tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184714382024-03-06T23:30:03.217-08:00Lyn-z-4JesusJust an ordinary girl serving an extraordinary God!Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-68699633265244610012009-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:002009-02-25T11:06:49.877-08:001 Month, 3 Baby Girls!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN3ONIq9ls2uSTutNstWW2x56ppbs-w5SCaSFZ3Kq_2QxThLVvM1KzybOjxGX3ZokH3g_VbCoAix8D2Cd1lsQ4kiDuplFlYlJEalMYToeQe3FUTgCOc6crtUZmaZ9sz_ipE3h/s1600-h/DC+294.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306811503509004546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN3ONIq9ls2uSTutNstWW2x56ppbs-w5SCaSFZ3Kq_2QxThLVvM1KzybOjxGX3ZokH3g_VbCoAix8D2Cd1lsQ4kiDuplFlYlJEalMYToeQe3FUTgCOc6crtUZmaZ9sz_ipE3h/s320/DC+294.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div align="center">This is Baby <strong>Kelsey Evans</strong>. She is the daughter of our friends Jonathan & Kanika. I went to Baylor with them & can't believe they have a baby now! <div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Baby <strong>Noelle Nelson</strong>--This is my college roomie, Michelle's 2nd little girl. Her first looks just like her husband, but this baby looks like Michelle!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbroSXwmgvXroWkmMcgIoDtmr9obdhZ-7UQRmXAJBVVCxinj5EnmqBnXBjey18htuMM5zy_wvZRUVoKuoZbzcnm6JmLcDyR0sZympI03s97XrDMPsXcUd9S1LmnUZV1STyR2Ww/s1600-h/DC+300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306809944927188306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbroSXwmgvXroWkmMcgIoDtmr9obdhZ-7UQRmXAJBVVCxinj5EnmqBnXBjey18htuMM5zy_wvZRUVoKuoZbzcnm6JmLcDyR0sZympI03s97XrDMPsXcUd9S1LmnUZV1STyR2Ww/s320/DC+300.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYh8I2U711kpWU84qDjBur3ataGDmZFYicjtveJKuiC3vT0821LCYLhz-Ayv2bBr8y5hFGi6qeTQGwL93JXt55So4bL5RAsUD7VGeGJ6BRBjmvtflCavavB_JomqF_L-uhEtS5/s1600-h/DC+294.jpg"></a>This is niece #5 in the Bolton family! Sweet baby <strong>Dayna Bolton</strong> was only 5lbs 7oz when she was born. She was the tiniest baby I'd ever seen! She's so sweet & beautiful!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmJs62B4TtAF_ebc92J0ZmTiUXHijNDyTKMzivyDvsm0lfvqIsLTqJ1xCs0bRI2cOdDYJCJGEjMJ3iay4Pwzt30Lh1rzjI8CJAnDfT-nRkrG9y9E-E47XlQYBn8p7UtBslakk/s1600-h/DC+288.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306809937108446178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmJs62B4TtAF_ebc92J0ZmTiUXHijNDyTKMzivyDvsm0lfvqIsLTqJ1xCs0bRI2cOdDYJCJGEjMJ3iay4Pwzt30Lh1rzjI8CJAnDfT-nRkrG9y9E-E47XlQYBn8p7UtBslakk/s320/DC+288.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /></div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-62828882104061737642009-02-04T06:53:00.000-08:002009-02-04T06:54:56.099-08:00Technical Difficulties.....I know, I know. It's been 2 weeks since the inauguration & I still have not posted the pics! It's coming, I promise! Hang in there with me! We had so many pictures to upload, we ran out of space on our personal computer.<br /><br />Check back in a day or so!Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-28463932520975208142009-01-18T20:53:00.000-08:002009-01-18T20:59:42.371-08:00Two in Six MillionIn about four hours we will leave for the airport to fly off to D.C. We are looking forward to the opportunity to attend the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama. I have never been to the capital, so I'm looking forward to all the sight-seeing! It's going to be cold, so we've got our snow boots, thermals, & heavy coats. <br /><br />We will be about two in six million attending! That's a lot of people, & we almost backed out of this trip. I'm glad we decided to just go for it. We will get to witness history in the making in our country, and be able to pass the memories down to our children one day.<br /><br />Check back in several days for pics & stories! Bon Voyage!Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-13569855771820069492009-01-05T07:08:00.000-08:002009-01-05T07:08:00.293-08:00Day 365!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxtch6qEgOfhlFw_vm2Ldkizcx78uT_aCSA7VqOv30bxcrUinG_fpUPqOY3E_A5Fk7_6TzIVD7iAP8eVextkYHZoBc3cXq-wP46DQXAfPFIQNUWXjIKWSrMUEDbzamGocKMT4/s1600-h/DLB_0264_D2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287628056453140386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAxtch6qEgOfhlFw_vm2Ldkizcx78uT_aCSA7VqOv30bxcrUinG_fpUPqOY3E_A5Fk7_6TzIVD7iAP8eVextkYHZoBc3cXq-wP46DQXAfPFIQNUWXjIKWSrMUEDbzamGocKMT4/s400/DLB_0264_D2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-80389592105648056882008-12-18T20:13:00.000-08:002008-12-18T20:17:20.685-08:00We're Celebrating...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LHgPZ7UcQulolgsiwgqZ_GzaztxZZ1k6J0UpjghBFFeUfzRXfd9j7PStyIn878A1wZjmZJGGe8OHkPRBLy0Voa5X92Lxep_95D7hXy1o9rYGl3-9URlNn4xRuX_gnvo0bXAO/s1600-h/Picture+179.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281350369481510130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LHgPZ7UcQulolgsiwgqZ_GzaztxZZ1k6J0UpjghBFFeUfzRXfd9j7PStyIn878A1wZjmZJGGe8OHkPRBLy0Voa5X92Lxep_95D7hXy1o9rYGl3-9URlNn4xRuX_gnvo0bXAO/s400/Picture+179.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-68291397973393420432008-12-18T19:14:00.000-08:002008-12-18T19:48:56.605-08:00Faith and Finances<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yOxPSvHJdE-N7tv3A-oT_zXpFdYPWXsJkN6He1UWIzQbSNBADV39kbKkZ94C9J-DALMtVbiQlRBF_GZb5hG3b91lp-BMsf52GEjWVN8K-73igetjX1xvuncsPZshP7lWRB98/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281342735234732178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 124px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 93px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yOxPSvHJdE-N7tv3A-oT_zXpFdYPWXsJkN6He1UWIzQbSNBADV39kbKkZ94C9J-DALMtVbiQlRBF_GZb5hG3b91lp-BMsf52GEjWVN8K-73igetjX1xvuncsPZshP7lWRB98/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a> Did you know there are more verses about money in the Bible than any other subject? God cares about how we spend money, how we save it, how we give it, and our overall view of it.<br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Faith and finances go together, they are not seperate</em>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>When Delario and I got married, we immediately knew our money needed a makeover! Unfortunately, in college (and after) we both made some unwise financial decisions, which followed us into our marriage. I wish I would have taken the wise counsel when I was single to pay off debt...instead, I went shopping!</div><br /><div></div><div>They say more than any other subject, money can cause the most strife in a marriage. It's true, it can.....and it does, when you have not learned how to be kingdom-minded when it comes to money. If we would only trust God and follow His lead in our finances, we would save ourselves a lot of trouble.</div><br /><div></div><div>We knew the Lord was ready for us to get serious about our money when we got the book, <em><a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/">"Total Money Make-Over" by Dave Ramsey</a></em>, in the mail as a wedding gift six months after we got married! We carefully read the book, and got started reducing our debt. I'm happy to announce at the end of this year, we will have paid off more than $20k in debt! That's a lot of money, and a lot of sacrifice!</div><br /><div></div><div>But, it has been so freeing! God wants us to be free in all areas of our lives-even our finances! Are you financially free? Don't know where to start? No worries. Here's how we did it:</div><ul><br /><li>We listed all debt from the least amount to the greatest amount, and began paying off our debt from the smallest debt owed and worked our way up to the top.</li><br /><li>Double up on payments when possible</li><br /><li>We made a budget everytime we got paid, allocating every single penny, being careful not to wastefully spend</li><br /><li>Remain faithful in paying your tithes....it will stretch your faith, but God is faithful to provide all your needs! We promise!</li><br /><li>Try to tithe to yourself as well. This is called the 10-10-80 method (tithe church 10%, yourself 10%, and pay bills & living expenses off the 80% left)</li></ul><p>It doesn't matter how much or how little you make, God wants us to be faithful stewards with what He has given us. Our goal for 2009 is to save more money and give more money. As we pay off the debts, we are able to give to ministries, family, missionaries, etc. In the book of Acts, the first Christians went without a need in the Body. Wouldn't it be nice if we got back to that philosophy of giving?</p><p>So, what are you waiting for? Do you have the faith to give over your finances to the Lord? Ask for the Lord's wisdom in this matter. I trust He will speak! I leave you with this verse I read just this morning during my quiet time with the Lord:</p><p align="center">"<em>Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?" </em></p><p align="center"><em>Proverbs 17:16</em></p>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-71404348436297844072008-12-10T06:53:00.001-08:002008-12-10T07:17:42.633-08:00The Anti-Christ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HfzYnpK5sVGSaZkBzYPc9xWn0ikZZ21wE_2YYYjIPbXysh1dOafbCk88ofRnrfbghBoUYXIcxO0p8UwpOgqJbS12ZqlKEhfo-y1vE8xDutQyk3ta3_lc08G56NAplAqtIyKx/s1600-h/ap_obama_win_081105_ssh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278180222215798674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HfzYnpK5sVGSaZkBzYPc9xWn0ikZZ21wE_2YYYjIPbXysh1dOafbCk88ofRnrfbghBoUYXIcxO0p8UwpOgqJbS12ZqlKEhfo-y1vE8xDutQyk3ta3_lc08G56NAplAqtIyKx/s320/ap_obama_win_081105_ssh.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I've avoided blogging about this topic, but I just can't keep quiet about it any longer. It all began about 5 months ago when a white co-worker of mine suggested that Obama <em>might</em> be the anti-Christ. I was quite shocked to hear this allegation, but just assummed it was one opinion of one person.</div><br /><div></div><div>Then, as the election drew closer, and Obama began to narrow in the lead, I began hearing this allegation of the anti-Christ more frequently from primarily white, conservative Christians.</div><br /><div></div><div>Let the record be shown here, as a Christian I do not agree with all of Obama's politics, but I did vote for him. Proud of it. Not ashamed. Yes, I still love Jesus. (Last time I checked Christ was not the leader of either party, but He is Head of the Church!)</div><div></div><br /><div>I was at a Christmas dinner last night when someone "<em>jokingly"</em> said something about our new president being the anti-Christ. I believe her statement only became a joke when she looked over at me and realized there was a black woman at the dinner table. <strong>Oops!</strong> I guess that wouldn't have been the right time to announce to my white Christian friends my husband and I are going to Obama's inaguration on January 20, 2009?</div><div></div><br /><div>Seems to me many white Christians who think Obama may be the anit-Christ don't like him because he does not fit into their little box of what a "Christian President" should look like. I guess George W. Bush did? Not quite. Just two nights ago on Nightline, in an interview GWB said he does not believe the Bible is a literal text and that the same God Christians pray to is the same God Muslim's and every other religion pray to. Really? I thought the Christian God was the Triunal God? Doesn't that make Him distinct?</div><div></div><br /><div><em>I digress...</em></div><br /><div></div><div>My pastor, <a href="http://www.ocbfchurch.org/">Dr. Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship</a>, who is considered a conservative evangelical preacher, and very well respected throughout the nation as a Bible scholar and teacher has been invited to speak at the Inaguration Prayer Breakfast next month. I don't think Tony Evans would risk his reputation speaking there if he thought Obama was the anti-Christ! (Disclaimer: I am not suggesting Evans voted for him...I have no idea how he voted)</div><div></div><br /><div>Instead of spreading rumors and speculations of Obama being the anti-Christ, I encourage all of us to pray for him. Isn't that what scripture challenges us to do for our government leaders? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-49148437882191786442008-12-04T18:04:00.000-08:002008-12-08T07:31:55.465-08:00Who's birthday is it anyway?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSJkHOc68Dy3WqQG7iu5BkSxzQkvy1gmHQLI1lCT4N5GtqLf7cyAcoM08D5h3xEL63yl5MgKZYcTirILSgbepg3XKIrd1oB10o3b0zD0Zr6gW2EuGNI57MkaI86YM0wnHxPIB/s1600-h/birthday_candles.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276125357747029378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 274px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSJkHOc68Dy3WqQG7iu5BkSxzQkvy1gmHQLI1lCT4N5GtqLf7cyAcoM08D5h3xEL63yl5MgKZYcTirILSgbepg3XKIrd1oB10o3b0zD0Zr6gW2EuGNI57MkaI86YM0wnHxPIB/s320/birthday_candles.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well, the holiday season has officially been kicked off with Thanksgiving being a week ago. I hope all had a wonderful time giving thanks and eating turkey and getting stuffed with stuffing!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One can barely catch their breath before looking up and it's already December and the Christmas countdown has begun!</div><br /><div></div><div>I love Christmas.</div><br /><div></div><div>The decorations.</div><br /><div></div><div>The music.</div><br /><div></div><div>The festivities.</div><br /><div></div><div>The food.</div><br /><div></div><div>It is so tempting to let all of the extra sights and traditions of Christmas distract us from what Christmas is really all about: <em>A Birthday Party for Jesus</em>!</div><br /><div></div><div>I work in a local elementary school in the community where I work, and yesterday while coloring a picture of Santa Clause, my co-worker asked the kids, "So who's birthday do we celebrate on Christmas?" They all just sat around looking at each other, and one kid confidently yelled out, "Santa!"</div><br /><div></div><div>Wow. Santa. Really?</div><br /><div></div><div>They seriously sat there for a minute not knowing what we were talking about. So, we told them during Christmas we celebrate Jesus' birthday. The sweet kids then said, "<em>Ohhhhhhhh!"</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><div>It was such a startling moment for me. So, I ask, do your children know who's birthday it is we will celebrate on the 25th of December? Will they say Jesus? I encourage us all to take time to tell someone <em>everyday</em> until Christmas that the 25th is the birth day of Jesus!</div><br /><div></div><div> </div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-27745212778561588112008-11-12T17:15:00.000-08:002008-12-18T20:43:04.063-08:00Dealing with Difficult DisciplesNotice my title does not mention dealing with difficult <em>people</em>. I am specifically referring in this post how to deal with difficult disciples--you know, those who call themselves followers of Christ.<br /><br />I have decided getting along with non-believers is much easier at times than getting along with Christians. I've found myself here recently absolutely amazed at the behavior of some fellow-Christians God has providentially placed in my life. I use the word providence because I know the Lord has a purpose for me and you crossing paths with every single person we encounter in life. We don't get to choose those people!<br /><br />I have attempted to avoid one person I have been having difficulty with, thinking that was the best method to keep the peace. Well, that didn't work. Then I thought, "I'm not going to let this person talk to me this way, I'm going to start retailiating and putting this person in their place!" Well, that only created more hostility. I found myself being very angry, judgmental, and completely consumed about their sinful behavior.<br /><br /><em>I really wanted this person to change, while all along God was asking me to change</em>!<br /><br />In a conversation with my friend, Lori, (who is <em>not</em> a difficult disciple!), she challenged me to stop trying to control the other person's behavior, and instead, to take control of <em>my behavior</em> toward this difficult disciple. Then Lori wisely lead me to the word of God:<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Galatians 6:1-2</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Ouch. I read this and knew immediately what my response should be with this difficult disciple. The truth is, sin is contagious. While I was ranting about this person's sinful behavior, I became sinful myself. I was pointing out the speck in their eye, while not recognizing the log in my own eye!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">I confessed this to the Lord, released this person, and got busy restoring this difficult disciple gently. Does this mean we are best friends? No. But it does mean I can serve this person, pray for this person, write a note of encouragement, listen to this person, seek to understand this person. But the greatest way I can restore this person is to <em>love</em> them, which is the true mark of a disciple of Christ. The law of Christ mentioned in verse 2 above is: <em>Love thy neighbor</em>.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">Do you have a difficult disciple in your life? Maybe it is your husband, your mother, a co-worker, a roomate, or an in-law. I encourage you to meditate on this passage and then apply it to your difficult situation. I trust the Lord will honor your obedience.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Many months ago I saw a prayer posted in a friend's office. I didn't understand it at the time I read it, but oh boy, do I now! It read the following,</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em>"Lord, grant me the compassion to love, rather than to tolerate."</em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em></em></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">God has not called us to tolerance, but He has called us to love. One requires the supernatural Spirit of God, one does not. This is now my prayer too.</div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-45637794079651212122008-11-05T14:13:00.000-08:002008-11-05T16:52:38.652-08:00Mr. President<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKd0ooYGLnTqGV5WYmVepGMxirIKJX_GxxhreSviX4k_3wZo2Wi6lZLqJW9sMwwWURUrhiNZhZcj9WQAtnyNwuH2mCy5DMkzQhkLKcXVCCucJudwyExBC5R8Tn_8RVJ-J8GxZ/s1600-h/ap_obama_win_081105_ssh.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265340207930405154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKd0ooYGLnTqGV5WYmVepGMxirIKJX_GxxhreSviX4k_3wZo2Wi6lZLqJW9sMwwWURUrhiNZhZcj9WQAtnyNwuH2mCy5DMkzQhkLKcXVCCucJudwyExBC5R8Tn_8RVJ-J8GxZ/s400/ap_obama_win_081105_ssh.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>My heart is overwhelmed today as I woke up this morning to the reality of the first ever African-American (bi-racial, to be exact) President-Elect of The United States!</div><br /><div></div><div>I kept the old Civil Rights theme song in my mind yesterday and today, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbv24MWa_jg&feature=related">We Shall Overcome</a>!"<br /></div><div>And now, not just African Americans, but all Americans <em>have </em>overcome. Now we can shout with hope and unity, "<strong><em>Yes We Can</em></strong>!"<br /></div><div>You can read President-Elect Barak Obama's acceptance speech <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/04/obama.transcript/index.html">here</a>.</div><div> </div><div>My husband and I, along with some friends from church celebrated together last night at an election watch party. We screamed, cried tears of joy, reflected on the struggle of our parents, grandparents, & great-grandparents, and pinched ourselves in total disbelief!</div><div> </div><div>What about you? How did you celebrate this historical moment? What are your thoughts on our new president?</div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-29607192947829537132008-11-04T07:35:00.000-08:002008-11-04T07:41:01.217-08:00Yes We Can!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfDW89TvJvcCIDcblmKU5-12V1DMNZ3zJLCQjL6j-GSg3JlX1WqkTq_W4PV4RZMHDyDD-eVfJZcmVr0PMGb_wjfo4fGJZBACWCwCWvOT_PsRz0uORpyZBh8JGb93gR4uYMz2e/s1600-h/Picture+138.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264827797093947682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfDW89TvJvcCIDcblmKU5-12V1DMNZ3zJLCQjL6j-GSg3JlX1WqkTq_W4PV4RZMHDyDD-eVfJZcmVr0PMGb_wjfo4fGJZBACWCwCWvOT_PsRz0uORpyZBh8JGb93gR4uYMz2e/s320/Picture+138.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-64023543342410710712008-10-18T20:15:00.001-07:002008-10-18T20:24:19.954-07:00Let Your Blessings Fall!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbab3WQma6ZkgCtVGHxeoXxsqqIZXHE-ubZFKdspD_kqtpkXg6meGRI5k4BHmZ8JCTjylWUBhk_sZB9XFL0dRUNTUOR9OMg0FFnWwYCI8So9ZAH-uldy7feVyJJWtiR8c4FMr/s1600-h/DSCF0632.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258700063967681890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbab3WQma6ZkgCtVGHxeoXxsqqIZXHE-ubZFKdspD_kqtpkXg6meGRI5k4BHmZ8JCTjylWUBhk_sZB9XFL0dRUNTUOR9OMg0FFnWwYCI8So9ZAH-uldy7feVyJJWtiR8c4FMr/s320/DSCF0632.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />My favorite season by far is fall: the smells, colors, and cool air just make my heart feel all warm and fuzzy. We just hit our cool temps here in Dallas this last week, so it was time to officially make our home fall friendly!<br /><br />So, I put my Martha Stewart skills to work and decorated our mantle on a dime! My hubby and I went shopping together and had a great time! Awww...we are approaching our first holiday season as man and wife! What about you? What do you love about fall? Enjoy these pics!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258700069951465266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rPJ-FL64m6KSLzy0g6Kcs8dGX9gTxE5_wCUCUJOlQs18MKb66odlJS7mUxpefTVBR_nW7ielo6FkZJvutHyxfPPaDYoELDMSQ_2UICIGSqStoH25U_KGhwwTpzWu-bnWKDvu/s320/DSCF0633.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258700081387272290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7Bo59eiwoOym1l3ckFUnwZyhiEW-XReN45gi3P_EVRxXkxslcQD3l7KNCBYFfkTshIA24-OohsvbcFoYsUtSdOQppLQEVVXwy9jyM9htHJxZX70lGrYsYsDVmbJ04VduRjZO/s320/DSCF0634.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258700091663473506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQzqMgiS_-gil027Zw16aL9y7Vuqdrm6TveDfegLLPndMV9BFnl0EYHlQ3w1eZLy_KBNPLY_k-LPckA3jU2slVHqSuUOFk8TFqWiy4vvwDD6K3XgxsbdNJnGjIGFDMbZ6U2Jnm/s320/DSCF0635.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-41106071532865648032008-10-13T19:09:00.000-07:002008-10-13T19:27:57.516-07:00FireproofWithin the last 5 months or so, my husband and I know of multiple marriages on the brink of divorce. Sure, we all hear about the statistics of marriages ending in divorce, but these are our friends and family members battling broken marriages.<br /><br />Perhaps it's more disheartening to me because I am married now. D and I went to see an excellent Christian film, <a href="http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/">Fireproof</a>, a couple of weeks ago, and it is a must see for everyone: married or single. We came out knowing one thing for sure:<br /><br /><em>Every marriage will go through the fire...the couples equipped to extinguish those fires can survive</em>.<br /><br />I encourage everyone to go see this movie, or send a couple as a treat to go see it! Let's fight for our families and have marriages that are fireproof against the schemes of the Enemy.<br /><br />Enjoy the trailer of <em>Fireproof</em><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M5lSu6GkC2k&hl=" fs="1" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-531866355628730512008-09-17T18:45:00.000-07:002008-09-17T18:57:37.661-07:00Lynzee Rocks!<div> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247174227728126738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhhTDJQGACEVdZrbWb5GaHa0v44LCTFbh39PwXqgaDBp076YvANXwbdXUNgjKtvOT7emVlRFmctz247QoPJLWXeMk9R90I4lnZGApbLVLf3EfmSrMazKDy_UIz5VVC9WnFFvG/s320/LZ-18.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>In a random image search for my name, the exact way it is spelled, I found out that Lynzee is an old 80s rock group!!!! No kidding! Check out the history of the band <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.lynzee.net/LynzeeLogoBandW.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.lynzee.net/&h=350&w=800&sz=28&hl=en&start=1&usg=__7wuJswgOIkY4LkPOfp2zRszxeTk=&tbnid=-3IC477mBZpD7M:&tbnh=63&tbnw=143&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlynzee%26gbv%3D2%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN">here</a>.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247174405409110322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm9-McO5LONA_PV4zWQiMIj9dNfaoEOos4-UbXRF8Wvb1uoWCak4jAJUGdnFvWknWVRdzvyihxPSX4wIGLAF1Zqm4FpBrZTaOhz3spyccS9DWH6rM8hJ5ielZ0cNt51uJZI-VN/s320/Pr88Group3.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>Have you ever heard of this band? Are you a fan? I feel really cool having a rock band named after me! Google your name & see what you get. Let me know if it's as cool as this rock band. Gotta love the hair.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-90742265619813092862008-09-09T20:08:00.000-07:002008-09-09T20:37:53.518-07:008 is Great!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0W2L8mIFYkUcc5qHLKcWfHap_JR81xAAX7rdYB-k9NBIujFfGV1_Vx9FHVODvOJfLC97AHub9m3oEaaLyLpx-UtiOczLvNq9416798ws4msbuTN8Zgb-h4LRFcRbdJK1XCrB/s1600-h/DLB_0264_D2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244230421314556466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD0W2L8mIFYkUcc5qHLKcWfHap_JR81xAAX7rdYB-k9NBIujFfGV1_Vx9FHVODvOJfLC97AHub9m3oEaaLyLpx-UtiOczLvNq9416798ws4msbuTN8Zgb-h4LRFcRbdJK1XCrB/s320/DLB_0264_D2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>In honor of our 8 month anniversary last Friday, here are 8 great photos from the wedding day! I promise once we hit 1 year I'll stop posting so many wedding pics!!! Enjoy!! </div><div> </div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244230993883917666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE4QxT-9Axp6BQUujF43o6mWHUZN3TJeIKxYnagniEH7DI17au275Pbcevz6zVJxVEmwC-ETVgqCYWVpt2y0fYKZ4khh2L_0Rmo9RtQa6hPUJ9HA2Zx-1Df5u4GXhzRqShzWL/s320/DLB_0060_D5.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244228277012817522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeuZCebK9z_9xpuTh6Gs8BXzejUA1D1J2Hpa6xboGEWSG1vsrwzsEojauFWj6ogtquk9HEs1dmxeHKf2INoKhidtOpcaJRRR42Ll8hyQ8KgM25EYtT6_axhyAcNMAERBURNeB/s320/DLB_0058.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244228271491529842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF7bWwSqu6I738c7EWt1eYjLUUvjQh_Rz79xSrjl3w03tZlIkQVjluIQUDSZoTsGQO_HFb7w1yxKQEnsDutN1_x8FFYhjPtZPxh0Exwt23DbsFydKEBKLjUPj7CgQU-9oBypf/s320/DLB_0025_D2.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244228283358146466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Ksszdfywj6UptOyteCqxI-MlSFV5ip7PfuyiWr82z8700jJgSrwE_CI94QQGlW6puo0mrY2W8oWI3gJlWI-sBmrSSVENn5UZW0qAehfP7aJ9JHBccQOAUYIxnueODe7z6iH/s320/DLB_0109.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244228274576153138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmgK3K2zOC1HwDcD5_dD8pDnQQsN2jNIlgYFo8rSZbFiBEZss7vWKAzg1uIhYQeO3SSwcD7HjgYKyVKcOuZyctT8cX79vEJPB-IwCkMm1uu9TU1RTSAk-bKnMNz7uI9wBhAPy/s320/DLB_0055_D5.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244226458966024002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzYAAPkSUQ7BXNYGMoWvb0dhbbKCYOOzWDpa7yerST9tcXB6EgjqCaIdXyyUyQGR1ilpIPLEC71Q1FBbb4UsWzTjkonSPzk5GnJLUX3fQl2VRw6GnUq5tC1qkaQ-eISooBkQM/s320/DLB_0139_D3.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244227431999044226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2NDal8piVKdPrBAyyN1beftNzkeTTW1Ns1EfFxtxW3nNCCQBmgiJnVW4MzhGigu3qfjgBZeWURRvhLHmDolCr1jrzh6ShO2Yo_MwimvqCevnMbkcuyTD-TgWcA89zyfjWBeK/s320/DLB_0147.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-60219146150519025572008-09-03T21:51:00.000-07:002008-09-04T07:17:27.232-07:00Palin's Petty PoliticsOk, I just got finished watching the RNC and Governor Sarah Palin accept her party's nomination as the Vice President.<br /><br />I am angry.<br /><br />First, let me say I do not consider myself a democrat nor republican. I have given both parties a fair and balanced look. Tonight, my decision has been made crystal clear.<br /><br />I am endorsing and voting for the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.barackobama.com">Obama/Biden</a> ticket.<br /><br />But, first let's get back to why I am angry. I am so offended by Palin's negative comments of Obama being a former community organizer. <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/03/palin.transcript/index.html">(Here is the entire transcript of her speech.)<br /></a><br />She boasts of first being involved with the local PTA-what does she think that is?<br /><br />As an employee of a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.hisbridgebuilders.org">faith-based inner-city community organization/ministry</a>, I am highly offended of her insinuations that community work is not a noble or respectable work. It further solidifies for me that the GOP is not for all people, but only a few. The work millions of Americans are doing in communities, especially those communities where "<em>the least of these...</em>" reside, is honorable, worthy, sacrficial, and deserves respect.<br /><br />Shame on you, Sarah Palin!<br /><br />I admire a man who desires the office of the presidency recognizes the value of community. In my opinion, that <em>is</em> putting <strong>"country first."</strong>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-56462025346812790332008-08-28T14:42:00.000-07:002008-08-28T15:23:49.934-07:00Never Stop Dreaming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhBpX-YJFYPD8rGkKGdP3elYQE7VE6nQhvM5luxhWD0i0LrLtztjEa8M2S4pi7EFw5Xa-Ujaga7rV_h2tYMqGHc5sAb7bkWqT5_2r_HWQ_263OAcZjBw1VN_DGJfhIFeTpucQ/s1600-h/2005-1-16-mlk.jpg"></a><div>Today marks the 45th anniversary of the Civil Rights march on Washington on August 28, 1963, and Dr. Martin Luther King's <strong><em>"I Have A Dream"</em></strong> speech. Tonight Barak Obama will accept his party's nomination as the first African-American presidential nominee. Despite your political persuasion, this indeed is a monumental moment in history. I am thankful to be alive to be able to witness such a day. <em>Never stop dreaming</em>!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PbUtL_0vAJk&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PbUtL_0vAJk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-40135135621329939562008-08-27T20:20:00.000-07:002008-08-27T20:32:38.416-07:00Phelps Phever<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaiESXSsUil-ijD15Ro8DnfceDRaHD-1-wYhivkY9GPn35Q-UiriezkRedYe-wPB3xjdCdxC_56WmC1Y7I38YbXu-H5pzhLGlhJSHat7InMEX_KYiRE0biFImamkULc16mIFv/s1600-h/_42737383_ap416phelps.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5239406197612104658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaiESXSsUil-ijD15Ro8DnfceDRaHD-1-wYhivkY9GPn35Q-UiriezkRedYe-wPB3xjdCdxC_56WmC1Y7I38YbXu-H5pzhLGlhJSHat7InMEX_KYiRE0biFImamkULc16mIFv/s320/_42737383_ap416phelps.jpg" border="0" /></a> I don't know about you, but over here at my house, we were totally obsessed with the Olympics. Both my husband and I said we enjoyed it more this year than ever before. I know that had to do with the amazing performance of Michael Phelps--8 golds in one Olympics-WOW! Maybe it also had something to do with high gas prices and us being stuck at home!<br /><div></div><div> </div><div>My sweet husband has been inspired and has Phelps Phever! You see, my honey is a 29 year-old man who cannot swim (sorry I told your secret!). So, he's decided to take swim lessons beginning next Tuesday for the next month. When he called the aquatic center in our city, he asked the person on the other line, "What's that style of swimming Michael Phelps does? That's what I want to learn!" I thought that was so cute!</div><br /><div></div><div>As he went to go pay his fee today for his swim lessons, an elderly woman of at least 106 years-old (according to my husband), took one look at him and said, "Your'e gonna sink straight to the bottom!" Isn't that a hoot!!! </div><br /><div></div><div>Truth is, I admire him for having the courage at 29 to try to learn how to swim and not let fear or pride get in the way of his desire to learn how to swim. Keep checking back in & see how D is doing in swim lessons!</div><br /><div></div><div>What about you? Did watching the Olympics inspire you? If so, how?</div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-63977669234378962652008-08-24T20:59:00.000-07:002008-08-28T15:03:09.854-07:00The Bible Belt and Irving BibleJackie Roese, pastor to women of <a href="http://www.irvingbible.org/index.php?id=1259">Irving Bible Church</a> in Irving, Texas made history today at IBC...she became the first woman to teach from the pulpit on a Sunday. You may be thinking, "so what!" but this made the 10 o'clock news tonight in Dallas!!!!<br /><br /><strong>I definitely live here in the Bible belt!</strong><br /><br />What are your thoughts about women teaching from the pulpit at church?Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-29032978479882330132008-08-20T15:04:00.000-07:002008-08-20T15:10:27.264-07:00Just Because!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWKJmw8oV-Xg9oX9hgOuuWFRh-nI242TcbD3SY98LFOuJ2XpfdJm66TmP9KsER0LTz3z46yJvdqhLOKYUKrEaGFfdoKtesT8JUV-B8NFDsgT-I23YC5JmGofHGyoMB7N7sRWL/s1600-h/Picture+031.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236724950018450978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWKJmw8oV-Xg9oX9hgOuuWFRh-nI242TcbD3SY98LFOuJ2XpfdJm66TmP9KsER0LTz3z46yJvdqhLOKYUKrEaGFfdoKtesT8JUV-B8NFDsgT-I23YC5JmGofHGyoMB7N7sRWL/s320/Picture+031.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>These are from my husband, just because!! I had to take a picture of them because they are so beautiful. These are hydrangeas & roses mixed together. Thanks, sweetie!</div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-58165842656526041712008-08-11T21:16:00.000-07:002008-08-11T21:26:44.974-07:00Walker's Wisdom?I just read this article posted over on <a href="http://aspire2.blogspot.com/">Sandi Glahn's </a>blog that I had to share. It is an <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1021293/How-mothers-fanatical-feminist-views-tore-apart-daughter-The-Color-Purple-author.html">article written by Rebecca Walker</a>, daughter of feminist author Alice Walker (<em>The Color Purple</em>), who shares the devastating effects of her mother's radical feminist worldview.<br /><br />I've been reading the book of Titus, written by Paul who urges Titus to teach sound doctrine so that people may be led by the <em>truth that leads to godliness</em>. I believe we women have to be so very careful who and what we allow to 'teach' us...<br /><br />Check out the article & let me know what your thoughts are. In the meantime, let us remember that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-33386674836672701822008-07-29T15:59:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:17:34.102-08:00Hectic at Home?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFngKiCswmnjTZtNjAfwzLCnEAMcLcv0_yFok0JWwPaJaF0DGsSNYSdYdEx4llTljD_mQOc0vVRspsK0y7jBBka62C79N-w76lpz3K5KqS73AhrHweeY3pM8-TN5xoSlxmb8e/s1600-h/child_house_1.jpgf7d72b3e-22d2-45a8-8087-25401f7ec019Large"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228585585349344482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFngKiCswmnjTZtNjAfwzLCnEAMcLcv0_yFok0JWwPaJaF0DGsSNYSdYdEx4llTljD_mQOc0vVRspsK0y7jBBka62C79N-w76lpz3K5KqS73AhrHweeY3pM8-TN5xoSlxmb8e/s200/child_house_1.jpgf7d72b3e-22d2-45a8-8087-25401f7ec019Large" border="0" /></a> Sorry, friends. It's been a minute since I last posted. Thanks for checking in though and reading my blog. Life has really kept me busy here lately and blogging has just not been possible, though I do enjoy it.<br /><br />As many of you know, the first 5 months I was married I was not working full-time. I was finishing up school and being a full-time wife. Since beginning to work in full-time ministry, our household has really been hectic. Gone are the days of cooking every night and keeping our apartment clean! I'm still trying to figure out how to balance work and home. I am seeking the Lord on how to bring more order and harmony to the demands of work and home. I don't know how working mothers come home after a full day of work and tend to their family. God bless them!<br /><br />I've been doing some thinking, and more than ever I am understanding God's call for women to be keepers at home (cf. Titus 2:3-5). God is really speaking to my heart about the importance of women being freed up to be home--even if it's just for a season. I do not think this means women have to be stay-at-home full-time, but perhaps it means switching from a full-time job to a part-time job.<br /><br />Or, take for example, one of my sister-in-laws who has prayerfully applied for some jobs closer to her home and with more paid holidays. She and her family cannot afford for her to come home permanently at this time, but possibly working 3 miles from her home will allow her to get home quicker to her family (oppossed to the 1 hour commute she is doing now). I applause her for this move of faith!<br /><br />Anyway, I say all of this to express that though I have been called to full-time ministry for such a time as this, I believe the Lord is preparing my heart to understand the importance of my role in the home in the future.<br /><br /><em>What about you? Where do you stand on this issue?</em><br /><br /><strong>If you are married with children</strong>:<br />Can you honestly say your home has top priority? Is your home suffering due to your work outside of the home? Is the environment of your home one of an oasis? Are you aware and on top of the spiritual well-being of your home? Your marriage? Your children?<br /><br /><strong>If you are married without children:</strong><br />Your husband and your home should still be a top priority for you. True, being married without children you do have some flexibility, but this time without children is so <em>foundational</em>. This time should be spent treasuring your relationship with your husband. Are you becoming one more each day? Use this time to properly prepare as much as possible for children in the future: financially, spiritually, and even learning how to parent a child God's way. Anything outside of the home is not more important than this!<br /><br /><strong>If you are single:</strong><br />I wish I would have taken the wise counsel from my older friend, Julie when I was single. She encouraged me to save my money when I was single and get out of debt. Sadly, I did not take her advice, and let me tell you....bringing financial debt into a marriage is not fun! So, get a second job! Cut down on going out to eat, and dare I say...shopping!!!!!! In doing this, you will honor the Lord and honor your future spouse by becoming a good steward with your finances. One more thing: ask the Lord to begin speaking to your heart about the role of a wife and mother. When I was single, I got my hands on everything I could read about this topic.<br /><br />I never meant for this post to be so long, but as you can see, the Lord is really stirring my heart about this topic. I think it's no coincidence, because as I am called to minister to women, this is an area we American women need to prioritize: <em>our home</em>. I have been challenged by the Lord in this area, and I pray you will take these things to the Lord in prayer as well.<br /><br /><strong>Let's set our hearts to Him to help our homes not be hectic!</strong>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-6009935922078819662008-06-03T19:37:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:17:34.432-08:00History is Made Tonight!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU7ANNdeKkxK2-RHWeN3twZzoxl6tN3XqJHwl7pxwzEAn_74AIKwo6gD45SSZG4TT-IWYOEbfcKeNmW14zvhR49eubBp5JbswZJpxm5GmP6U4JwA4QcCwCNvu9osax3XwjlYv/s1600-h/barackobamahomeboy.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207851205154938994" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOU7ANNdeKkxK2-RHWeN3twZzoxl6tN3XqJHwl7pxwzEAn_74AIKwo6gD45SSZG4TT-IWYOEbfcKeNmW14zvhR49eubBp5JbswZJpxm5GmP6U4JwA4QcCwCNvu9osax3XwjlYv/s200/barackobamahomeboy.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5GWf3UAWpj2CBt6Q9YT_WQEa2bVtVAj4-IZ6wrFu50XBEubdmNhkisJa1bXWP3RuuYzyz3oHNq_rCDQLi9rNR-tAiqiP77JBdlti_877vmHZoyBH9zd9VbJXzhrodnjTxT5P_/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-90007286456114640602008-05-22T18:22:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:17:34.520-08:00Catch and Release<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203408795414278290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfieOxFXDov_vt-8Fga0OeiGoJmaL9w48gBW_-6a3o9sWgTtevKtJ-zXL7w79wjcyLqz3ZlxJiue6LZUUGUE8xAB_R4H7E8dTDzPPI02NUT3dusFgXV3BbV3QIUJKcz-Y7hTZ/s200/51WK0BDME0L.jpg" border="0" />I heard a story this week that is just too good not to share. It's a true story of two men, one white, one black. One a wealthy art dealer, one a homeless man residing in Ft. Worth, Texas.<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>In an attempt to 'minister and serve' in the Union Gospel Mission of Ft. Worth, Texas, Ron Hall attempted to befriend a homeless man named Denver Moore. His attempt didn't go off too well, as Denver wasn't very interested in any friendship with Ron. Afterall, what did they have in common? However, Ron felt that his sucess by the world's standards was a significant offering to this poor black man. </div><br /><br /><div><em>How arrogant this rich white man was...Denver would teach him a thing or two!</em></div><br /><div></div><div>"What do you want with me?" Denver asked one day to Ron. "I just want to be your friend," said Ron. "Friend?" Denver proceeded to tell him there was one thing he heard growing up as a boy in Louisiana--that white people, while fishing <strong>catch</strong> their fish <strong>and</strong> then <strong>release</strong> them back into the water. Ron confirmed this was true. Denver told Ron if he was thinking about catching him in a friendship for a time and then releasing him soon after, that he would not be interested in a friendship with him at all.</div><br /><div></div><div>I got to thinking, isn't this what we do in ministry and in some of our relationships with others? We catch them, and then we release them. We're in and then we're out. This is not the picture of a true relationship, and this is definitely not the example of Christ.</div><br /><div></div><div>I've started a new job this week-my first after graduating from seminary. I will be ministering to women in an <a href="http://www.hisbridgebuilders.org/">inner-city community in south Dallas</a>. This story reminds me in ministry to be about the business of people, not programs! I don't want to catch women and then release them. I want to catch them, and relying on God's strength, never let them go.</div><br /><div></div><div>Read along with me more of Ron & Denver's story in <a href="http://www.samekindofdifferentasme.com/"><em>Same Kind of Different as Me</em></a>. It's going to start off my summer reading! Let me know if you too will be reading it.</div><div> </div></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18471438.post-54442257134271843832008-05-13T09:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T20:17:34.552-08:00The Newlywed 15<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSjQqd2u8YQegrZxkZ5uDn_E9ONGSwMTemM6m2RgIHag1f3qtKmN5yZ0JMIHh-bFDiX9AlLHewKTDy8devKSN8ZsE1RDaY6X8odOCd6nacLQz0YaIRtHyirVKV-ntyz1-VeVM/s1600-h/scale.jpg"></a>So, in an effort to be authentic and vulnerable I've decided to write about a subject that no woman likes to discuss: her weight!<br /><br />D & I have been married now for 4 months. You can tell we are happy by looking at our waistlines! Yikes! I have not gained 15 pounds as the title suggests, but being a newlywed is a lot like being a freshman in college. Remember the 'freshman 15' everyone warned you about? Well, no one warns you about the Newlywed 15!<br /><br />When I went to the doctor last month for my annual check up, I lamented my weight gain to my doctor, and her response was, "Oh yeah, that happens to us all in the first year of marriage!" She told me to give myself a break and not be hard on myself, it's just life change.<br /><br />Well, I don't like this part of life change. My husband and I have been working out little newlywed tails off in the gym. He's lost 7lbs and I've lost about 4. We decided we weren't going to go on any "get thin fast scam diets," but do it the healthy, organic way--eating healthy and working out. Here's a couple of things we are doing together:<br /><br />-Exercising 4-5 days a week doing lots of interval cardio and resistance training<br />-Eating lots of fiber: vegetables, fruits<br />-Drinking lots of water!<br />-Trying to cut out processed sugar (this has been hard!)<br />-Eating fish 2 times a week (my husband, not me...I don't like fish)<br />-Cutting back on starches, but not entirely<br />-NO FAST FOOD! (we haven't had fast food all year)<br /><br />I will admit, I have been discouraged. I am trying to look at this whole weight loss thing through a realistic, fresh way. I want to be healthy, I want this to be a lifestyle change, I want to be strong & have endurance, I want to challenge myself, and I want to be willing to work for those changes. It takes time though. We live in a society with lots of quick fixes, and a healthy lifestyle is not a quick fix, it occurs over a lifetime. So, I am giving myself some goals, but I'm not saying to myself, "I have to lose 10lbs in 10 days!"<br /><br />One more thing, Sunday when I was having a pity party and punishing myself with unhealthy thoughts, the Holy Spirit brought to mind a verse we often quote as Christians, but rarely believe or practice. This, I believe is the key to my efforts:<br /><div align="center"><em></em> </div><div align="center"><em>Trust in the Lord with all your heart,<br />and do not rely on your own understanding.<br />Acknowledge him in all your ways,<br />and he will make your paths straight.</em></div><div align="center"><em>Proverbs 3:5-6</em></div>Lyn-zhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02658093011007241645noreply@blogger.com0