Returning to Him

Dear Readers,

I'm back! After some time away from blogging and all forms of social media, I am ready to resume my responsibilities that the Lord has given me and share my voice, in hopes to glorify Him. As challenging as it sometimes is, I am ready to fully embrace all He has asked me to do.

I have committed to be a Guardian of Light. Part of this, the biggest part of it, is to protect the sanctity of families, which includes the sacredness of marriage. Some people believe that love and all that comes with it should be free, open to expression for all to witness. I believe that there are many parts of love that should be kept sacred. What goes on behind close doors is part of that. God created our bodies to feel intimately between man and wife, and there is great beauty and pleasure in that. It also something that should be kept special, sacred, private. Just like there are tender, personal moments that should not be captured on video or photography, there are some experiences that should not be shared with your neighbors, be it your children, virtual acquaintances, or actual neighbors.

Friends, we now live in a world where hardly anything is held special or sacred. Why do we feel this incessant need to share every tiny aspect of our lives? Why can we just not hold them close to our hearts for our own personal memory? The world demands we share all of our personal experiences so they can like, approve, or voice their challenging (and sometime rude or obnoxious) opinions. [This is part of the reason I had left social media for a time and took a step back. I needed to remind myself that I do not need the World's approval for the choices I make, that I only live my life to please my Father in Heaven.] I challenge you to join with me to be a change in the world. I invite you to share your light (Matt. 5:16) so that others may see you and glorify your Father, who is in Heaven. #SharingHisLight #BetheChange

When Mary gave birth to Christ, it was the Shepherds who went and proclaimed to the town of Bethlehem that the Savior was born. As people came and went, visiting them in that humble shelter, it was the Babe's mother who watched, observed, and “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Why did she do this? As a mother who has given birth to four babes of my own, I believe it was because what she experienced, and the joy and love she was witnessing from others, was so special, so incredibly tender, that she chose to not share her feelings with everyone else. She was the literal mother of the Son of God! How do you even begin to describe how that felt? Sometimes, there are no words, so you just take the experience, wrap it up tightly in a bow, and keep it, ponder it, and treasure it in your heart. There is beauty in that. There is virtue in that. There is respect in that.

Let us no longer live up to the world's expectations of sharing all that is tender and personal but live up to God's expectations for us instead. Let us take hold of all that is sacred, and treasure it up in our own hearts, so that it remains the treasure God meant it to be.

Finding joy,

Mama Dragon

Life is Hard.... So What's New?

Last night I had this dream where I looked around at the lives of everyone around me. Every single person and family was going through difficult challenges. Some chose to struggle behind closed doors while others shared their problems freely with the world. In my dream, I looked around, taking it all in as I was given a glimpse into the lives of those around me. I found myself saying aloud, "Life is so hard!" The reply I got was a chuckle of sorts and a male voice lovingly saying, "Of course it's hard. That's why it's called a test." 

How truthful that is! We are all here to be tried and tested, to prove our willingness to God that we will fight the good fight, and bring honor to His name and His plan for eternal families. These challenges truly are for our good- and eternal progression. 

When I first felt impressed to begin this blog, I had great things in store. I had a daily schedule of items to write about, and began strong. Then, life happened. There have been more ups and downs in the past few months of my life than I would have ever liked to experience. Many time I thought I should just pack it in and forget about writing. I choose to keep going, though, even if it just a few times a month. If one person's life is changed for the better because of just one post I shared, then it is worth it. Mine usually is. 

Life is going to be hard for each one of us, this is nothing new. When unexpected challenges come up, do we pack it in and quit, or do we push through and persevere, allowing ourselves to grow and become stronger because of the experiences? I, for one, will keep going I know where God is leading me on this journey. I know that although there will be difficult weeks where I cannot write, I will keep going so I can share the ideas God has brought to my heart and mind. I am a Guardian of Light and will keep fighting the good fight to share my light with the world. I hope you do too!

Guardian of Light,
Mama Dragon

Miracles

Last Sunday, July 26th to be exact, I hit a brick wall. After some negative events and the building emotions I had not dealt with for weeks, even months in some cases, I woke up in complete misery and anger towards members of my church. As I prayed that morning, I told God I did not want to experience the feelings I was carrying, and that I wanted to work through these enormous struggles as quickly as possible. I told Him that I was going to attend church that morning but I did not know if would return, so to please have a message to let me know that I was wanted, that I belonged there. 

After getting dressed, I went to our worship services, ready to feel again. The tears I had been holding in for weeks finally began to trickle out when my dear friend began playing Paul Cardall's "Redeemer." Music is my language but even it had not been able to work through the wall of bricks I had been building, until that moment. After that breathtaking piano solo, the main speaker in our congregation was a young woman of 20 who was leaving three days later to serve a proselyting mission in Indianapolis, Indiana. She bore witness that we are each going to have our struggles throughout life, but we need to keep going, to continue on until we cross the finish line. She shared the well-penned poem "The Race" and it's message was exactly what I needed to hear. I wept openly as I felt the love of my Heavenly Father tell me that indeed, I was wanted there. 

The next hour would test me to a make-or-break point. During that time, I got into a heated discussion with a child of mine, through text. All of the feelings I had been struggling with for months- hurt, sadness, grief, betrayal loneliness- came to a head. I could not continue on and for the first time in my 38 years of my born-and-raise-and-continually-active LDS life, I walked away from church and had no plan to return. 

I went home and wept more than I had in a very long time. For hours I cried. I reached out to my closest friends who immediately let me know they were concerned for me, and that I was loved. I went to a Facebook group for missionary parents (with 9000+ members) and shared my struggle.  Immediately, I received an overwhelming response, so much so that I could not read everything at that time. It was too much kindness! Too much love in that moment. I took a nap, had some visitors that I asked to pray for me, then read some more love notes as I wept. A while later, I had some unexpected visitors- one being our bishop (ecclesiastical leader) and his wife. My youngest son had sent him a message, telling him I needed to talk. They came with no judgement, only love. When they left, I felt validated in my feelings, but still on very shaky ground. I still had no intentions of returning to church worship services. At the request of my children, I attended a church function that evening, but just for a short time. Then, I quietly slipped out. 

At 8:40 pm I headed to my dear friend's house. She knew I was coming and needed some soul sister time. She gave me a gift that would change everything. She gave me the gift of teaching me to use the Atonement to clear out the negative energy in my life and to fill my soul with light instead. She taught me how to recognize that when the feeling or task is heavy, it is not truth, but when it is light, then it is truth. "My yoke is easy and my burden is light," she shared. She helped me see that in my life, as I faced difficult tasks and obstacles, the Light of Christ will bring peace and comfort through it all. It may be hard, but it does not have to be dark and heavy- those feelings are from the adversary, not Christ. His love is Light. She asked, "Why do we keep trying to fix things He has already taken care of (through the Atonement)?"As we did energy work and statement clearing exercises, I felt tangible healing to my soul. I knew there were hundreds praying for me and did not know at the time some had even began fasting for me! That night, I felt angels carrying the love of those missionary parents directly to me, wrapping it around me with their arms. Human touch is a necessity. Heavenly touch is Divine. 

When I left to return home 2 hours later, I was a completely different person that walked in. I felt joy, I felt peace, I felt loved, but mostly I felt Light! By the next day, as I read the remaining notes of support and encouragement, I knew I was going to be just fine. 

I shared my thoughts with the parents that included: This morning, I awoke, feeling like a COMPLETELY different person.... or the person I USED to be, before I got lost in the people of the Church. It is remarkable and I cannot begin to describe the peace I feel this day. I do not like carrying grudges and I let them go last night. I feel light and joy and have been smiling all day!! I ABSOLUTELY credit you sisters for your love and prayers and testimonies. God heard ALL of our prayers and softened my heart quickly.... because I was READY to let go!

I know that I will meet more people in the future that are.... human. I will take this TRULY miraculous event and humbly turn it to the Savior and choose to not be offended, but just to allow HIM to take care of them, just as He has taken care of me, through His Atonement. 

Recognizing this for what it was- a miracle- I have come to believe that miracles take place when we are ready for them to. I wanted to change! I wanted a softening of my heart and so I was ready. I expected a miracle and I received one. This is the "faith that proceeds the miracle" and it's joy is oh, so heavenly!

I have a renewed sense of who I am. I do not go to church to please others, I go to worship God. I will no longer be afraid to be true to myself, Daughter of a King. 

Expecting Miracles,
Mama Dragon

I Choose

A few minutes ago, I had a conversation about the appropriateness of what we watch as parents vs. what we allow our children to watch in television and movies. The conversation was initiated by me telling my dear friend about a series on Netflix that I began watching yesterday. "I am not sure I will continue watching it," I shared. "There are too many things against my values and I am a bit uncomfortable." This furthered into how, as parents, we seem to live double standards. We tell our children they cannot watch something, yet we are allowed to, simply because we are adults. What is it, I wonder, that we are trying to hide in these shows from our kids? Is it the violence? The gore? The affairs? The sexual scenes? The drinking and drugs? If these are the reasons we do not want our kids to watch the movies, then why, for heavens sake, are we watching them?! Certainly they are as damaging to us as they are to our children, if not more so. Kids cannot understand half of these subject matters. They do not have the brain capability to grasp the emotions behind the choices people make in the shows. For the most part, adults do understand, yet we continue to expose ourselves to the images that go against our standards. Little by little, we become desensitized to it all, and eventually we are accepting of all behavior's, right or wrong. We shrug our shoulders at the things offensive to God and declare that it is "just the way the world is". 

What if I don't want to be part of the world? What if I desire to be different? How do I become a light in the world without getting sucked into the fiery darts of the adversary? It's simple. I choose. 

When the American TV rating system came out in the 90's, my friend's parents decided to make a

new rule: If it was something the parents would not allow their children to watch, they would not watch it either. I remember as a teen not understanding what the big deal was. Now, as a parent, I completely understand. They wanted to not only protect their children from the sinful ways of the world, they never wanted their family to compromise their standards. I think that was a beautiful choice, regardless of how difficult it was. I have not done that as of yet in my life, but I am rethinking my own choices. 

A few years ago, some friends of ours read an article about being unspotted from the world. They decided they wanted to improve their family relations in their household and never, not once, have to wonder if they were compromising their standards. As a family, they went through all of their books and movies and determined what was in harmony with the beliefs they had. Anything else they would get rid of... and they did. They were able to gather two or three garbage bags full of book and movies and get rid of them. Their ecclesiastical leader thought they were being a bit extreme, but I admired their strength to purge their house of anything contrary to God's teachings. Could I do that? I just might. 

What are you willing to do to set yourself apart from the world, to improve the values in your home, to teach your children to have high morals? "Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" I may have others who disagree with me, and that is fine. It is their right. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord in the best way we can. For today, it is choosing light. Greatness is a choice, one that I choose. 

Choosing Light-
Mama Dragon

Prayers of Love

Yesterday, even before I wrote about my beloved uncle, I had received an outpouring of love from many friends who know of our relationship and heard of his illness. After I posted, I had a breakdown, because I almost could not handle the amount of love that came from all levels of relationships. I know that he feels your prayers and we are all grateful for them. 

Many times in my life I have had people ask "what can I do?" for someone that is in need. Since we are all made in our Father's image, does it seem so foreign that we should want to reach out to others, to lighten their loads, bring them comfort when they are struggling? Reaching out to another should not be a completely new concept. It is instilled with in us when we are created. There have been very few times in my life that I have ever met a truly selfish person. Almost everyone I know wants to lift others. I will share with you the one act of service that I have personal knowledge of saving lives: Prayers.

Prayers are the link between us and heaven. It is how we commune with the angels, and with God. Time and time again I have seen prayers literally pull someone from darkness back into light. I have seen countenances change from anguished to peaceful as they feel the prayers of others carry them through difficulties. When we are praying for someone else, we are serving them, and through service, we are showing them love.

There are many points on the spectrum of peace. It is up to us as individuals to allow ourselves to feel it, regardless of the circumstances. Will you be one who accepts the prayers on your behalf without expecting more, allowing yourself to be a recipient of the peace and blessings that come through those prayers? Or, will you be one who expects more- more time, more energy, more money, more anything from others- because their prayers are not enough to satisfy your hurting soul? 

Sometimes, many times, all we have to offer are prayers. Do not feel bad or guilty over this! Prayers are beautiful, needed, and bring light to this world! Each of us have our own lives to live and often times our own plates are so full we just have nothing else to give. Even Christ came to this point in His life, when He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane, and finally when He died upon the cross. He had no more to offer the children of the world, but His prayers. Yet, is was because of those prayers and we are redeemed, saved by Him!

Photo courtesy of: lds.org

When we serve another, we are showing them love. At this time, as my family prepares to bid a mortal farewell to our beloved uncle and head of our family, your prayers- your love- are appreciated. Thank you for that. Thank you for your love. May the blessings of heaven fall upon each of you as you reach out to another in need.

Faithfully praying for you-
Mama Dragon

Choosing Light

Disclaimer: The beginning of this post is rather religious in nature. I invite you to read it, ponder on it, and choose light to flood your life. However if you do not want to read the religious part, feel free to skip the first paragraph. 

My personal belief is that before we were born, we lived in a heavenly home. In this place, as it tells in the scriptures, there was a great war in Heaven. 2/3 of the angels followed the path our Heavenly Father chose: for us to come to earth and follow Christ, who would atone for us, so that we could return Home one day. The other 1/3 became rebellious and chose to follow the leader of the darkness, better known as Satan. These 1/3 are the lost souls who chose to go against Father's wishes. These are they that persuade darkness to overtake light in our lives. Those of us here on earth are the 2/3 that chose to follow God, to be born, and to fight to return Home again. 

The fact is, regardless of what you believe happened before you were born, you were born into a mortal world and you do live here and now upon the earth. Each of us has a path to take. None of us will have it easy. Not one. Will you decide to take the difficulties of life, allowing them to turn you bitter and give into the darkness? Or will you allow those experiences to help you become a better person? As a wise friend once asked me: Will you let this make you or break you? What will you choose to do with the time you have? 

Dear friends, I say to you, I beg of you: Choose light. I have walked the road of darkness and it is somewhere I never desire to return again. Let go of the anger and bitterness before it destroys you. Do not let the darkness overcome, but allow the light to flood your soul. Light comes from sunshine (literally), music with uplifting words and melodies, positive quotes, good friends, eating great foods, exercise, and of course, service. Besides turning everything over to God, the greatest key for basking in the light is to serve others. I am a mama dragon, fighting to protect my lair. I will do whatever it takes to keep the darkness away. For me, I choose to serve. 

Darkness cannot prevail where light reigns. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with darkness, please talk to someone- anyone! There are numbers to call for those who feel completely lost. Call someone. Reach out to someone. Fight for your life!! You only get one! Whatever you do, choose light!

Choosing Light- 

Mama Dragon

BANACHOS!!

Me with my Superhero,
Paul Cardall

In June 2013, I was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called ARVD. During the summer, I was on strict bed rest as I awaited my pending heart surgery. Day in and day out as I had nothing else to do but read books by Jason Wright and Paul Cardall (fellow heart warrior and composer) and watch "Little House on the Prairie" I tried to mix things up a bit. I loved to cook so I researched some recipes I could try on my good days. 

One day, I had a sudden craving for nachos; yet, I wanted something sweet as well. How could I mix these two great items of goodness, I wondered. We had no chips, nor did I have the strength to make cheese sauce. However, we did have bananas and pecans. Inspired by my husband's campfire stories, I began to brainstorm. Hmmm.... This could be amazing, I thought. Against doctors orders, I dragged myself out of bed and began to create. 

First, I sliced bananas onto my plate.

Wondering what could go better with bananas than chocolate, I added some chocolate chips onto them as well. 

Wanting a little more flavor in the mix, I added a small handful of mini marshmallows and melted it all for 30 seconds in the microwave. (For this picture, I used marshmallow cream, as we were out of marshmallows. It spreads just fine after melting it.) 

Then, for the crunch, I originally added a handful of pecans, although for this picture I used sliced almonds. 

It was the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and creamy. I have since then used walnuts and sliced almonds as well. All are divine. 

Sometimes, you just need to follow your heart (pun intended) and free the Divine creativity that may be locked up inside you. For me, allowing myself to create Banachos was worth the 5 minutes I was out of bed. (They kind of make me want to put on a sombrero, grab some castanets, and yell: BANACHOS!!) To this day, it is one of my favorite sweet snacks. When we unlock our potential, we are given opportunities to share our light from within. 

Creating freely- 

Mama Dragon

Joyfully Living.... Guilt Free

This morning, I was in a lengthy phone conversation with a dear friend. During our visit, I felt compelled to write about several items we were discussing. She told me to write them down. I did not. When I got off the phone, my sick daughter (who is missing school today) tells me that I was on the phone all morning. Yep! I told her I had been talking to that friend for one hour and 30 minutes. I shut out the world, although I answered children's questions when they asked, but for the most part, made it about my friend and I. It was a motivating and uplifting conversation and just what I needed at the end of a difficult week. Within minutes of hanging up, I had forgotten I was supposed to write those items down, of course. Ha! 

There was a time in my years of motherhood that taking this time to talk on the phone would have brought forward an emotion of guilt: guilt that I was taking time for me, guilt that I was not ministering to my children, guilt that I was not cleaning, or cooking, or mending something, guilt for...anything. I would have spent the rest of the day beating myself up for not being more productive with my time. I would have apologized the moment my husband walked in the door after work for not having done something better. That would have happened.... once upon a time. 

It has taken me many years to understand something about myself. In fact, this discovery is only in the past year as I have gone through a serious emotional transformation. The something that I have learned is: I am worth that time! I am enough! (I will talk more on the idea of"enough" another day.) There is nothing to be guilty for! In fact, we, as mothers, need that time on the phone! We need that break! It is how we keep our sanity! 

There is a beloved pioneer woman that I have come to know and love through studying her life. Years ago, I learned that as a mother raising several young children, she often had a mother's helper (aka nanny, or hired help) to keep her home going. What an idea! Why is it that we, as women as a whole, beat ourselves up to be perfect? Why is it that we do not allow ourselves to go without makeup, wear comfy clothes instead of fancy ones, or have a messy (aka: lived in) home? We do not have to follow the handful of women in Pinterest that seem to "have it together"? If you need extra hands, seek them out! There is nothing wrong with asking for some help. If you do not sew your curtains or make your vintage wall hangings, then don't! Find other ways to let your light shine! We do not all have to be the same. 

Let me ask you- when you decorate your home, or clean it, or bake cookies... are you doing it because you love to, want to, or feel like you have to "just in case" someone stops by? Be honest. You should be doing it for you, not to impress them! I make curtains and pillows because I love to! I make bread because I enjoy it (and it saves me money). I organize the way I do because it is what works for me. We do not have to follow all that we see on social media. When all is said and done, do what you can, the best you can (not the best they can) and it IS enough! No guilt! Just joy! 

Joyfully living- 

Mama Dragon

To My Friend- Whose Heart Belongs to God

Dearest K,

     At first I thought it was a fluke, feeling the promptings of writing such a personal letter on my blog. I thought to myself: Why in the world would the Lord have me do that?!  Then I realized that this letter is not just from me to you, but perhaps it is to anyone who is moving on in their lives. Maybe it is from another friend or family member who also battled these feelings as you gained strength and found light again after S's death. You have used yours and S's story as a way to help others. This public, yet personal, letter seems to cry out to do the same. Use me, it pleads. Allow me to touch another soul. So, I do. Now I find myself sitting down to write and the words flow like a brook, winding its way through the forest, just as these thoughts find their way from my heart to yours. 

I remember when I first met you. M and S were great friends from their growing up years and we all ended up in the same church congregation together. There you were, sitting in the class that would encourage us to be friends. You had your short hair, spiky in the back, while sporting your stylish glasses. Who is this new sister? She is adorable. She is probably way to cool for me. We could never be friends. I reached over the chairs (or did I sit next to you?), extended my hand and said, "Hi! I'm Jen! Are you new or visiting?" With the best smile you could offer (in what I later found out was a very nervous moment for you), you responded with your name and you were new. I asked if we could be friends. You laughed and said yes and the rest is history. It makes me laugh to know that it was years later we found out how terrified we both were. 

Over the years, our paths have taken our families separate ways, both moving to various states for work or school. Then Facebook came into our lives and we reconnected, until you left that for a time. When I tracked you down later, I was elated that we would both be back in AZ at the same time to visit. Yet, there was no time during that busy holiday season to connect. "Next time we're both in town, we'll all get together," you reassured me. Little did we know, there would not be another next time.

Shortly after, you were diagnosed with a terrible dis-ease that nearly took your life. All I could do was pray for you. I had no money to offer for treatments. I could not come hold your hand in another state. I could not tend your children. All I could do was pray.  During that same time that you were battling cancer, I was battling my own illness with my heart. I knew that somehow, even though we rarely talked, we understood each other's struggles. I had my surgery and when you got a clean bill of health, I praised God for saving my dear, darling friend. 

Two months after I experienced a miracle and the doctors were able to correct my heart issue, the devastating news came: Your darling S, my husband's best friend, passed away suddenly... from a heart attack. Oh, the ironies! Oh the cruelty! You survived and he was taken. My heart that had been failing for years was mended and his heart (that you did not know was struggling) suddenly stopped working. There was a guilt there that brought my rejoicing to a halt and for months M and I grieved over the loss of our dear, wonderful friend. 

When I least expected it, tears would fall and the "next time we're both in town..." would come to mind. I followed your life (hooray for social media stalking) and sent you my love. I have prayed for angels to buoy up you and those darling boys who missed their coach and hero- their dad. 

Then, one day, God took your broken heart and found a way to mend it. He helped you find grace in the darkest of nights through your three heroes- your boys. He brought light into your life by an amazing, supportive community, work associates, and parents (both yours and S's) who continued to carry you when you could not stand anymore. He brought you joy through a new little friend named Gus. Most of all, God allowed the Atonement of Jesus Christ to ease the sadness and despair and turn it into a place of beauty and healing. One day, God lead you to a place that most mortals do not have the opportunity to be... He lead you to another chance at love. 

My dear friend, the first time you shared a date with E on social media, my heart leapt and I knew it was he who would complete you once again. I know that when S left this world, he took a huge part of you with him. God, in all His goodness, took that hole in your heart, and found another man not to be "second best" or for you to "settle for" but to fill that hole with happiness, light, laughter (which is such a huge part of you) and most of all hope! God heard your tender pleas and knew that your boys needed a father, one who would love them as much as S, and one that would adore you and cherish you as you deserve. You so deserve to be cherished! 

The day of your wedding, I asked angels to carry my thoughts and love to you. I wanted to see you happy, but at the same time, my heart was broken. I so wanted to accept E in your life but did not want to let go of S. He was a strength and guiding force to so many. How could we move on? How could you move on? I called my sister and cried. I was torn on how to best support you. She shared great insight with me, that during your time of illness, surely you and S talked about what would happen if you were the one to leave this life behind. She shared that she knew S was supportive of your choice, that maybe he had a hand in leading you and E to each other. 

I prayed more, and came to acceptance through this thought: Your heart belongs to God. That is how you live your life- to follow Him. In doing so, He will place in your life the exact people you need at the exact moment you need them. At this time, you and your boys needed E, and he needed you so God allowed your hearts to be united in holiness and love. 

To E, I say: thank you for loving my friend so completely. I look forward to one day meeting the man who stole her heart. To my beautiful friend, My K, who has carried me through the years, let me say this: I love you. I support you. I am cheering you and E on. M and I will always miss our friend, but we know he is where he needs to be, watching over you and your sons. What a blessing to have a guardian angel that has loved you so perfectly! What a miracle to find love again in this life! Go forward with a perfect brightness of hope, my incredible friend. For when your heart truly belongs to God, there is so much joy to behold. 

Love you forever, 

Jen (aka Mama Dragon)

Compassionately Yours

Last week, I was in line at Smith's and heard the cashier ask the customer in front of me if she wanted to donate to Primary Children's Hospital. Without hesitation, this young mother of maybe 30 said, "Yes. How about $20." I immediately choked up and could not even talk. After about a minute had passed, and she was about to leave, I touched her arm and said, "Thank you. I can barely talk right now. I want to tell you thank you for your donation. It really matters." The customer as well as the cashier both got choked up. She expressed a "you're welcome" and I explained that I belong to a heart family and there are many children in our heart family that are at that hospital everyday. I told her about Owen and what a warrior he is, just as one example. She gave me a hug as the cashier reached over to clasp my hand, an offer of compassion. A bit teary-eyed, the customer said to us, "You never know if something like this makes a difference and here is a real life example of making it a difference. Thank you. And I wish your little friend well." Oh what a tough world we belong to, but what a great one, because we have the opportunity to share compassion with so many! My heart shall not weep when there is so much love. May we pay it forward to the next soul in need.

Compassionately Yours, 

Mama Dragon

Guardians of Light

Not being a web designer, I had forgotten how time consuming and challenging it can be to create a web page. I have spent countless hours pouring my heart and soul, prayers and pondering, into this blog, to hopefully enlighten the minds of those who read it. My family and a couple of friends are probably on overload from me brainstorming with them so much on the title and aesthetic appeal of this website. And you, my friends, have been a tremendous help in sharing your opinions in my Facebook polls. Not wanting this to be "just another mom blog," I opted for a slightly different route. You will soon notice that I will often refer to two creatures- the dragon and the butterfly- when I write. This is because I believe them to be beautiful Guardians of Light, just as women are. We, as mothers and mother figures are Guardians of Light, Defenders of Truth, Nurturers of Love, unwavering in our faith as we put one foot forward, take life one day at a time, and strive to best utilize our Divine gifts and talents to make this world a better place.

This is my journey, your journey, our journey... as we walk together to be like the mama dragons defending their lairs; like delicate butterflies who add so much beauty to this world; like the elephant families who encircle their little ones about to protect them from harm. As we strive to raise our children in truth and righteousness- whatever our preferred beliefs may be- let us be Guardians of Light and allow our light to SHINE! I look forward to where this journey leads us- together, as Guardians of Light.

I am a Mama Dragon and courageously I will fight!