog award - The Honest Scrap Award! Wow, I am completely humbled and really not sure what to say! The good thing is, this award comes with instructions on how to proceed! I'm not sure how I missed this when it came around back in April, but a wonderful woman with a great blog of her own granted this award to me and I will be passing it along. Read here to see Mrs. Claus' original blog post.
Ok, 10 honest things about myself. This may not be easy...
- I am a wife and mother (soon to be 5 children!). I LOVE my kids so much even though they sometimes drive me NUTS!
- They call me a "Stay-at-home mom" but I am rarely ever home and never stay in one place! I prefer the title: Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations. (You just have to read this one!)
- My favorite color is purple - almost any shade of purple.
- I have lived within 40 miles of my birth home my entire life. However, someday, I hope to live in the mountains.
- I once won a beauty pageant in my city by default. I was the only one registered in my age group! I went on to the state competition where there were 11 women and 10 winners - I was not one of them. Although, I did win a trophy for Best Personality.
- I am trying desperately to live debt-free in Jesus name!
- I am a coupon fanatic! I found out at the beginning of this year that I could get more groceries with less money by shopping at my local Publix rather than the big warehouse stores. It just takes some planning to cut your grocery bill in half!
- One day, I hope to publish a book. Right now, I am working on a cook book. Feel free to send me your submissions!
- I am super thrilled at every new Facebook friend and every new follower on my blog! It is so exciting to know that people are out there listening to what God puts on my heart to share. There are many, many times where the words are not mine and only His and I can only pray that they touch someone, somewhere.
- I was blessed to have music as a huge part of my life growing up and I am saddened that my children are not exposed to as much musical enrichment as I was. I really believe that God uses music to speak to us and to teach us things in ways we may not otherwise be able to learn.
- Life At 7000 Feet
- 3 Strand Romances
- Frugal Fun and Fortune
- Simple Saving Secrets
- Want What You Have
- My Cup Runneth Over
- A Day in the Life
- Carpool Queen
- Kim's Space
- The Fairhope Foodie
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, May 31, 2010
When I Say...
"When I say... 'I am a Christian, I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin.'
I'm whispering 'I was lost; now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow."
Carol Wimmer
ChristinaLynn }i{
I'm whispering 'I was lost; now I'm found and forgiven.'
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I still feel the sting of pain...
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... 'I am a Christian,' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow."
Carol Wimmer
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, May 28, 2010
What God Has Promised
God has not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives thro’;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives thro’;
God has not promised
Sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
God has not promised
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
We shall not know
Toil and temptation,
Trouble and woe;
He has not told us
We shall not bear
Many a burden,
Many a care.
But God has promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer,
Light for the way,
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy,
Undying love.
Annie Johnson Flint
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Summer is coming!
Preschool has ended, speech therapy has ended and the public school calendar is nearing its end as well. It is long past time to have planned what to do with four kids for 10 weeks, so why haven't I? Normally, by this time of year, I would have a detailed schedule of daily activities planned with alternate options for rainy days and a budget down to the penny. So what happened? Well, everything...life...so many things have taken priority.
The biggest roadblock this year is that my creativity for summer activities has taken a back seat to my limited budget. Last year, we were blessed to be able to fund our summer activities and our vacation without the use of credit cards. Through some lack of self-control, we got ourselves into some debt since then and have determined that we are going to pay that off before we have any "luxury" expenses.
So, I'm taking your suggestions for free and low-cost* activities to keep my kids busy this summer. Just leave a comment here, feel free to include links.
*Let's say under $10 total or $2 per person
ChristinaLynn }i{
The biggest roadblock this year is that my creativity for summer activities has taken a back seat to my limited budget. Last year, we were blessed to be able to fund our summer activities and our vacation without the use of credit cards. Through some lack of self-control, we got ourselves into some debt since then and have determined that we are going to pay that off before we have any "luxury" expenses.
So, I'm taking your suggestions for free and low-cost* activities to keep my kids busy this summer. Just leave a comment here, feel free to include links.
*Let's say under $10 total or $2 per person
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
When You Want to Give, But...
While sitting in church on Sunday, reading the bulletin, I noticed two particular donation opportunities that weighed heavily on my heart. Several thoughts went through my head. If the economy were doing better. If only money wasn't so tight right now. If we were just debt-free, I would have the money to support these. If I could just find some of those "freebies" I hear so much about on the coupon websites. I had to fight back the tears.
There is a need, and yes, we could "make do" with a lot less - a lot of families in other countries have much less than we do. God has blessed us to live in this country with the privileges and the technology to reach so many. He expects us to use our resources for His glory. If we hadn't allowed ourselves to get into debt in the first place, we would probably be able to help others more often. We will be able to help others again very soon. God never expects us to go into debt in order to help others.
ChristinaLynn }i{
There is a need, and yes, we could "make do" with a lot less - a lot of families in other countries have much less than we do. God has blessed us to live in this country with the privileges and the technology to reach so many. He expects us to use our resources for His glory. If we hadn't allowed ourselves to get into debt in the first place, we would probably be able to help others more often. We will be able to help others again very soon. God never expects us to go into debt in order to help others.
I will have faith that if God's plan is
for me to help these causes,
for me to help these causes,
He will provide the funds.
What do you do when you want to help or give to others on a very tight budget?
ChristinaLynn }i{
Monday, May 24, 2010
What Can You Buy With $27 At Publix?
Quite a bit if you don't mind spending 30 minutes to an hour preparing and stick to the list!
Actually, it only cost me $19.34 OOP (out of pocket) due to $7 in ECB (extra care bucks) from CVS. Twenty-two items for an average of $0.88 each! And a total savings of 76%!! Here's the run down:
Share your savings!!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Actually, it only cost me $19.34 OOP (out of pocket) due to $7 in ECB (extra care bucks) from CVS. Twenty-two items for an average of $0.88 each! And a total savings of 76%!! Here's the run down:
- Kleenex Cottonelle Toilet Paper - 12 roll pkg
- 4 Oscar Meyer Beef Bologna
- 2 Jose Ole Taquito
- 2 Kellogg's Frosted Mini Wheats
- 2 Kraft chunk cheese
- 2 Ronzoni Healthy Harvest pasta
- 2 pints grape tomatoes
- 4 A-1 sauce
- 2 Vigo yellow rice (rain check from last week)
- 1/4 watermelon
Share your savings!!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Why?
Ever want to ask God, "Why?"
Whether because of a lost loved one, or an illness or injury you or a family member are facing, or maybe it's financial troubles. In reality, it could be just about anything that we just don't understand.
I don't think He condemns us for asking or for feeling so helpless. But maybe it is like Mary when the angel visited her to tell her she was going to have our Lord. She asked, "How?"
"How is this going to come to be?" With a little bit of encouragement from the angel she realized that with God, all things are possible. Our faith is being tested, made stronger.
Lord, I need Your encouragement now. I feel so helpless, so confused. How am I going to get through this? What is this going to do to me? To my family? Although, I know that I may not have these answers this side of Glory, help me to believe that You would not put anything in my path that isn't for my best for Your Kingdom.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Whether because of a lost loved one, or an illness or injury you or a family member are facing, or maybe it's financial troubles. In reality, it could be just about anything that we just don't understand.
I don't think He condemns us for asking or for feeling so helpless. But maybe it is like Mary when the angel visited her to tell her she was going to have our Lord. She asked, "How?"
"How is this going to come to be?" With a little bit of encouragement from the angel she realized that with God, all things are possible. Our faith is being tested, made stronger.
Lord, I need Your encouragement now. I feel so helpless, so confused. How am I going to get through this? What is this going to do to me? To my family? Although, I know that I may not have these answers this side of Glory, help me to believe that You would not put anything in my path that isn't for my best for Your Kingdom.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, May 13, 2010
In Memory Of...
A special thank you to Joanne who wrote this beautiful obituary for our mother. Although names and locations have been removed for privacy, I know that you can feel the love and loss.
Mom has peacefully left this Earthly world and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven freeing her from the pain and suffering she fought over the last year in a very brave, determined and almost regal fight.
Mom, born in New York, was the only child of loving parents and was the light of their lives. She brought light into someone else’s life at a very young age. At 15, she met a handsome 17 year old boy with beautiful wavy hair. They would marry some four years later and she waited for him while he was stationed in the Navy during the Korean War.
They welcomed a son and four years later, another son. Since the house was a little too quiet with only two boys, they decided to have three – and thirteen years after the first birth, came their last. Her (and his) greatest source of pride was and always has been her sons and as they grew, their families. Her house was always filled with unconditional love and awesome Mother Love. Even all these years later, all of her children have lived no more than minutes from her.
She worked part-time for a local community college all while her boys were growing up, so that she could still be there for them when they needed her. She and her husband provided an idyllic childhood for their boys – vacationing every summer, boating every weekend, neighborhood parties and barbecues. Family was always first and foremost with her.
She opened up her good heart to the women that her sons brought home to be their wives. And never liked the word “daughter-in-law”. It was always DAUGHTER. And she ALWAYS made her sons’ wives feel like her daughters and the “daughters” always felt like she was their “other” mother.
Nothing could make her face light up faster than a grandchild. Recently she found out that her youngest son and his wife were expecting their fifth blessing. She probably had a smile on her face for days with that news. One of her grandson’s visited his Nana on the day that she passed. He brought up a special lunch that he’d made for her. When she told us of his visit later that night, you could see the love and light in her face as she spoke of her second grandchild. She was like that with ALL her grandchildren.
This past March, our family got together to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our parents. All the family was there. It was a beautiful day with lots of smiles and laughing and good memories and many, many hugs. All of us will be forever grateful for that day and for the love and life of Mom. We will always miss you and you will always be in our hearts and in our lives. And we know that although our family chain is now broken, one day, we will all be together and the link will rejoin. We love you Mom and Nana.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Mom has peacefully left this Earthly world and entered into the Kingdom of Heaven freeing her from the pain and suffering she fought over the last year in a very brave, determined and almost regal fight.
Mom, born in New York, was the only child of loving parents and was the light of their lives. She brought light into someone else’s life at a very young age. At 15, she met a handsome 17 year old boy with beautiful wavy hair. They would marry some four years later and she waited for him while he was stationed in the Navy during the Korean War.
They welcomed a son and four years later, another son. Since the house was a little too quiet with only two boys, they decided to have three – and thirteen years after the first birth, came their last. Her (and his) greatest source of pride was and always has been her sons and as they grew, their families. Her house was always filled with unconditional love and awesome Mother Love. Even all these years later, all of her children have lived no more than minutes from her.
She worked part-time for a local community college all while her boys were growing up, so that she could still be there for them when they needed her. She and her husband provided an idyllic childhood for their boys – vacationing every summer, boating every weekend, neighborhood parties and barbecues. Family was always first and foremost with her.
She opened up her good heart to the women that her sons brought home to be their wives. And never liked the word “daughter-in-law”. It was always DAUGHTER. And she ALWAYS made her sons’ wives feel like her daughters and the “daughters” always felt like she was their “other” mother.
Nothing could make her face light up faster than a grandchild. Recently she found out that her youngest son and his wife were expecting their fifth blessing. She probably had a smile on her face for days with that news. One of her grandson’s visited his Nana on the day that she passed. He brought up a special lunch that he’d made for her. When she told us of his visit later that night, you could see the love and light in her face as she spoke of her second grandchild. She was like that with ALL her grandchildren.
This past March, our family got together to celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our parents. All the family was there. It was a beautiful day with lots of smiles and laughing and good memories and many, many hugs. All of us will be forever grateful for that day and for the love and life of Mom. We will always miss you and you will always be in our hearts and in our lives. And we know that although our family chain is now broken, one day, we will all be together and the link will rejoin. We love you Mom and Nana.
ChristinaLynn }i{
It's Me Again
Well, I have been so out of the loop lately. I usually don't post very much personal/family information here, but I feel I owe you all an explanation as to my recent absence.
It has been quite a roller coaster ride these past few weeks. Shortly before Easter, we found out we are expecting another child! Our fifth! And, it was quite a surprise. We all know that God works in mysterious ways and the mysteries are still unfolding for us all. Besides the usual morning sickness (which lasts all day!) and afternoon exhaustion, I was hospitalized for an overnight stay due to a severe migraine with complications. Then, near the end of April, my dear sweet mother-in-law went home to be with Jesus. Although she has been ill, we wanted so many more years with her and miss her terribly. I will make a separate post with the beautiful obituary my sister (in-law) Joanne wrote. Very touching. Currently, I'm taking care of one of my little ones who has a fever.
That being said, our family would really appreciate all of your prayers as we go through these difficult times.
Although I missed several posts, Blogtipping, 10 on the 10th, etc for this month, I hope to get back on track now and keep up through the summer even with all of the kids home from school. I don't expect to post too many more of my shopping trips unless there are just some awesome deals. I think you all get the idea of how that works and there are so many great websites that you can go to for that information. If you really like those posts, just let me know and I can determine if they are worth putting back into the rotation.
I struggle regularly with schedules and keeping on task, so that is always a challenge for me. Wish me luck!
ChristinaLynn }i{
It has been quite a roller coaster ride these past few weeks. Shortly before Easter, we found out we are expecting another child! Our fifth! And, it was quite a surprise. We all know that God works in mysterious ways and the mysteries are still unfolding for us all. Besides the usual morning sickness (which lasts all day!) and afternoon exhaustion, I was hospitalized for an overnight stay due to a severe migraine with complications. Then, near the end of April, my dear sweet mother-in-law went home to be with Jesus. Although she has been ill, we wanted so many more years with her and miss her terribly. I will make a separate post with the beautiful obituary my sister (in-law) Joanne wrote. Very touching. Currently, I'm taking care of one of my little ones who has a fever.
That being said, our family would really appreciate all of your prayers as we go through these difficult times.
Although I missed several posts, Blogtipping, 10 on the 10th, etc for this month, I hope to get back on track now and keep up through the summer even with all of the kids home from school. I don't expect to post too many more of my shopping trips unless there are just some awesome deals. I think you all get the idea of how that works and there are so many great websites that you can go to for that information. If you really like those posts, just let me know and I can determine if they are worth putting back into the rotation.
I struggle regularly with schedules and keeping on task, so that is always a challenge for me. Wish me luck!
ChristinaLynn }i{
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