Being a wife can be difficult at times, right? Especially when we see how television portrays wives. They can do it all—work outside the home, cook gourmet meals, look glamorous, and still find time to be passionate when the lights go out.

I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted just thinking about cooking a gourmet meal!

I just read Proverbs 31:10-31, and it is a must-read for all of us women who are married. But, be warned, this was written thousands of years ago, so read between the lines. What I love about this Proverb is that it describes the character and integrity of a wife, not the outward appearance of one.

After reading Proverbs 31:10-31, these were the main points I came away with:

• A wife of noble character is far more precious than jewels.
• Her husband has complete confidence in her.
• She provides for her family.
• She invests wisely.
• She works hard, and she’s strong.
• She is generous and helps the helpless.
• She is clothed with strength and dignity.
• She has a sense of humor.
• She is honored for the fruit of her labors.

Remember when I said this blog was probably more for me than for any of you? After reading Proverbs 31, I feel like a hypocrite. Women are under so much pressure to look their best at any cost (e.g., botox, hours at the gym, dental work). And I admit, I don’t want to age gracefully. But at the end of the day, wouldn’t it be far better to have a noble character than to look 20 years younger?

I’m struggling with this question, and I know some of you are saying, why can’t we have it all? Can we? If you have time this week, let me know what you think.

On May 23, I’m celebrating my daughter’s birthday, and my grandson’s birthday. What are the chances that two of my loved ones would be born on the same day?

Oops! There are no chances with God.

I can remember the day Monica was born—three weeks early. Imagine my surprise when my water broke. I was completely unprepared, but my delivery went well and she arrived perfect in every way.

Fast forward 28 years. Noah was born and he, too, was perfect in every way.

There is just something about watching a child being born, watching the miracle of creation. Can you imagine how God feels every time a child is born?

Jeremiah 1:8 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.” God formed each of us individually, with no two people exactly alike. Currently there are over 7.4 billion people on the planet. Imagine the power and creativity of God!

Psalm 139:16 says, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” As a novice writer, I like to visualize a gigantic book, yellowed with age, with my name and days memorialized by God.

This weekend I celebrate my loved ones, just as I’m sure God celebrates them too. I give thanks to God for my daughter and grandson, for their unique personality, and for the individual walk they will have for and with God.

Hi Girlfriends!

I know you all must be running out of patience with me, because week after week I’m sharing one trial or another with you. Believe me, I’m so thankful for all of you!

This past week has been one filled with intrigue, regret, sorrow, worry, joy…all the ingredients for a novel. But at the end of the day I had to wonder if I truly trusted in God.

Monday is officially my last day of work, although the state has already paid me my final check. Talk about feeling inconsequential! I’ve also had some health issues I’m worried about, and worry I did! All week. And my poor husband paid the price for my anxiety, worry, regret, and sorrow. To hell with the joyful part of my life!

On Thursday night, after driving home from Sacramento, I had the option of either turning on the television for a bit of mind numbing noise, or I could walk upstairs to my lair and read the Bible—my instruction manual. I chose the latter. And I’m glad I did. I felt better after reading about Saul trying to murder David, and I thought, my life isn’t really all that bad!

I say I trust in God, but do I really? Do my actions speak louder than words? It’s easy to give this sage advice, but do I walk the talk? I had to spend some quiet time answering that questions. And here’s what I know: trusting in God is a choice. I’m still struggling with all my emotions, but I believe God has a plan for my life. S

Psalm 56:11 says, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” That truth made my heart sing. I feel like I’ve taken off a heavy bear pelt and I could dance like an exquisite ballerina. OK, I have no idea what those two things really feel like, but I’m a woman with a wild imagination and a God who loves me.

Happy Mother’s Day to all my family and friends!

I can remember running down the lane to our home when I was a girl, because I couldn’t wait to share my day with my mother. She showered me with love, always took the time to listen patiently, and encouraged me without hesitation. Without her I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Fifteen years later, God blessed me with Phillip and Monica. I can still remember every detail of both deliveries, nursing both children,  and watching them grow into adulthood. I couldn’t believe the fierce love I had for my two children. And without them I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Two decades later, God blessed me again with grandchildren. I was in the delivery room as Kaylee, Ayden, and Noah were born. Once again, I couldn’t imagine the love I would feel for all my grandchildren, and without them I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Proverbs has quite a bit to say about the influence women have on their children. In Proverbs 6:20-22, the bible says, “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you.”

You all have your own stories, and tomorrow is the perfect day to reflect on the influence you continually have on your children. This day also gives us an opportunity to acknowledge how our children and grandchildren shape our lives.

Women love unconditionally, we try to keep our children out of harms way, we hope to guide them, only to let them go when they reach adulthood. But our love and protectiveness doesn’t end there, does it?

To all the mothers that I know and love—I’m throwing out a huge hug to you all. I salute you and hope you have the best day of 2016!

I usually don’t know what I’m going to share with you until Friday evening or Saturday, and today was no exception—until I drove through the Savemart parking lot this morning and saw a former friend loading groceries into her new Lexus SUV.

The two of us had been inseparable for years, our families were friends, we traveled together, worked together, shopped together until our friendship began to unravel. And my becoming a Christian was the last thread to break.

So, when I saw her this morning, all my petty feelings rose to the surface. Within a few minutes I was consumed with my feelings of betrayal, envy, and resentment.

Leviticus 19:18 says, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”

Not hold a grudge, Lord? I know the Bible is my instruction manual, but I really want to hold on to my grudge because I’m justified!

I continued to drive to the gas station, and I took a deep breath. I do pray for my former friend and her family periodically, but seeing her unexpectedly brought out something in me that I didn’t like. I thought I had rid myself of these feelings, and I was disappointed to find that I had only been fooling myself.

Jesus said in Matthew 22:39, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Evidently, Jesus felt this worth repeating. I prayed, right then and there for my friend and her family and I also prayed for myself.

I left the gas station feeling better about taking one step toward conquering my pettiness and the grudge that I can’t seem to release. But I’m not where I want to be. Can anyone relate?