Priority 1 Mail

A GREAT deal on the laminator I love!

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:49:00 +0000

I just had to tell you about this super deal. I've had the Scotch Thermal Laminator for about 6 months and I love it! It's on sale at Amazon for a great price! The list price is $80.49, but it's on sale for only $16.99!!! That's an amazing deal!

I personally think that everyone should own a laminator... especially teachers and homeschoolers. It's kind of addicting making all your papers shiny, don't you think? I use mine to laminate the number cards for our calendar, the Bible verse posters for our learning board, flash cards, etc. There are so many possibilities!

Flee Idolatry - 11/21/10

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:13:00 +0000

Dear Friends,

From talking to you and through emails I've received, I know there are a few of you who do not belong to a local church, but you're longing to be fed and challenged by the Word. Matt and I are so blessed to belong to a wonderful church that we love where the sermons each week are challenging and gospel centered. I thought it would be helpful to post an audio link to our sermons along with the notes I (Catherine) took.

To listen to the sermon, click here and look for:
Flee Idolatry
Series: 1 Corinthians
Speaker: Larry Lazarus
Sermon Date: 11/21/2010
Passage: 1 Cor 10:1~22

The following sermon is based on I Corinthians 10:1-22:

Are you committed to making war against everything that would keep you from pursuing Jesus Christ with all of your heart and might?

The Corinthians became very self-assured and cocky about their faith. They were casually attending idol temples and mingling with things that dishonor Jesus and they didn't care at all about it.

Paul gives them:
1) A reminder from the past.
2) A command for the present.
3) Comfort for the future.

A history lesson -
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Israelites. They all tasted amazing grace but with most of them, God was not pleased. This happened so that (v. 6) they would be examples for us so that we might not desire evil as they did. Be careful about not becoming too self-assured by saying, "I'm fine spiritually." "I don't need to tackle sin, pray, fellowship, etc." Don't get comfortable with sin in your life and rely on past experiences like baptism, a prayer you prayed, or church membership to assure yourself of salvation.

If you want assurance of salvation, don't look to past experiences. Ask yourself if you're running hard after Jesus now. Are you trusting him now?

I John 5:13

There is a way to believe in vain. If you don't care about Jesus or fighting sin, and you're relying on a prayer you prayed for salvation, you may find yourself disqualified from the race.

The stakes are high. This is a very serious race. Don't take this lightly! Flee from idolatry. You can't have a foot in the world and a foot in the church.

Idol: that to which we look for all good and in which we find refuge in our time of need. False saviors.

What are your idols?
*What captures your greatest zeal?
*Whose approval do you crave the most?
*What do you brag about?
*What do you feel like you need to have in order to be happy?
*What's your non-negotiable?
*What do you covet?
*What are you afraid of most?
*What do you complain about most?
*What's the one thing that if you were to lose it, you'd feel like your life was not worth living?
*What do you turn to for comfort?
*What angers/frustrates you the most?
*What causes you to questions His love for you?
*What do you sacrifice the most for? (money, time, energy)

They may be good things but when you make them non-negotiables and put them before Christ, they can become instruments of your damnation.

Flee!
(v. 13) No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

Being Fully Present

noreply@blogger.com (Matt) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Over at the Art of Manliness there's a good post about how to "be present as a man" emotionally, mentally and physcially. Catherine well knows how often I can drift off and disconnect myself from any situation. Being present is more than just being around. Its being engaged. Its being proactive, ready to undertake whatever is necessary to accomplish that which is required.

As Brett exhorts - "My goal is to be as fully present in every moment of my life as possible. And I humbly submit that this goal is one that every man should strive for." This isn't much unlike Paul when in 1 Corinthians 9:24 - 27, exhorts us to do the same in light of the call of the Gospel.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the
prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in
all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline
my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself
should be disqualified."

What I am doing that distracts? What do I need to cast off to run the race well? Is it my selfish desires? My plans for the day? My goals? May I continually be examining and keeping all things "under control" in faith and obedience to the race Christ has called me to.

Check out this sermon given by our pastor Anthony a couple sundays ago. Click on Knowing what the Price Is.

An Extra Elf!

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:43:00 +0000

Since we have an extra elf this year... here's our new elf video! Enjoy!

Living with One Foot Raised

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 15:02:00 +0000

Photo credit: Okinawa Soba

I get into slumps. I lose sight of my calling. I take it all for granted at times. I get distracted. I take my eyes off the Cross.

And then the verses hit this stone cold heart and I am revived.

My life...

It's a mist. Here for a little while and soon to vanish. I am transient. My days are a handbreath. A mere breath. I'm a phantom. I will leave it ALL behind. {Psalm 39:4-6, James 4:14}

Forgive me Lord.

Help me to...
Live like I believe this.
Seek You like I believe this.
Love like I believe this.
Serve like I believe this.
Sacrifice comfort and wealth like I believe this.

My days are numbered. Help me to make the most of them for your glory. Awaken me and help me do all things with one foot raised.

Friends - for a sermon on this very thing, click here, look for the following and click the download button:
Living With One Foot Raised
Series: 1 Corinthians
Speaker: Larry Lazarus
Sermon Date: 10/24/2010
Passage: 1 Cor. 7:25-31

This is the poem at the end of the sermon:

Young man, young woman, go to school, study hard, prepare yourself for fifty or more years in a productive and exciting career. But do it with one foot raised!

Let all of us diligently labor at our place of business. Honor our employers by giving them a good day's labor for a day's wage. But always work with one foot raised!

By all means, get married. Enjoy the delight of romantic affections. Devote yourself to your spouse, yet do it with one foot raised!

Be quick to educate your children. Prepare them for life. Raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, but always with one foot raised!

Study Greek and Hebrew and Latin! But study with one foot raised!

Celebrate life with your friends over a good steak and your beverage of choice. But eat and drink with one foot raised!

Weep at the grave site of a child. Mourn at the loss of a friend. But may it always be with one foot raised!

Read a book. Write a book. But read and write with one foot raised!

Cheer for your favorite football team and celebrate wildly every victory. But do it with one foot raised!

Labor to enact legislation to improve life in your city, your state, your country, but always with one foot raised!

Plant a garden. Plant a church. Open a savings account. Purchase a thirty-year certificate of deposit. Invest in a stock. But do it all in anticipation and heightened expectancy of the life to come. Do it all with one foot raised!

One Thousand Gifts: 63

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:04:00 +0000

# 63

I'm thankful for the Word. I don't treasure it as I should, but oh how I would mourn the loss of it if it were gone. How I would regret that more Scripture had not been committed to memory.

I don't forget to eat, do I? To nourish my physical body with food?

Yet there are unfortunate days when the pages containing Bread and Life are left unturned and I choose to starve myself spiritually.

By the grace of God alone, today was not one of those days. I soaked in the richness of the Word before the sun's rays melted the gray-blue morning mist and it was good. I was fed and ready for this day.

And tomorrow? I will need to pray for grace and strength again so that I won't choose to starve, but instead, to feast on the Bread of Life.

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. {John 6:35}

Tapestry of Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:33:00 +0000

Hi Friends,

I just tapped out a quick little post about *me* on Tapestry of Faith. Click over if you'd like to read it. :)

~Catherine :)

Sneak Peak

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 04:24:00 +0000

Dear Anna Pia and Mike,

True friends really do stand the test of time. Anna, I really enjoyed catching up with you as we discussed the past ~~eleven~~ couple of years since we've seen each other. :) Mike, it was wonderful to finally meet you! It's obvious that you love Anna very much - enough to lay in the grass, freeze, and do all of the crazy things we made you do during the photo shoot. Here is your sneak peak of our session! I hope you enjoy them!

~Catherine :)

Conflicted

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Hi Friends,

It's been quiet in my little blog corner and I apologize! I think about blogging a lot... I think of new post ideas all the time and I even sit down to write them at times, but I'm having a hard time clicking "Publish". For various reasons, I feel very conflicted about blogging at the moment. Just know that we're all doing well... in love with the kids, excited about homeschooling, increasing our love for Jesus day by day. I'm still reading many of your blogs and you are all such an encouragement to me. :)

I better get back to these precious kiddos who are presently in front of me wrestling with each other all over the living room floor. What's that expression about someone losing an eye? We're getting dangerously close to that point.

8 Weeks + 1 Day

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 03:36:00 +0000

Sweet Timothy,

You are such a JOY! I've never known such a sweet, content baby. It's so easy to love you and bond with you. You are full of smiles and coos and you adore your sisters. You turn your head to watch them run about and you seem to like all of the activity in the house. You're getting so big already, and I have to admit that I don't want you to grow up. I would do anything for you, Little Man.

I love you so much,
Mommy

I Heart Faces - In the Orchard Photo Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Dear Rachel,

I Heart Faces is having an "In the Orchard" photo challenge! Here you are with a freshly picked apple, a sweet apple shirt, and an armful of silly bands. We've had a lot of fun on several apple/pumpkin picking outings in the past few weeks. Hayrides, apple cider, and feeding the farm animals are some of the other highlights we've enjoyed this Fall.

Love you!

One Thousand Gifts: 53-62

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:14:00 +0000

Today I'm thankful for...

~ 6 hours of sleep in a row!
~ The Valley of Vision
~ candles burning on crisp Autumn evenings
~ the opportunity to be home with my children
~ energy and endurance
~ sisters in Christ who challenge me
~ the fruit I'm beginning to see in Rachel's heart as she grows in joyful obedience
~ the sanctification of my heart as I train Abby (ha!)
~ apple and pumpkin picking
~ hayrides and apple cider

See what other songs of praise are being sung this morning by clicking on the graphic below.

Love Your Shot - Link Up

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:13:00 +0000

I'm entering this photo into the Love Your Shot Link Up because it captures my daughter's joy, playfulness, and the essence of childhood. I love the beautiful background and the way she is jumping in the air. I also love that the photo is still in focus despite her motion, which is something that's taken me a while to get right! The only thing I did to this photo in processing was to defog it (unsharp mask at 10, 50, 0) and a slight eye pop (unsharp mask at 50, 3.6, 0). I would LOVE to win a gift certificate to Florabella's Actions and Textures! I've been drooling over them for quite some time. :)

Some of my favorite people...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:51:00 +0000

I was just experimenting with my first storyboard and decided to share. What do you think? These photos were all captured in July and August of this year. I'd love to create a new storyboard each month (or at least on a regular basis) to document how quickly the kids grow and change. I wonder how this would look printed on canvas. Hmm...

The storyboard template is courtesy of the awesome CoffeeShop Blog. Thanks Rita! I am learning soooo much about Photoshop because of you!

Fix It Friday!

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:18:00 +0000

It's Fix It Friday at I Heart Faces!

Original:

My Edit:

Here are the steps I took to edit the photo:

* Ran it through Noiseware
* Adjusted the white balance, and increased the exposure, blacks, contrast, clarity and vibrance in ACR.
* Added a screen layer, and levels adjustment layer.
* Ran Pioneer Woman's Boost Action.
* Unsharp mask on her eyes.
* Cropped and defogged.

See some more edits by clicking on the graphic below:

One Thousand Gifts: 45 - 52

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:13:00 +0000

Today I'm thankful for...

~ one healthy, beautiful newborn baby
~ a drawer full of tiny blue outfits after years of pink
~ two loving older sisters
~ one amazing husband
~ countless expressions of love and support from family and friends
~ three weeks worth of meals prepared by our church family and delivered to our door
~ one trunk full of {cute!} clothes handed down for the girls
~ many gospel centered sermons delivered week after week
~ one Life Group with many caring individuals to share our lives with

See what other songs of praise are being sung this morning by clicking on the graphic below.

Linky Love

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 23:33:00 +0000

Why Are Children a Blessing?

Excerpt: Listen, having children is not about surviving another day of changing diapers, cleaning up messes, refereeing sibling rivalries. It’s all about having another day to point your children to Christ, to train them to take their place on the front lines of the battle for God, and that’s what we see in Psalm 127. Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of these arrows that he can send forth to accomplish God’s purposes in the world.

Motherly Greatness

Excerpt: “There she sits exhausted on the edge of her bed, her face in her hands, wondering, “Where's the glory in this?” She needs something more empowering to keep her going. She needs to gain and maintain the deep conviction of the glory, honor, and nobility of selfless service. This she finds at the foot of the cross...

Caroline's Page

The aching heart of a father is poured out onto this page. It is the story of his daughter's battle against brain cancer and their journey of faith. Rest in peace in the arms of Jesus sweet Caroline.

Where in the world, in all this world, is God?

Excerpt: Children run ahead of me. They have no shoes. They run along the earthen gutter in their bare feet and barren hopes. This is their street, their home, on the trash of the Guatemala City dump, the refuse people, the garbage families. It should be oxymoronic these terms, impossible. Incompatible. Why am I not screaming mad here?

Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Sweet Timothy,

How have 4 weeks and 1 day gone by since your arrival? You are the sweetest, sweetest baby. Today you gave me so much joy when you smiled at me for the first time. You've smiled before, but this was a smile of recognition. No matter how many children I have (or will have?), these "firsts" are so special. This is just the beginning of many other precious milestones to come. I'm so thankful that I get to see them all. We love you so much!

Love,
Mommy

Kid Quotes

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Dear Rachel and Abby,
Here are some of the funny things you've said lately...

Rachel: I just don't like when Abby screams. It's interesting but terrible.

Rachel: Timothy loves you so much because you're his breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Abby: Ugly.
Me: What's ugly Abby?
Abby: Mommy ugly.

The morning after I read Abby a book about baby chicks, I served her eggs for breakfast. When I put the steaming eggs on her plate she exclaimed, "Hot chickies!"

Abby (pointing to our egg beater): Mommy, I want Peter. (Get it? Peter sounds like "beater"?)

I Heart Faces - Smirk Photo Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Dear Abby,

You are the personality... the mischievous one. You keep us laughing with your antics and you have an unexpected and unique wild side. You are rough and tumble mixed with sugary sweet. You are simply our silly little Abster.

When I saw the theme of this week's photo challenge, I immediately thought of you. I love this photo because even though your smirk is partially hidden, your eyes tell the whole story. Mommy knows that you're soon to be up to something! Thank you for keeping me on my toes. Love you!

Visit I Heart Faces for more photo challenge entries!

A New Normal

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Hi Friends,

I am one blessed Momma. Though life is busy and demanding at times, Timothy is such a precious gift. I already can't imagine life without him. He is everything I wanted and needed and God has been so good. So good even though I am so undeserving. Each day His grace pours into me so tangibly I can feel it. He strengthens, equips, and carries me through the moments when one Momma just isn't enough to take care of every need. At other moments, when I've felt weak and overwhelmed, He has sent help in the form of "Grandma". What a relief it's been to see her little blue car pull up and her peppy self pop out ready to hold a baby, wipe a tear, change a diaper. (I don't think I'm going to allow her to go back to work next week!)

Day by day we're navigating a "new normal" and we're doing well. Much better than I expected. So far, transitioning to 3 children has been the easiest transition in almost every way (except the business factor... I am so incredibly busy all. the. time.) It's tempting to feel discouraged about the amount of work before me, and at times I have been discouraged. But when I have the right perspective... His perspective... I remember that I'm doing the work of a missionary here. There are three little, eternal souls that have been entrusted to me for a time, and as of right now, they don't know Jesus. Yes, Rachel and Abby know about Jesus and they're familiar with oodles of Bible stories, but they don't know Jesus. I am tasked with the privilege of daily introducing them to Him with the hope that one day they will all place their trust in Him. Stressing out over laundry piles and tantrums seems pretty trivial in comparison!

As we adjust to having Little Man in our family, I've had to tweak our daily routine. Some of the changes have been a blessing while others are hard to get used to.

- I must begin the day in the Word and in prayer. This makes such a dramatic difference in my attitude and how I handle the constant demands of caring for 3 little ones. I've been reading from the Gospel Primer in the mornings. They are short writings packed with gospel truth and it's just what I need to start my day. I've moved my Bible reading to the evenings... well... when I don't accidentally fall asleep at 9 pm while nursing the baby!

- I have to take showers at night now. I really, really, really don't like showering at night. My hair has been suffering big time! :) I have no other choice though. It's either a shower at night or no shower at all. *sigh*

- I need to lower my expectations about housework and our daily routine! There may be days when we're not all dressed, fed, and ready for "school" by 9 am. It's ok. Breathe. I'm having a hard time letting this one go.

- Preparing everything possible the night before really helps. Having breakfast bowls, cups, and cereal out on the counter saves me time and effort in the morning when I'm holding the baby and my hands are not free. Matt does this for me and it's such a blessing! He even lays out our vitamins, puts the sugar in our empty coffee mugs, and lays out all the utensils we will need.

- Homeschooling Rachel while Abby and Timothy are awake was becoming chaotic, loud, and challenging. Yesterday I worked with her while the other two napped. Normally Rachel would also be in her room for an hour of Quiet Time, and I would have an hour break. I really, really, really did not want to give up the only hour to myself each day, but it works out better that way for now. My time schooling Rachel was quiet and peaceful and we got done in much less time. With each child I have, I have to "die to self" a little bit more. It's ultimately for my good as God teaches me how to serve more selflessly - something that never comes easily to me.

- Now that I have 3, I want to be intentional about spending quality time with each of them individually. Check out how Jessica does Special Time with her 5 little ones.

- Time with Matt has been tough to fit in, but we realize the importance of keeping our marriage first and setting aside time for one another. So far, the only time we've had together is when we pass each other in the hall... one of us carrying a laundry pile and the other carrying a child or two! Definitely not good! As the baby gets older and becomes less dependent on me, we'll work date nights and alone time back into our lives.

That's all for now. It took me 4 days to write this post... mostly with one hand while feeding the baby! :)

~Catherine

The Best Labor Coach :)

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Pregnant with Timothy - 41.5 weeks

Dear Matt,

As my swollen belly grew with each passing month, you thought about how you could support and encourage me when labor finally began. I'm sure you felt some uncertainty about what to do. Would I accept your efforts to comfort me? Would I want your words of encouragement or would I prefer silence while managing the pain? Would a massage provide relief or irritation during the massive waves of contractions?

Not even I knew what I would want or need until I was in the moment. But one thing you did meant more than you could know. I will always remember and keep the cards of Scripture... the life and strength giving words penned with your hand and prepared for me. As you read them, it peeled away layers of fear and apprehension. My weakest moments were girded with strength. The promises of God were fresh in my mind and were with me every step of the way. In those final moments of labor when I should have been overwhelmed in agony, I felt a tangible surge of confidence in the midst of the pain that I know was from the Lord.

I was just reflecting on the mystery and power of the words of God. They do not merely sit idly on a page, but they are living and active. (Hebrews 4:12) God breathed life and the universe into existence through the power of His spoken word. Even one word - the name of Jesus - holds so much power. We know a person who is so uncomfortable with His name that he can't even bear to say it out loud (or even to type it!). And rightfully so. It should make you tremble. There's no other name like His.

So thank you for being an amazing husband and labor coach. You did a great job and knew just what I needed. I love you!

Love,
Catherine

{Here are the verses Matt prepared for me}

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation. Romans 12:12

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. I John 4:4

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary: his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint and to him who has no might he increases strength. Isaiah 40:28-29

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. Psalm 63:1-4

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that he is God, the Lord. It is he who make us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him - bless his name! Psalm 100:1-4

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Introducing Timothy James...

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:32:00 +0000

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (Psalm 139:14)

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart. (Jeremiah 1:5)

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. (Psalm 127:3)

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Flurries

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Dear Baby,

Mommy is in a flurry today. A flurry of activity as well as some butterflies in my stomach. Lord willing, we will see your sweet face tomorrow and smother you with your first kisses. We will look over every inch of your skin, count fingers and toes, and adore your little baby wrinkles. We will try to decide if you look like Mommy or Daddy or a little bit of both. We will find out if you're a boy or a girl! We will see you, and in you we will see the work of our wonderful Creator. We will marvel at you, our Little Miracle, and thank Jesus for our third precious gift. We will shed tears and pray for wisdom and guidance as we shepherd you throughout your life to love and know Him. We can't wait to meet you.

Love,
Mommy

You've Come a Long Way, Baby! - Chapter 3

noreply@blogger.com (Catherine) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:44:00 +0000

Hi Ladies,

This is the fourth post in the True Woman Series. You can find the introduction here, chapter 1 here, and chapter 2 here.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine posted a quote on Facebook that had such a ring of truth that it stuck with me. I'm including it here because it describes the essence of chapter 3 well.

"[Feminism] is mixed up with a muddled idea that women are free when they serve their employers but slaves when they help their husbands." --G.K. Chesterton, The Collected Works of G.K. Chesterton, vol. 4, p. 440

Chapter 3 is about the history and impact of feminism on our culture. Women have certainly come a long way in the past 50 years. "But a long way isn't necessarily a good way or the right way," says Mary Kassian. So much concerning values, gender roles, and responsibilities has been compromised and lost in a relatively short amount of time.

One of the areas that makes my heart ache is when I see so many women valuing personal fulfillment over their sense of responsibility to family. But perhaps even more saddening is when women embrace their role to serve their families yet find no fulfillment in it. And yet, haven't we all been there? Sometimes even daily?

The answer isn't found by looking inside ourselves. Whenever I look there, I see unfulfilled needs and I experience "the grass is always greener" syndrome. I'm tempted to whine and complain and be ungrateful for the blessings in my life. Sometimes it's hard to even consider them blessings at all!

But when we look to Jesus, He supplies all of our needs. He gives us the strength to endure and to delight in the tasks He sets before us (yes, even things that we loathe doing and feel utterly unequipped for!). We learn true servanthood by looking to Jesus... the God of the universe who humbled Himself and became nothing, who loves the unlovable, and who spared nothing - not even His own life - in perfect love, obedience, and sacrifice.

If you'd like to hear Mary Kassian speak about the impact of feminism on our culture, the following video series on YouTube is well worth your time. Depending on your views, it might rile some of you up a little (or a lot!). I personally think it's kind of fun to rile things up a bit every once in a while.