Weekend to Remember

Now that we're promoting the upcoming "Weekend to Remember" marriage conference, I just want to encourage all of you married folks to attend if you can, whether you've been married one year or 25 years. Jeff & I went to this conference as newlyweds in 2008 and we're hoping to go again.
Our marriage has been an unfolding journey of both abundant blessings and complications of blended family life. I recently heard from a couple of listeners who are really struggling with their marital commitments, wondering if it's worth sticking out a situation that fails to bring them happiness. You know, it took me over a year to realize that marriage isn't designed to make us happy but to make us holy. I stubbornly resisted that adage myself for a long time in the midst of my personal struggles.
At times when things felt hopeless to me, I was fortunate to have a husband who insisted, "We're sticking this out to the end. Divorce is not an option. I love you and we're gonna do the hard work of making this work." Jeff had his family fall apart once...and still feels awful that his children are the victims of a shattered life. I joke with friends that Jeff is the true communicator in our family. We're 100% honest and vulnerable with each other, we talk everything out, and Jeff doesn't let a day go by without telling me how loved, appreciated and respected I am as his wife.
Last night I was sad with the winter blues. Jeff held me, listened to my heart, and reminded me, "You need to know you're my best friend...the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you more than you will ever know."
I love him right back, knowing that love is a daily choice we make--not just a feeling to coast on until something (seemingly) better comes along. I know for sure in my life that nothing better than Jeff will ever come along. He's God's best for me and I'm so thankful.

Chuck E. Cheese...

..."Where a Kid Can Be a Kid"...or "Where an Adult Can Be a Kid!" I was hoping for a quiet Saturday evening with the kids...so I thought, "Why don't we take them to Chuck E. Cheese so that we can visit with each other and play games?" Boy did I pick the wrong place for quiet. Did I mention this was a Saturday night? No one warned this Chuck E. Cheese novice that weekends are jam-packed with kids running amuck. Jeff had a great time, though, playing video games as kids looked on...

Actually I was quite surprised by the sheer volume of parents playing games and not paying attention as their million kids ran around the play center. It was sheer chaos. Jeff and I took turns taking a breather outside. I also made the mistake of purchasing 100 tokens for the kids. (It was part of their Christmas stocking presents). I didn't realize each ride only requires ONE TOKEN. But since I gave each child 50 TOKENS, they played 50 GAMES each! So you can imagine what a long evening that made for...especially with the lines...But the point is, the kids had a blast...And if they want to go again, their Dad can take them!

Reflecting Christ in India

Sometimes I struggle with hearing from the Lord--truly discerning His voice amid the self-seeking desires in my heart. But this week I heard from the Lord loud and clear about a ministry opportunity I'm so excited to share with you!!!
Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking with the founder of an organization called Charasia http://www.charasia.org/, a ministry based in Southeast Asia. It rescues girls born into brothels in India and places them in the loving care of Christ-centered orphanages. Women who were rescued from the bondage of prostitution help to nurture and teach these children both the love of Christ and English skills. (If you don't know the English language in India your chances of advancing beyond the poverty line are slim). This incredible outreach also sponsors many local churches in the area. I'm so excited to partner with them in some small way!
I know a lot of us, myself included, are scared about the economy being in the midst of a recession. It's hard for me to give liberally when I feel things are tight at home with a husband and two kids. But after watching the movie "Slumdog Millionaire," which tells the story of a boy who grows up in the slums of Mumbai, my heart was so moved to do something--ANYTHING--to help advance the efforts of shining the light of Christ in such a dark country.
While the situation seems so bleak (I cannot believe the level of depravity such innocent souls are exposed to), the truth is, we can do something about it. We can commit to prayer. We can devote our time and talents to organizations such as these to allow them to minister effectively. And we can invest our financial resources if we so choose to shine the light of Christ at the epicenter of evil.
I sure hope you understand I'm not sharing this with the intention of pressuring anyone one way or the other...But I just feel compelled to share this passion of my heart with you.
--Catherine

Rock Star Hubby

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Jeff the Rock Star of the Rock Band, Wii! Here's a great snapshot of my husband belting out "Hungry Like a Wolf" with Jeremy Tracey on guitar and our fabulous engineer, Rick, on the drums. (Thanks for the pix, Susie!). This past weekend our station threw a cabin fever party--basically a chance to get all of our families together to mingle and celebrate in the midst of this dreary weather. IT WAS A BLAST. Sometimes Jeff can be shy when he meets people for the first time, but leave it to the Wii to bring him out of his shell. Within minutes of stepping in the door, he grabbed the mic and sang (or rather, screamed) his heart out. It was hilarious! What was even more hilarious was when Jill Tracey commented, "He's pretty good!" I about died of laughter. They wouldn't let him sing in the praise band at church, he's so off-key! But I love him so! Always full of surprises...

Throwback to the 80s

When Scott & I discussed a throwback to the 80's on the morning show today, I thought of my husband, who in many ways, still embraces 80's fashion. What do you think of these pants? I believe Jeff wore them in high school...and he still wears them to bed! At least he's not wearing them out in public! I'm a 90's girl myself...but my husband is an 80's baby to the core and I get to relive that decade thanks to relics Jeff has saved. I told you about our Christmas tree and its ornaments from the 70s...Did I tell you Jeff has had the same alarm clock, microwave and bedding from college? I threw out the latter two when I moved into his house...I wish I could get him to part with that old alarm clock but I can't. So I bought my own. It's hot pink. And matches his pants!