When I think it's ok to be proud....

We are commanded not to be proud. But wait a second. I don't want to be proud for anything I accomplish or what I am. I am nothing. I am only something because of what God has done. So, I'm gonna brag about what God has done... in my kids!

I've loved music for a very long time. I've loved remembering the music my mother used to enjoy. I REALLY enjoyed the moment a few weeks back when I informed my children that their grandfather had played the tuba. AND I'm very proud that Kaiah has been persistent in learning guitar, piano and improving her singing so she can lead worship and sit in her room with friends singing praises. No, she probably won't be the next country/gospel star but she's written a song or two. And one of them will make you cry.

I've respected the United States Military and all they've accomplished for our great country for a very long time. I grew up knowing that my dad went to Korea and did something with big guns and later it took its toll and affected his hearing. I knew there were battles and lives lost for my freedom but now... now, it's really personal. Most days I'm still in shock that God has brought two Marines forth from me. I'm so proud of Josiah and Daniel for their choice to serve the United States.

I've enjoyed sports for a very long time. I love watching a good baseball game with my dad! I even enjoyed watching bowling with him as a kid. I was never very adept at sports, tried gymnastics for a bit but... well, I couldn't ever stick the landing. I remember the school really wanting my big brother to play football, ha ha. But I'm super proud of Caleb's athletic prowess and incredible goalie abilities. And, yeah, he just might go places with these skills.

I've always appreciated arts and crafting. I could paint a little craft, made my fair share of cards, designed my dream house as a kid, and, oh, did some nice flower designs as a teenager (I can still do that one). When Bradley started carving up wood and making bows and arrows as a little boy, I wasn't too impressed. Until one day when the arrow he shot went straight through the banana tree. Then, I made sure no one was around when the shooting started. I'm amazed and proud every time I see one of his creations, be it computer generated or earthen.

I've been intrigued by twins for, forever really. And then God laughed and gave me a set!
I've always loved animals, just ask my brother about the worms crawling up my arm on a fishing trip. But my Channah's passion for them, especially furry ones, astounds me. I am proud that she has so much compassion and wants to help all creatures great and small.
I've usually thought of myself as sympathetic or compassionate; I'm usually a good listener but the sensitivity that leaks out of Charis is beyond any I've seen. I'm proud that she always wants to be sure I'm OK and I look forward to how God will develop this characteristic in her.

So, there you have it: my pride.