I was tagged by Mrs. U so here goes. I'm not sure I can think of 7 random things about myself that would be the least bit interesting to you, but I will try! I guess this is a way to get to know eachother better.

Here's how it goes:
Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

1) I was born in Japan. My father was stationed in Okinawa for three years and I was born there during the last year. He was in the air force and he retired from the air force shortly after my birth. We came back to the states when I was 6 months old.

2) I am very quiet when you first meet me and somewhat introverted naturally...I tend to shy away from groups and have felt uncomfortable at times around people I don't know. I am the type person that does not *need* a lot of friends around me. I function fine with my family and just a couple of close friends. I have since realized the sinfulness of these thoughts and actions...it is a self centered thinking that allowed my actions to be this way. Even though it is hard at times and I could go places without actually talking to anyone else, I have tried to see that other people need to be spoken to and I need to look for other's who might feel uncomfortable and encourage them instead of thinking of myself. I am a work in progress. Now, instead of allowing myself to always be quiet, I try to be a friend to others by reaching out to them. Martha Peace has a great question and answer on this.

Q: I am shy around others I don't know. In fact, I avoid new people at church and work. Is there anyway for me to become more comfortable?

A: The "bottom line" answer is to turn your focus from "self" to "loving others" (Matthew 22:39). Feeling uncomfortable around people you do not know well results from what you are thinking. If you think, "I don't know what to say. I don't want to be here. I've got to get out of here," you will feel very uncomfortable and maybe even panicky. If you think, "I don't feel comfortable but I am going to do whatever I can to make the other people feel comfortable. God will give me the grace to obey His Word that says, 'Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves'" (Philippians 2:3), then you will eventually begin to feel more comfortable. Giving God glory by obeying Him has to be your overriding goal, not feeling comfortable. Being loving and gracious to others is a virtue. Pray for wisdom and grace. Turn from your self-focus through putting on an others' focus. The Apostle Paul put it well when he wrote in Philippians 2:4, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

3) I am the youngest of 3 children. I am the baby of the family, by quite a few years. My brother is a medical doctor--a pathologist in North Carolina. He does a lot of forensic crime type cases and has had to be a special medical witness in criminal trials. So interesting!!!! It is a job I could never do, though! He is married, but they never had children. His wife is a botanist and teaches many science courses in the university there. They are both very intelligent! My older sister lives in Alaska, is married, and has 4 children. Now, that her children are older, she is a speech pathologists there and enjoys working with children with special needs and in private practice to help adult stroke victims,etc. Her husband manages a construction company, but before that job he was a superintendent in a Christian school there. That is where all of their children went to school. Both my brother and sister live far away...I see them twice a year. I miss them!!!

4) I have a degree in Elementary Education and taught school for 2 years before beginning my days of motherhood.

5) I love to exercise and try to run about 2 1/2 miles 6 days a week...somedays I walk some,too. I have really bad knees and running is hard some days! But, there is nothing like a good run!

6) My husband and children are the loves of my life. I consider it a privilege to have the God given role of wife and mother and I take my job very seriously. I, also, find great joy in learning how to be a godly a wife and mother. I am always seeking advice from wise women and I like to read books about these roles. The relationship with my husband is the number one relationship in my life. I strive to please him in everything I do...and to keep him my first priority...after the Lord, of course.

7) My 2 favorite vacation spots are a beach (anywhere) or the mountains. I specifically like the Gulf Coast beaches. We try to make it there once a year. I love the sand, the sun, the seafood, the ocean life, pictures of my children on the beach, and romantic walks on the beach at night. We will be visiting the Smoky mountains this summer, too and we can't wait! So,if you were to ask me where I'd love to go next week...it would be Sandestin beach in Florida or a cabin atop the Smoky Mountains. I would take either one! I'm sure after our trip to China, that may become a favorite spot,too!

I tag:

Amber at Smitty Gritty

Lisa at Deo Volente

Kim at Mercy Days

Kim at The Upward Call

Jill at Simply My Thoughts

Terri at Keeping the Pace


Have fun!