Author: Cristine

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Smiling from My View

My view this morning:
Water bottles from our walk earlier. School going on right now. Juicer out ready to make apple & orange juice to be put into ice trays for ice pops with toothpicks. Then, making a pitcher of juice to drink. My turmeric tea is also somewhere up on that very full counter. Strawberries cut & placed in oven for making natural twizzlers. Laundry basket waiting on clothes to be done. And Mama smiling because there’s no where else I’d rather be in the world! Continue reading “Smiling from My View”

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Reflections on Our Marriage

Today I’m reflecting upon how my life is nothing shy of a miracle! Ten years ago in May of 2007, Aarron & I started courting (again). For those of you who don’t know our story…. We walked away from each other for 90 days after initially dating. We did this because I needed to seek the Lord to make sure I was the woman for Aarron. I had to find out if this was the Lord’s will for us. Continue reading “Reflections on Our Marriage”
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From Aarron About His Wife

Let me introduce you to my wife

The Cristine I met over 12 years ago… was surely out of my league. She was the kind of woman a guy like me would have to admire from afar while some really chiseled Romeo with an impressive job, nice car, and bigger plans scooped her up and rode off into the sunset with her.

Foremost, she loved Jesus, and was a woman of prayer. She may have been young in her faith, but she at least talked the talk. I knew the most important thing – she loved Jesus more than she would ever love me. I was hooked. Continue reading “From Aarron About His Wife”

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Quieter Days Are Welcome Here

Today was one of those days I absolutely delight in! We were tired from weekend activities, so while scattered rain showers kept coming and going outside… inside we had a calm, quiet, joyful day. It was full of homeschooling, chores, lots of imaginary playtime and a surprise visit from a dear friend who brought with her the lovely children she looks after.
I’m discovering more and more that as we continue on in The Fathers abounding grace with hearts that want to serve the Lord, our Loving Savior grants us all we need and more to complete our missions while here on earth. Therefore, let us passionately grab a hold of this massive responsibility to be good stewards of all we’ve been handed! Continue reading “Quieter Days Are Welcome Here”

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Where To Go and When To Chill

Today was a day unlike many (or any). Somehow, the Lord in His magnificence, allowed us to have three separate visits with friends in one day! Now, let me add… I do not recommend this kind of day to any mother because it can be stressful and way too busy for everyone involved. And in all honesty, as for the children and me, this type of full schedule is certainly not only NOT the norm… but it is one I usually shy away from (and in a hurry!) 😛 All I had on the agenda was my standing weekly visit with my best friend and her children. But as God would have it, two other invitations popped up! Continue reading “Where To Go and When To Chill”
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Kingdom Win!

Today was a Kingdom win for sure… Leaning on Jesus is what it’s all about here in this blog! 🙂
Frustration. It was felt on both ends between my seven year old & me earlier, as happens occasionally with most homeschool moms I’m sure. She was speeding through her work just to finish. Eventually though, my “hurry up & wait” child (like mother like daughter) learned to slow down & try her best today. Patience was also acquired on both sides as her & I each took time to pause long enough for Jesus to settle our hearts. This is usually always a good choice, btw. My little hare (from the Tortoise and The Hare) also learned that rushing through just to get the lessons done actually made her school day longer in the end. This arrow of mine DID, however, come back with slow & steady perseverance when it was all said & done. But most of all, my precious daughter learned how to trust me enough to articulate how she felt in the process. Because at one point her voice whispered to me: “I just feel so… fragile.” In that statement, I realized she conquered those hurdles of today’s race- the Heavenly one. And so did I! Continue reading “Kingdom Win!”

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Not Right or Wrong Here… Just What’s Best!

Sometimes it’s not about right & wrong or good & bad when making decisions. There are times where it’s just about what’s best!

Today this Mama had an opportunity to go into work at the optometrist’ office. I used to work there part time a few years ago, and the doctor still calls me to fill in when she needs me. And this really makes me feel good, valued & appreciated when she does. I also had a ministry meeting scheduled for lunchtime today. And if anyone knows me, they know I live for discipleship! There’s truly nothing better than speaking on the Lord’s faithfulness, looking at His promises in Scripture, praying together & being used by Jesus to encourage others! Just like with the Optometrist calling on me, when people reach out for ministry I also feel a sense of worth there. Continue reading “Not Right or Wrong Here… Just What’s Best!”

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Homeschool Beginnings

Watching these kindergartners learn to read is the most precious, priceless thing! It takes patience. It takes focused attention. It takes time. But Moms, there’s truly such a reward in the process! <3
Therefore, I challenge you, if you have pre-k age littles, why not homeschool? Just pray about it. Please, for you as well as for them, take the plunge! You will be pressed, pruned, tested & tried for sure. But what a better way to learn how to serve, lay down your life, give of yourself like never before & allow the Lord the grow you. It’s a selfless sacrifice, I tell you. And I, personally, have had to suffer in my flesh A LOT in order to yield my desires to God’s. But I know I’m all the better for it. 😀
Consequently, I’m writing this particular blog just to see if you will search out if this way of life is one for you. Continue reading “Homeschool Beginnings”
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Find Rest Here

I pray we rest in Jesus’ arms letting Him love on us just like this picture portrays. Too many women are stressed, exhausted & fearful that if they stop performing, they’re failing God or their spouses/children or parents or friends or the church… or all of the above! So, as I settle in for the night reflecting on these things, I desire nothing more than to be still in Jesus’ presence. And as that happens, I silently pray for every Daughter of the King who needs to know how cherished they are because of who they were made to be opposed to what they do & how well they do it.
In it with you. <3

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No Place But Home

For all of you out there who can relate (wherever it may apply in your life)…”This refining & sanctification process of mother is not always easy, but God has shown me that He will bring me further faster home with my children than at a million events/conferences, etc that I could ever attend. Real life is here in my home. He is perfecting me to become more & more like His Son Jesus. So, for that I am praising Him- even in the tantrums, “hoe hums” & “isn’t there more?” days.  Be blessed! <3