The issue of abortion comes up and I was quiet. The issue of same sex marriage comes up and I am quieter still..I ask myself why. Why when others are so vocal do I stand on the sidelines and watch and wonder and wait..because it is easier to avoid, to just smile or not offer up what I believe while others are waving flags and marching,making sure everyone knows what they believe. My heart is sadde...ned within, for all I have ever taught students to do was take a stand, be counted,and I stood neutral.

And so here I am, to be counted,to take a stand. I believe with every fiber of my being that abortion is not ever the best choice,and to be avoided if at all possible. It's a child,not a choice..
And I don't believe in same-sex marriage. I think God intends a man and a woman to be married,to share something holy and unique and powerful,something that He made at the beginning of time...These are truths I live by,taught my children,and hopefully my grandchildren someday..I wish with all my heart that more of us who believe this,would stand up and be counted..

I just had to share this with all my friends who are raising boys!!!! Jeanne Gregory did a beautiful job writing this about her years as a wonderful mother and I totally hope that I cAn be this mother to Brooks. It brought tears to my eyes of how true this is and to never wish anything away because it goes so fast!!!! Thanks Jeanne
Cousin Lauri Shell Buly

April 5,2013

 

As I close out Spring Break 2013, i was reminded of all the lessons I have learned from my sons..

1. Boys arrive with plans; you just get to help direct for awhile

2. At 4 years old, Wilson informed us he was taking the training wheels of...f his bike. We could have laughed,but we didn't. Tom handed him the wrench and I took a picture. It may have been small to us, but to him, it was big. Remember it is all big to them.

3. At 7 they both told me they needed to talk to Dad about "stuff". I learned then how important their time is with Dad.

4. When they want to try something new, let them. We had piano, violin, drums, soccer, baseball,karate,basketball,and football..they learned something from each of these endeavors.

5. Let them fail..they will pick themselves up and move forward far faster than you.

6. When they say they are done with a sport or music or art, don't convince them you aren't. Remember you are along for the ride..

7. Never offer advice when they just failed miserably. Go get pizza and ice cream. They'll talk later.

8. Never give up a chance to teach them to drive. They have to spend 180 days in the car with you learning. It will be gone in a blink of an eye.

9. When they want to bring their friends for dinner,tell them to bring them! Make spaghetti and pizza and brownies, listen in and learn..

10. I learned when Dad takes them to get their first suit, it's important. Let them go.

11. When they tell you they love a teacher or a coach, ask why. I learned those are the same traits they are looking for in a parent. Patience. Kindness. Being there early and staying late to help.

12. I learned when they are picking a college, they need to go where their heart sends them. Not where you want them to go. God has a plan..

13. When they have a wreck, the truck is totaled and all they say is "mom, try to calmly close your eyes and thank God they are able to talk to you.

14. I learned that all those hours Tom and I snuggled in and read with them, they remember.

15. I learned that their very best friends are influencing much of what they do. Help them choose wisely when they are small...

16. I learned men are very important in a young mans life. Men who will cheer them on, encourage, push them forward. Men who build into their lives when they need another voice beside Dad. Grandpa, uncles, youth leaders, all important role models.

17.I learned when they come home from college, they are men. Treat them with honesty and respect.

18. I learned that while raising my sons I was impacting the way they will raise their own children. What is important to us, became important to them. Dinner together, praying before meals, Christmas surprises and hidden Easter baskets..they remember.

19. Always , always make sure they know that nothing that happens will stop you from loving them. There is no problem too big that can't be walked through together.

20. I learned it on 9-11 when they came running to me, and learned it over and over again throughout the past 20 years. You are who they look for in the crowd, wave to on the side, thank on national tv. When they walk through the door, they yell" Mom, I'm home." There is no one that takes the place of mom.See More

There is an angel at the top of our front door. It says "Bless all those who enter"~ a small mother bird decided to make a very small nest with four eggs behind it. She must have taken the sign at its word...we all need a place to call a safe harbor..

A little over 20,000 mornings, God has allowed me to wake up,open my eyes and walk thru a beautiful new day. Imagine. So many have so much less , and yet they rise and shine, and give God glory..here is to 20,000 plus 1~ thank you God for each and every morning!

Thank you dear friends for all of the birthday wishes! I've had a most wonderful day touring around with the hubby! My verse for this year is to"Live generously and you shall be blessed" ~ couldn't be truer words.. My cup runneth over with friends and family..love you all

Daddy; he is turning 21 on Monday. When we got off the plane, holding this precious little one, you wrapped him in your arms and said"We'll, now he's home"...I hope in that cloud of Witnesses in Heaven, you can see what a wonderful young man he has become..