Persevere

There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, "We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail."

- Jim Collins, from his book, Good to Great

Happy Mother's Day

Moms are a special breed. Most hold down two or more jobs, including the one of managing a household, and they get little recognition for having the most important work in the universe: raising the next generation with faith, integrity, hope and manners.

I am blessed to have a nearly perfect mother and mother-in-law. My mother is such a good cook she probably thought I'd learn my way around a kitchen by osmosis. So it's a good thing my mother-in-law taught my husband to cook. He has banned me from the kitchen.

The mother I met this week whose only little boy was shot to death by her then-husband had tears in her eyes when she admitted Mother's Day is hard for her. My heart breaks for her.

I must look like a mother, because every year, people start wishing me Happy Mother's Day around the first of May. Some of us are mothers of canines and some of us are mothers without children, but we all had a mother. That's why I can rationalize that we all celebrate tomorrow. We can celebrate the blessing that God created: someone who loves us almost as He does, without conditions and without reservation.

Checking In

April was the craziest month on my record of life. I racked up three addresses in two states and lived in three states! It was fun, though. If I owe you a phone call, an email, an invoice or a report, now you know why. [Thank you for your patience!] I still feel as though I'm living out of a suitcase, and it might be that way awhile, as I sort out some possible long-term assignments or try to sell a house.

This week, you can hear me on morning radio again! If you live in Arizona, dial in a terrestrial station from 6-9 and listen. If you live out of state, go to www.myflr.org and then where it says, "Find a Station," click on an Arizona city, then scroll down to "Listen online." It's fun to be back on the air in broadcasting ministry. If you want to call in, the number is 1-800-776-1080.

Things are still tough for many people. So I feel blessed to have work in my field. If you are struggling, I want to encourage you to avoid stressing or worrying. God has a plan, and everything will work out. Enjoy your extended vacation. Now you have the time you always wanted. Clear out the clutter. Recycle, throw away, give away. Clean, exercise, read. Enjoy. Praise. Write a letter. Start a blog. Volunteer. Pray. And pray some more.