the heart of the matter...

I....

• am a teacher who works full time & will take her kids to a babysitter because this is the field that God has called me to. I make a difference in the lives of other children besides just my own. I love my kids enough to give them the freedom to be in the hands of others & I trust others enough to love and care for my kids. THIS IS NOT AN EASY CHOICE & is just as much a sacrifice on my part as staying at home is to others.

• am a women who respects that God has gifted others with the talents that I do not possess, one of these being medical smarts. I do not run to the doctor for every sniffle or pain--however, I trust that my doctor is more capable of assisting me in the birth and care of my baby & myself than I am.

• am a wife who too often doesn't realize the gift of a husband that I've been given. He's gone with to every OB appointment, except one when he was out of town, he grocery shops, cooks, cleans & takes care of all the manly things like the lawn, garbage, cars, etc. He does things I just plain don't want to do & stands by my side to help me make difficult decisions. He supports me when I feel led by God to do something & never tears me down...I wish I could always say the same of myself in regards to him.

• am a mommy who dreams the best for her baby. I will be the best parent I can be. I will make mistakes, I will not be perfect, but I will try. I will let others love & care for my baby because I know the joy a baby brings. I've been blessed to have my hands & hearts in the lives of many children who have made a difference to me.

• am a sister who is grateful to have 2 such wonderful, caring people in my life. I rely on them & they rely on me. We are intertwined with a bond that cannot be broken. We may not always understand each other--we may not always agree with each other--but we always love each other. Thank you Lord for my sister blessings.

• am a daughter who feels loved 100% of the time. I am not the result of perfect parents, but I am the result of a happy & loved upbringing. We were not always privileged, but we were cared for & raised with modest but wholesome values. We often had to find our own way, which was our parents' way of helping us grow. I am also the daughter of a Godly father, who always loves & remembers me, even when I stumble & fall.
  

• am a servant. When I choose an area to serve in I do it with all my heart and for the right reasons. I strive to bring others closer to Christ. I am not a perfect person who always makes perfect, Godly choices, but I try. I am in need of forgiveness just like everyone else.
  

• I am not defending myself or my actions. I am explaining my life choices & thanking my Maker for my blessings. I am simply showing you my pulse...the heart of all that really matters.