For those of you who know me, you are aware that I'm married to a part-time musician. It's not a life I expected to find myself in 10, 15 years ago. But it's a life I wouldn't trade for anything. As a musician's wife, I support my husband in different ways than most. I have to ask, how many women out there have a special rider on your insurance to cover guitars, amps, pedals and all the associated paraphernalia? How many wives find themselves carrying gear each weekend into bars, private homes, and other venues in support of your husband's hobby? My guess is not many.
I'm often asked what my thoughts are on Pete's hobby -- a very expensive hobby at that -- and I can only say that I love my husband. Because of my undying love, I support him fully. That's what marriage is about. In today's society, it's too easy to let the little annoyances in life become large issues that lead to the end of marriages. As a believer in Jesus Christ, divorce is not an option for me. We have our disagreements, as do all spouses, but there is no question in my mind that Pete's happiness and pleasure in playing guitar trumps everything.
I'd like to ask everyone who reads this to think about a few things. Do your actions and attitude support your spouse fully? Do you pray and seek God's guidance in how to make your marriage stronger each and every day? Do you seek to provide the calm, healthy haven in your home that your spouse deserves? I believe it's important to answer "yes" to each of those questions. If you can't, then I suggest you turn inward and look at your own intentions and expectations. Strong marriages mean putting aside your own needs for those of your spouse. That doesn't equate turning into a doormat for him or her to walk on, but it does mean giving up your selfish life. My prayer each day is to turn over myself for what God has planned for that day, and that includes putting my husband's needs before my own.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
What is Leadership?
A question that I have thought a lot about over the last few years is "What is leadership?". The dictionary definition of leadership from dictionary.com is:
1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. 2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
Reading these definitions allows one to consider the concept of leadership on a surface level. However, I view leadership as more than simply being in a position of authority. My experiences have shown that there are a number of individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are not leaders. Instead of leading, these people choose to use their perceived power to control their employees or followers.
My definition of leadership is a bit more complicated. Leaders in my mind are individuals who exhibit all the characteristics they want to see in their employees and more. If a person in a superior role cannot be a model and mentor for his or her employees, then I have trouble believing that individual is truly a leader.
In my career, I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have taught me a great deal about personal and professional integrity. My mentors have helped shape me into a person who values the experiences and lessons I learn from co-workers, colleagues and others in my life. I believe it's important for me to pass on the traits I have gained to future generations. I expect feedback from people around me to help improve my skills. I hunger for education -- whether formal through school or informal through human contact.
The ultimate leader in my life is Jesus Christ. Following his example is critical for me. Look at the throngs of people who followed him during Biblical times and one cannot help but be humbled by the leadership he exhibited. I desire to show that type of leadership in my own life, both personal and professional.
1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition. 2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential. 3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership. 4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.
Reading these definitions allows one to consider the concept of leadership on a surface level. However, I view leadership as more than simply being in a position of authority. My experiences have shown that there are a number of individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are not leaders. Instead of leading, these people choose to use their perceived power to control their employees or followers.
My definition of leadership is a bit more complicated. Leaders in my mind are individuals who exhibit all the characteristics they want to see in their employees and more. If a person in a superior role cannot be a model and mentor for his or her employees, then I have trouble believing that individual is truly a leader.
In my career, I have been fortunate to work with and for people who have taught me a great deal about personal and professional integrity. My mentors have helped shape me into a person who values the experiences and lessons I learn from co-workers, colleagues and others in my life. I believe it's important for me to pass on the traits I have gained to future generations. I expect feedback from people around me to help improve my skills. I hunger for education -- whether formal through school or informal through human contact.
The ultimate leader in my life is Jesus Christ. Following his example is critical for me. Look at the throngs of people who followed him during Biblical times and one cannot help but be humbled by the leadership he exhibited. I desire to show that type of leadership in my own life, both personal and professional.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration Day 2009
Today is an historic day in the United States. Watching and listening to Inauguration coverage on the news and Internet, one can't help but be proud of our country. I don't think it's surprising to most people that I have conservative beliefs and political leanings. President Barack Obama was not my choice for leader of the country, but I believe wholeheartedly in supporting the office of the president whether the person in that office received my vote or not. My prayers are with President Obama and the decisions he will make over the next four years. I pray God's guidance on the president's heart and know as a faithful believer in Jesus Christ that all things occur for a purpose.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Welcome 2009
The holidays are finally over. For that, I'm thankful. I enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with family and friends but now it's time to get back to normal life and start a new year. Following are few pictures from our holidays:
I'm looking forward to what 2009 brings in our lives. I pray every day that God can show me the path He has set for my life and that I will follow it according to His wishes. I have turned my life over to God completely and thank Him for the grace and goodness He has provided. I'm ready for what He has in store.
I'm looking forward to what 2009 brings in our lives. I pray every day that God can show me the path He has set for my life and that I will follow it according to His wishes. I have turned my life over to God completely and thank Him for the grace and goodness He has provided. I'm ready for what He has in store.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Holiday Spirit
Has anyone ever noticed how difficult it can be to get in the holiday spirit? This year seems particularly challenging. I've been trying to figure out what might be contributing to my bah-humbug attitude and have three theories.
1) Short timeframe from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This year's calendar meant Thanksgiving was a week later than normal. That means there is compressed shopping and party time. Because every weekend is packed with activities, I haven't had time to relax long enough to truly enjoy this time of year. My iPod is full of Christmas music but I barely touch it, choosing instead to listen to the David Cook album and new Britney Spears.
2) Tulsa temperatures have been relatively mild. Instead of a cooler fall, we've experienced temps in the 60s for quite a while with periodic cold blasts. The brief snow flurries we saw on Tuesday of this week were short-lived. By Sunday, we'll be back in the 70s. I'm not sure how you can expect someone to feel Christmas-y when the weather is spring-like.
3) My final theory is a bit more serious. The economy. For the first time in my adult life, I'm really concerned about whether I'll have a job tomorrow. This is not a comfortable feeling, and rather than spend time thinking about gifts, parties and celebrations, my husband and I are focused more on saving money and ensuring that we will be able to handle any financial challenges thrown our way.
That said, I have been referring back to my college times and thinking about what I thought was an easier time in my life. No worries. Parents paid most bills and I worked part-time for spending money. Not only did I not worry about finances but I also spent more time thinking about my faith. It's easy to get so involved in life that you forget why faith is important.
Trusting in God allows a person to move beyond his or her earthly concerns and consider more ethereal matters. At this time of year, my focus should instead be on the birth of Christ. Instead of worrying about whether I have a job, I should think about why God sent his Son to earth and allowed Him to die on the cross for my sins. That's a much bigger issue than my daily fears. Christmas is forcing me think about that instead. That's a good thing. And being in a tough economy means material gifts are less critical and Christ's gift of His life becomes more important.
Thank you, Jesus.
1) Short timeframe from Thanksgiving to Christmas. This year's calendar meant Thanksgiving was a week later than normal. That means there is compressed shopping and party time. Because every weekend is packed with activities, I haven't had time to relax long enough to truly enjoy this time of year. My iPod is full of Christmas music but I barely touch it, choosing instead to listen to the David Cook album and new Britney Spears.
2) Tulsa temperatures have been relatively mild. Instead of a cooler fall, we've experienced temps in the 60s for quite a while with periodic cold blasts. The brief snow flurries we saw on Tuesday of this week were short-lived. By Sunday, we'll be back in the 70s. I'm not sure how you can expect someone to feel Christmas-y when the weather is spring-like.
3) My final theory is a bit more serious. The economy. For the first time in my adult life, I'm really concerned about whether I'll have a job tomorrow. This is not a comfortable feeling, and rather than spend time thinking about gifts, parties and celebrations, my husband and I are focused more on saving money and ensuring that we will be able to handle any financial challenges thrown our way.
That said, I have been referring back to my college times and thinking about what I thought was an easier time in my life. No worries. Parents paid most bills and I worked part-time for spending money. Not only did I not worry about finances but I also spent more time thinking about my faith. It's easy to get so involved in life that you forget why faith is important.
Trusting in God allows a person to move beyond his or her earthly concerns and consider more ethereal matters. At this time of year, my focus should instead be on the birth of Christ. Instead of worrying about whether I have a job, I should think about why God sent his Son to earth and allowed Him to die on the cross for my sins. That's a much bigger issue than my daily fears. Christmas is forcing me think about that instead. That's a good thing. And being in a tough economy means material gifts are less critical and Christ's gift of His life becomes more important.
Thank you, Jesus.
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