Inspiration

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A Parable of Restoration

After a lengthy, intensive restoration project, one of the greatest masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance has been restored to its original splendor and returned to its home at the world-renowned Uffizi Gallery in Florence.  The Madonna del Cardellino was painted by Raphael in 1505 for the wedding of his friend, a wealthy Florentine merchant. It [...]

22May2009 | Mary Kassian | 1 comment | Continued
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Heart Spring

Where I live, Easter usually marks the turning point between winter and spring, and this year is no exception. It’s the point at which the cold gives way to warmth. Darkness gives way to light. Death gives way to life. The monochrome bursts into color. The silence gives way to song. Hope is fulfilled.

13Apr2009 | Mary Kassian | 0 comments | Continued
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Love is a Choice

This past summer, at my son’s wedding, I found myself reminding him of the words my mother spoke to me at my wedding, and many times since:  “Always remember that love is a choice.”
The dictionary defines love as “a feeling of warm personal attachment or strong affection.”  But if love is primarily a feeling, then [...]

11Feb2009 | Mary Kassian | 2 comments | Continued
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The WOW Factor

Last season, TV viewers cast nearly 500 million votes in support of their favorite contestants on American Idol.  It’s natural to express praise for that which we enjoy.  We promote the music of our favorite artist; discuss the skill of an admired athlete; recommend the food of a good restaurant; or describe the beauty of [...]

13Jan2009 | Mary Kassian | 0 comments | Continued
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Paper Stars

Just before Christmas, I spoke at a Ladies Christmas Tea about the wonder of the Season. The title of my talk was “Paper Star.” I shared how the simple paper stars hanging on my tree remind me of my family history and traditions. There’s so much more to the ornament than meets the eye - [...]

26Dec2008 | Mary Kassian | 0 comments | Continued
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HOT OFF THE PRESS!

A NEW Bible Study by Mary Kassian: “Knowing God by Name - A Personal Encounter”
God knows your name.  Do you know HIS?
God is too big, too magnificent for a single name.  Consider this:  the God whose many names include Creator, Provider, Ruler, and Redeemer wants you to know Him more intimately. Mary Kassian’s new study [...]

18Aug2008 | Mary Kassian | 0 comments | Continued
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Forget Me Not

Tiny blue flowers, called “forget-me-nots” grow profusely in the heights of the Rocky Mountains in the summer. They can be found tucked into every nook and cranny - sometimes growing out of cracks in the face of the rock. This is a poem I wrote one summer as I reflected on the name of these vivid blooms. They , together [...]

2May2008 | Mary Kassian | 1 comment | Continued
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The Power of Praise

Last season, TV viewers cast nearly 500 million votes in support of their favorite contestants on American Idol. It’s natural to express praise for that which we enjoy. We promote the music of our favorite artist; discuss the skill of an admired athlete; recommend the food of a good restaurant; or describe the beauty of [...]

1Jan2008 | Mary Kassian | 1 comment | Continued
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On Eagles Wings

From time to time, Brent and I spot Eagle’s nests while hiking. Watching these mighty birds swoop and soar and care for their young is a fascinating pastime. Eagles build their nests in crags high up on mountains. When their young reach a certain age, the parents stir the nest, and throw the little ones [...]

1Jan2008 | Mary Kassian | 4 comments | Continued