We all fall short...

I would not have believed the story had the words not come directly from Governor Sanford's mouth. I sat as South Carolina and the nation heard him confess to being unfaithful to his wife. "NO"...I said outloud. He is one of the good guys, a family guy, a CHRISTIAN guy! It brought a true sadness to my heart. My first reaction was one similar to the ones I'm hearing in the media and seeing from my facebook friends. "How could he?", "What was he thinking?"... I stopped in my tracks when I felt God impress on my heart that He has commanded us to pray for our leaders. I thought back to my own prayers and tried to remember the last time that Mark Sanford and his family were even a passing thought. I'm sure he was mentioned as an umbrella prayer..."and bless our leaders, Lord"...but was I diligent in surrounding him and his famliy in my daily prayers? Did I pray that a hedge of protection would be around him, his family and his marriage? No...I don't think those words have ever been a part of my prayers.


I was then sobered to realize that my neglecting to pray for him was disobedience just as his infidelity was disobedience. YIKES...that is not a fun thought. You see, sins are judged differently on earth, as they should be, since earthly consequences vary; however, in God's eyes, sin is sin. period. We say that but do we really believe that? Do we believe that losing our temper, lack of faith or pride is the same in God's eyes as the child molester or rapist? Yes, consequences and punishments are different but they all have the same result: we fall short of the glory of God and must seek His forgiveness. Jesus' death on the cross paid for my sins along with the sins of the death row convict.


I know what some are thinking because I've seen the comments regarding his being in a public position causing him to be held to a higher standard. Well, he is being held to a higher standard; therefore, his fall from glory is a harder, longer fall than yours or mine would be. If you or I had an affair, we would suffer marital consequences and embarassment among our friends and family. Governor Sanford's marriage is being flashed across the television and is suffering embarrassment across the nation. So, yes is he held to a higher standard; but yes, he is also suffering more than the average person. We wonder why he thought he could get away with such an act; however, as we all know, Satan's biggest lie is that "no one will ever know" when he in fact, wants us to fall and then the fall be revealed to everyone. I also know that men in authority are HUGE targets for Satan and are under more attack that we could probably imagine.



I am disappointed in our governor; however, I support him, respect his authority and will be diligent in praying for him. This act does not make him a sleezy, lowlife as some have suggested. It proves he is human and not immune to the wiles of the tempter.

Dad's Day

I wanted to use my blog to wish my two favorite men a Happy Father's Day.

Thirty-something years ago, Reggie Baxley became a dad to me! Then four years later, my sister was born. Not having a son didn't slow him down. Oh no... his girls learned how to pitch a baseball, drive a stick shift, and I'm pretty sure my sister can change a tire! I've never given that a try! Yet he still was tender and seemed not to be bothered by the abundance of estrogen in our home. I've been told that I am like him...we're the only ones on time for any family function and I've been given the privilege of raising his clone! :) He still gets the oil changed in my vehicle, checks my tire pressure, knows what is wrong with my car when I describle the noises and even rides his riding lawn mower over my grass when our lives as young parents get too hectic. (That could also be because we're neighbors and my lawn is embarrassing but it is appreciated none the less!) I love you daddy and appreciate your strength and strong spiritual lead in my life.

My sweet husband is the 2nd dad I want to honor. He is such an amazing dad. He gets on the floor and acts like a kid...his height is the only way I can tell the difference sometimes. He takes the kids to birthday parties and parks just to give me some time alone. He leads our home in love and strength. He tells Bible stories to the kids in such exciting ways that I find myself anticipating the ends to stories I've heard all my life! I love you babe and am looking forward to each season of the journey that God has in store for us!

Happy Father's Day... enjoy!