It's not our circumstances that steal our joy; it's our attitude during our circumstances.

It is easy to think "If I could just get a new car, a bigger house, a better job, or more money, then I'll be happy." We tend to view happiness as a commodity attainable by wealth. However, as the old saying goes, "money cannot buy happiness."

Indeed, no amount of money or things will ever give you lasting joy or contentment; that's because joy and contentment are not based on circumstances. Therefore, if you're not content with what you have, you won't be content with what you want.

Although at first it may seem difficult, it is very possible to be content even during harsh circumstances. Paul said, in Philippians 4:11-12, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

In those two verses, Paul is saying that he could be content—that is, have joy—regardless of his circumstances. Joy should not be dependent on circumstances; it should be present regardless of them.

When Paul said that he could be content "in any and every situation," he truly meant everything—even the tough times of testing. In 2 Corinthians 11:24-27, he lists some of the tough times that he has endured: "Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked."

Even in all these things, Paul had "learned to be content." Clearly, it's not our circumstances that steal our joy. You, too, can learn "to be content whatever the circumstances."

Stop thinking that you will have joy after you buy a new house, after you get married, after you buy a better car, after your in-laws treat you right. Don't put off joy until after everything goes your way; decide to have joy now! For you can have joy whatever the circumstances!

From: Christ Notes

Submitted by: Victoria S.

Life transformation is rooted in mind transformation.

Where your mind goes, your actions follow. Whatever you think about will dictate your behavior, your attitude, and (ultimately) your direction in life. Your thoughts are sort of like a rudder—they steer the rest of your body.

Considering the influence of your mind on your life, it's no surprise Paul emphasizes that in order for our lives to be changed by Christ our thoughts must first be changed by Him: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2). How are we to be transformed? By renewing (changing, refocusing) our minds so that they reflect the mind of Christ.

If our minds are so important, then it's quite understandable that the devil would fight to gain a foothold in our thoughts. Paul writes, in 2 Corinthians 4:4, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

What better place for the devil to attack people than in their minds? As thunder follows lighting, so actions follow thoughts. And if Satan can turn your thoughts against God, your actions will assuredly follow.

Therefore, it's imperative that you set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). And when you focus your mind on God, it's only a matter of time before your actions, your passions, your attitudes—your whole life—become focused on God.

From: Christ Notes

Posted by: Krista J.

Mothers and Maidens Meeting

Hello, Dear Friends,

We would love it if you would be able to attend at this months Mothers and Maidens meeting. Please arrive at the Lynden Library between 1:30 and 2:00, on September the 3rd! Also, please bring your Bibles, notebook, finger-food, and hand work! (Hand work optional) Please bring tea cups, plates and napkins for your family. We will provide Plates, napkins and cups for those who are unable to bring.

We will be watching "The Art Of Cooking." With the West ladies!

Put on your apron, warm up the oven and savor The Art of Cooking. With years of experience preparing delectable southern recipes, the West Ladies — Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe — teach a wealth of fun and helpful kitchen essentials that will make your culinary adventures richly memorable.

Hope to see you there!

Blessings,
Krista J.

Christian Heritage, Homsechool Kickoff Picnic, at Hovander Park in Ferndale WA...with a surprise.

Saturday, August 28, at 2 pm is our 2nd annual Christian Heritage homeschool kickoff picnic at Hovander Park in Ferndale! Click here for details on this year's picnic (remember to RSVP... it's as easy as 1-2-3 no fee!! I just did it for our family! :-) But the surprise is........ Christian Heritage founders, Michael and Susan Bradrick (from Montesano, WA) will be there, and Mr. Bradrick will give the speech!! We are very excited, and I hope you all (who live Seattle and north ;-P) can make it!!!

~Laura

Mothers and Maidens Meeting is coming up!

We hope you will be able to join us at the Lynden Library meeting room, arriving between 1:30 and 2:00, on Friday, August 6th.

Please bring your Bible, notebook and pen. You may also like to bring your handwork.

We will be having a refreshment time and you are welcome to bring a plate of finger foods. You may also bring a teapot, teacups and plates for the ladies in your family.

We will be watching Homestead Blessings "The Art of Canning".

 From basic skills to more advanced techniques and tricks that come from years of experience, The Art of Canning is sure to provide you with the skill-sets you need to can a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

Learn about:

~Equipment

~Cleaning

~Sealing

~Storage

~Water-bath method

~Pressure method

~Tomatoes

~Green Beans

~Jams

~Eggs

...and much more!

It would be nice to post on the Mothers and Maidens of Virtue blog at least once a week. If you have anything that you would like to be posted, please send it to mothersandmaidensofvirtue@gmail.com. If you would like to sign up to give a testimony of how God has worked in your life, (especially in the area of being a Titus 2 'keeper at home'), please send an e-mail to the above address.

We hope you will attend!

Love in Christ,
Krista Joy

Mother's and Maiden's Meeting

Dear Mothers and Maidens,

We hope you will be able to join us at the Lynden Library meeting room, arriving between 1:30 and 2:00, on Friday, July 2.

Please bring your Bible, notebook and pen. You may also like to bring your handwork.

We will be having a refreshment time and you are welcome to bring a plate of finger foods. You may also bring a teapot, teacups and plates for the ladies in your family.

We will be watching: The Art of Dairy Delights with the West Ladies—Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe—teaching a wide range of helpful instruction in making wonderful dairy dishes. Explore fun and practical creations that are sure to greatly enrich many cooking endeavors, and in the process learn a wealth of important skills that will lead to nutritional, economical, and delicious benefits that come from making your own dairy products.

The film includes instruction in the processes of making scrumptious ice creams, smooth and tasty butters, rich and creamy yogurts, and delectable cheeses.

From simple tasks such as basic equipment needs, to the perfect ingredient combinations, The Art of Dairy Delights is an outstanding resource for cultivating dairy in the kitchen.

It would be nice to post on the Mothers and Maidens of Virtue blog at least once a week. If you have anything that you would like to be posted, please send it to mothersandmaidensofvirtue@gmail.com. If you would like to sign up to give a testimony of how God has worked in your life, (especially in the area of being a Titus 2 'keeper at home'), please send an e-mail to the above address.

We hope to see you on Friday!

Blessings,
Cynthia and Krista for Mothers and Maidens of Virtue

Mothers and Maidens Meeting!

Dear Mothers and maidens of Virtue,

We look forward to seeing you on Friday the 4th of June. Bring your Bibles along with hand work. Arive between 1:30 and 2:00 PM.

The West ladies are back — Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe — in “The Art of Sewing.” This inspiring and educational DVD teaches a wide range of fun and useful sewing skills.

Expand your knowledge of sewing with the helpful and down-to-earth instruction The West Ladies are known for, and develop a wide assortment of useful skills that will assist in making wonderful sewing creations.

This program is full of useful sewing instruction and tips that will inspire and teach seamstresses of all levels. From pillow cases, to baby blankets, to blouses, skirts and rag quilts, viewers will learn a host of techniques. If you are just starting out, or expanding your skills with new tips and ideas, “The Art of Sewing” is the perfect tool.

M&M will be at the Weese Home 9147 Benson RD Lynden WA.

This will be Sarah Criss' last M&M with us, as an unmarried lady!

Hope to see you there!