In loving memory

I got a new tattoo yesterday. The tattoo is in honor of my Grandmother, Marjorie Marie Crichton House. It is not just a meaningless tattoo to me. It is a tribute to one of the greatest ladies I have ever had the priviledge to know. Let me explain. My grandmother was a Coast Guard S.P.A.R. during WWII. After the war, she worked as a postal carrier. She was very proud of both of these achievements in life. What she was most proud of though, was her relationship with Christ. If you asked my Grandma the reason for her hope, she quoted 1 Peter 3:13-16 "Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." If you notice in verse 15, it says "Always be prepared". Not only was that the Coast Guard motto, it was my Grandmother's mission statement in life. As for the beads, anyone who knew grandma, knew that she loved her "Mardi Gras" pretties. I rarely saw her without beads. I placed the tat on my chest for two reasons. One, my grandmother was a very dear part of my life and is, and always will be, close to my heart. The second is, every time I place my hand over my heart to salute the flag, I will think of her. She is the one who taught me that you can be both Christian and patriotic. She served her country and her God with both perseverance and reverence.

Confession time

I just want to get it out in the open that I am a bad mom and a bad person. I use disposable diapers. I didn't breastfeed. I let my children drink out of plastic. My kids sometimes swallow their toothpaste, which has flouride in it. My boys watch TV daily. I don't make my own laundry and/or dish soap. I believe in my second ammendment rights to bear arms, including assault rifles. I don't have any inclination to "occupy wall street". My family eats processed foods with dyes in them. I intend to, and am currently sending my children to public school. Oh, and I don't own an environmentally friendly, well, anything. Oh, and my kids love McDonalds. All this to say that, sometimes our benign posts are not as benign as we think. Before posting, ask yourself this, 'How important is it that I get my opinion out there?' Think twice, post once. That's all I'm saying.