Did Mary Have A Birth Plan?

Did Mary Have A Birth Plan?

Several weeks before having my first child, I painstakingly took time to write out a multi-page birth plan. It included everything from the oils I wanted diffusing in the labor room to who would cut the umbilical cord. I even translated it into French because my husband and I were stationed overseas at the time, and I wanted to ensure there were no missteps in communication. Continue reading “Did Mary Have A Birth Plan?” →

Are You Good At Being Patient?

Are You Good At Being Patient?

Patience has never been my strong suit. As a child I even had a record album that sang about it:

Have patience, have patience, don’t be in such a hurry. When you are impatient, you’ll only start to worry. Remember, remember, that God is patient too. Just think of all the times when He has had to wait on you.

The worst part about the song was when the turtle—yes, turtle—sang the words as slowly as possible. “Haaaaaaave paaaaaaaatience…..” I hated it. The waiting was killer.

Sadly, not much has changed since reaching adulthood. I still struggle with being patient. And now I have two young children who like to stretch what little I do have. But having patience…and a positive attitude…is a necessary virtue. As James, the brother of Jesus, wrote,

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4

The struggle is real, folks. But it’s worth it. Patience makes us better. It helps to strengthen us and perfect us. It’s hard to attain and easy to lose, but always worth having. And it’s always…always…worth the wait.

A Message To The Next Generation

A Message To The Next Generation

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same…” – Ronald Reagan

To my husband, an Iraq war vet who has served his country for more than 20 years now, thank you.

To my dad, a former Navy SeaWolf who bravely piloted missions in Vietnam to save men’s lives and fight for the freedom of others, thank you.

To all of America’s war veterans and the military men and women who choose daily to fight for and protect the freedom we’ve been given, thank you.

To my children…and to the next generation…may you have the honor of knowing these heroes and may you understand the value of the sacrifices made on your behalf and always cherish them deeply.

May God bless America.