Hello!
It's been a few weeks since I've last had the opportunity to blog. That might give you an indication of craziness in the Linkletter household!
Our sweet Sammy was really sick over the past few weeks. He came down with RSV, a double ear infection, and is getting 4 teeth in!. Can you say poor baby? Along with all of that I think each one of us got a cold and the parents of the household had very little sleep.
I hope to write a bit more tomorrow, but for tonight I will leave this great link to some God centered music http://newmonikermusic.com/
Until next time,
Missy
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A few candid shots
Sammy was not cooperating!
Brother to Brother
Sammy Boy-8 months old
Our newest edition "Cali"
Can you believe what they do to me around here?
Sam Houston Memorial
Bug Eyes!Monday, September 21, 2009
And I cried out!
I don't know if you have given the name of this blog much notice "And They Cried Out". The title was born after reading Psalm 107 on a weekend get away. It resonated so deeply with me because with out my God, I have no hope, only despair. If by chance you haven't read Psalm 107 recently, it's a must read! When you get there, take notice how many times the it says: "and they cried out in their trouble and He saved them from their distress."
Last week was one of crying out to Him in my distress. The week before I found a lump-where no woman wants to find a lump.... Thursday they were able to get me in for a mammogram & ultrasound. Exactly one week of waiting. One week of intense crying out to my Maker. One week of wondering if my life would be altered forever. One week of looking at my husband and children with a heart overflowing in anguish. The night before my tests, I tossed and turned most of the night. I was in one of those "half asleep-half awake" states. Every time I would turnover, I cried out; "Abba, help me, Abba, be with me!"
I got to the hospital a little early and was able to do some reading. I felt directed to go to Romans 8. Honestly, I thought I would probably read Romans 8:28, but my eyes landed on verse 15. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." My spirit rejoiced with in me! At that moment, I felt the Lord's presence and I knew that He heard my cries. He rescued me from distress, His presence calmed me.
When I say that He rescued me from my distress, I don't mean that I felt a guarantee that they wouldn't find cancer. I mean that I knew whatever they were about to tell me, that He would be with me and that He would sustain me. As it turns out, they did find a mass about 1 1/2 cm and it "appears to be benign". I don't think their too worried about it because they said they want to see me again in FOUR YEARS!
I pray that I don't come across trite; "I don't have cancer, He's a good God, and my life just goes on...." The fact is that He is a good God no matter my circumstance. I am a great sinner, in need of a Savior. Truly, He rescued me from the pit of despair when He called me to Himself. Me, a sinner-separated from a holy God. He lavished me with His forgiveness and grace through His son Jesus Christ! If it weren't for Him, I would be utterly lost and without hope. Today, I have been spared by His great grace. (see Romans 3:23-24)
Our lives on this side of eternity are a mere handbreadth-here today and gone tomorrow. None of us know how long we will have on this earth! King David said, ”Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath” (Psalm 39:4-5) I pray that for the rest of my days, however long are short they might be, will be days of making much of my Savior!
Whatever the circumstance you find yourself in today, cry out to Him, He will not disappoint.
*Below is a song that has blessed me much this last week. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5i2pELpqBg
Until next time,
Missy
Last week was one of crying out to Him in my distress. The week before I found a lump-where no woman wants to find a lump.... Thursday they were able to get me in for a mammogram & ultrasound. Exactly one week of waiting. One week of intense crying out to my Maker. One week of wondering if my life would be altered forever. One week of looking at my husband and children with a heart overflowing in anguish. The night before my tests, I tossed and turned most of the night. I was in one of those "half asleep-half awake" states. Every time I would turnover, I cried out; "Abba, help me, Abba, be with me!"
I got to the hospital a little early and was able to do some reading. I felt directed to go to Romans 8. Honestly, I thought I would probably read Romans 8:28, but my eyes landed on verse 15. "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." My spirit rejoiced with in me! At that moment, I felt the Lord's presence and I knew that He heard my cries. He rescued me from distress, His presence calmed me.
When I say that He rescued me from my distress, I don't mean that I felt a guarantee that they wouldn't find cancer. I mean that I knew whatever they were about to tell me, that He would be with me and that He would sustain me. As it turns out, they did find a mass about 1 1/2 cm and it "appears to be benign". I don't think their too worried about it because they said they want to see me again in FOUR YEARS!
I pray that I don't come across trite; "I don't have cancer, He's a good God, and my life just goes on...." The fact is that He is a good God no matter my circumstance. I am a great sinner, in need of a Savior. Truly, He rescued me from the pit of despair when He called me to Himself. Me, a sinner-separated from a holy God. He lavished me with His forgiveness and grace through His son Jesus Christ! If it weren't for Him, I would be utterly lost and without hope. Today, I have been spared by His great grace. (see Romans 3:23-24)
Our lives on this side of eternity are a mere handbreadth-here today and gone tomorrow. None of us know how long we will have on this earth! King David said, ”Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath” (Psalm 39:4-5) I pray that for the rest of my days, however long are short they might be, will be days of making much of my Savior!
Whatever the circumstance you find yourself in today, cry out to Him, He will not disappoint.
*Below is a song that has blessed me much this last week. Enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5i2pELpqBg
Until next time,
Missy
Friday, September 4, 2009
Checking in
If you were a fly on the wall in the Linkletter household over the last week, here's what you would have experienced:
1) I started on my healthy eating plan-we are one week down as of Tuesday.
How would I describe it you ask?
hard-great-difficult-imperfect-growth-grace-grumpy-more grace-
still learning-excited-progress-still crying out
still learning-excited-progress-still crying out
2) Signed Justin up for fall ball
He's wanted to play baseball since last year, but we missed the deadline because of all the craziness with Sammy. They asked Tim to coach his team and he agreed. We are all pretty excited to get to support Justin this way. We went to his first week of practice this week. We are relieved that Tim will have help coaching. We really feel like this was placed in our lap from the Lord and are excited to see His plan play out in it all. Justin's first game is on Saturday.
I am happy that he finally gets to play, he's waited along time!
3) Wrote out our goals for homeschooling this year
Tim and I sat down and discussed our goals for our family for the upcoming school year, we start on September 8th. I found a planbook specifically for homeschooling and it has different areas for spiritual, academic, physical, social, and character goals. It was so helpful because it focused me on the right things for our family with the big picture in mind.
4) Flu shots/flu mist-yuck!
Sarah had her 10 year old check up on Monday-we are just a few months late on that one! While she got a clean bill of health, we all walked out with either the flu-mist or a flu shot. We have never had that vaccination; but because Sammy is so little, she highly recommended it. Sammy ended up with a fever that night and Sarah had a fever on Wednesday. I just felt under the weather for a few days while Justin went unaffected as of today. I hope it will be worth it come flu season. I highly doubt I will be signing up for that again anytime soon-at least for myself.
5)The Name Game
Kind of funny. I've been called a lot of different derivatives of Missy believe it or not. To name a few: Mitsy, Misty, Messy and even Dnissy! But this week topped them all. Our neighbor sent us an invitation to her church social and it was addressed in her hand writing "Missen Linkletter"! Yep-Missen....hmm what is one to think of that? :)
6) Our memory verse of the week
Our church has a memory verse every week. We have decided as a family to memorize each verse on a weekly basis. I hope to share it with you on a weekly basis.
Our verse for September 6th is:
" I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other; nor my praise to carved idols."
Isaiah 42:8
*The above picture was taken right after we finished dinner a few nights ago. I just loved how the sun was shining on our memory verse...reminded me of just a glimpse of His glory!
Until next time,
Missy
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Apples of Gold
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
I have some apples of gold to share with you today! Today I was listened to Nancy Leigh Demoss'two part broadcast. Wow, what a treasure chest of of riches. Mary Kassian was the guest speaker, she speaks the truth and doesn't hold back. If you are a women, a wife, or a mom, you won't be left wanting. If you get a chance, go on over to her website and check out all of the apples of gold in settings of silver.
Until next time,
Missy
Proverbs 25:11
I have some apples of gold to share with you today! Today I was listened to Nancy Leigh Demoss'two part broadcast. Wow, what a treasure chest of of riches. Mary Kassian was the guest speaker, she speaks the truth and doesn't hold back. If you are a women, a wife, or a mom, you won't be left wanting. If you get a chance, go on over to her website and check out all of the apples of gold in settings of silver.
Until next time,
Missy
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Cherishing Discipline
Well, day #2 of my healthy eating plan is coming to a close. It wasn't a perfect day, but thankfully this journey is not about perfection. You know, I truly think the first day is almost always the hardest for me to actually get started. However, the second day and days following, I am usually quite tempted to go into auto pilot. Auto pilot meaning- follow the plan, check off my little boxes, and ignore the heart work that needs to take place. But because hindsight is always 20/20 (I have LOTS of hindsight); I know that if I ignore the heart work, I will most definitely find myself getting a do over once more! When I mention heart work, I am not talking about having a visit with Dr. Phil. I am referring listening to the Holy Spirit and applying the scripture to my heart.
With that in mind, I thought I would share a few of the verses that have spoken to me in the last month as well as a few of my thoughts. I desire for these scriptures to make it on a note card with the hope of committing them to memory. Let the heart work begin!
"The sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks and but finds nothing."
Proverbs 20:4
When I read over this verse the first time, my cute little jean jacket came to mind- true statement. I'll be honest, this scripture reveals my own vanity, yet it speaks to me deeply. I have an entire closet full of clothes (really cute clothes) that I cannot currently wear. Yes, I did just have a baby but that was 7 months ago! And I cannot kid myself, those clothes were beginning not to fit before I was pregnant. How do I expect to fit into that cute little jacket when it gets cold if I don't do the work now? When fall comes, which happens to be right around the corner, I really would like to wear my fall clothes. But, it won't happen if I continue to imitate the sluggard and do nothing but ponder at my own obstinate heart.
"My sons, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they though best; but God disciplines us for our good that me may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12: 5b-11
There is so much here and I am in no way attempting to do a exegeses of this scripture. I am however greatly relating to the fact that no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but that later on it will produce a harvest or righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
I cannot tell you how many times Tim and I have shared this scripture with our children. It's never fun to discipline them. When we discipline them we want to encourage them that first, we love them, thus we discipline them. And second, it is for their good as followers of Christ that we discipline in order for them to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
The same can be said for me. It is not fun to be under the Lord's discipline, but painful. The last few months have been agonizing. I have flirted with the truth that I need to submit my own sinful desires to Him and yield. I have heard His voice and pulled back and pretended that I didn't quite comprehend. I actually got to a point where I was utterly confused, wondering if this area of my life was even sin! Oh how our own hearts can deceive us. "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2
I feel I must make one thing clear. I really don't think the Lord is concerned with my "weight loss goal". What I do think He's concerned about is my heart. The dreaded heart work...
Going to Scripture with questions like, "Why do I love this sin?" "How many minutes or hours a day am I consumed with thoughts of me and my appearance instead of delighting in the Maker of Heaven and Earth?" or "What does the Scripture say about how I conducting my life and living out my days?". These are the things that I must place at His Throne of Grace and plead with Him to change my heart to desire to do His will!
Lest you are tempted to be enchanted or commend me for my walk with the Lord, please know that I am oh so prone to wander-and quickly! I echo the apostle Paul, "What wretched man that I am, who will rescue me from this body of death! Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:24-25a. It is only by the grace of God and His glorious Gospel that I am not eternally damned.
I rejoice that the Lord is patient and gentle. (Matthew 11:28-30). He is a loving Father who disciplines me for my good that later I might reap a harvest of righteousness for His glory. He is teaching me how to relinquish control to Him and trust Him with the deepest complexities of my heart. When I begin to fret how I will make it on day #3, He reminds me not to worry about tomorrow as today has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
Lastly, as I previously stated in an earlier post, I am learning that self-discipline is not about me controlling my sinful desires. It's about submitting, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Almighty God, saying no to sin and yes to Him. I am still learning to cry out to my Maker (Psalm 107) and to trust Him as He walks me through this time of discipline. That later, one day I might share in His holiness and reap a life of righteousness and peace.
Until next time,
Missy
With that in mind, I thought I would share a few of the verses that have spoken to me in the last month as well as a few of my thoughts. I desire for these scriptures to make it on a note card with the hope of committing them to memory. Let the heart work begin!
"The sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest time he looks and but finds nothing."
Proverbs 20:4
When I read over this verse the first time, my cute little jean jacket came to mind- true statement. I'll be honest, this scripture reveals my own vanity, yet it speaks to me deeply. I have an entire closet full of clothes (really cute clothes) that I cannot currently wear. Yes, I did just have a baby but that was 7 months ago! And I cannot kid myself, those clothes were beginning not to fit before I was pregnant. How do I expect to fit into that cute little jacket when it gets cold if I don't do the work now? When fall comes, which happens to be right around the corner, I really would like to wear my fall clothes. But, it won't happen if I continue to imitate the sluggard and do nothing but ponder at my own obstinate heart.
"My sons, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they though best; but God disciplines us for our good that me may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12: 5b-11
There is so much here and I am in no way attempting to do a exegeses of this scripture. I am however greatly relating to the fact that no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but that later on it will produce a harvest or righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
I cannot tell you how many times Tim and I have shared this scripture with our children. It's never fun to discipline them. When we discipline them we want to encourage them that first, we love them, thus we discipline them. And second, it is for their good as followers of Christ that we discipline in order for them to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
The same can be said for me. It is not fun to be under the Lord's discipline, but painful. The last few months have been agonizing. I have flirted with the truth that I need to submit my own sinful desires to Him and yield. I have heard His voice and pulled back and pretended that I didn't quite comprehend. I actually got to a point where I was utterly confused, wondering if this area of my life was even sin! Oh how our own hearts can deceive us. "All a man's ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2
I feel I must make one thing clear. I really don't think the Lord is concerned with my "weight loss goal". What I do think He's concerned about is my heart. The dreaded heart work...
Going to Scripture with questions like, "Why do I love this sin?" "How many minutes or hours a day am I consumed with thoughts of me and my appearance instead of delighting in the Maker of Heaven and Earth?" or "What does the Scripture say about how I conducting my life and living out my days?". These are the things that I must place at His Throne of Grace and plead with Him to change my heart to desire to do His will!
Lest you are tempted to be enchanted or commend me for my walk with the Lord, please know that I am oh so prone to wander-and quickly! I echo the apostle Paul, "What wretched man that I am, who will rescue me from this body of death! Thanks be to God- through Jesus Christ our Lord!" Romans 7:24-25a. It is only by the grace of God and His glorious Gospel that I am not eternally damned.
I rejoice that the Lord is patient and gentle. (Matthew 11:28-30). He is a loving Father who disciplines me for my good that later I might reap a harvest of righteousness for His glory. He is teaching me how to relinquish control to Him and trust Him with the deepest complexities of my heart. When I begin to fret how I will make it on day #3, He reminds me not to worry about tomorrow as today has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34)
Lastly, as I previously stated in an earlier post, I am learning that self-discipline is not about me controlling my sinful desires. It's about submitting, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the Almighty God, saying no to sin and yes to Him. I am still learning to cry out to my Maker (Psalm 107) and to trust Him as He walks me through this time of discipline. That later, one day I might share in His holiness and reap a life of righteousness and peace.
Until next time,
Missy
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Another Do Over!
I believe in "do overs". For several years Justin, Sarah, and I have practiced them together. Usually, when one of us is really grumpy and we know it, we request a "do over". We all put our hands on top of each others and count1-2-3 and then shout, "DO OVER!". And if one person doesn't seem to be into it, well we just do our little do over all over again!
Guess who gets the do over? Yes, that's right, it's me! Except there's no shouting and cheering today and I haven't invited Justin or Sarah to join me. Today I started over (again) on my eating healthy plan. I have been undergoing the Lord's discipline in this area of my life. I think I could write an entire novel on it, but I'll spare you today.
I have mentioned Titus 2 several times in previous posts and am still captivated by Paul's words of instruction for the older women to teach the younger women. There are seven things that Paul instructs the older to teach the younger:
1) to love their husbands
2) to love their children
3) to be self-controlled
4) to be pure
5) to be busy at home
6) to be kind
7) to be subject to their husbands
On July 1st as a matter of fact, I underlined each word in my Bible and stopped and thought of my own life. I entered them into my journal and wrote just a few thoughts out. When I got to self-control I inwardly cringed. Not a great area for me. It seems I have a pattern that has vacillated between shopping a little too much (for another blog entry for sure) and for eating unhealthy food and too much of it. I have struggle off and on with this sin; as it is an area lacking in self- control, off and on all of my Christian life and before. My prayer was that the Lord would grant me a repentant heart that I could truly see this area of my life as sin and turn from it to Him.
Since July 1, I have given this matter in my life great thought-too much thought probably. I have asked the Lord why I do this to myself, what got me to where I am, and how in the world will I ever get back to where I need to be! The answers have come slowly. Honestly, there was an attempt at the South Beach diet and that lasted through breakfast, ha! I even thought of staying away from all sugar again for a period of time....I needed to reign myself in you know?
And there lies the problem. This self-control isn't about ME controlling myself, it's about me submitting to the Holy Spirit and crying out (Psalm 107) to my Maker to help me to be transformed to the image of His Son for His purpose and glory. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18) I have to continually remind myself that self-control is not about me, it's about saying no to the deeds of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It's such a hard lesson. My flesh wants to be me centered and not God centered. It's screaming, "No, I've got this one. I have done it before, I know what to do. Just let me take another shot" But my loving Abba Father says, "No daughter, come to me in your weakness, for my power is made perfect in your weakness. For when you are weak, I am strong." 2 Cor 12:8
It's the Gospel, the good news that causes my spirit to rest! If it were left up to me, my life would be in complete shambles, but Jesus Christ has saved me from my sin!
So today, day #1 of my "do over" which is not yet over by the way; I have followed my little eating healthy plan because it helps me stay on track and be accountable for what/how I am eating. But I know that the only way that tomorrow will become day # 2 on my eating healthy plan is if I lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord (Provers 3-5 apmplified)
to sustain me when I have to say no to my flesh and yes to the Spirit. For me, it's a minute by minute confessing my weakness before the Lord and believing on Him for the strength to press on.
My hope is that through this process of learning self-control, I will learn how to live a more God centered life that will prepare me to live in His presence in preparation for an eternity with Him.
Until next time,
Missy
Guess who gets the do over? Yes, that's right, it's me! Except there's no shouting and cheering today and I haven't invited Justin or Sarah to join me. Today I started over (again) on my eating healthy plan. I have been undergoing the Lord's discipline in this area of my life. I think I could write an entire novel on it, but I'll spare you today.
I have mentioned Titus 2 several times in previous posts and am still captivated by Paul's words of instruction for the older women to teach the younger women. There are seven things that Paul instructs the older to teach the younger:
1) to love their husbands
2) to love their children
3) to be self-controlled
4) to be pure
5) to be busy at home
6) to be kind
7) to be subject to their husbands
On July 1st as a matter of fact, I underlined each word in my Bible and stopped and thought of my own life. I entered them into my journal and wrote just a few thoughts out. When I got to self-control I inwardly cringed. Not a great area for me. It seems I have a pattern that has vacillated between shopping a little too much (for another blog entry for sure) and for eating unhealthy food and too much of it. I have struggle off and on with this sin; as it is an area lacking in self- control, off and on all of my Christian life and before. My prayer was that the Lord would grant me a repentant heart that I could truly see this area of my life as sin and turn from it to Him.
Since July 1, I have given this matter in my life great thought-too much thought probably. I have asked the Lord why I do this to myself, what got me to where I am, and how in the world will I ever get back to where I need to be! The answers have come slowly. Honestly, there was an attempt at the South Beach diet and that lasted through breakfast, ha! I even thought of staying away from all sugar again for a period of time....I needed to reign myself in you know?
And there lies the problem. This self-control isn't about ME controlling myself, it's about me submitting to the Holy Spirit and crying out (Psalm 107) to my Maker to help me to be transformed to the image of His Son for His purpose and glory. (see 2 Corinthians 3:18) I have to continually remind myself that self-control is not about me, it's about saying no to the deeds of the flesh through the power of the Holy Spirit.
It's such a hard lesson. My flesh wants to be me centered and not God centered. It's screaming, "No, I've got this one. I have done it before, I know what to do. Just let me take another shot" But my loving Abba Father says, "No daughter, come to me in your weakness, for my power is made perfect in your weakness. For when you are weak, I am strong." 2 Cor 12:8
It's the Gospel, the good news that causes my spirit to rest! If it were left up to me, my life would be in complete shambles, but Jesus Christ has saved me from my sin!
So today, day #1 of my "do over" which is not yet over by the way; I have followed my little eating healthy plan because it helps me stay on track and be accountable for what/how I am eating. But I know that the only way that tomorrow will become day # 2 on my eating healthy plan is if I lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord (Provers 3-5 apmplified)
to sustain me when I have to say no to my flesh and yes to the Spirit. For me, it's a minute by minute confessing my weakness before the Lord and believing on Him for the strength to press on.
My hope is that through this process of learning self-control, I will learn how to live a more God centered life that will prepare me to live in His presence in preparation for an eternity with Him.
Until next time,
Missy
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