This Day . . .

"This day I marry my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love."


These were the words we used to for our wedding verse. It was true then, and still is now. Seven years ago today, I was incredibly honored to marry my best friend. I was thirty-three years old, and had nearly given up on finding real love. It had taken me thirty-three years, and I went through a lot of frogs, but I finally found my prince. Thank you, Jesus!








The years have gone by quickly. They’ve been amazing years too. We never had that awkward period of adjustment that everyone talks about. The dreaded first year was wonderful. So was the second. And third. As well as every year since. In a way, we really do still feel like newlyweds.


It hasn’t been the picture of perfection though, it’s too real for that. We’ve had some bad times, but mostly good times. There has been pain, but mostly joy. We’ve even had a few disagreements, but never anything serious. I can honestly say we have never had a knock-down, drag-out type of fight. We’ve never yelled at each other, called one another names, or disrespected each other in any way. I guess you could say we’re boring!


As the years have passed, I have remained thankful that God would bless me with such a wonderful man to spend my life with. He is a really good man. It is not a stretch for me to say that he has more honor, integrity and good character than most pastors I’ve known personally and probably more than a whole lot more that I don’t know personally. His faith and his walk with God are very real and very strong. He doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk. He is a good leader, good husband, good provider, good father, and still my best friend. And I am a much better person because I have him in my life.


And honey, if you’re reading this, I still do!

Search Me, O God

When I first got saved, 10 years ago, I had a voracious appetite for the Word of God. I stopped watching TV, changed my relationships and associations, and most definitely changed my activities. I read the Bible all the time. Seriously, any free time I had. I just couldn’t get enough of it. I read the whole Bible three times the first year. Except for Psalms.


I just couldn’t get into Psalms. It wasn’t that I didn’t think there wasn’t good content to be read; it’s just that I couldn’t structure it right. I had a tendency to read like a machine, start at the beginning and go straight through to the end, but I found I couldn’t do that with the Psalms. Eventually I found a way to read them. And guess what? I found that I loved them! Such beauty, such love, such pain, such humility, such need for God, such need for grace, such honesty. Brutal honesty at times. I found so much contained within the Psalms that spoke directly to me, and whatever situation I found myself in. Now I love Psalms, and have tons of underlining, highlighting and notes to prove that.


Recently when I was in Psalms and came to a passage that really caused to me pause and think on it for a moment. I was in Psalm 139 (one of my favorites anyway), at the last two verses really jumped out at me. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” ~ Psalm 139:23-24


What a brave prayer! Read it again and let it sink in. Did the Psalmist really want God to search him and see into the deepest parts of his heart and mind? Yikes! My first reaction was, I really don’t think I would want God to do that to me. But then I realized how absurd that is because He does anyway. He knows the parts inside of me that are still dark and cold. He knows when I hold offense or unforgiveness in my heart. He knows when I sin in thought, even if I don’t actually sin in action.


He knows me far better than I know myself. And that's why I think this prayer is so brave. The Psalmist is asking God to examine him, test him, and then show him anything that is within him, that is not pure and pleasing to God. Why would he do that? Why would we do this? Is this something we really want to know? Isn’t ignorance bliss? No, in this case it's not. The answer to why is in the very last part of the prayer. When God shows us the sin in our lives (thoughts, words, actions, and attitudes), He is leading us along the path of everlasting life, the path of righteousness, the path to Him.


So now, despite my great trepidation, I will try to be as brave as the Psalmist, and pray this prayer on a regular basis, because I know that He corrects me lovingly and for my own good, because He is a good Daddy. That doesn’t mean I have to like it though! (Still working on attitude!) I realize this is not without challenge because once He shows me, I really am responsible for changing. And I will probably have to let go of some things that I’d really rather hang on to. But I know He will be there, and He will give me the grace I need. And I know that according to Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Amen!

Controversy & Personal ~ Current Events Wrap Up

Ok, it’s Thursday, and you know what that means… It’s time for The Current Events Wrap Up meme, hosted by the amazing Julie Arduini at her The Surrendered Scribe blog. The Current Events Wrap Up meme is the vision God gave Julie for discussing what is going on in the world, nation and even our own lives. This is really a fantastic meme and we would love to see it grow. There is so much happening these days and it would be amazing to have a team of conservative commentators discussing their thoughts. Please go and check out Julie’s blog, and if you like current events or news, think about joining in and/or spreading the word!

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There is something that I just have to vent about. Once again on this last Monday, all day long, I heard about one thing. It is a story that most people really don’t know, or could care less about, but for me, it is appalling. On March 23, 2003, PFC Lori Piestewa, along with the rest of her convoy, including best friend Jessica Lynch, made a wrong turn in the Iraq desert and drove into an enemy town, where they were attacked. Everyone except Lynch, who was taken as a POW, was killed. Lori had been a single mom of two children, who are now left in the care of her parents.


The story is sad. All of the fallen soldiers are heroes, simply because they laid down their lives in defense of their country. However, for Lori Piestewa, that is not the end of the story. She was the first known Native American woman to die in combat. And for that distinction, she has been revered, honored and I might even say worshiped. Celebrations and memorials are continuous. A Valley mountain and freeway has been renamed for her amid great controversy. Even Extreme Home Makeover has bought into the hype by providing her parents and two children left behind a new home, for no reason other than that she was the first Native American woman to die in combat.


This is a bitter pill for many of us, because while she is only one of the many of Arizonan’s killed in action, she is the only one who gets any recognition for it. When then Gov. Janet Napolitano heard of Lori’s death, she pressured, bullied, and it’s been debate that she even broke laws to force the change of the name of the previously mentioned freeway and mountain. She called for the resignation of someone who challenged her, and had a staff member call and threaten others who fought it. She even had the audacity to rudely dismiss the tearful pleas of the numerous other families who’d recently lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan, to consider changing the names of these sites to honor all of the fallen, rather than just one. She wouldn’t even hear them out. It was a shrewd political move that ensured the reelection of our most liberal governor to date, because people who’d never even voted before, showed up in droves to vote her in for a second term out of gratitude (or manipulation). Make no mistake, Napolitano couldn’t care less for the combat death of Lori or Piestewa family, this was purely political.


Lori Piestewa, a single mom from the reservation in northern Arizona, died a hero serving her country. I believe that. But the way she is now worshiped is a brutal slap in the face to the memory of all of our other fallen heroes. She made a wrong turn and is now revered a hundred times more than any other of our lost sons and daughters. She died without firing a single shot, something her Hopi family (the same family who is calling all Native American’s to return from the war any way they can because this is not their war) is very proud of, and is celebrated and revered more than any decorated soldier. Around here, the only ones who remember any of the other numerous heroes killed in action, are the families. They get no press. They get no ceremonies. They get no memorials. And that to me is unconscionable.


And . . .


The other current event that I’d like to discuss is personal. I am so excited to announce that I have just been offered my first paid writing job! A lovely lady from Train Up Children, found me through FaithWriter’s and contacted me, to have me write lesson plans for preschoolers. I am thrilled at this wonderful opportunity to get paid doing something I love, while helping little children to know and love Jesus. Praise the Lord! By the way, obviously I checked out the site before I agreed and true to the name, it really looks like a fantastic site, with tons of teaching materials for your children.

Give Me Liberty, Or Give Me Death! ~ All About America

Anyone who really knows me, understands that I am a passionate patriot. I love America immensely. It offers freedom, hope and opportunity like no other country in the world. As such, I will be posting All About America every Wednesday, because I am proud to be an American! The content will vary and may include photos, facts, commentary, quotes, excerpts of speeches, etc. I will use different sources and make every attempt to site the source. Sometimes I may offer commentary, other times, if I think the content speaks for itself, I may not. I hope you enjoy All About America as much as I do, and that you’ll come back and visit often. And may God Bless America!


This has been taken from my second favorite book of all time, The American Patriot’s Almanac by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb. It is filled with tons of amazing information and history, and anyone who loves history or consider themselves to be patriotic, will love this book. I did a full review of this book and if you would like to see it, simply click here.

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On March 23, 1775, with hostilities between Americans and British troops breaking out in New England, Patrick Henry stood in a packed St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, and mad a fiery argument to the Second Virginia Convention that the time had come for the colonies to gather their strength and commit themselves to action. His ringing words still remind us that freedom must be defended:


Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of Hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? . . . The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat, but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged, their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable – and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace – but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

A Proverb A Day . . .

When I began to read my Bible today, I was thrilled to see I was beginning Proverbs again. I can say with absolute certainty that Proverbs is my favorite book of the Bible. And I’m in it quite often. The way I read my Bible, is to begin with a full page or two of Psalms, Proverbs, or Ecclesiastes, then spend some time in my normal reading from the other books. I basically go Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiasts, Proverbs, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, etc. So, as I said, I’m in Proverbs a lot.


But I love that book! There is so much wisdom, instruction, and good old fashioned common sense contained within it. And everything applies to life today. Want to know about relationships? It’s in Proverbs. Want to know about good character? It’s in Proverbs. Want to know about money? It’s in Proverbs. Want to know about how to live your life in a productive and honorable way? It’s in Proverbs. Likewise, if you want to learn how not to be or act, it too is in Proverbs. Do you see a theme here?


Every single time I read Proverbs, something jumps out at me. I’m not kidding every time. So I began my reading today with the beginning of Proverbs, which according to my current Bible, the New Living Translation, explains The Purpose of Proverbs. The first few lines, verses 2 – 4 really jumped out at me. They are:


“The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings. Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will make the simple-minded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.” Prov. 1:2-4 (NLT)


WOW! Can you imagine what our society would be like if this stuff was actually taught? How much better off would we be if Proverbs was required reading and teaching, in the home, the schools, and the boardrooms all across America? What if all the tremendous amount of money and effort that goes into teaching liberal tolerance, sexual exploitation of children, alternative lifestyles, etc, what if that actually was used for good? What if, bear with me now, what if the content of Proverbs was actually taught in our churches?


Imagine how society would be if discipline wasn’t a bad and dreaded thing to be fought and rebelled against. Imagine if we studied Proverbs to learn how to handle money, bills, and debt? Imagine life if everyone focused on good character and how to be better people, honest, honorable and with high integrity. Imagine if people actually behaved in a way that was consistently right, just, and fair!


Alas, I know it is just wishful thinking . . . But once again I commit myself to learning and growing through Proverbs, and yes, of course, the rest of the Bible too. In it I’ve learned how to be a good wife and mother. In it I’ve learned (somewhat anyway) to tame my tongue. In it I’ve learned to seek and follow God’s will for my life, because His way is certainly better than mine.


No, I’ve not yet gotten to the finish line. I know I still have a long way to go, to be the person God created me to be. But I also know that I am not alone on this journey. Jesus is always with me. And He has given me both the Holy Spirit and His Word to guide and direct me. And once again I am thankful for it all! I’d love to give you more verses to ponder, but if I added all of the verses that speak to me, this would be about 6,000 words long. So instead, I’ll just recommend that you spend some time in Proverbs. After all, as I always say, “a Proverb a day will keep evil away.”

My Great Epiphany!

Ok, so I mentioned on my Facebook page the other day, that I had an epiphany, but didn’t elaborate at the time. I guess people really do read all those blurbs, because I’ve had several people mention it since, both in person and through e-communication. So, I’ve decided to go ahead and divulge this great “Ah-ha” moment that I had.


Many of you know from reading this blog over the last year that I didn’t come from a close or healthy family. I’ve divulged much of my testimony in various posts throughout the year. But for those of you who may not know, I grew up in poverty and a single-mom household that was dysfunctional. My mother has a lot of . . . issues. Depression, hopelessness and a victim-mentality rule her life. I experienced hunger and humiliation, emotional and sexual abuse, and neglect. My growing up years were based on survival and as such, I was fiercely independent and headstrong. In many ways, I was more like the parent of the household, for myself, my little brother and my mother.


Obviously we are not a close-knit family. Even to this day we are not close. I try to honor my mother as best as I can, but her choice has been to remain distant from my life. I love her, and I pray for her, but I have strong and healthy boundaries, and will not allow myself to get sucked into the drama and dysfunction that I once knew. And I feel good about my life and know that God is ok with it too. What remains is in His hands. My mother gives what she can, which is very little, but now I can accept that, and further I'm happy for that.


The summer before my senior year, I signed up for the Air Force in delayed enlistment. Within two weeks of my graduation, I was off to basic training. I was thrilled and excited and full of fear too! When I left, I said a quick goodbye, with a quicker hug, to my mother and turned to face my new life. Then I noticed something. Others, guys and gals, who were making the same journey, were holding onto their families tightly and crying. I was shocked and confused by this. I just didn’t get it. It never occurred to me to cry, that this might be a sad or lonely thing. As far as I was concerned, it was an exciting new adventure and I was free!


Through the years since, I’ve seen this type of thing many times. I’ve seen tears at saying goodbye to and missing family, a longing to be together, through the good and the bad, talking to parents and siblings often on the phone, and getting together for holidays and even just because. I came to realize that that was “normal,” and I was not. I still didn’t get it, and I didn’t understand it, but I accepted it. My normal was independence, distance and friends – not family. In fact, I held tight to my belief in family by choice, not by chance, meaning my friends and pets were my family, not those I was blood related to.


Fast forward to now and my recent epiphany. We were watching The Biggest Loser the other night and the remaining contestants all got to go home for the week. It was touching and emotional and just… nice. When it was time for them to go back to the ranch though, it was so clear how hard this was for many people – especially the moms who had to say goodbye to their children. I was incredibly moved by these scenes.


I began thinking about how would I handle a separation like that from my beloved husband and precious daughter? Just thinking about it made me cry. Literally. And that was it! That was my great epiphany! I realized then that I had made it to “normal.” All of a sudden, I got it. And I realized once again, the amazing faithfulness of God. He took my deepest longing to have a family that I loved fiercely and enjoyed too, and He gave it to me! I realized that He gave me an Eph. 3:20 family, that He gave me beauty for ashes, and He restored all that the locust had stolen. And I was, and am, so very grateful! Thank you, Jesus!


“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.” ~ Ephesians 3:20