My sister recently posted an interesting item on Facebook and I would like to continue it through my blog to get additional comments and perspective. I don't think she will mind since curiosity of the spirital nature is the subject matter. Here is what she posted:
"Comment heard on the radio last night: 'It's okay to go to God and beat on His chest and question Him--as long as you're facing Him: don't turn away.'
Comments, thoughts, observations?"
So, tell me. What are your comments, thoughts and observations regarding this?
ChristinaLynn }i{
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
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{
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My Chains Are Gone!
My chains are gone,
I've been set free!
My God, my Savior has ransomed me!
And like a flood His mercy reigns.
Unending love, Amazing grace!
The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures!
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Thursday, January 13, 2011
God Speaking
This touches my heart every time I hear it. I know it will touch yours too!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Have you ever heard a love song
That set your spirit free
Have you ever watched a sunrise
And felt you could not breathe
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain
Have you ever met a stranger
Who already knew your name
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Who knows how He'll get a hold of us
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us, I love you
Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear
What if He's somehow involved
What if He's speaking through it all
His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger
God is speaking
I love you
Written by Ronnie Freeman, performed by Mandisa
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Amazing Baby Shower Gift Options!
I just took advantage of this great offer, maybe you will be able to do the same!Just go to the Udder Covers website and select the nursing cover you would like for yourself or for someone you know that is expecting a baby. Use the promotion code: Family2010 when you checkout and you will pay only shipping!
These make great baby shower gifts and look like beautiful fabric choices. I'll let you know how mine is as soon as I receive it!
PLUS, when you checkout, look for a special additional promotion code for a huge discount on a baby sling from Sevenslings!"Baby wearing" has become all the rage for new moms and these slings too look like beautiful fabric choices. I've heard they run small, so make sure to check the sizing chart before you order. Once again, you may be able to pay only shipping!
Another great baby shower gift! I'll let you know how it is when I receive mine.
Happy shopping!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
When All of Life Surrounds You
The struggle seems too much
When all of life surrounds you
When there's no one here to talk to
More overwhelming than you knew
When the only one who knows
Has the same burden and the stress
Your heart feels so heavy
To even take a breath
God is the One who understands
He holds you through it all
His shoulders are so broad
But on Him you must call
He's strong enough to take it
But it must come from me
I must give it to Him freely
Or it can never be.
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{
Friday, September 17, 2010
I'm on Etsy!
I've started making custom diaper wipe cases and I'm selling them on Etsy! There are many patterns and colors to choose from. I can make travel size or full size, and can make other types of cases as well (i.e.: pencil cases or anything else!). Check them out here! 
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{
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Have I Told You How Much I LOVE Publix?
I really do! It is so refreshing to be able to go into the store and have a plan, use my coupons and come out with a cart FULL of groceries for less than $75 each and every week!
Today, I was able to purchase $215.51 worth of groceries for $73.61. Can you believe that?
My big savings this week was on some Listerene purchases. I was able to get 2 bottles of Listerene, 1 Liter size, that also had a 16 oz bottle attached for $0.50 each! Very amazing!
Another great deal was the Lunchables. I was able to purchase three of the sandwich ones (without drink) for $0.50 each.
Glade plug in refills (twin packs) were also a great deal this week, I was able to purchase 2 twin packs for $1.99 each. These are normally around $5.50 each, so great savings!
And my last super deal was the Frito Lay classic variety pack. This pack contains 22 bags of single-serve size chips in various flavors. The regular price is about $9, but I was able to get them on sale, with a manufacturer and competitor coupon for only $4.49! That's about $0.20 each bag! Great for school lunches coming up!
So, if I pair a lunchable sandwich with a bag of chips and one of the Honest Kids juice pouches I got for FREE, I have a lunch for $0.70! WOW!
All thanks for Frugal Fun and Fortune and I Heart Publix. Matching up coupons to sale items is the way to go! If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?
ChristinaLynn }i{
Today, I was able to purchase $215.51 worth of groceries for $73.61. Can you believe that?
My big savings this week was on some Listerene purchases. I was able to get 2 bottles of Listerene, 1 Liter size, that also had a 16 oz bottle attached for $0.50 each! Very amazing!
Another great deal was the Lunchables. I was able to purchase three of the sandwich ones (without drink) for $0.50 each.
Glade plug in refills (twin packs) were also a great deal this week, I was able to purchase 2 twin packs for $1.99 each. These are normally around $5.50 each, so great savings!
And my last super deal was the Frito Lay classic variety pack. This pack contains 22 bags of single-serve size chips in various flavors. The regular price is about $9, but I was able to get them on sale, with a manufacturer and competitor coupon for only $4.49! That's about $0.20 each bag! Great for school lunches coming up!
So, if I pair a lunchable sandwich with a bag of chips and one of the Honest Kids juice pouches I got for FREE, I have a lunch for $0.70! WOW!
All thanks for Frugal Fun and Fortune and I Heart Publix. Matching up coupons to sale items is the way to go! If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for?
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, August 13, 2010
Can You Really Get FREE Stuff?
Right now, through Sunday, check out our local Hagan Ace Hardware for FREE printer ink refills!!
Seriously! I took my printer cartridge down to my Ace Hardware handed it over to them and a few hours later received a call that my cartridge was ready. When I went to pick it up, they scanned it at the counter and said that was all, no payment needed!
I believe this is something they've just started doing, so it is a promotion to make everyone aware that they are now doing it.
I've already tried out my refill and it works great! I was amazed that they refill my ink cartridge, some of the other local stores do not.
YES!!! You really can get FREE stuff!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Seriously! I took my printer cartridge down to my Ace Hardware handed it over to them and a few hours later received a call that my cartridge was ready. When I went to pick it up, they scanned it at the counter and said that was all, no payment needed!
I believe this is something they've just started doing, so it is a promotion to make everyone aware that they are now doing it.
I've already tried out my refill and it works great! I was amazed that they refill my ink cartridge, some of the other local stores do not.
YES!!! You really can get FREE stuff!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
I Just Won 9 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com
I Just Won 9 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com
Don't forget to sign up for Swag Bucks using the promo code BackToSchool to earn 70 swag bucks when you sign up!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Don't forget to sign up for Swag Bucks using the promo code BackToSchool to earn 70 swag bucks when you sign up!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Want the Good News or the Bad News First?
Let's start with the bad news so we have something to look forward to!
Bad News: I went over my grocery budget this week, but especially over for this half of the month! By about $40. Yikes! In my mind, I can justify it because we used up most of our stock piles before vacation, then used some of our grocery budget last month towards "vacation eating out." So, now we are building up our stock piles again. That is probably the hardest part about couponing, building up your supplies.
Good News: I saved over $100 at Publix today!! Mostly due to store sales, but I was able to accumulate over $30 in coupons. Very good effort today!!
Tell me about your savings, leave a comment below!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Bad News: I went over my grocery budget this week, but especially over for this half of the month! By about $40. Yikes! In my mind, I can justify it because we used up most of our stock piles before vacation, then used some of our grocery budget last month towards "vacation eating out." So, now we are building up our stock piles again. That is probably the hardest part about couponing, building up your supplies.
Good News: I saved over $100 at Publix today!! Mostly due to store sales, but I was able to accumulate over $30 in coupons. Very good effort today!!
Tell me about your savings, leave a comment below!
ChristinaLynn }i{
I Just Won 14 Swag Bucks
I Just Won 14 Swag Bucks on www.swagbucks.com
If you haven't signed up for Swag Bucks yet, do so now!! You can click my link at the bottom of this page. Swag Bucks can be used to purchase gift cards, all for just searching the internet like you're going to do anyway. Check it out!
Use code BackToSchool (case sensitive) for 70 swag bucks when you sign up!
ChristinaLynn }i{
If you haven't signed up for Swag Bucks yet, do so now!! You can click my link at the bottom of this page. Swag Bucks can be used to purchase gift cards, all for just searching the internet like you're going to do anyway. Check it out!
Use code BackToSchool (case sensitive) for 70 swag bucks when you sign up!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Stuff
Not feeling the best lately. No motivation. Extremely tired.
Also, not sure if I'll finish the 1950's Housewife Challenge blogs. If you want to see the remaining posts, let me know. Otherwise, I'll skip it and start posting again after school starts.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Also, not sure if I'll finish the 1950's Housewife Challenge blogs. If you want to see the remaining posts, let me know. Otherwise, I'll skip it and start posting again after school starts.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Saturday, July 31, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 23
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.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. How are you seeing your husband grow through this challenge? How much are you increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and your man? It is amazing how small changes in our daily actions can have such an impact!
Keep up the good work and share with us your experiences!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. How are you seeing your husband grow through this challenge? How much are you increasing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and your man? It is amazing how small changes in our daily actions can have such an impact!
Keep up the good work and share with us your experiences!
ChristinaLynn }i{
Friday, July 30, 2010
1950's Housewife Challenge - Day 22
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.
Psalm 34:14b ...seek peace, and pursue it. I love this verse. You hear all the time that people want "world peace," but what are they actually doing about it? This verse specifically tells us to PURSUE PEACE! That is an active means of accomplishing something, not just something we say that sounds good. Are you pursuing peace today in your marriage? I know I didn't this morning. I woke up grumpy and achy and started snapping at everyone. And everyone started snapping back at me. I think the saying is true that the wife sets the tone in the family and I did not set a good tone this morning. The last thing on my mind was to pursue peace. It wasn't long before I had to put my physical feelings aside and apologize for my behavior. Whether your husband brings peace into your home or not, ask God today to give you the "peace that passes all understanding" so that you may be a beacon in your home of tranquility and calm.
Kinda reminds me of our last Home Economics tip on Day 17.
ChristinaLynn }i{
Psalm 34:14b ...seek peace, and pursue it. I love this verse. You hear all the time that people want "world peace," but what are they actually doing about it? This verse specifically tells us to PURSUE PEACE! That is an active means of accomplishing something, not just something we say that sounds good. Are you pursuing peace today in your marriage? I know I didn't this morning. I woke up grumpy and achy and started snapping at everyone. And everyone started snapping back at me. I think the saying is true that the wife sets the tone in the family and I did not set a good tone this morning. The last thing on my mind was to pursue peace. It wasn't long before I had to put my physical feelings aside and apologize for my behavior. Whether your husband brings peace into your home or not, ask God today to give you the "peace that passes all understanding" so that you may be a beacon in your home of tranquility and calm.
Kinda reminds me of our last Home Economics tip on Day 17.
ChristinaLynn }i{
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