“Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying” – Proverbs 31:28

Saying what? Well there is a lot to say. This post is technically a little late which, I admit, is lame.

Well Mom, I have a TON of reasons to bless you.

1. You taught me the fear of the Lord.

Not just because you spanked me 13 times a day. You taught me that right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter what day it is.

2. You modeled perseverance.

It’s interesting how much of what you taught me was due to your persistence to NOT let me get away with carp (mom you should be proud of me for not saying crap). I needed a mother who would consistently communicate truth into my thick scull. Thank God he gave me you.

3. You modeled servant leadership

So you and Dad both did a pretty good job at this one. What an example you have been to me. It was almost daily I got to witness you lead by serving. You taught me leaders act, they don’t just instruct. The biggest leader is often the most active. This model has shaped much of my work ethic today.

4. You modeled discipleship 

Do you have any clue how many women look up to you? I don’t think you do. It amazes me how many women in my life, some your age, some younger, listen to your wisdom. I guess they seem to recognize good advice faster than I have myself. Mom you are blessed because you bless those around you and allow the Lord to use you.

I could probably go on all night to be honest, but I’ll stop here.

Mom just because you modeled these things unfortunately doesn’t mean I mastered them. By the grace of God I get up every day and, if I submit to Him, am able to walk on the road you prepared me for.

Thanks Mom!!!

So it might seem like a weird question. Most of you in college have already taken your finals. Most of you in high school will have already graduated. Some probably have Memorial Day plans right before then.

So what is in 16 days? Well it’s election day.

Now before I lose every non-political person I should clarify this isn’t a political post (ok glad that’s clear).

Election day isn’t a big deal for most of you. Some of you won’t even vote. Some aren’t registered. For me this day is HUGE. It’s the day that most of the work I’ve done for the last 5 months will all come to a breaking point. Candidates I’ve had the pleasure of working with will either win or lose.

So in 16 days what will be important?

For me, I’d like to think winning elections would be important. I’m kind of setting myself up for failure if I set that as my standard though.

Isn’t it interesting how we set these goals or monuments in our lives and hold ourselves to standards that rely upon our success? If what is important to us is our desired result of service is that true service?

You see God calls us to serve Him in many different forms, functions, situations, etc. He doesn’t call us to attain certain results, instead He just asks us to serve.

It’s amazing how much stress we put on ourselves in the name of performing. It’s a very difficult thing to kill the flesh and submit to God’s will but that’s something required of us.

Let’s strive to live a life dedicated to service, leaving the results up to our Lord.

p.s. I really think my candidates are going to do extremely well so this post isn’t to prepare myself for a loss.

“On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.” – Psalm 62:7

Today was a sad day for our country.

Rick Santorum has suspended his presidential campaign.

Conservatives fought hard but unfortunately were too spread out, early on, in the GOP presidential nomination. Conservatives will now have to settle for Mitt Romney as our nominee.

Conservatives need not lose heart, we have plenty of leaders across the nation and have some great conservative candidates. With the establishment moderates winning the top of the ticket it makes the down ballot races that much more important.

Unfortunately the moderates coalesced much quicker than conservatives and it’s a lesson we can learn from.

Your congressman, state officials, and local officials will need to hold the line. If you know of a conservative candidate in your area, help him.

Conservatives fight because it’s the right thing to do, we fight for principles that never die. The fact that the name at the top of our ticket will not represent our values does not remove our resolve to fight for those values. Our principles live on, and the need for us to fight continues to grow.

Rise above to fray, and stay the course!