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Cristine – Honing in to Home https://honingintohome.com A place for Christian moms to call home and be called back to home... Wed, 20 Jul 2022 13:41:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 128469253 God trusts ME with His children?!!! https://honingintohome.com/god-trusts-me-with-his-children/ https://honingintohome.com/god-trusts-me-with-his-children/#respond Mon, 07 Jun 2021 02:23:00 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=48 Continue reading "God trusts ME with His children?!!!"

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Matthew 11: 25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. 26 Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
(The day before I was led to these verses, I was wailing & whining about what God was calling me to with my children. I honestly think I felt for a brief moment what Jonah experienced. Just call me “Jonette”! I was sweating, exhausted, running on empty already at 10 a.m. in the morning wondering how I would make it through the rest of the day with my children- not to mention the rest of the summer! I was like “how could I ever even considered the thought of possibly homeschooling them at some point?” That was me… totally freaking out!)
So, the next day (once I had calmed down & “came back to” after my tantrum) I asked the Lord God how come He was speaking so clearly today but yesterday I was trying to hear from Him & could not. It seemed He replied “I had to wait until you were done with your tantrum before I spoke. You would not have heard Me anyway.” Then, I felt Him continue to say “If you allow me, I will teach you how to parent your children as I have & will continue to parent you, My child.” He certainly had my ear! I mean, I never had a Godly parent modeled for me as a child nor have I ever been trained up by anyone in this way, so Who better than my Heavenly Father Himself to teach me?!?!
He went on & showed me Matthew 11- that God through Jesus shows things to those of us who approach Him like children & by keeping me around the children, He is actually making sure that I keep that child-like faith because my tendency is to become “wise & learned” (like one of the two groups mentioned in the above Scripture verses). EEEK! That stung, but I know it to be true. I LOVE learning. I desire knowledge & live for researching answers to questions that come up. But my Gracious King spoke so lovingly to me when He told me that I was like a student who had been in school for a long time. I had a vision of a graduate of college who had received their Associate’s degree to then move on to receive their Bachelor’s degree to then move on to receive a Master’s degree to then move on to receive a Doctorate. There was a problem with this “graduate in my vision”, though: This person did not ever want go out & actually practice the trade in which they had learned about all that time, though. It was as if the Holy Spirit was whispering “You have all you need to get started. And I will continue to teach you more, but the rest can only be learned by actually getting “out there” & doing it.” Here he showed me: Matthew 11:19 “But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
He also said & showed me that I will learn more about being His (My Creator Elohim’s child) by being around my own children. He brought me to Matthew 18:2 He (Jesus) called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in My Name welcomes Me.” Well, that just made me take a huge GULP! Yahweh (my Loving Redeemer) was showing me that I had “all this knowledge” by reading the Bible, listening to teachings on parenting as well as seeking out others who had done it well & everything in between. But what He wanted me to “know” here is that I needed be like a child, think like a child & act like a child- both in the sense of being His child but also by being more involved in the lives of my children in the way He had planned for me. That is why I chose the Name “Yahweh” when I just wrote the previous sentence. This being because of course I knew I was a child of the Most High God, but He wanted me to know Him even more intimately. And the Lord has chosen a specific path just for me to be able to grow up in Him as He also allows me to grow in that same intimacy with my children! Wow, talk about “REDEMPTION”! I mean, at this point I was totally speechless (which I laugh to think about now even while typing this because I believe that God- knowing I was speechless by this point- had me EXACTLY where He wanted me to be so that I would not talk but rather continue to listen!) I just love God’s humor & how He gets me to settle down in such a lovingly, considerate Fatherly way. (Did you also catch how right there He just taught me how to get my own kids to quiet down by showing them that I want to spend time with them!) I mean “wow”… All in this same moment, the Lord is showing me His love for me, ministering to my heart, disciplining me AND continuing to teach me how to be this parent He’s called me to be to these children! God is so faithful. Reading back to the beginning of this page, isn’t that just what He said He would do for me? : )
To describe what I am feeling at this point in receiving this download from my Abba Father is the word “awe”. So while I am still in awe, I shall leave you with what He left me with on this day. And this is the clencher! The final Word He gave to me was in one chapter over in Matthew 19 verses 13 & 14: “Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them.14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.” Jesus ever-so gently spoke to my heart by saying: “Stop running away as if there is some other way you will find out more about Me. You are running from THE very thing that will bring you closer to Me… and that is the children.”
So, there you have it. I, Cristine Pina, went from a woman who never seemed to feel like I was ready to take on such a task without more preparation is not only hearing from my Heavenly Father that it is time, but that I am ready because THIS IS THE VERY THING HE UNIQUELY CRAFTED ME TO DO- to walk out being His child AND a Godly mother to these children in a beautifully, interwoven bow that only He could tie together! <3

]]> https://honingintohome.com/god-trusts-me-with-his-children/feed/ 0 48 A Child’s Choice To Be Baptized! https://honingintohome.com/a-childs-choice-to-be-baptized/ https://honingintohome.com/a-childs-choice-to-be-baptized/#respond Thu, 03 Jun 2021 21:01:07 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=251 Continue reading "A Child’s Choice To Be Baptized!"

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So, for my daughter’s 7th birthday, she requested to get baptized. She is sure she wants to do this, and of course her father and I went through some heart questions in order to make sure she understands what being baptized means. Well, I think the questionnaire below speaks volumes once you see her replies! 🙂
This child reminds me so much of her older sister who wanted to go feed the homeless people on the streets of Atlanta for her birthday once. And she did just that! She took friends along with her as well! Oh, what a witness to those people she was that day! And what a witness to her middle school peers at the time too!
To say we are proud of the decision our soon-to-be seven-year-old is making (and has made) is an understatement. But to see her replies to the questions on this paper about her relationship with our Lord and Savior… Well, how could my heart not just be swelling with overflowing joy!
This princess was named after her earthly father whose name is Aarron meaning “priestly”. Well, her first name means “from a town of priests”! And her middle name means “messenger”! Would you not agree that this little girl is indeed living up to her name as a “priestly messenger” to publicly proclaim to her family, friends and church that she knows who Jesus is to her and who she is to Him?!
My oh my am I hoping she keeps such childlike faith; for all around there is such a desperate need of the Light she carries! And as far as this mother goes… all can say is: may I learn from this child and continue to share my faith just as boldly to a lost and dying world! <3  ]]> https://honingintohome.com/a-childs-choice-to-be-baptized/feed/ 0 251 God’s Love for You and Me https://honingintohome.com/gods-love-for-you-and-me/ https://honingintohome.com/gods-love-for-you-and-me/#respond Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:45:55 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=470 Continue reading "God’s Love for You and Me"

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Thinking this morning on God and how big and Great He is! He redeems the time. He loves us in our brokenness. He loves us when we are unlovable. He loves us when we hate ourselves. He loves us back to life. (I know this for a fact personally). And in response to that love- then and only then can we love Him back plus truly love one another. He has shown me this Great love and in response, I give Him my life. I confess my yuck to Him. I ask for His forgiveness of sin in my depravity. He not only forgives me but takes the shame and condemnation. Along with forgiveness, He adds to it His power that allows me to walk in obedience to His Word. He keeps me humble. He holds me and sustains me. He renews me day by day. And yes… He even disciplines me because He loves me. He fills my heart so full of Him that I cannot help but praise Him & thank Him. Does that mean everything is perfect? Nope. Not even close. But is there light in the darkness and peace through the storms? Yes.
Ya’ll! God loves us, our spouses, our children and loved ones. Remember that He holds the world in the palm of His hand and still has every hair on our head numbered! So, my prayer today is that through faith in Christ, we would trust, love, grow in, serve & live for Jesus as well as one another. (This is not that salvation comes through our works because we know it only comes through faith in Jesus’ blood and finished work on the Cross; Jesus taking our sins upon Himself defeating death and reconciling us to the Father.) Then, as an overflow of that amazing grace God gives us, we can be a place of refuge for our prodigals, the lonely, the orphans and the widows. May those who are far off receive what His Spirit who calls us unto Himself has been longing to give them all along: Everything He is!

Ephesians 3:
16 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

]]> https://honingintohome.com/gods-love-for-you-and-me/feed/ 0 470 From Hoarder Trinkets to Fixer Upper Treasures https://honingintohome.com/from-hoarder-trinkets-to-fixer-upper-treasures/ https://honingintohome.com/from-hoarder-trinkets-to-fixer-upper-treasures/#respond Mon, 12 Nov 2018 17:21:27 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=963 Continue reading "From Hoarder Trinkets to Fixer Upper Treasures"

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Have you ever watched the shows “Hoarders” or “Fixer Upper”? Well, my intention is to describe what happens in my life when, spiritually speaking, I let the Holy Spirit take my Hoarder Home and turn it into The Ultimate Fixer Upper!  -Matthew 20:28 “Jesus did not come to be served but to serve…”

Trinkets break easily but treasures last forever. So, which would you rather save up? Here I liken hoarder rooms full of trinkets to souls with lots of issues people compile but often forget about. If the junk drawers, closets and rooms of our soul full of trinkets are not emptied out, eventually they impede those chambers which cause internal congestion! Not only that, but on the show “Hoarders”, we sometimes see the rooms so full of trinkets that damage has been done to the original construction! So, if too many unaccounted for trinkets cause concern for the collapse of a real house, can you imagine what then happens in your heart when problems are left unresolved? Matthew 6:20 “… store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

In my home, I choose memories over momentos because, personally, I can’t thrive in clutter or chaos. Well, it’s the same with our spiritual house! When I don’t let Yahushua rid me of past or present hurts and sins, offenses add up and become unmanageable!  So, what do many of us do but “shut the door to that room” and try to live in the rest of the house. The problem is, the overflow of what I’m holding onto will inevitably encroach upon other living areas and sooner or later the entire house gets crowded out! And that is where one’s hoarder house may need a complete overhaul- “Demo Day!” -Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many!”
Admit it, no one enjoys trying to manuever around messes where they dwell. Then, why continue to collect emotions which keep you bound and unable to move about freely within your own vessel?!  Fortunately, we have a Helper Hoarder Expert; the Holy Spirit, who cleans us out and washes us up! Everything from the floor to ceiling of our heart can be renewed! Jesus will purge those hard to reach, sensitive spaces you don’t want anyone to see!  If you admit the need for His help though, Jesus will remove every cobweb and recover treasures you may not have known were even there! Or maybe you thought your hopes and desires were long lost when in reality, they were really just buried beneath the collection of trinkets. In an actual house, the goal is to occupy every space so that we can enjoy our living environment. Also, functionality is key, right?  But how are we supposed to show hospitality to others, let alone manage our home, when we haven’t dealt with unresolved matters of the heart? How can we serve our family and friends in a welcoming environment when we haven’t taken out the trash in a while? Yuck, right? Yet when we open the doors of those locked rooms, the Holy Spirit can enter and take up occupancy! A much-needed renovation begins, and Jesus thoroughly cleans out the clutter of our hearts! When we confess our ill feelings to Him as well as other such sins, He helps us dispose of all the garbage where the trinkets of bitterness, resent, unforgiveness and anger are removed and the rooms get fumigated! Once those ugly, useless trinkets are thrown out, there is an airy atmosphere with a fresh aroma where we can then welcome in company and be a good host to others! -“For we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved!”  2 Corinthians 2:15

Upon this demolition we’ll call “sanctification of the soul”, God’s Spirit purges the unnecessary trinkets of pain and fear. These trinkets may come in the form of a facade you put up so others won’t see the cracks in your foundation,  Or the performance act you put on in order to distract others from your short comings may be a way you like to hide those broken weight-bearing wall beams. Well, Jesus removes all of the fractures and repairs damages underneath the floorboards of your heart. Your Savior won’t stop until He restores all the damaged parts of your house. He never leaves us in the desolate condition we were found in! -2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God…”

Like a spiritual “Flip That House” renovation project, we must evacuate the premise for a time, trusting the Expert Builder to do His work. In other words, we need to get out of the way and submit to the Professional Architect Christ Jesus!  Because, although it may be shocking to see our place stripped down to bare bones, we understand that this process must happen before Jesus replaces any unstable walls and reinforces them with His secure joists! The Holy Spirit demoliishes the falty structures and false beliefs which are like trinkets just taking up space within but are unreliable and unsteady.  God rebuilds the wreckage life wreaked on us by installing steady pillars which will stand up under the load of life! -Isaiah 58:12 “Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls.”

Omnisciently, the Master Builder replaces the flimsy material you once used to masquerade behind and stabilizes our framework with His treasures of Faith, Hope and Love which endure the test of time. We all need those virtues reinforced and cemented at our core so that the true essence of who we are stands strong eternally. In the interim, like a “Fixer Upper” demo sight would reveal, things may look like a hazard zone at first, but in the end the homeowners always marvel at their new, refurbished house!  And upon entering the doors of that recently repaired and revived home, we see the transformation on the inside! Mulitple rooms are filled with special treasures for the residents!  And how much more spectacular is it for those of us whom the The Holy Spirit resides within because our remodel reveals the Splendor of The Divine Builder! -2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory!”

]]> https://honingintohome.com/from-hoarder-trinkets-to-fixer-upper-treasures/feed/ 0 963 The Grace, Space and Pace to Run Your Race https://honingintohome.com/the-grace-space-and-pace-to-run-your-race/ https://honingintohome.com/the-grace-space-and-pace-to-run-your-race/#comments Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:02:12 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=926 Continue reading "The Grace, Space and Pace to Run Your Race"

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The Book of Ecclesiastes says “My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.”  Are you delighting yourself in the Lord and the privilege He’s blessed you with of partaking in the sacred roles of wife and mother while upon the earth?  If so, a delightful countenance would be your reward, according to Solomon.  Do you walk around downtrodden, heavy laden, overburdened and stressed or do you understand how Solomon also goes on to say that there is nothing better than to find satisfaction in your work?  Actually, he boldly proclaims how “enjoying your lot in life is the gift of God!”  As one of the wisest men who ever lived, Solomon declares that “there is nothing better for us than to enjoy our work!”  His words are paramount for any Christian Sister to accept God’s grace and space and pace solely marked out for their distinct race!

As of late, my heart was drawn to the importance of appropriating God’s grace for our life’s race while simultaneously spurring others on in theirs!  This entails focused intensity yet integrity while we run!  We dare not contend with fellow believers as if they’re our competition but rather view them as comrades with us on the same winning team!  Since every woman has been given such a massive mission as a helpmate, caretaker, comforter, teacher and so on, in my opinion, there is no room for such rivalry amongst Sisters!  If we receive our responsibility as a high calling from our Creator Himself and gladly accept our allotment with gratitude, then the only other reasonable response to our female peers would be cheering them on in their work!

Like with runners who have to physically prepare, there’s a spiritual preparation for the race ahead.  As the Holy Spirit equips us with the fortitude needed for this marathon, it is concurrently our responsibility to learn the Scriptures and apply them.  The Word reminds us to adhere to the rules of engagement and congruently it builds soul strength and stamina within.  In the process of persevering, we must fight pride.  We are not the star runner, therefore we shouldn’t become distracted by striving to be better than someone else because discord within the Body slows all runners down who involve themselves in such meaningless controversies!  Together we aim to win not lose!  This loss may be avoided by simply supporting and celebrating another runner’s progress!  Hebrews 10:24 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds”!

There is a special grace exclusively for you.

It is written in Ephesians 4:26 “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” and in Romans 12:6 “We have different gifts according to the grace given us.”  So, have you appreciated this grace or are you stuck in “comparison-land”?  Do you look at others like they have better gifts, skills, and attributes other than yourself or are you too preoccupied praising the Creator of the Universe for what has been specifically kept for you?  The Word is clear on how everyone is made differently; not better than one another!  For, “…it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose” and “we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do”.   My prayer is the Truth told here will penetrate and transform your entire outlook towards your neighbor, whom we were called to love as ourselves; not envy with jealous spirits and covetous hearts.

There is a pace to keep when following the Lord.

Galatians says “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”  Since the pace will depend on what your individual track looks like, we dare not compare each others’ strides either.  No matter what course The Coach has you on, run with perseverance the race marked out for you while dually cheering on your teammates!

You have your own significant space to occupy within the Kingdom of God.

First, you need to acquire the desire to seek out your Lord and Savior and find fellowship with Him, trusting that you were chosen and predestined according to His plan like Ephesians states!  The proper position is one of joy and thankfulness of heart since we see that God marked out everyone’s appointed times in history and the boundaries beforehand, as we read in Acts.  Paul says “God did this so that we would seek Him.” In any courtship, there is a pursuit.  Jesus pursued you first!  But have you sought Him out in return?  Connecting with Christ more intimately births greater understanding of what personal place you hold in His heart as well as in His Kingdom!  Once we grasp how our relationship with Jesus is unlike any other, there is no leeway left for rivalry and contention among the Brethen.

There is a race to be won but not against others.

So, stay in your lane and keep running with vigilance and fervor, embodying a spiritual sportsmanship noteworthy of any honorable athlete!  Ergo, 1 Corinthians 15:58 announces: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  Likewise, “Let your eyes look straight ahead and fix your gaze directly before you”.  In conclusion, whether you think someone is ahead or behind you, regardless, remember who holds the stopwatch and that at some point, the race will eventually end.

My final thought is that we’d conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel leaving no regrets on this race track called life.  May we encourage the rest of the racers, finish well and ultimately recognize how it is God who qualified us, put us in our unique division and enabled us to win in the first place!  On your mark, get set… GO, GIRLFRIEND!

]]> https://honingintohome.com/the-grace-space-and-pace-to-run-your-race/feed/ 2 926 Jesus is The Anchor for My Soul https://honingintohome.com/jesus-is-the-anchor-for-my-soul/ https://honingintohome.com/jesus-is-the-anchor-for-my-soul/#respond Thu, 24 May 2018 03:28:48 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=850 Continue reading "Jesus is The Anchor for My Soul"

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Recently, our family went on a vacation to the Atlantic Ocean where Jesus reassured me, yet again, how He is the Anchor for my soul!  Consequently, this blog will be written merely as an analogy comparing the condition of my soul to a novice brought out to the deep. So, for all my sea-faring friends and readers, I hope this post calms you the next time God leads you through a tumultuous voyage to remind you how He is still in charge of the winds and rains!

During our trip, the Holy Spirit unearthed in me that when I’m outside the familiarity of my everyday life, I wrestle with the uncertainty of those foreign environments, responding poorly to the unknowns they hold.  Where I do love to travel and visit new places when we do venture out, the sin which becomes exposed is that I undoubtedly have unhealthy attachments to the idols of stability found in schedules and the security my accustomed environment brings me. Also, when a regular routine is not kept, my emotions get rocked back and forth like a small skiff in a sea full of perilous waves!  But I believe Father allowed me to venture into undiscovered territory with such “choppy waters” in order to lovingly teach me that I am not the Skipper in charge of this barge!  (Can you agree that the maritime terminology is fitting here?)
After much prayer and confession about ultimately putting my hope in things other than God, the Lord took hold of my heart as the Anchor of my soul.  Although the Lord is the very one to stir up the sea so that its waves roar, He has a purpose beyond what’s seen.  The bottom line is that Jesus can be trusted both at home and in uncharted waters!
Reflecting back, the substantial fear I felt when I had no control compiled with the anger I encountered when faced with the unexpected made me feel like a tiny boat lost among an enormous ocean!  Had it not been for my Anchor holding me steady, I could’ve capsized at any moment!  Nevertheless, when the overwhelming anxiety arose out of nowhere like a Nor’easter that could have taken out anything in its path, Jesus kept the keel firmly pointed down and prevented me from falling over.  By the end of my sailing excursion, Father reminded me of how He stands at the helm tactfully steering us where He wants us to go! His navigation system is the best course to follow “when the sea billows roll”!

 Psalm 107:

23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
    they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,
    his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
    that lifted high the waves.
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
    in their peril their courage melted away.
27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
    they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.

First Corinthians 2:10 states “God reveals things by his Spirit; for it is His Spirit who searches out everything…” You see, on both the port side or starboard, Jesus covers our “blind spots”!  He has eyes at the bow as well as the stern, omnisciently aware of dangers we can neither see nor predict.  Similarly, it’s near impossible for me to know what lies at the core of my belief system until the Holy Spirit says “This weight is too heavy and will sink your ship if you carry it any further” confirming Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”

Isaiah 42:7 pronounces “For I am the Lord your God, who churns up the sea so that its waves roar!”  But He also promises in Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you!”  So, in the midst of mayhem, instead of fighting what Father is doing and attempting to weather the storm alone, I had to trust that the Master and Commander of my vessel would keep me afloat!  Otherwise, the forces of nature would have undeniably washed me onto shore, waterlogged and beaten by the wind.  Instead, when my heart was astir within and the elements around wrestled me to the ground, Jesus became for me a shelter from the squall like a leeward shield!  The Captain of the ship simultaneously guided me back to the serenity of soul and delivered me from the soaring surf surrounding me!

 Overall, let’s recall what is said in Jeremiah 10: 13 “When God thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from His storehouses!”  Hence, when the dark clouds of circumstance block my view and couple with my own vain conceit, they produce poor vision preventing me from seeing!  In those moments, it’s imperative that I do not permit the pirates of pride and selfish ambition to rob me of the treasure troves God has kept for me at the end of the journey.  (Isaiah 45:3 “I will give you treasures stored away…”)  For this reason and many more, by faith and not sight I must constantly cling to the Compass who will direct my heart safely to Solid Ground!
Conclusively, even amidst divers dangers near and far, I have become aware of how to better ride out any odyssey the Lord deems fit to cast me into since Jesus is the Anchor for my soul. And while He draws me deeper in Him still, Father will not let me go beyond His desired destination for me!  (Psalm 42:7 “Deep calls to deep… all Your waves and breakers swept over me.”)  Verily, I have found that my role as a member on board this fleet among God’s other sailor Sons and Daughters is to openly receive both the tempest trials along with the tranquil times!  Next time things look bleak from your limited marine binoculars’ view, let Jesus take His rightful seat perched up higher than the fog!  In like manner, Jesus is also our Anchor saving us from the dangers of the depths below!  Praise God for fastening us firmly to Him!  (Hebrews 6:19 “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”)

]]> https://honingintohome.com/jesus-is-the-anchor-for-my-soul/feed/ 0 850 A Call Back to the Home https://honingintohome.com/a-call-back-to-the-home/ https://honingintohome.com/a-call-back-to-the-home/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2018 01:49:40 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=838 Continue reading "A Call Back to the Home"

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Something has been on my heart with the “busyness” of women in the church versus enjoying Jesus at home. While many of you are wrapped up in attending church conferences, prayer meetings, retreats, concerts, classes, etc, I wonder if you would be better off staying at home to learn from God directly and make a concerted effort to fellowship with your husband and children more?!

Where church activities are not bad, there ARE seasons when it is better to seek your Heavenly Father individually. He will teach you personally about how to be His Daughter, a Godly wife, a nurturing mother and beloved Sister. As a homemaker and homeschool mom, I have learned more inside my house than anywhere else. Remaining in my God-given role here has caused me to rely on the Holy Spirit for counsel and comfort, guidance and nurture, instruction and insight. Jesus IS my Pastor who shepherds my own heart through this maze every single day!

My home is the hard-knock training ground where I become skilled (not perfect) in how to be a helpmate to my husband and a mother who disciples her children for the Kingdom. Together, Jesus and I walk and talk throughout the day. Often, I cry out to my Savior. And other times I rejoice with Him because as I grow in my walk, I find secret, hidden gems along the way! It’s like my life is a treasure map! Sometimes there are landmines and pitfalls on the path but as I keep going, I also discover rare and sacred jewels just for me! All of this happens at home. And not that I have this road mastered but when I look back to where I started, lots of ground has been covered!

Don’t miss out on communing with your flock at home. “Is it time to say ‘no’ to future engagements and any further commitments that require your involvement to volunteer and serve ‘out there’ robbing those under your roof of you?” Please do not miss the moments God wants you to experience inside your own dwelling place by scattering opposed to gathering. Gird yourself up for the work that goes into caring for your sheep first before you go out feeding others, and let’s move from busy to blessed. 
This year, my aim is to live without THOSE kinds of regrets. What about you?!

]]> https://honingintohome.com/a-call-back-to-the-home/feed/ 4 838 Healing What’s Unseen https://honingintohome.com/healing-whats-unseen/ https://honingintohome.com/healing-whats-unseen/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2018 01:28:34 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=806 Continue reading "Healing What’s Unseen"

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This Passover season, I felt it was necessary to not only share about the One who rose from the grave, defeating death, hell and the grave in the earth but how He comparatively overcame those same soul diseases in each of us which in the past have left us disabled, blind, lame and paralyzed! So, let this blog be your prescription.

Let’s take an assessment? Do you feel you may need a tourniquet for your heart? Are you bleeding out somewhere internally, unawares? Symptoms may include but are not limited to: depression, anger, suppressed emotions, hopelessness, prolonged pessimism and/or a loss of desire for life in general. The real question (as posted above) is: Are you willing to seek healing for the unforeseen, hurting, desolate parts of your soul?

There are spaces within us which lie untouched because we are not yet ready and are unwilling to completely fall into the arms of Jesus by surrendering our deep and secret woes, fears and burdens into His care. It is as if those compartments inside us are barred off tightly from anyone or anything entering in behind the walls. And those walls have probably been reinforced over time because our former modes of protection from enemies, both foreign and domestic, once worked in order to keep us safe, hidden and far away from danger. (I get it. That is why I can write about these types of topics in the first place.)

Unfortunately though, as true as it may be that once upon a time our defense mechanisms were the best methods we knew to survive, presently they actually block out the Spirit’s presence from moving through the hidden rooms of your heart where Jesus wants full access. It’s just like a Doctor who is treating you would require FULL ACCESS. The cool thing here is that Jesus already knows your diagnosis and has the “medicine” for what is wrong. So, why not trust God with the battered, beat down, broken portions of our souls? It’s not survival of the fittest anymore. No, now Jesus wants the weary, burdened aspects of you and me. Can you show Him your battle scars and believe that He will dress them for you? Our Lord asked the handicapped man at the pool this question, so before moving on I will ask it, too. And if you answer “yes”, then by all means… read on.

“Do you WANT to get well?”

The road to recovery begins by looking to the Great Physician for hope, as He is our Good Samaritan! Luke 10:34 tells us this: “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Many have endured blows from life and the world in general! What can be worse is how the people who could’ve, should’ve, would’ve come to aid and assist are the very ones who brought the beatings instead (emotionally and spiritually speaking). For the most part, each of us has our individual versions of The Good Samaritan story and can relate to the guy who got jumped and left for dead on the side of the road!

Some patients have been through the unthinkable. So wanting to hide from the traumas or feeling too tired to try is understandable. Like the traveler in the Good Samaritan, you are not left for dead though! Jesus can be trusted with the most extreme cases of rare illnesses caused by sickness of heart. But like a good patient who must trust their caretaker has good for them and not harm, it’s time to receive your Faithful Remedy!

The Great Physician also resuscitates us by breathing oxygen (Ruach) back into the lifeless corners of our souls which have been left without the air it’s needed to survive, thrive and be revived! Ezekiel Chapter 37 verses 5 and 6 verify the Truth of that statement where we read: “I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”

In exchange for the darkness and despair we often covet underneath the surface due to fear, the Savior desires our whole hearts! To fully heal the shattered pieces of our souls, we must let Jesus perform a spiritual lavage where our lacerations get washed thoroughly with the special salve only He carries! Sometimes we secretly hold onto negative, unhealthy things within because we’re familiar with them as if they are company and comfort or some kind of safety blanket! But if dysentery were left inside our system, yet not cleaned out, these toxins only make you ill!

We must flush our systems of poisons! And Jesus came to do just that! He set us free from the bondage of sin, death and decay in every facet of our being! Isaiah states it this way: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him!” You see, Jesus went through the grueling process of torture and torment in His Body and soul so that we need not languish in ours any longer! Isaiah says it this way: “Surely Jesus took up our pain and bore our suffering. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. He was oppressed and afflicted”

What a better Healer to have than One who is familiar with our distress and altogether overcame that yoke when He was raised from the dead! “By His wounds we are healed!” With that said, let’s receive the supernatural balm He offers as the cure for our depraved condition!

Trust me, if you have read my prior posts, you would understand how I am writing from the perspective of a gal who knows the miracle power of Jesus’ touch as well as the deliverance and healing His ointment brings! On a personal level, I have experienced what happens when we unveil the mangled seams of our soul. Yahweh Raphe can and will sew them right up, never to be unsealed again!

Truth be told; it is a monumental act of faith to bring the Lord the shameful and humiliating portions of us which seem so utterly fragmented and frail. It is similar to showing a nurse behind the curtain what ugly pus long-ignored scabs breed. But once we open the door to those sealed off sections of our soul and allow our Loving Heavenly Father to reach in, He pours salve and oil over the cuts and abrasions. His hand begins to bind up the wounds which have caused us unrelenting pain for far too long! Immediately, His Spirit goes to work on patching the holes of our heart; repairing the broken parts and replenishing the obscure segments of our soul. Jesus nurses us with such tenderness and gentleness that the lies which left us dismembered in certain spots get bound up. And the jagged edges of our soul abrasions start to be covered by His protective bandages with words like “worthy”, “valued”… “His”.

Father God is also The Occupational Therapist you want by your side, for He rehabilitates our weak areas with His strength and teaches us how to walk out our newly restored and regenerate selves by moving with us well beyond recovery! Undeniably, I have found my Rock remains with me at every stage of healing while I am being built back up. Again, Isaiah writes: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

There is even more good news to come from conquering the infirmities of the soul like helping others do the same! Our Almighty Healer transforms our inner suffering into a great passion for others who are currently hurting! This passion inspires us to encourage others to trust God as Healer!

This is similar to people who are sent out on a medical missions team! Apparently, Hebrews 12:12-13 agrees with this conclusion: “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees and make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

This Passover my aim is to make it known to you that if you are willing to make an appointment, treatment for your soul is available today! Call into God’s Divine Doctor’s office and visit Him ASAP! Jesus has openings just for you! Plus, there’s no wait! 🙂

]]> https://honingintohome.com/healing-whats-unseen/feed/ 2 806 A Letter To A Mother About “The Important Work” https://honingintohome.com/a-letter-to-a-mother-about-the-important-work/ https://honingintohome.com/a-letter-to-a-mother-about-the-important-work/#respond Mon, 26 Mar 2018 22:41:30 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=783 Continue reading "A Letter To A Mother About “The Important Work”"

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Mother, let’s discuss the “The Important Work” your position holds. I pray your heart is touched to the core to where the virtues written about here and the very essence of who you are become one! And may the blessing which follow also be yours as stated in Proverbs 31:28 “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.”

Mentor and Disciple your children. It is seemingly a lost art in the Christian home but not for Jews or Muslims, for they get this right and drill their beliefs deep into the well of their children’s soul. Yet it is without the Messiah. Hence, should not the Redeemed of the Lord be leading with this way of life?!!! And if so, what would that influential life look like with the role of mother? In response to that significant question, I have gathered a few thoughts of my own which I chose to write about in this particular letter.

In order to do this great work, first be taught by the Holy Spirit of God yourself as to then be able to teach your children His commands! Prepare this generation for how to maneuver spiritually throughout the landmines of this world. And train them for the Kingdom so when the New Millenial Reign begins, they will know the ropes! For, this is not our home. We are only deployed here for a time to learn more of our Heavenly Father and lead others to do the same through Christ Jesus, Yahushua. Get in the zone. Time is short. Focus, Parents. The children need for you to show them the Way from here! The lost are dying, the sick are crying out and those captive are waiting for release! Your child(ren) just may be the vessel who brings them their Savior. Impart wisdom and knowledge to them by modeling what is right and how to live for the God Most High. Teach them His Word. Pray for them and with them. Speak promises of His blessings over them by name! Proclaim verses of Scripture for each child, young or old! Anoint them with oil. Show grace and kindness to yourself and them when there’s sin, yet confess those sins and lead by example with repentance. Then, receive Jesus’ forgiveness for all parties. Walk in mercy and the Truth of God’s Word. Serve Him wholeheartedly with joy and thanksgiving so the children would want to emanate you. Be charitable and hospitable with all people and things. Remain humble. And continue to stand firm in the faith during times of trouble.

Your entire life, Mom and Dad, is a sounding board for your sons and daughters. They will hear you best with their eyes. So, be vigilant in the fight against the evil one with your spiritual weapons of warfare explained in 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 6 and Psalms 18 & 91. Be slow to become angry by letting the Lord quiet you with His love. Remember Whose you are so that you can remind your offspring Whose they are as well! Bring encouragement, affection and praise to the table every day! Cry out to Jesus and let them see the humility it takes to trust your Savior. Likewise, lift His Name on High in the times when you need only to be still and know that He is fighting the battles for you because Christ intercedes for us. Smile and focus your full attention on their faces while they are talking to you. And cuddle with your children… a lot. Let them climb into your lap or lay down to snuggle with you while watching a movie. Leave them notes to tell them how proud you are of them for WHO they are & not just what they have accomplished. Love their fathers well with respect and honor for being the head of your household. Walk slowly and hold their hands out in public. Love and enjoy your days by capturing each moment in your heart like the collection of memories which add up to one huge offering unto God. Sacrifice time, money and energy often. And let go of any distractions which deter you from them being well spent!

In wrapping up , aim to be a good steward, and recognize how communing with Abba and those He gave you in this life is the best use of your days. Walk in integrity. And Cristine, read this over an over again until your very nature reflects every single word from this letter. Reader, if you have read this far, I meant to tell you earlier, this message was addressed to me but I hope it has helped you to see what is most important as well!

]]> https://honingintohome.com/a-letter-to-a-mother-about-the-important-work/feed/ 0 783 My Compilation for Moms https://honingintohome.com/my-compilation-for-moms/ https://honingintohome.com/my-compilation-for-moms/#respond Sat, 20 Jan 2018 17:20:45 +0000 https://honingintohome.com/?p=749 Continue reading "My Compilation for Moms"

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Hi, Everyone!  As there was an abundance of written material I could have compiled into one blog, after combing through a few gems, I chose these few rich discoveries of mine to inspire moms everywhere to hold this calling of mother as a high one.

If you have yet to read any of my other blogs but are ignited by this one, each and every one of them are jam-packed full of divine insights about how my relationship with the Lord has overflowed into my relationship with myself, my husband and children as well as and others! Our Heavenly Father has shown me so much about the “mommy mission field”! The reason I wrote the Honing Into Home blog is so women would know God better through getting a glimpse into my life. This collection of thoughts magnify how The Author of life has placed us in extremely privileged positions when He made us mothers!  The Giver of all things has graciously bestowed upon us these gifts of children to steward well, love on and make disciples for Him!  How then will you treat His most treasured possessions?

(Cristine’s definition of mother)
Mothering= Intentionally nurturing the hearts of those created beings whom our massive God has put under our care to nourish, train & shepherd by His Spirit. This is a most exceptional stewardship from Him to us mothers in whatever form it shows itself- ie; adoptive, fostering, older women teaching younger ones- in order for us to ultimately show them the Lord’s love. 

What is your personal definition?

Follow the calling God has for you, Mommies. There is no greater responsibility! Yet that is not something to fear! It is a gift to honor, cherish and be grateful for! My prayer today is all the Mothers out there view their roles as a great stewardship in serving the Lord. Our society, unfortunately, can pull us in many directions. But we must stand strong by the power of His Spirit to keep the main thing the main thing. Let us train up our children in the ways of God! Care for them well, nurture them a lot and be the shepherd who leads your flock with wisdom past this world filled with wolves!!! 

Recently, I answered a friend’s email with this reply and thought it was a good thing to post! For all you out there who can relate (wherever it may apply in your life)…”This refining and sanctification process of a mother is not always easy, but God has shown me that He will bring me further faster here with them than a million events/conferences, etc that I could otherwise attend. Real life is here in my home. He is perfecting me to become more and more like His Son Jesus. So, for that I am praising Him- even in the tantrums, “ho-hums” and: “isn’t there more?!!!” days. : )

I am thankful for trials, afflictions, sufferings and troubles in this life. And before you say “That’s crazy. She’s either nuts or lying”– Let me briefly tell you why I am thankful for the sufferings I’ve experienced (which have been many in my 40 years of life). Through my most difficult times, I’ve grown closer to God. It’s in those times when He squeezes out everything in me that is not of Him and humbles me. By His Spirit’s power in me, it’s in those times I’ve been given strength to endure that crushing work He’s doing to make me more like Christ. It’s in those times when He’s shown me His great compassion and amazing mercy and abounding love, so I can then give those things in increasing measure to others as well as myself.

The intimacy I’ve found with The Lord during my darkest times have been one of God’s most beautiful gifts because it’s when I find freedom in realizing I’m held when I can’t hold myself up, I’m given breath when I feel like I can’t breathe & I’ve received grace to move farther in my faith than ever imagined. “Do you like pain?” you may be asking. No, I do not. Do I tantrum when I start feeling it? Yes. I fail & fall. And I do both often! But The Lord won’t let go- literally- He holds me tight through the pain (even when I’m faithless in that moment; trying to run or even attempting to battle with the very One who made me). And then, it happens… I find this sweet spot. It’s a place where peace beyond understanding comes, comfort beyond measure is encountered and rest better then any I’ve ever known is found. I am thankful that because of Jesus, I’ve been able to persevere and grow and mature so that, ultimately, I may serve Him better.  Those seasons will come for you too, and when they do, know the one you hold onto is holding you!!!

One thought… what if all the hidden things that are done for God like praying and working as unto the Lord within your home (although no one else sees or recognizes it now) were one day on display as a museum in Heaven for all to marvel at as they amplify each of our personal relationships with the Lord while here on earth?  The one who knows the very number of hairs on our head is watching.  And the children are too.  You’ve heard the saying: “They may not always hear what we say but they never fail to imitate!” Ponder that gem as you go about your days, Moms.  Your life is a living, walking movie played out in front of those little ones’ whose eyes are watching. That astonishes me with both a holy fear and an excited joy! What about you? Like God has said: “Think on these things.” 

Have Godly conversations with your children while driving in the car or hanging out at the house, Moms! I tell you the Truth, if you are training them up to know the Lord, you’ll probably be surprised to find out about just how much they know when it comes to God and His ways!
Personally, I was shocked to hear my kids explain to me about deeper things they seemed to understand so easily at such a young age! Invest. That’s the word this season. Don’t just rely on Sunday school teachers. Give of yourself. Share praise reports. Talk about how you relate to who Jesus is, and tell them what aspect of Himself He’s revealing to you lately and why. Don’t just throw out Bible verses. Explain the importance & reasoning behind what’s written. THAT is relationship versus religion.

So, let me leave you with this enriching thought! Mom’s, let’s not get frazzled today but rather be encouraged! Let us always remember who the Creator of ALL things is to keep our awe of Him! These verses from Jeremiah declare the vast omniscience of God! Jeremiah 31:35 “This is what the Lord says, He who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is His Name!”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Love to you from a girl who received way more than I ever deserved (not because of who I am but rather, in spite of who I am), and only because of the greatest love that ever was found in Jesus Christ; YAHUSHUA ha Mashiach.  

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