"If more of us valued food and cheer and song...

...above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." 

~ J. R. R. Tolkien

Today hasn't been my day. I ate terribly (and feel the affects of it) and have just felt sad and *blah*...it's quite terrible. I even went to the post office to mail something (totally forgetting it is Martin Luther King Jr. Day...thus the PO isn't open). I just feel so discombobulated. Instead of making a sad-sounding post, I thought I would just share a few pictures from the past week...

I made some veggie beef soup in the crock pot and some easy homemade bread last week.

 The boys and I worked at checking their school work one evening...

A look in my planner...

I made myself some new planner dividers. :)

Winnie...

and Stella...

So, that's all I've got! :) I've tried to do another Plan with Me (in an Erin Condren Hourly Planner ~ you can watch it HERE if you would like!)...but it's a lot of work...plus, I feel like I sound silly and just don't do well at it. So I am not sure that I will continue making them. I feel like I am making myself too busy and then I am not focusing on what is *most* important. I need to take a step back, slow down and breathe a bit.

Thanks for visiting me here. I'm sorry this is a less-than-joy-filled post!
Kindly,
Katy

A Small Tale of Woe

All the corn we planted in our large garden (that we thought would do so well) ended up stunted. Some of the plants produced basically nothing (most only growing shorter than me...and I'm not very tall!) and others produced a little. Above I have pictured some of the ears we got...a bit on the smaller side but not too bad. Now please turn your attention to the picture below...We got many of these itty bitty ears of corn...

It is a bit disappointing that we don't have much to freeze but we *are* thankful for what we did get. And what *did* grow does taste really good! :) That's a plus!

I have to tell you what happened this morning...I had to teach spin at 9am. My sister (and her girls) and a sister in Christ (and her girls) were all coming to visit today and so I thought I would pick some of our itty bitty corn to have for lunch with everyone here. I left at 8am so I would have plenty of time to pick what I needed and get to spin on time. I am *glad* I did...when I got there...my father-in-love's bull was in our corn eating! ACK! I ran after the cow (while calling my FIL to let him know a cow was out of the pasture and *in the corn*!!). I shooed the cow out of the corn and kept shooing it away. I was not happy with Mr. Cow. My FIL showed up and I chased the cow back into the pasture.
Then I was able to pick some corn (I was in flip-flops...so my feet were wet, muddy and dirty by now!) I bet it was a sight to see! Later, after I got home from spin and told my children what had happened, they thought I was crazy! Xavier said, "Mom! It's a bull....it could charge you!"  Oops! I guess it's a good thing I hadn't thought of that then...I bet the bull could sense I wasn't scared of it (but if I had known it may charge me...I would have been scared!) and so it listened to me. It was *quite* a morning I tell you! :)

Like I said previously, my sister and her girls came to visit today (as well as a friend with her little girls) and we all had a nice time visiting and letting the children play. The only negative was the heat. It was quite warm and sticky...even with the ceiling fans on. Madelyn made homemade pizza for lunch and I made the corn as well. Everyone ate well and had a great time of fellowship.

I am back to being strict with my eating again and the pounds are coming off. I made these stickers (below) to keep track of when I log into myfitnesspal.com (where I keep track of my food and exercise intake). I have those stickers in my shop too, if anyone else is interested in doing the same thing. I *have* to measure my foods and be very conscientious of what I am eating. Otherwise I can be gluttonous and end up gaining weight (or staying the same weight...which I am not happy with either). I feel that the Lord is not pleased with gluttonous behavior either and if I am seeking to please Him in all my life...my eating should be included. :)

Don't worry...I won't always be plugging my shop in my posts. But it is such fun to share when I have some cute stickers to show! I am loving these laundry stickers! They are such a fun way to keep track of days that it needs done...

So, that about sums up what has been going on here (along with schooling, homekeeping chores etc.). Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you are well and that you will, along with me, continue to pray with me for the unsaved...and this world that is just so lost. Share the gospel and always keep your eyes focused on Him. I'm reading a book called A Godward Heart: Treasuring the God Who Loves You by John Piper. I highly recommend it....Piper really helps you to set your focus on Christ in this upside down world!

It's cooling down outside and there is a lovely breeze blowing. We have windows open and it is glorious. A storm is around us...not sure if it will hit us or just miss us...but either way, the cooler temps are very welcome here! :)

Again, thanks for dropping by! It's always great to hear from you! Have a lovely rest of the week!
In Christ,
Katy

When Troublesome Things Occur...

“If I do not feel far more for the grieved Savior than for my 

worried self when troublesome things occur, 

then I know nothing of Calvary love.” 

~Amy Carmichael

The Lord has been teaching me much....and disciplining me as well. I had wanted to do a *deeper* post on all that I have been struggling with but just couldn't find the right words. I can say, though, that troublesome things occur...to all of us...to different degrees and at different times. Right now, we are dealing with our foundation crumbling under a corner of our house. Stressful? Just a bit! ;) 

Loved ones graciously came over this Saturday (which, praise the Lord it was a beautiful day!) and helped begin the process of repairing the damage. Digging, moving block, more digging etc. Those guys worked hard. And more needs to happen. Right now, we sit with a massive hole in our basement (Don't worry though, there are braces holding the rest of the house up!). 

I will (cringe to) admit that my patience has been waning lately. It's quite frustrating when the *fixing up* process of our house is an extremely slow process (14 years and going...) and the nice weather goes by much too quickly and we are forced to set aside home improvements for another season. Then the foundation starts to crumble and my heart saddens because now *that* requires time, money and energy (which means it isn't able to be put into other renovation areas). We need to begin splitting and stacking wood soon. The woodshed needs to be filled for this coming winter. Then deer season starts and Chris gets busy for weeks processing deer at the family's meat market. It's never-ending! 

**But then...the Lord convicts me (big time) and I sit back and cry realizing how selfish and "stuff"-centered I have been. My eyes should be focused on Christ...not *myself*! Where is my grateful, content spirit? Why do I let the world seep in to my thoughts? It's a terrible struggle with the flesh. I despise the struggle. It's difficult and, at times, depressing. Joy *does* come though...when the Lord brings me back to Him and I realize that Christ has won over the flesh and I can rest completely in Him. I will still wrestle with the temptations, impatience and frustrations of this world while on this side of eternity...but it's completely worth the fight when you desire to do good and bring God all the glory because of what He has done for me.

“If we were less of what seems like ease in our lives they would tell more for Christ and souls...We profess to be strangers and pilgrims, seeking after a country of our own, yet we settle down in the most un-stranger-like fashion, exactly as if we were quite at home and meant to stay as long as we could. I don't wonder apostolic miracles have died. Apostolic living certainly has.” 

~Amy Carmichael

I love reading Amy Carmichael's words...she is full of such wisdom. Her life wasn't easy nor was she perfect...but she found joy and rest in Christ. 

“Praise Him who went before to search out a Resting-place.

May it be a place of victory too, for His own glory's sake.” 

~Amy Carmichael

I *really* like her book If . Convicting...completely. Have you read it? If not, I highly recommend it! It's small enough to carry in your bag when you go places. A simple buy highly thought provoking read!

So, I guess this turned out to be a bit longer than I had anticipated. The truth is, I am terribly imperfect and *need* a Savior. What Christ has done for the likes of me is amazing...not because of *any* good in me but because of Who He is and His greatness! If I focus more on earthly things rather than on Christ, I have a problem and totally need to re-focus. Daily Bible reading and prayer is a necessity for the Christian life. Without it, you can not properly keep your focus on Him. 

“The marvel of our Bible never shows more marvellous than 

at such times, when you see it in deed and in truth the 

Sword of the Spirit, and it cuts.” 

~Amy Carmichael

Some photos from this weekend...

I'm telling you...Ruthie smiles...I love my pup! 

Home repairs...

Inside happenings...

Xavier was busy helping his Pop-Pop, I believe, when these pictures were taken...thus his absence...

Homemade pizza for supper one evening (using the pizza crust recipe from the Homestead Blessings cookbook)...

We've also kept busy with homeschooling, chores, and I've been making stickers! :) Thank you to those who have already placed an order. We all celebrate with each order that is placed! :) 

Here are just a few of the things you'll find in my shop...

Homeschooling mamas...here are some great sticker flags to mark your field trips, co-op days and days off! If you have a custom order you would like made...message me on etsy! :)

You can find my etsy facebook page HERE. If you have friends who love planning or scrapbooking, I would really love if you would share my shop with them! :)

Today, we're taking the day off from schooling...Xavier has eight baby teeth that don't seem to want to fall out and it is not good for his grown-up teeth. He needs to go have them pulled today. Today is also my birthday so it's fun to just have the day to enjoy. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you made it the whole way through this post, I appreciate it! It was a long one, for sure. :)

I hope your week ahead is great! I hope you'll stop again soon! 

Striving to give God all the glory, 

Katy

              

Raising Homemakers

Living With Anxiety

 “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but 

only empties today of its strengths.”

~ Charles Spurgeon

I have a confession. I suffer from anxiety. Many people do and it just so happens that I am one of them. The things I get anxious about are seemingly silly to most people and really don't seem to make sense...but the anxiety is real and is something I struggle through and pray over *often*. 

I will tell you what makes me anxious but warn you now that it probably isn't going to make sense to you. Picnics/Potlucks and functions with a lot of people....those things make my anxiety soar...to the point of tears. *But* before you label me with a social anxiety disorder...here is the truth: I like people. I enjoy my friends and family. I am not shy nor do I get nervous being in crowds (although I am not a fan of crowds...but who is?). 

The time leading up to going to a picnic sees me tense, sometimes irritable, and/or in tears. It really makes no sense...except for the fact that at home I feel safe. Safe from what? I don't know. Just safe. I feel like I can breathe. It honestly makes *no* sense to me at all and truly, I don't think it has to make sense. It is what it is and my family (especially Chris) lovingly helps me through. God is in control and *He* knows what is going on with this crazy little brain of mine. 

This anxiety used to debilitate me terribly. I had trouble leaving the house at all. There were other issues as well...and honestly, I'm not sure when it all started. I haven't always been this way. It could have started when I was 16 (when I was in a car crash that left me in a coma for a week) and just progressively got worse over the years..? Or maybe it isn't from that at all? I have *no* idea. Fortunately, when I was dealing with the brunt of these issues years ago, my mom encouraged me to look into medical help. After a lot of fighting that idea...I finally gave in and now take a pill daily. It helps relieve the brunt of my anxious thoughts and issues (OCD was setting in before taking the med). 

I will be the *first* to tell you that I did not want to be on a medication for this. I wanted to pray and seek God and let Him heal me. However, at that time, I couldn't focus enough to sit and read my Bible or any book really because my thoughts were just so *all over the place*. I am also the first to admit that nowadays there seems to be an abundance of people taking pills for something. I am *not* a fan of that either. However, that being said, I do recognize that sometimes, medications are necessary for things. Remember all the terrible happenings with the Andrea Yates story? Sometimes, meds *are* necessary. It's humbling...and admittedly embarrassing to admit it...but true. 

Although I still have anxieties over some things...I am not nearly what I was years ago, when my children were younger. Now, I *can* read my Bible, spend time studying theology, homeschool my children, pray and strive to live a righteous life to glorify my Savior. The anxieties can still be difficult to deal with... but because I can focus on God's Word and have the uplifting support of Chris, family and lovely Christian friends, I can deal with the anxiety that arises from time to time (summer is the most difficult for me...as there are a lot of picnics/potlucks/reunions etc!). 

I take a medication in order to help me better cope with things. It is not the answer to all my problems...but it is something I need right now. I hope to one day wean off of it...if the Lord wills. And if not, then I will remain humble and take it...and glorify God that He squashes my pride. He shows me that I am *not* in control...and had I been healed without medication, there is a good chance my pride could have swollen rather than properly giving Him the glory He deserves (we can tend to do that, can't we?). 

I share this personal information with you because if you are dealing with over-whelming anxiety/depression and are trying to "do it on your own" or "just waiting to be healed by God"...it may not happen. I do *not* counsel anyone to just get medication for whatever ails you...but rather, encourage you to pray, talk with your husband and your doctor. If your thoughts and actions could be seriously harming to yourself or others....please, don't let pride stop you from considering a medication to level things in your brain. 

I do want to caution you though...

Often, people have sin issues and *that* is what causes their anxiety/depression issues. If this is the case, it is a heart issue...and not a brain issue. No medication will help you with that...the remedy for that dire situation is throwing yourself at the feet of Jesus. Repent and believe that He is your Savior. He is your all in all. Only He can make a wretch into a saint. 

Although I am a child of God and live to glorify Him, I am still a work in progress. He is daily sanctifying me...I have so far to go and honestly, I struggle (deeply) with the realization that I will never fully be perfect until I live with Him. Again, this humbles me and always leads me to drop to my knees in awe of the One Who made me...because in and of myself, I have *nothing* that would make me worthy to be His and yet, YET, He lived a perfect, sinless life ~ dying in my place (and rising again in three days) in order that I can be made perfect in His sight. Practically unfathomable...but you open His Word...and there it is. From Genesis to Revelation ~ every word of it points to Christ. 

If you want to discuss this...anxiety, depression or the truth of Christ...any of it ~ please feel free to email me. My email is on my profile page or up on the left sidebar somewhere! ;) I would love to hear from you, truly. May the Lord draw those who need this here and now. If I can pray for you...please, please let me know. I will do so! 

And quickly, I will share a couple of places I went this past weekend that had my anxiety through the roof! But look! I survived and after all that internal stress....it wasn't bad at all. Oh how the Lord is teaching me! 

Chris's paternal annual family reunion....

 My love with our girl, Madelyn

Our church held a baptism service at one of our member's home. They had this beautiful, homemade pond! It was a gorgeous setting for a glorious time of worshiping the Lord through song and following His example of baptism...

Afterwards, people enjoyed food and fellowship and the children had fun on this zipline! That's my Jaxson flying down there...

Look at this God-made carpet! Outside of the pond, this moss was growing and made such a neat natural carpet look! It was such a beautiful place, truly!!!

 Thank you for visiting here and it is my prayer that if the Lord has brought you here and you are struggling with things as I had, that you will seek help in some form.

Warmly,
Katy

“Some people feel guilty about their anxieties and regard them as a defect of faith. 

I don't agree at all. They are afflictions, not sins. 

Like all afflictions, they are, if we can so take them, 

our share in the Passion of Christ” 

~ C.S. Lewis

Ads Popping Up?

Hello friends!

I just wanted to ask you if you are having a problem with a full screen ad window popping up when you come to my blog? I had it happen to me many times (and thought it only happened to me). My sister let me know it is happening to her  now too though. I have noticed my blog stats have gone down...almost in half and I am wondering if this is why?

I have looked to find the answer of how to get rid of it...but I don't know what to do. To get rid of it for *myself* I disabled it on a link it provided me when it came up. It's upsetting me that it is even popping up at all. So, I *am* looking into it and I would love to hear any feedback you may have....

Does this happen to you at my blog...and/or other blogs?
Does this happen on your blog? And if so, have you figured out a way to get rid of it?

I would appreciate any help you could give!
Thank you!!!

Katy

A Need for Discernment

 Discernment is not a matter of simply telling the difference between right and wrong; 

rather it is telling the difference between right and almost right. 

~Charles Spurgeon

Discernment...oh how this is a matter that weighs heavily upon me. I try so hard not to become disheartened of the fact that so many don't use the gift of discernment that God gives us. People will flock to any new song, movie, book or preacher that tickles their ears. Just because something is almost right...doesn't make it right. The gospel has to be the truth of Scripture...nothing more, nothing less or else it just isn't right.

“How shall a man judge what to do in such times?'

'As he ever has judged,' said Aragorn. 'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear...It is a man's part to discern them, as much in th Golden Wood as in his own house.” 

~J.R.R. Tolkien

As Christians, we have a responsibility to use discernment in all matters...otherwise it is very easy to fall victim to a wolf in sheep's clothes. First, let's look at the definition of discernment:

Webster's Dictionary says it is a noun meaning:  

the ability to see and understand people, things, or situations clearly and intelligently.

I found some of the synonyms to be telling, as well. They are wisdom, perceptiveness, and insight. So to have discernment is to have wisdom, perceptiveness and insight! How wonderful is that?

Before I go on, let me make it abundantly clear that I am so far from perfect and have so much growing in wisdom to do myself. I do not write out of a vicious (or "know it all") spirit but rather one of concern and sadness. Please understand that my heart cries out for others to be careful because I desire to see the church grow more holy and righteous and pleasing to Christ.

So, after saying that...I now feel I need to address the fact that so many people are falling prey to the likes of "your best life now" and "feel good" preaching. The truth is that we are to take up our cross daily! In the words of Christ: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.  What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?" (Luke 9:23-25).

There are new movies coming out (for example, the Noah movie with Russell Crowe in it, the Son of God movie, etc.) that are truly *not* biblical. People make up the argument that it can bring Christianity to people. I say it does more harm than good. I highly encourage you to read some reviews. Here's one on Noah by Ken Ham...and one on Son of God by Tim Challies.

The *only* way to truly convert souls to Christ is:
The working of the Holy Spirit in their hearts due to hearing the gospel shared with them (which is our job...not through movies etc.). They must feel a Godly sorrow of their sins and repent of them and believe in the Christ Who saves their souls. The Word leads people to Christ...not a movie or song. 

Please don't get me wrong...I don't think you are horrible or unintelligent if you go see these movies (although if you are a fan of Joel Osteen, Benny Hinn and the likes, I do want you to dig into God's Word to see that their preaching is not of God. Joel Osteen is about carnality. Watch THIS. Paul Washer says it just as it is. Know it is my concern for your soul that I share this with you. I pray all who need to see this ~ do, for out of love I want to admonish you to use discernment and realize life isn't about getting more stuff, being prettier, and having more friends. It's NOT about your best life now. It's about glorifying God in everything...in our joy, in our suffering).

I just ask that if you *do* go see the movies, read the books, listen to the songs....use wisdom. Measure them to Scripture. Don't just believe all your see/read/hear. If it isn't biblical...realize that and don't endorse it as if it were. This is discernment....to realize when something is of God or if it isn't.

Do you love Him? If you do, then you should feel frustration, sadness, and anger when things misrepresent Him. For example, the Noah movie with Russell Crowe is "based" on the Bible...but they used "artistic license" to make it...which in other words, means: they changed it to make lots of money. So the movie only tells half-truths...if it is less than 100% biblical, it's trash, in my opinion. I have never even watched The Passion of the Christ movie. Maybe one day I will...but as of now, His Word tells me all I need to know. I don't need it grand-ized on the big screen.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

~ 2 Timothy 1-4

If you would, please watch THIS video with Piper, Washer and MacArthur. Listen to what they say. They are godly men who desire to show you truth. It is my sincere prayer that, if you are a fan of the Joel Osteens of the world, that you will watch this movie...understand your sin, repent and turn to true Godly preaching from the Word.

Even if you do have discernment and realize the error of these false teachers, I ask that you be in prayer for those who are in their clutches. If God has handed them over to heretical preaching, we must pray for mercy for them to escape this! If we love people, we have a responsibility to warn them and share the gospel with them. Listen to THIS by Todd Friel (from Wretched) as he holds Osteen to the Bible.

 "Salvation is of the Lord. We are to preach it faithfully."

~ Todd Friel

While there is air in our lungs, we are to love one another enough to share the truth. We only have any goodness because God gives it. His grace is what gives us every good and perfect thing. It is what upholds us now, as we live life on this earth when all we deserve is death. Life isn't about our best life now, or how to get a better house, car, job. It's not about our carnal needs...it's about living a life unto God...serving Him and loving others by sharing the gospel. 
Conversation is welcome in the comments section or feel free to email me (link on the sidebar).  Thanks for letting me share my heart. 
In Christ,  Katy

It's all about Jesus Christ being first.... and second and third and fourth and fifth.   What I'm saying is, don't put Jesus first.   Jesus is everything.   He's not just first in the rank,  He is everything.  ~Paul Washer

The Beauty of God's Discipline

God disciplines those He loves. I know I am His and have experienced this discipline. I want to tell you about it. You can also hear an absolutely beautiful sermon about the Father's discipline by Alistair Begg HERE. 
I have mentioned previously that our van was getting up there in age and we were ready for something newer, lower miles and in good condition. We have been looking but not did not find anything we were really sold on. (I thought the search would just go on and on!). Then while looking at local dealers' websites a chat box popped up and a girl asked if she could help me find anything. I told her some specifics of what we would want and gave her my email to let me know if they have anything that meets our specifics. The next day I get a phone call (I hadn't given her my phone number) and it was an old friend from high school (we graduated together). He had recognized my email and decided to give me a call since he worked for that dealership.  We talked a few minutes and he informed me that they just had a Honda Pilot come in with seemingly everything we wanted (including price). He emailed me photos and Chris and I talked and looked up reviews. We agreed to go up Thursday night (after Chris was off work) to look at it. Chris told me though that in no uncertain terms...we were *NOT* coming home with a vehicle that night. We were coming home to pray and think it over first. I agreed.  So we go and the Pilot is quite nice (I was excited that it had a moonroof which I had not been aware of before!). We took it for a test drive and came back and then Josh (the guy I graduated with) crunched numbers for us. We were there a couple hours. It was nice catching up with Josh as well. The numbers he came back with really seemed reasonable (great, actually) and I *tried* to contain my excitement. I was so nervous though that someone would stop in and buy it before we could pray and come back to get it.  So I just sat there, on the edge of my seat, nervous and hoping we could get it. Chris said we would go home to pray about it (he kept quite calm but he really liked the Pilot too...and the numbers we were given). Josh told us if we put down $100, we could hold the vehicle and go home and pray on it. I agreed. Chris agreed...I think, because I agreed. (I think I was a little too over zealous at that point...but I digress...). So, Chris and I went and had supper and I thanked him *and apologized for being overly-eager*. We stopped at my parents' house to pick up the children and then came home. I went into my files and found the Jeep's title...but *not* the van's title!!! We planned on trading it in and everything depended on that! I started to panic. We sent the children to bed and spent hours searching through other files and papers and anything we could think of. I was sad, crying, angry, frustrated and upset. I was *quite* the grump. I stormed around, terribly sick of going through papers and completely confused as to why the title wasn't exactly where it was suppose to be!? 
So I was nauseous and just had to end up going to bed. I prayed and felt so terrible for my grumpy (sinful) attitude and asked for forgiveness. I also asked the Lord to please help us to find that title. I woke at 5 am...after less than 5 hours of sleep (which is not good for me...I am one of those types who truly requires at least 8!). Ruthie (the dog) was whining at my side of the bed. I had a burning creak in my neck and tried to go back to sleep but Ruth was not relenting. So I rolled out of bed, said another silent prayer and turned on my bedside lamp. I wandered over to my dresser and just looked around (aimlessly....ridiculously hoping to find the title)...and beside my dresser I had a box with some pictures in it and other odds and ends. A small box that really should be dealt with and organized (but one of those projects I always put off). Low and behold, I picked up some pictures and there laying in front of me was the title to the van! My heart lifted and I seriously began rejoicing and praising God. 
I thanked Him for leading me to that title (I mean, what an absolutely random/odd place for it to be!) and praised Him for disciplining me through this (the guilt I had for my unkind behavior, the nauseous stomach, the creak in my neck/bad sleep). I deserved discipline and I know that God loves those He disciplines...which made my heart soar even more!
My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of His reproof, for the Lord reproves him who He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.  ~Proverbs 3: 11-12

So...*all* of that to say that there is a beauty in God's discipline. The beauty is in knowing that He only disciplines those He loves. I wish I had handled this situation better....I am learning and growing every day. I am so very far from perfect and I am so thankful my Lord loves me and teaches me. 
Here are some photos of the new-to-us vehicle that the Lord blessed us with: 

I like the *fun* stuff of the car...you know, the moon roof, leather seats, 4WD, 3rd row seating and the like. My dad and Chris like looking under the hood! ;)

We are so thankful for this and that we were able to work with an old friend and get him a sale at his dealership. I an even more thankful that this experience has taught me much and helped my character to grow more toward holiness (even though I have such a long way to go).

Thank you for sharing in my excitement of the blessing of a new vehicle as well as taking the time to read what I wrote in truth and openness. Admitting your wretchedness is not fun, nor popular. However, it does make much of Christ...and less of me.

He must increase, but I must decrease.

~ John 3:30

In Christ,  Katy :) It's all about Jesus Christ being first.... and second and third and fourth and fifth.   What I'm saying is, don't put Jesus first.   Jesus is everything.  He's not just first in the rank,  He is everything.  ~Paul Washer