A life of ease

The holidays are coming! How much easier does it have to be? We get to shop online for all the wants and needs and desires for family and friends. We don't have to get up, get dressed, get kids in the car, go to the store, fight the crowds, search for the magical item that everyone else wants, keep our kids in line to purchase a few things. We can just go online (still in our pajamas if we please) for all the wants and needs and desires for family and friends. Long gone are the days of the big catalogs that kids get to circle or dog-ear pages for their list. Black Friday sales begin right after Halloween, so no need to stand in line for hours to get that toy your kids wants.

We complain that there are no jobs in American for people, yet we are putting the jobs for cashiers out of business by doing online shopping. We had self check-out lanes open at the grocery store, because no one wanted to get stuck behind the person who had a large cart of groceries. Now you can place your whole grocery order online, someone else shops for you, and you drive up and have them load them in the car! Now most stores have large online shopping available, and in store shopping has decreased so much that long time big brand stores are having to close their doors.

Back in the early settlement of America, things were difficult. But they did them anyway. Sewing by hand, making homemade soaps and candles, walking to get buckets of water, tending their own farms, preserving their own foods, having to do trades for others goods, no electricity, etc. We take a lot of these things for granted today. The availability of modern medicines, of paper products and goods. The availability of someone to haul our trash away. Or do shopping for us. These nifty vacuums that constantly keep floors clean.  Where we no longer have to get up and actually do things.

I have heard people push for these new things so they have less work to do. And what do the majority of Americans do with their free time? Play on their super cool phones and scroll social media.

I am not throwing stones here, because I have done the online grocery shopping. At the time it was easier than taking three kids to the store, spending over an hour to shop, and spending more money than I needed. I have done lots of online shopping myself, again because it is easier to get clothes in my kids size online (let's not even jump into how our standard sizing has changed) and the fact that they don't have many department store options in our small town. In fact, I have our whole Christmas list on Amazon at the moment, because I figured it would be easier to have them all coming from one website. I will actually see if Target in store and Walmart have these items, and go start shopping in the next few weeks in store. I want to give the opportunity to the cashier who desperately needs that job. I don't want to be part of the group who is inevitably killing the American dream.

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith. Be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love. 

O: With all Paul has taught in 1 Corinthians, his main fo us is God’s greatest commandment: love. Every spiritual gift given should be used with love, or it means nothing. 

A: One of the things I try hard with (and fail most often) is doing things with gratitude. You know, 3 kids make a lot of laundry and dirty dishes. They do take care of most of it, but it’s the times where I feel overwhelmed (bc I didn’t ask for help) and get all grumbly about doing all the work. I forget how blessed we are: we have a dishwasher and a washing machine. I’m only really doing half the work. And I can’t even do that with love. I’m trying to teach my children not to grumble, but I know they get it from me. 

Our works and love for the church needs to be in our houses also. I need to show my children how to be on guard against the devil, stand firm in my faith, and one of these small these is to not grumble about the chores. Instead I should show love and respect for all that I am given, and that will continue on to my acts for the church. 

K: Lord, thank you for all the things in my life that you have blessed me with. Thank you for the people and the literal things that make our life easier. I pray I can stand firm in every act I do and show your love through my works. Thank you for the opportunities you presented to us and I pray you guide us down the right path. 

"The Corinthian church needed clarity on many issues inside the church that were causing divisions. As Paul closes out his letter, he reminds them one last time to seek to do everything out of a heart of love for one another.

This is the same message we need in our churches today.  There would be so much less division in our churches, if we would simply let all that we do, be done in love.  In what ways can you show more love inside of your church? Write a prayer below asking God to help you apply all that you have learned through the book of 1 Corinthians in your life." "https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/

1 Corinthians 15

1 Corinthians 15:58 Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Chapter 15

"Because death has been swallowed up in victory and we have a hope of resurrection with Christ, we can stand firm.  We can be immovable. We can work hard serving the Lord knowing that all of our labor is not in vain. There is a sure hope of eternal life with Jesus one day!

Do you have days when you are weary from serving the Lord, that you are tempted to feel like maybe it’s not worth it?  How does remembering the truth of our future resurrection with Jesus, help you to not give up and to abound in the work of the Lord?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

Do I have days when I am weary? ABSOLUTELY! I know I am serving the Lord in may ways, being a mother for my children, a wife, keeper of the home which includes so many individual daily chores that seem unending and relentless... and this all on top of how I serve in my church. Some of the days of chores that never end, and once all the dishes are washed another magically appears on the counter (because they can not get in the dishwasher on their own), I wonder if it is worth it. I wonder if it even makes a difference. If I make a difference. 

Then I remember all the sins I have committed. And I wonder if God ever wondered if I was worth it, if forgiving me would make a difference. Friends, I am so glad God never gave up on me. I am so glad Jesus didn't take himself off the cross (because I am sure he could have) saying we all weren't really worth it. All of His suffering was not in vain! Because of it, we get to go to heaven. Jesus tore the veil, so we may enter. So how can I ask even once if all my blessings are worth it??

Philippians 2:3 tells us to "Regard others as more important than ourselves." That is just what Jesus did! He considered every single one of us as more important than himself. So I should also consider these little people God has given me as more important than myself. 

Slow down

Have you ever had those mornings where you had the day planned, all kinds of things you needed to get done, and then one of your kids throws up? I am sure we all have. I remember this happening several time when I was getting ready to head to work when we lived in Little Rock. And it was always me who had to call in, saying I couldn't make it in because I had a sick child. I can remember a certain person who worked there with me that had the notion that women should be at home, and would always make small remarks about it when I (or another working mother) had to call in for a sick day. "Another day off? Well, my wife doesn't need days off for sick kids because she gets to be home every day with the kids." It was so frustrating because I felt like I shouldn't have to defend my decision (or our need) for me to be working. Especially working at a job I loved, helping solve issues most people can't fathom. I was just so aggravated to have to call in and put my work on hold because my child couldn't go to daycare. I felt that I was being judged by others for my failure to show up (besides my own casework, I was also the Quality Manager and Trainer for my section, so I wore a lot of hats) as 3 young kids, two born 18 months apart, require a lot of time off.

So, now back to today, I was so frustrated because I had plans to do things with the kids (as school is out today, and they are all home) and now they are on hold. I feel defeated because I don't get to do things for them and didn't get to do things for me and blah, blah, blah. Instead of falling into the frustration laid out in front of me like I used to, I stopped and prayed. And in those moments, I saw every time I was sick as a child, and my mother put her life on hold for me. And I remember I am not alone in my struggles. I am doing an online study of Isaiah through the First 5 app, and one of the quotes posted this week was "I want to quiet my heart to hear God's voice above my fears."-Lyli Dunbar.  This week, I read how the people of Israel turned to their neighbors for help when they feared an intrusion of their enemy, instead of turning to God. And so God allowed their enemy to attack them. Instead of being quiet and listening to God, instead of having faith and trusting in God, they turned let their courage fail. "Unless your faith is firm, you shall not be firm" Isaiah 7:9b

So I need to trust in God's plan. I need to not let my courage fail because I didn't get my way, and things are not always in my control. As I prayed about today's undoings, I realized that God wanted me to just slow down. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says "There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens." God made everything under the sun for us. Every detail was planned, and God's timetable is perfect. Whether I get to finish all the plans I had made for myself, I need to realize it is not about me. God gave me these precious children to take care of for a time. And if one is sick, I need to slow down and tend to him as God would for me.  Whether things happen when I want them to or not, God has plans for me. 

I wish back when I was working, I could have had this Women in the Bible study. As I am reading through the Women Leaders, I could have prayed for courage like Esther had and the humility that Phoebe, Damaris, Euodia and Syntyche had in regards to my work, my coworkers, and my faith. Even today, humility and patience in our work without seeking recognition is a big bite to swallow. I need to remember that I can do nothing without God. Everything we have was a gift from Him. I need to slow down, quiet my heart, and trust in His Will for my life. Even day to day.

A quote from Kelly Brown from my Isaiah study, "The greatest gift to mankind- salvation- also required the largest sacrifice- Jesus's crucifixion." Our lives may be temporarily difficult, but these lessons can be eternally significant. I can sacrifice my time for someone else's needs, especially when that someone is my sick child. 

1 Corinthians 14

This whole chapter talks about those who speak in tongues. I don’t personally know anyone who does, but I’ve heard a friend of a friend does, and I’ve heard people “speaking in tongue” at a religious conference before when I was a teenager. I’ve never understood the tongue part, because it didn’t make sense if someone was (what seemed like) babbling on but no one could understand what they were saying. How could that be interpreted? Well Paul very week explores that same thought in this chapter. Do you or do you know anyone who speaks in tongues?

1: Corinthians 14:26 So what is to be done brothers? When you assemble, one has a psalm, another instruction, a revelation,  tongue, or an interpretation. Everything should be done for building up.

O: Paul stayed earlier in the chapter that the gift of tongues was being used to build the self up, since no one was interpreting for them. Those who has it were allegedly getting closer to God themselves (inflating themselves). Whereas the gift of prophesy builds up the church, because it is used for others to grow in faith and get others closer to God. 

A: We learned in chapter 12 we were all given gifts. Am I using my gifts to build myself up or to build up the church? I think when I am using my gifts of administration with my group, I am helping build up the group. Can that help in turn build the church? I need to pray on that for sure to see if there is a more direct way that I can use my gift for the church’s purpose if I’m not already. I also want to look more closely at the gifts to see if I have another one that I could use more as well. I shouldn’t need to have someone around to “interpret” what I do so others can see God through the work. It should be done so He shines brightly.

K: Lord, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. Thank you for the gifts you have given me. Help me to use these gifts for your favor, so your light shines through me and the church, so the unbelievers may see you.

"Paul was reminding the Corinthian church that all worship and use of spiritual gifts should be done in an orderly way and for the edification of all believers.  Also, they were not to just passively receive a word of encouragement.  He wanted them to participate and give as well.  The goal is that we all learn and are all encouraged.

God wants us to yield the use of our spiritual gift to the Spirit’s leading.  We are not to selfishly use our gift whenever we feel like it. This can lead to confusion and disorder.  If you have been in the church long, most likely you have seen someone cause disorder in the church because they were asserting themselves and their desires.  How can you avoid being the person who causes this?  Write a prayer below asking God to guide you as you use your spiritual gifts." (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

1 Corinthians 13

So I, like many teenage girls, fell in love with this chapter when the movie “A Walk To Remember” came out in 2002 (or those who read the book in 1999). Many people have this chapter read in their wedding ceremony. Love is patient, Love is kind. Love never fails. But bigger than those words is how we show it. If I speak Gods word, describing everything I know about God and my faith but don’t show love, I am nothing. 

I used to think like a child, thinking these words of love were meant for another human. But now I understand these words of our love never failing is meant for God. Our love for Him is the greatest love. His love for us is even greater. His love for us will never fail, even when our knowledge and tongue stops.

Our love for God should be patient and kind, even when we don’t see our prayers happen as fast as we want. Our love for God should not have jealousy over what our neighbor is blessed with. Nor inflated with what our gifts may be. Our love should not harbor resentment when we suffer or struggle in life. Our love for God should not rejoice over someone else’s punishment for wrongdoing, but should rejoice in the truth that our Lord keeps his promises. Our love for God should endure all things we are handed in life, because he has told us He is always by our side. 

The greatest gift we are given is love. How can we use that gift better today?


"While our spiritual gifts are wonderful, it is faith, hope and love that we all must pursue.  All of the New Testament speaks to the pursuit of these but the greatest of the these is love. Love trumps faith, hope and our spiritual gifts.  Without love, our gifts are useless. One day when we see Jesus and we will no longer need faith or hope.  But we will experience love for all of eternity!

In 1 Corinthians 13, love is not defined as a feeling but rather as an action.  Love is not fragile, and it is not proud. It is humble and it endures forever.  Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and evaluate yourself.  In what ways do you need to be more loving to those closest to you and to those in your church?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

So if you read my blog Monday, I posted on 1 Corinthians 11, which also talks about women wearing veils in Mass. I haven't seen women wearing veils in Mass in many years at the Church Parishes we have lived. I know my friend started wearing a mantilla veil several years ago in Mass, after she was married. I thought it was a beautiful symbol. I remember peoples comments (Who does she think she is, oh Mrs. Holier-than-thou, that is so out-dated, etc.), and never wanted to join in her sentiments on it, though it is a beautiful representation of devotion to Christ. 

Well, now that I have read this chapter, I am curious as to the current thought on veils in Mass. So I have googled and found this website which has some explanation as to the current "rules" or lack there of regarding veils https://www.veilsbylily.com/frequently-asked-questions/#vaticanii

The church no longer mandates it, as it is not written as a requirement in the current Code of Canon Law. I do like the thought of the veil, and what it means. After hearing the comments made about my friend, I am ashamed to say I would worry what other people say if I chose to wear one. This post mentions fine examples of things said which deterred me at the time: https://www.catholicstand.com/why-women-wear-chapel-veils-and-should-you-too/

I've also heard people comment that because of their young children, they don't want to wear one right now, as it would be more of a distraction (the kids keep pulling it off). My kids are older, and I do admit this was a fear of mine also. Looking back now, I think if I would have worn one while hold kids, I could have managed. It's also teaching the children about Mass, and what the veil represents, and the importance of not touching it. Like how we teach them the rosary is not a weapon to be swung at their siblings...

I have made the decision to purchase one from Veils by Lily. I got this one https://www.veilsbylily.com/new-starter-infinity-veils/ in Twilight Blue. When checking out, there is an option to get the little comb to help hold it in your hair. I didn't get it, but I think I will be going to JoAnn's to get one after wearing it last week. There is also an option to get FREE cards regarding veiling. I did get both sets offered, and have placed them in the church by all the other church pick up flyers.

I talked to my children about wearing it on the way to church that morning. I wanted to explain my choice so they would be surprised when I put it on in the church, and hopefully wouldn't be tempted to play with it. I chose to sit towards the back (We usually sit up close so the kids can see the alter), because I was still having worries about what people would say. My friend I mentioned earlier passed away nearly 3 years ago. In Mass, I felt her presence near me, and was brought to tears. In these last few years, I have wished I could seek her input and thoughts on several things. But I know she is in heaven, and hears my thoughts and concerns. I won't be sitting in the back next week.  I'm not wearing it for people to see. I don't want to wear one to be an inspiration to others. I want the sight of the veil itself to be an inspiration to others. I am submitting to Christ's love.

1 Corinthians 12

Tis the gift to be simple
'Tis the gift to be free
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
It will be in the valley of love and delight

When true simplicity is gained
To bow and to bend, we will not be ashamed
To turn, turn, will be our delight
'Til by turning, turning, we come round right

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul urges us to “live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” Once we can find that which is our gift in the Holy Spirit, we can receive it (appropriate) the answer to that need. There is a reason we were given the gifts. Someone is in need of our gift. Some people will see our gift and not appreciate it. But there is someone out there who’s day or life can be changed because of it. Do you know what yours is? Here is a quiz to try and find out. Let us know what yours is! 

https://gifts.churchgrowth.org/spiritual-gifts-survey/

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different working but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

O: God has given people gifts to be used in their life. They are all different, but they all come from the one. It is up to the individual to figure out what gift they were given and how it is intended to be used.

A: We were all given gifts to work differently, just as all our own body parts work differently. But when working together, we can function as a whole. We are all parts of Christ’s body, as it mentions in verses 27-31.  We must use these gifts with one another to serve Christ and show his love.

My main gift is administration. Which makes sense. I do like to jump in and take charge when necessary, to help keep things organized. I am a co-leader of a moms study at my church as well as this one. I need to pray and learn how I can use administration for God

K: Lord thank you for my spiritual gifts as well as the physical, mental, emotional gifts you have given me. Show us the way to continue leading your war against darkness. Let us light the way for others to find you. Today I thank you also for modern medicine to help with the sniffles.

1 Corinthians 11

S: 1 Corinthians 11:29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement on himself.

O: Paul is saying that one must have a clean conscience before being united with Jesus in Communion. 

A: We receive communion weekly at Catholic Church. We have Confession available weekly to ask for forgiveness of any sins. Then at the beginning of Mass, we have a time to examine our consciences and say a penitential rite to relieve ourselves of any other impurity we need before we celebrate Mass. God wants us to celebrate in communion with Him, but we should be pure of heart as Jesus was when he shared himself on the cross.

Though we can never make ourselves worthy of what Jesus did on the cross, we know He died for our sins. So it wouldn't be right to walk up to receive communion with those sins still on our heart. We should also remember to be in communion with Him as we walk up to receive it. Not looking at the floor, not thinking about our grocery list or the things we need to do once we leave church. We need to have our hearts open, ready to receive the gift  of his body and feel His presence. 

K: Lord thank you for the gift of your Son so that we may get to heaven. Thank you for the gifts in my life. I pray that you continue to guide us in the direction you think is best.

"The Lord’s Supper was causing division in the Corinthian church.  Paul explained that they were taking it irreverently and selfishly. That is a dangerous thing to do. He called on them to examine themselves before they took of the cup and bread or they would face discipline from the Lord.

The Lord’s Supper is not a fancy meal. It is simple and it is meant to be done as an act of worship and remembrance of Christ’s body and blood shed for our sin. First, are you regularly participating in the Lord’s Supper? If not, begin this week to find a local church to join.  Secondly, if you are taking the Lord’s Supper regularly, examine yourself.  In what manner have you been taking it? Is there anything you need to change?" (https://womenlivingwell.org/2019/09/good-morning-girls-resources-1-corinthians-11-16/)

Submission in today's world

Submission can be a touchy subject to people in our times. The dictionary defines submission as "the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person." Often times, being submissive is thought of being forced to do something unwillingly. As humans, we we struggle to submit to authority, whether it be teachers, bosses, law enforcement, government, etc. For example,  refusing to follow the speed limit is refusing to submit. However, the Biblical meaning of submission is more simply putting others before yourself (putting the safety of other drivers ahead of your need for speed). It means not always getting to do what you want to do (driving 10 mph over the speed limit because you are late). Putting God's desires and will before our own (Romans 13:1-3,5). 

Submission in marriage is another area we struggle with. I have so often heard "I will NEVER submit to my husband! We are equals in our marriage." Being submissive doesn't mean you aren't equals. Ephesians 5:22 does say "Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord." Our society has taken this out of context (as with many other issues) to make the Bible seem hateful. Continue reading to see Ephesians 5:25, 28, 33 states "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her ... So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies, He who loves his wife loves himself... In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband." Christ submitted and surrendered himself to God for the church. He put all of us before himself. Submission is not a tyrant husband, who forces his wife to submit to sinful desire. It is a loving husband who submits and surrenders to Christ, and a wife who willingly surrenders to her husband. Done with love, submission can bring peace and harmony. 

In Genesis, Sarah was a great example of submission. She followed her husband all over the country, wherever God sent him. Sarah was barren, and was sad she couldn't produce an heir for Abraham, even after God told Abraham [Abram] that He would make a great nation of him, and after God said that he would make Abram's descendants more numerous than the stars . She became impatient, and decided to take things into her own hands, she manipulated God's plan, and had Abraham lay with her maidservant. After a child was conceived, Sarah became irate and began to abuse her maidservant. I wonder if her anger was because of her own guilt of abandoning God's plan. God did not forget his covenant with Abraham, and Sarah did eventually have a son. 


Submitting in marriage should not be scary. It could be as simple as not making decisions without consulting your spouse. In our house, any financial spendings are discussed prior to them happening. We both get a say in the finances in our house, even though I am the one in "charge" of the budget. If I end up going over on something, I willingly sacrifice from my "fun money" to cover it. We ask each other before we make plans, and don't just say "Hey I'm going to XYZ" or showing up 3 hours late because we didn't check in. Submitting in marriage for us is being courteous and respectful to each other. Peace and harmony. Most days anyway! What are some ways submission works in your marriage?