World's Greatest Dad

Now that I’m expecting my second child with a healthy start to my second trimester, I’d like to take this time to give props to my husband, or more fittingly, the world’s greatest dad.



He is amazing to say the least. I’ve written before that my success with breastfeeding my son, Isaac, for nearly 10 months was largely due to my husband’s support and encouragement. For all of you dads out there, I hope you can either relate to what I’m about to share or perhaps find inspiration as you help raise your offspring with the mother of your child(ren).

My husband has experienced pregnancy, a miscarriage, labor/Cesarean delivery, and postpartum issues right along with me. He’s had to endure watching me squirm out of physical discomfort. He’s had to play my bedside lactation consultant each time I wanted to give up when breastfeeding seemed nearly too painful to go on. He played the role as my psychiatrist when I had the emotionally draining bouts of postpartum depression. Nowadays, he’s my nighttime nanny who takes round-the-clock care for my 11-month-old boy. Even after each strenuous 9-hour workday, he takes on all responsibilities and chores just so I can be snuggled in bed early each night.

But I must say, the biggest help is the simple fact that he believes in the power of prayer. In every situation, he applies spiritual wisdom so that things don’t ever seem unmanageable or too difficult to endure. He always has hope in the future and growing love for our Lord Jesus Christ. If it weren’t for his unshakeable faith in God, I am convinced he wouldn’t be the beautiful man he is.

In fact, several friends and family that have witnessed the dynamic between father and his son have approached me astounded by how much my husband does for his family. People have said just how blessed I am to have a husband so loving, so nurturing, and so selfless that his greatest attributes shine like never before when he deals with our son. I’ve even been told that I appear well rested although I’m a new mom with a bun in the oven. If that is true, that’s only because my husband works tirelessly to make sure I’m first priority and my son is always cared for.

He totally stepped up and put aside his hobbies and personal time after my son was born. As a lifelong fitness fanatic, he hasn’t set foot in a gym more than twice since he became a father. He waited years and years to invest in a mountain bike and he once took to the trails so happily and free-spirited. After becoming a daddy, he hasn’t touched his mountain bike in almost a year. The few nights he decides to hang with the guys, he cuts his night out short to be home with mom and baby. With all of this, he has NEVER complained...not once! When it comes to his wife and his son, no job is left undone nor is any request ever a bother. Seriously, this man has never complained even with my ridiculous demands!

He’s my hero and never did I think God would bless me so abundantly. I’ve been wretched in many ways and ungrateful in more ways than I care to admit. But I know God’s grace is always so good. The Lord, for some reason, feels that I deserve a man who undeniably treats me like a queen.

Thank you, Honey for all that you do. Because of you, I look forward to the children we may be fortunate enough to raise. Because of you, nothing seems impossible to bear. You are my rock and the very reason I care to be the best at everything expected of me.

Peace...continued

I know you resent me and wish nothing good for my life. I will do my best to stay away--out of sight and hopefully out of mind. If I seem pushy, it is not my intention.

I believe it takes more effort to maintain your anger and resentment than to let go and move on. To let go is to find a peace that will set you free from the torment of your anger. But in order to let go, you have to find forgiveness in your heart first and foremost. I’m not asking for you to forget what I’ve done. I just ask that you forgive me and give peace a chance.

Philanthropy

Earlier today I had a successful one-on-one meeting with author/entrepreneur/TV and radio personality/Southern Living Editor-at-Large, Kimberly Shlegel Whitman. She is the devoted mother and successful businesswoman I aspire to be like. More importantly, she is a philanthropist at heart. Check out her Website at www.kimberlywhitman.com to learn more about her growing empire.

Today we brainstormed and refreshed our promotional outreach strategy for her Website and blog site, RSVP Calendar (http://rsvpcalendar.blogspot.com). I’ve been a part of her team since July of 2010. I am humbled and honored to contribute to her continued mission and vision.



Just last week, I came across an article back from 2008 that described Kim’s role as a new mother and entrepreneur. It was inspiring to read how she manages the demands of motherhood and found the balance to maintain her professional/social life. But what really struck me in the article was that she genuinely lives by her parents’ mantra, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”

I think it’s something for us all to think about. Most everyone I know is blessed with abundance. I imagine it would only take a mere fraction of our time to give back to the less fortunate. This is a new year and a time for resolutions. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and serve at a church or at a pet adoption center or a senior living center? Whether you give financially or donate your spare time to help someone in need, either way will go a long way. I strongly believe our gifts are not only meant for us to enjoy. I believe I have what I have so that I can share with those who are without.

Passion and Career

I was asked to write up a biography for a local DJ’s Website that is currently under construction. I was flattered he entrusted me with such a task. He is phenomenal in his craft and was blessed to have found his one passion at an early age. Over 21 years ago, he discovered an interest. He turned that interest into a disciplined practice. He shared his skillful gift with the masses. After all these years of being in business, his unique expertise has steadily been in high demand. He's getting paid to do what he loves...and he sure loves what he does. He shared a personal quote that I want to make my mantra in my own career path. He simply stated to “find out what you’re passionate about and do it for the rest of your life.”

As I’ve written more than once, I’m blessed with many talents and the potential to succeed. However, I’m still struggling to find that one craft I’m so passionate to hone and perfect. If only I could focus on the one thing I love to do in this life and utilize it as a financial means to give back to God and to provide for my family. But what the heck is that one thing?

Well, it’s 3:14am and there are other productive things I could be doing with my insomnia. But instead, I choose to write what it’s in my heart. Perhaps I should just write forever. I should write what I learn. I should write about my defeats and victories. I should write about what hurts me and what makes my heart soar. I should write until I run out of words, which will probably never happen. I love words. I love using the right words. I love writing the powerful words that capture exactly how I feel at that given moment. Perhaps writing is my passion?

Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do. Thank God it’s a new year and I can begin with a clean slate with the will to hone this craft. I don’t believe I’m a great writer yet. But I have enough passion to share and use this talent for the rest of my life.

Peace

I heard a great message during the homily at mass yesterday. The congregation was encouraged to live life either relentlessly focused on the path to a Christ-centered life or to be the influence that leads others to Christ. His message was quite the zinger. It stuck with me and inspires me to strengthen my Christ-following journey. It also reminded me of the important message my Mary Kay director shared with me -- that perhaps I may be the only Bible a person reads.

Spiritual integrity is the most important kind of truth. I constantly remind myself that how I am here is how I am everywhere. If I’m to live a Christian life, I should always be Christ-like in any given situation. I have learned that where Jesus is, there is love. There is forgiveness. There is healing.

God’s timing is impeccable. The inspiring message I heard was tested hours after hearing the sermon. It’s as if God was testing my listening and application skills. My husband and I took our son to a children’s birthday party. I was completely caught off guard by a person who never cares to see my family happy or successful in this life. Both my husband and I were spoken down to and publicly humiliated in front of family, our son and other innocent bystanders. It was awful.

Instead of retaliating and fighting the fire with fire, we were at peace. We remained rational and calm. We replied peacefully and respectfully honoring the irrational wishes of the person who confronted us. Whether or not we deserved that kind of treatment, we remained dignified and I’m forever grateful for the divine intervention that gave us the strength to humble ourselves. After that embarrassing episode, I remembered to keep the peace. After all, we may have been the only positive influence this individual had. I wasn’t about to let go of the spiritual integrity I pray to always have. I gave in to goodness and wish for nothing but peace. If anything, I pray for that person whose misery was so obvious. It was sad to hear this person tell us off. But it was more empowering to just be kind.