Mothering: There’s a Reward for Putting in the Work

mother (verb) – protect, nurse, tend, cherish, nurture, raise, rear

To me, mothering is a verb – an action word. In my experience, being a mother is not a passive pursuit or a mindless undertaking. Tough? Absolutely. Underappreciated? Usually. But rewarding? Definitely. However, we must bear in mind that the seeds we plant today won’t necessarily yield a harvest in 24 hours. On the contrary, it may be months, years, or even decades before we see what we’ve taught, invested, instilled, prayed about, or counseled come to full fruition. And for this, we have need of patience (Hebrews 10:36)!

Since mothers are always trying to “save here to spend there,” I called myself saving some money on a gel polish manicure by doing my own nails this week. Best of intentions, but after 2 days, the regular (and cheap since I got it “buy one, get one half off” at the drug store) polish was chipping and peeling horribly – just before it had time to match my dress for church on Mother’s Day Sunday. Perhaps I could get away with calling it a “reverse French manicure” if I hadn’t used red polish, and if it was more than 3 inconsistent nails on both hands impacted. All I could do was laugh – because after 11 years of “mommying,” I’ve settled in my heart that it’s not a professional manicure, a fresh hairdo, or a new outfit that makes me who I am. Sure, those are nice “extras” – bells and whistles, if you will – but it’s the inner man of the heart that makes a mother memorable and endeared to her children.

Back in the day, we’d all have to wear corsages for Mother’s Day – it seemed a bit over the top to me as a child, but those traditions have a way of sticking in your memory, especially when you remember special loved ones who have passed on to glory. I choose to celebrate in the mundane moments of everyday life. So forgive me for waxing poetic after my hubby and children went out of their way to get me some veggie hot dogs to put on the grill today with their meaty hot dogs (yeah, I think this vegetarian thing may be sticking – wonder of wonders; trust me, nobody’s more amazed than me).

What is a mother’s love to me today?

  • Watching a thunderstorm pass over while you’re nestled safe in the house with those you love,
  • Grabbing a package of pre-mixed oatmeal raisin cookie dough at the store because you’re too tired to whip up a homemade batch (that you know tastes better) – and not feeling guilty about not being Betty Crocker in an apron 24/7,
  • Seeing dust and a couple of cobwebs (eek!) beneath the computer monitor – and various other places that were overlooked for the past week…or maybe two…but probably three now that you think of it…and being ok with that (for the same reason listed above).
  • Pensively realizing that you’ve whizzed through the phases of changing diapers, teething, and the first day of school – but knowing you have yet to cross the bridge to middle school, puberty (as my 11 year-old reminded me today – YIKES!), driver’s licenses, etc. (help me, Lord!).
  • Investing time, energy, a listening ear, and a comforting touch when you feel like you don’t have another ounce, drop, or iota of ANYTHING left to give ANYBODY…

And then God sends the grace you need to put one foot in front of the other and make it through yet another day.
And you sink into your pillow (after everyone else in your household – of course!) with a satisfied smile, knowing that tomorrow, with its unexpected joys and hidden delights, will bring more of the same…
And you’re good with that – because it’s who you were created to be…a mother, a high calling in the kingdom of God.

I reflected on the joy of today – not technically a holiday, but definitely a “Mommy-day.” And what could be better than that? Yeah, in my humble opinion, pretty much EVERY DAY is Mother’s Day. Today, I salute those of you who are mothers in the natural and/or in the spirit, providing support, nurturing, truth, discipline, and love to those who need it. It’s a big job, but hey – somebody’s gotta do it. 🙂 Stay encouraged, and don’t be weary in well-doing – when done God’s way, the work of mothering yields great fruit that will endure for generations to come. Blessings, peace, love, and joy to you…today and every day.

“4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

(Philippians 4:4-9)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Temporary Light Affliction

temporary – not permanent; lasting only a short time; momentary; provisional

Last week, I really understood the saying, “When it rains, it pours.” It was enough to learn on Thursday that my daughter had been diagnosed with tonsillitis and needed to stay home from school the next day due to high fever. This was after an unexpected visit to the neighborhood urgent care facility (which I’d visited last month for my son’s strep throat diagnosis). One emergency averted, right? Good. After delivering her home to my hubby with antibiotics from the pharmacy in tow, I found myself whizzing back to the office in the dark that evening to retrieve my laptop so I could work from home the next day while caring for my sick child.

After saying a prayer for mercy and leaving my car (and keys) with the valet at the hotel adjacent to my office building, I dashed through the lobby and into my building, past the security guard, up the elevator shaft, and to my cube on the eerily empty sixth floor. As I unlocked my laptop, an unknown number was calling my cell phone. I almost ignored it, but I answered it while trying to shut down my computer. “This is the Cabarrus County Health Department; if you ate food from this particular Papa John’s restaurant between these dates…you may have been exposed to the Hepatitis A virus and need to get vaccinated at tomorrow’s clinic from 4:00-8:00 p.m.” Seriously? Like, right now, is this really happening and we’re among the potential 3,000 people affected?! Alas, it seemed that our pre-weekend 3/28/14 fun night at home with pizza had taken an unpleasant turn for the worse.

After a call to the pediatrician’s office the next morning, I was relieved to find out that both children’s shots were up-to-date, so they were not at risk – hallelujah! However, two more calls revealed that both my husband and I would need to get vaccinated. Ugh – I really don’t like getting shots, but that prospect outweighed a desire to be impacted by the disease’s symptoms, so up the road to the clinic we went, and into line I went to go under the needle and get my “bravery badge” that most folks call a Band-Aid. And so, another short-lived drama played itself out in our household. It came to pass…granted, I’m still waiting to see the “eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” that is yet to be revealed from this one. But I’m truly grateful that we were notified in time for the vaccine to be effective (one day later and we would’ve been outside the window); temporary light affliction indeed…God remains evermore faithful.

“For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,”
(II Corinthians 4:17, NASB)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Destructive Pace of Haste…& the Rat Race

destructive – unhelpful, damaging, harsh, caustic, devastating, detrimental, injurious

haste – speed, rush, hurriedness, acceleration

If I truly believe that God is in control and that He orders my steps, do I really have to be in a hurry?  Is it just a bad habit I’ve acquired, or am I mimicking the ways of the world I see hustling and bustling around me?

I have decided to intentionally slow my pace and reflectively assess the difference at day’s end.  I anticipate a greater sense of peace and calm – due to being in the right place, at the right time, doing the right things, with the right people.  Not because I did anything to make it happen, but because the sovereign God cares enough about me to orchestrate the events and minutiae of my day and of my life – both of which belong to Him anyway!  By keeping this in mind, I can truly rest in the Lord, be thankful, and let the rat race and all its participants scurry on by.

“6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
 (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV)

“Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.”
(Psalm 119:133)

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24)

© Copyright 2013 by Kayren J. Cathcart

A Cardinal Convention

cardinal – basic, fundamental, key, prime, serious, chief, important, principal, essential, central, core

In addition to gardening, my hubby is pretty much into “all things outdoors-y.”  As such, he’s put up more bird feeders around the yard than I can keep up with.  But it makes for a most melodious morning wake-up (um, noisy to non-optimists) and brings a great flurry of winged activity during bird mealtimes (interesting to those with short attention spans).

One morning this week, as I was about to open the door heading to work, I noticed a cardinal on the walkway.  I didn’t want to open the door and make it fly away, so I just peered through the glass, observing its movements for a few moments.  Then I noticed its mate in the tree.  When I finally had to open the door and prepare to start my commute, I saw an entire flock of birds, it seemed, gleaning seeds that had dropped to the ground from the feeder on one sturdy tree branch.  Doves, pigeons, bluebirds, a hummingbird, (a partridge in a pear tree?), and Lord knows what else…so many colors, sizes, and shapes.

It was an unexpected delight to behold!  May your day be filled with a multitude of delights from your Heavenly Father, Creator of the most magnificent joys…open your eyes to what’s all around you – His presence!  Make Him your first priority today and allow your perspective to be adjusted to see what’s really important…

“In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”

(Psalm 94:19)

“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”

(Matthew 6:26)

 “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”

(Psalm 138:8)

© Copyright 2012 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Value of Those Who Teach

This morning while driving to work, I realized that (even after this many moons…yes, over 20 of ‘em!) I’m still able to name all of my elementary school teachers from 1st through 4th grade!  That speaks to the profound impact each one had on me.  I remember my First Grade teacher playing her clarinet for us (how cool is that?!) and serving us toasted pumpkin seeds in an aluminum pan during the Fall.  My Second Grade teacher was so sweet she practically dripped with honey; I loved coming to school because of her.  My Third Grade teacher eventually became principal of the school; she made me want to do my best every day.  My Fourth Grade teacher was a challenge (perhaps her daughter being in our class contributed to that) and I think that’s when my math phobia began…but hey, look at God’s redemption…I work at a BANK now!  Go figure… 🙂

So to my parents, I want to say a great big “thank you” for all the sacrifices you made to send me to a Christian school from 1st through 4th Grade.  I am so appreciative for the godly heritage and solid foundation!  As I watch my own children in elementary school (and though they’re in public school, they are blessed with good teachers…I prayed for that!), I realize how critical these formative years are to a child’s development. The amount of influence exerted by someone who stands in front of your child for 180 days of the year cannot be underestimated.  I still communicate regularly with their daycare provider (who kept them since age 6 weeks) and their former teachers because they’ve been supportive of my children and still consider them to be “their students.” 

I am currently privileged to serve as a Sunday School teacher for our teen class.  I don’t take the responsibility lightly.  I know that seeds planted today bring forth the future harvest, so I’m mindful of what I teach – in my lessons and through my lifestyle.  May we do the same thing in the presence of all children which whom we interact.  They are precious souls created by our Father for specific purpose…as adults, we are tasked with protecting this vital resource and teaching them the ways of the Lord.  May we fulfill our assignments valiantly and exceptionally. 

“5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

(Deuteronomy 6:5-7) 

“Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”

(Psalm 34:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

By Design

design – plan, aim, blueprint, outline, pattern, intention, purpose, point, target, goal

Two encounters in the past two days reminded me of God’s faithfulness to adjust (correct, fine-tune, change, alter, regulate, amend, modify, tweak) us for His glory.  I encourage you to acknowledge daily that God’s design for your life is much greater than anything you can imagine!

Encounter 1

Yesterday, my gym held an Open House event with outside vendors.  While I excitedly anticipated a complimentary eyebrow waxing, I arrived to discover that the waxing vendor never confirmed – and I’d even called her myself a few days prior to see what time she’d be at the gym.  (Maybe it sounds like overkill, but if you’d seen the fuzzy caterpillars on my forehead, you’d understand my urgency with nailing down this time and date of service).  Nevertheless, God had an even more delightful treat in store for me.  As I went to change into my workout clothes, I spotted makeup artist Sissy Duncan (and her seemingly endless array of eye, cheek, and lip palettes – oooh, aaah!) set up in the bathroom – this was a definite “goodie” upgrade, and a motivating incentive for me to finish my entire 30-minute date with the elliptical machine to earn this treat. 

After drying off and cooling down, I eagerly hopped into her chair and she went to work on my face for a 10-minute touch-up.  She gave me a natural look, but it was polished and refined (quite an enhancement since I hadn’t put on any makeup before leaving the house that morning).  I left feeling significantly prettier, but I couldn’t see the details under the gym bathroom’s lighting.  I knew I looked better leaving than when I’d walked in, but I didn’t notice how dramatic the difference was until I got onto the mirrored elevator back in my building – 5 blocks up the street.  I literally did a double take when I saw the impact of the “smoky eye” technique…I said, “This girl’s work is absolutely slammin’!” While her concealer worked wonders, she brought out a light in my eyes I didn’t know was there!  I do a pretty good job with my own makeup when I put effort into getting all “gussied up,” but Sissy made it obvious that technique, experience, and quality products make a world of difference.  Not only was she well-trained, but she was dedicated to passionately perfecting her craft for ultimate customer satisfaction.

As her business name implies, I left Sissy’s presence feeling Simply Beautiful.  When I willingly yielded to being malleable clay in her hands, she created a work that improved upon the original.  God will do the same with us when we choose to obey His way instead of stubbornly resisting (or refusing!) the work of His molding, shaping, and sculpting tools in our lives. 

Encounter 2

One of my teammates has been developing a database for the past few months.  This morning, she asked to view something on my screen because it looked weird on hers.  Peering at my screen, she murmured, “You’re definitely supposed to see that “Upcoming Action Items” field, and the “Create” button is off…too far to the right.”  I thought it looked a bit strange, but I had no frame of reference or specifications to compare it to.  Since she helped design it from scratch, she immediately noticed the inconsistency, discrepancy, and contradiction between “what is” and “what should be.”  Not only was she able to detect an issue, but she knew how to fix it! 

She thanked me for my time, then headed back to her desk to work out the bugs. I sensed her irritation and slight annoyance that it wasn’t working as intended.  Could it be that God feels the same way when we don’t walk in the path He’s laid out for us?  How are we “showing up” as His children?  Do our actions “look weird” or incongruent with our professed Christian witness on the screen of life because we’re “a bit off”…too far to one side or the other?  Let us commit each day to walk in obedience – according to the design of God’s plan for our lives.  After all, He is sovereign! 

“O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.”

(Jeremiah 18:6)

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

A Joyful Heart, A Right Attitude

While waiting for this morning’s train, I saw an older gentleman doing his job.  It’s not what he was doing that caught my attention as much as how he did it. You see, he wore plastic gloves and a fluorescent safety vest for visibility, and he was wiping down the railings near the train stop.  It wasn’t a particularly prestigious task, and he was hardly noticed by most of the waiting commuters.  However, the vigor and intention with which he wiped down those posts really ministered to me!

I thought, “If I had this brother’s positive outlook while doing my own work, what could I accomplish today that would bring honor to God?”  In that moment, that man was engaged in pure worship to his Creator. He was thankful for having a job, and that was evident in his purposeful actions, pace, upbeat attitude, and demeanor. He commanded respect; he was so focused that I wanted to greet him with a hearty, “Good morning, sir!”  It didn’t matter that he wasn’t wearing a 3-piece suit or working on a job making a 6-figure salary.  He carried himself in a way that exuded gratitude, and that was a great practical devotion for me!

Today, check what you’re emitting.  If it’s time for an attitude adjustment because others don’t see the joy of the Lord in you as you progress through your workday, give God full access to your control panel – and allow Him to tweak you for His glory.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

(Psalm 24:3-5)

 “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

(Colossians 3:22-24)

 © Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Success = Consistent Progress (and vice versa)

I have each child’s report card in front of me, and I‘m so proud that both of them received straight 3s (consistently meets expectations) for all 4 consecutive quarters of the school year!  Not that it was easy, but my hubby and I kept prodding them, and they kept pressing.  Their stellar report cards (along with quarterly awards recognition for Academic Excellence, Exemplary Citizenship, Perfect Attendance, and Accelerated Reader) provide an accurate reflection of the hard work they did all year long.

As a self-described “artistic type,” I had great disdain for consistency in my younger years; truthfully, I thought it was boring.  However, maturity has taught me that some achievements only come as a result of consistent effort and execution.  I relied too heavily on chance or being fortunate when I could’ve been assured of my outcome from the beginning if I’d been willing to do the same thing each time – start early (instead of waiting until the last minute), take time to study and do research (instead of cramming and flying by the seat of my pants on what I thought sounded good), and apply myself consistently (instead of being sporadic, unpredictable, and driven by whatever mood I happened to be in).

Funny how it took my own children in elementary school to drive this lesson home to me, but I’ve finally “got it” and I understand the importance of consistency.  I believe God uses our children to help bring us to where we need to be.  There was no way I could help my son do well with his Science Fair project if I didn’t face my own anxiety over the subjects of Math and Science.  I really can’t stand to dust and ironing is a foreign concept (though I love to vacuum), but that matters not since I’m responsible for training my children in proper housekeeping techniques.  So in order to accurately demonstrate the skills and provide a credible example, I have to get over myself.  May we as parents and leaders be ever mindful of the critical role we play in developing those following in our footsteps.

Congratulations to all graduates celebrating the fruit of your labor – job well done!  Be richly blessed as you advance to the next level of applying yourself to be excellent in Christ.  🙂

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

(Joshua 1:7-8)

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 3:14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

It Is Finished!

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

(Matthew 27:46)

 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

(John 19:30)

After weeks and months of agonizing, planning, preparing, and executing, The Great 2nd Grade Science Fair Project of 2011 has finally been handed in – hallelujah!  We concluded the experiment.  We finished the research paper BEFORE Spring Break (no minor feat to keep a 2nd grader focused in the house when they’d rather be outside playing).  We printed the hypothesis, cut out graphics, and pasted until our hearts were content.  Not only did I survive, but I emerged from the process stronger than I expected.  I’m glad it’s done (really glad – trust me!), but I have a greater appreciation for why God made me face my own science project angst and trepidation head-on.

See, I went into this with the mindset, “I’ve already earned my degree(s) – why, oh why must I go through this dreadful torture again?!?”  However, God showed me so many things through the course of working with my child on this project, including how very alike we are (in more ways than I care to admit), including:

  • Bright with natural aptitude = wanting to rush through the process to reach a conclusion (can’t see the forest for the trees)
  • Inclined to take the path of least resistance = being more focused on reaching the destination than enjoying the journey
  • Intense, perfectionist, self-critical = not being patient with the process, and sometimes getting unduly frustrated with the little things

I had plenty of opportunities for teachable moments – as teacher and as student.  For example, I overcame the urge to finish the report myself just so it would be done – because I’d be robbing my child of his learning process.  When one particular milestone progress report was due, we were solidly in the midst of the 21-day fast.  I was irate, aggravated, and hungry; what I wouldn’t have given for some junk food that Saturday!  Yet, God showed Himself strong and mighty, and HE ALONE sustained me through that episode without the crutch of emotionally eating chocolate or carbs! 

So here’s the bottom line praise report:  This week, my child was selected as one of the TOP THREE 2nd Graders to advance a project to the school’s Science Fair!  My initial goal had been simply to “get it done and turn it in.”  Sad to admit, but I wasn’t aiming for excellence – “pretty good” would’ve been fine with me.  But my child saw the guidelines for having a great project and he really wanted to win.  Since we serve a God of excellence (not mediocrity), I had to practice what I preach and give my best effort.  After all of my foot-dragging, complaining about how I didn’t want to do this because it’s just one more thing on my already full plate, yada yada yada…God showed that He was in the midst of the whole thing.  Like I didn’t have a sneaking suspicion from the time the assignment came home…

So it really was never about me at all. 🙂  It never is!  It’s always for God’s purposes.  And this time, I believe God wanted to see a snaggle-toothed smile from a boy who won a prize full of science gold – complete with modeling clay, slinky, microscope, and who knows what else is in that package.  He had his moment in the spotlight – being featured on the morning announcements, receiving congratulatory cheers from his classmates, standing on the stage beaming in front of peers and parents, and getting his picture taken by his little sister who was genuinely proud of him.

Did he win First Place in the School Science Fair?  Nope – not even Second or Third Place.  My hubby claims, “We was robbed!” and I’m rather inclined to agree with him…who me – biased?  Nah!  But in our eyes, he stood head and shoulders above the competition (including 3rd through 5th Graders).  He represented us well, and our whole family was there to support him for his hard work and to celebrate his accomplishments.  We have the certificates to prove it – and that big tri-fold board in the corner that I won’t soon forget.  I think my hubby wants to frame the entire board.  And I don’t blame him.  As Editor-in-Chief of www.PaperPolisher.com, I declare that working on this project and report with my child may have been some of my finest work yet. 

We must learn to see priorities from God’s perspective, and then commit to grow through the process He chooses for us.  My daughter will have to do science projects, too – won’t she? 🙂

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Obedience vs. the Sloppy Seconds of “Doing God a Favor”

favor – act of kindness, good deed, help, aid 

Have you ever felt like you were “doing God a favor?”  Like He should be content that at least you did A and B, even though you didn’t do C like He instructed?

Tell the truth – there was a day when showing up at church on a non-holiday was a major accomplishment for you, and you felt like God should be completely satisfied now that you’d “checked the box” for the year.  As if your mere presence would be considered the greatest gift since sliced bread.  As if He didn’t desire to bless you for coming to learn His character, to be strengthened and challenged by His Word, and to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.  As if you wouldn’t grow, develop, and mature the more you were exposed to the truth of His Word.  As if it was all about your comfort and pleasure, instead of you glorifying, serving, and worshipping Him with your life.  As if.

I am convinced that God doesn’t need my help; He requires my obedience.  And that’s better than any sacrifice I can offer as an alternative, substitution, or replacement for what He asks of me.  Even when it’s hard on my flesh.  Especially when it’s hard on my flesh.  Are you listening to His voice?  Let Him work in you…

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

(I Samuel 15:22)

 

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

(Philippians 2:13) 

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart