Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Somedays, I find God takes out a little archeological brush and dusts off something sweet, timeless, and true, that has seemingly always been right beneath my nose. In fact, I’m quite sure I’ve seen this little treasure before, probably looked it dead in the eyes. But today, I guess I really saw it…or maybe the truth of it just dug deeper.

Today I nestled in to watch the final video talk in Beth Moore’s Patriarch study. It has been an amazing study as we journeyed through the lives of Abraham to Joseph. I have loved every minute of it. The last few weeks have been particularly poignant in light of things I’m going through right now. As she closed out the final session she left us with these parting words:

“When you feel that longing, know what it is.
Don’t look for something on this earth to heal it.
It won’t heal.
It is your heart string tied to your heavenly home.
Sit back in the ache of it.
And know that every time you feel it, it is the echo of reality…this is not all there is.”

And there it was, all dusted off and in its stunning beauty.
Longing.
Longing is inevitable. It is incessant, and unceasing.
Ever present and rarely tame. There is no cure for Longing in this world.
There is only One who can satisfy it.

For months I have been wrestling with some decisions concerning future seasons in my life. I have had peace at times, confusion at others. Moments of confirmation and courage, days of fear and doubt. I keep waiting for the dust to settle and the abiding peace to coast me on into His will. This week I find myself uncomfortable and at the end of the day groaning, “this doesn’t satisfy, me Lord. This direction, this decision, doesn’t satisfy me.”

And the Lord’s straightforward response… “And it never will, Sara.”
No calling, no career, no destiny will satisfy all the Longings inside.
My satisfaction must be found in Him, alone.

No matter where this life takes me, the Longings will remain.
Created and deposited, intentionally by the only One who can fulfill them.
So that in every season I might seek Him.

I am beginning to learn more and more how my whole life is about a journey of the heart.
He is after mine, and I am after His, that is the main story line of my life.
Everything else is just a sideline.

I am alive.

Saw this video at church on Sunday. Good reminder. He’s alive!

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Because dreaming with God is fun.

My sister recently started a new adventure with Jesus, starting her own Mary Kay business! I’m excited for her and all that God is allowing her to dream with Him, I know He has lots to teach and grow her in the midst of this! It’s going to be a fun journey! So…if you ever feel like purchasing some wonderful Mary Kay products for yourself or as gifts, check out her website, and spread the word! Below is the letter she sent out announcing it all, I think it does a perfect job of sharing her heart and what God is up to! Enjoy!

Dear Loved Ones,

For some time now, I have been praying and looking for ways to supplement our family income (and reduce debt) through work that I can do from home. Phillip and I have many big dreams for our future. In searching for ways to make these dreams become a reality, I recently researched an opportunity that would enable me to earn extra money for our family, receive education and support towards achieving our dreams, AND work from home! After much prayerful consideration, and with Phillip’s full support, I have decided to open up my own Mary Kay business!

Please take a minute to pick yourself up off of the floor.

Yes, I know that I don’t wear much make-up. Thankfully, one of the things that I love about Mary Kay is that they offer beauty products for every kind of woman – even those of us who like to look as natural as possible. And as far as “peddling the pink”, well, I have become quite inspired by what Mary Kay has done in the lives of friends who are also consultants.

When considering opening my own business in partnership with the “pink”, Mary Kay won my respect for several reasons:

* They have a value system that is in alignment with my own: “God first, family second, career third.” They run their whole business with this ordering of priorities in mind. And they enable thousands of women world-wide the opportunity to help support their families financially while working from home and spending much-desired time with their children.
* They provide unparalleled resources to teach and guide women in running their own business, something I’m hungering to learn to do.
* They are debt free. Let me say that again. Mary Kay is DEBT FREE. So as companies go these days, they rank high on my list. Those who invest in Mary Kay, are investing in a company which not only supports the local family, but also ensures its own future by operating with integrity.
* They have high quality products for less. And their products are cost efficient. A little bit goes a long way!
* The camaraderie of beauty consultants is a supportive community wherein I will meet new friends and learn new skills to prepare me for the future and achieve my dreams.
* They provide the opportunity to connect people with products that will help their skin feel more radiant, their natural beauty bolstered and their lives filled with just a little more fun and girlie silliness. (yay!)

I have already set up a Mary Kay website, so even now, I can begin taking your orders 24/7 at www.marykay.com/katiepickard.

The best news? I will take 15% off any and all orders you make before April 17th. And more good news for those of you who live outside of Virginia: I never charge shipping, and the sales tax here is only 5%!!

Take some time to peruse the website!

If you are new to Mary Kay’s products, here are a few that I highly recommend.

* The Miracle Set. Your face will thank you. Enough said.
* Satin Hands – When you don’t have time for an undisturbed bubble bath with your fave book or magazine, take three minutes and try this three-step system of care for your hands. Pure luxury.
* MK Signature Concealer – the only reason why I don’t have big dark circles under my eyes.
* Eyesicles Eye Color – Just plain fun eye shadow (cream-to-powder formula)
* Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover – Leaves your skin silky smooth, but not greasy.
* Vacation Getaway Set (limited time only!) – Fun vacation-sized products in a travel bag! (includes gloss, “eyesicles” eye color, mascara, sunscreen, skin replenishment and travel bottles!)

And check out Mary Kay’s “Beauty on a Budget” page!

Many of you may already have a consultant with whom you do business. If this is the case, would you be so kind as to pass my name and number on to others who may not already have a consultant?

Please feel free to forward this email along to anyone you think may be interested. Any referrals are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your love, prayers and support as I take on this new opportunity in my life!

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. – Louisa May Alcott

Much love,
Katie

“Break for dancing” – Sound of Music style

Thanks Victoria! I love these!!

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Meditations in seeking direction…

יהוה is my shepherd; I do not lack.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters.
He turns back my being; He leads me in paths of righteousness For His Name’s sake.
When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You spread before me a table in the face of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Only goodness and kindness follow me All the days of my life; And I shall dwell in the House of יהוה, To the length of days!

Psalm 23 (The Scriptures translation)

Every once in a while…

You just have to do it. You have to post cute pictures of your niece and nephew. It must be done…

Beautiful Anna…I’m only slightly jealous of her dimples…

And sneaky Noah…his sense of humor already gets me…