About

The easiest thing to write for this section was my age! Defining me is hard, but thanks to another great blog, Titus 2 Women, I am able to share with you a list of Biblical Priorities I have adopted.  This is a good snapshot of the 30-something woman behind the words:

1. God - Matthew 6:33a

I grew up in church, but walked away with no relationship with Jesus Christ in my teen years. In 2010, I gave up my vain pursuits in this world and surrendered my heart and soul to a Redeemer who's done more for me in just a few short years than I ever imagined. 

Everything I do, every decision made, is based on this question: Will it bring Glory to my Heavenly Father, Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit within? 

— No? Abandon it! Run like the wind, sister.

— Yes? Embrace it! God will provide everything you need along the way.

— Not sure? Seek Him! Read the Word and prayerfully ask God to show you His will.

2. Husband - Proverbs 12:4

My husband is a former Marine. He enlisted in 1998, and as you can imagine, we endured many deployments and operations during his career. More than once we almost walked away from our marriage, but God saw to put two stubborn mules together for a reason. Although my husband now lives with chronic physical and mental legacies from his time as a Marine, we have no regrets. None!

I am thankful God placed a great friend in my life early on in my marriage who helped me understand the importance of making your marriage your priority. The temptation to make kids, stuff, career, etc. more important than maintaining your relationship with your spouse is overwhelming. When the nest is empty and the pleasantry fades, what kind of relationship will you have with your spouse? 

3. Children - Psalm 127:3

I have three boys (born 2004, 2011 and 2015), and two angel babies waiting for me in Heaven (returned to Jesus in 2013). I’m not sure what our parenting style is, but I know we believe in strict discipline tempered with abundant love. My rule is every correction needs to end with hugs, kisses, and reminders that even though Mommy and Daddy may get angry or punish you, that doesn’t mean we don’t love you. 

I believe my parents set a wonderful parenting example. I have two older siblings, and I would often ask my Mother if she loved one of us more. She always laughed and said, “All of you kids are so different from each other, and so unique, I couldn’t possibly love one more than another!” I remember even when my parents had a firm hand or a strict word, I never doubted for a moment that they loved me unconditionally – even if I did think they were a little mean sometimes. I hope my children grow up with that same sense of love and acceptance from us.

4. Home - Proverbs 31:27

I have been a stay-at-home Mom and a working Mom. When I was at home I often felt like I would do anything for the chance to work again, but when I was at work, I often felt like I would do anything for the chance to be at home again. Being a Mother is just that way, and thankfully, I had the presence of mind to trust God for His will in my role as a Wife and Mother. 

The hardest period of Wife/Mothering in my life came when I worked two jobs at once (second hardest was working 40+ hours a week while finishing my degree). Succeeding at keeping up with everything was only possible through the power of a Great Big God and His abundant Grace. There was no other way, and although my growth during those times was unparalleled, I’m glad I am not in that place very often.

5. Service - Matthew 28:19a

My role is to serve my God, husband, children, home, and others. Anytime I can do something to meet a need, provide a blessing, be an encouragement, or just simply show love, is an opportunity for me to serve. No matter how tired or busy I am, when my priorities are in line with God’s will for my life, I am always amazed at how much energy and time He creates for me to serve. Serving just happens for me. I volunteer at my church as often as there is a need. As long as it will not prevent me from doing what needs to be done for #1, #2, #3, and #4, I will step up every time. I’ve never regretted it... never. 

6. Love One Another - Matthew 19:19b

Jesus was all about love, he was the embodiment of unconditional, perfect love. The disciples asked Him in Matthew 22 (ESV):

36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

There is too much hate in our world. Especially hard to watch are people who call themselves Christians and do not promote or show love to others. I want to be so filled with God’s grace, love, and mercy that it pours out of me and spills over the people He has placed in my path. Then I pray that when there are opportunities to let them see my Heavenly Father, Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit, that God gives me the courage to boast in His Glory.