Hi, my name is Sallie and I'm a writer. At least, that's what I keep telling myself on a daily basis!

Writing isn't the biggest part of me. It is one I do love to try and improve upon daily through blogging and article/devotion writing. I consider this blog one of my efforts toward journaling, though I do have several journals that I try and write in occasionally as well. I hope that they will be gifts of motherly wisdom to my children when they are ready to leave our nest and move forward with their own lives and families.

So, who am I?

What can I share with you in this post that will tell you more about the real life me. What can I share with you that, if you were ever to run into me in real life, say in the grocery store or at a conference somewhere, would make you say "Yes, she is exactly what she seems to be on her blog."?

Let's run down the list.

I am a Christian. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior as a little girl and can't imagine life without Him in it. I do not deserve the blessings in my life any more than anyone else but I am truly grateful for them all! My life passage is Psalm 121. It says:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

I am a wife to a wonderful Christian man who also happens to be a United States Marine. You can find more about Mike at his blog, Gunny's Gouge. We've been married for 18 years and have lived in several places in the United States. We've also lived in Okinawa. There are many days I don't understand why my husband puts up with me. We are total opposites in many regards but we have a deep love that has endured many tests of time. I love him more every day and am so blessed to have him as the head of our home.

I am a mother to four children whom I love dearly. We also have several babies waiting for us to meet in heaven. I don't know the answers as to why we were not allowed to enjoy the life of these children here on earth but one day the answers will all be clear. Our oldest child, Victoria, blogs off and on. You can read her thoughts at Victoria's Garden. Each of our children have great strengths that are different from each other. I'm excited to see where God will take them in the future!

I am a stay at home wife and mom. I won't say I have never worked an outside job. I was active duty Air Force when my husband and I met, and married, and had our first child. My husband pursued a career in the Marine Corps and I left the Air Force. I have also worked at a civilian hospital, in clothing retail, freelance web-design, and direct sales selling Princess House since then. I currently am working as Director of Advertising at HOTM (or trying to at least... ad sales are a killer in this economy). The last several jobs listed have worked for me because I was able to do them in my free time and at my leisure while not taking me away from my family. That is very important to me!

I am a daughter... not just to my parents but my in-laws as well. I have a great relationship with both sets of parents. I think one reason for this is because I take the commandment to honor my father and mother very seriously. I'm not perfect. They're not perfect. However, I trust that God gave me to them, and them to me, for a good reason. Not only would I not be obediant to God, but I would also be foolish and rebellious in seeking my own selfish ends if I did not honor and respect them. 

I am a teacher. I haven't been to college nor have I received my certification in education but I teach my children through homeschooling. Our children have experienced school in several ways -- DOD, public, charter, and homeschool. Our oldest son has been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome but that isn't the only reason we homeschool. We homeschool because we feel like it is what works best for our family. God led my husband to say OK, long after I was OK with it. I was patient and waited for my husband to lead our family in this decision. It won't work any other way, in my opinion!

I am a friend. It took me a long time to understand what true friendship is. I have been hurt by many folks and my natural thing to do is turn inwardly rather than outwardly. I've come to realize over the years that that was selfishness winning out over selflessness. I honestly still find it hard to let go and be a friend but I don't want my life ruled by fear and so I daily pray that God brings me into contact with people to show me the true beauty of friendship.

I'm many more things but those items cover the basics. I hope you've enjoyed getting to know me a little better. So, who are you?!

Sallie

Sallie