Thoughts from July 28, 2015...Updated

Thoughts on this July 28, 2015 evening:

I read a quote recently that said, “Anyone can have a child and call themselves “a parent”. A real parent is someone who puts that child above their own selfish needs and wants.”  I’ve been thinking a lot about the role of Step-Parents and the demographic of blended families.  Many people in this world today have Step Children, Step Dads, Step Mommas, Step Brothers/Sisters, Step Grandparents etc.  Blended families are true gifts and speaking personally, I’m honored to be a Step Momma and feel blessed continuously by God!  My husband and I refer to our children as “our children” and not our Step Children.  We are not here to take the place of the biological parent and don’t ever intend to attempt that because “biological” would be impossible by scientific standards.  We show love, support, and encouragement and place the needs of our kids above our own. I realize blended families can have challenges just as traditional families, but what a blessing Step Parents can be.  In Church not too long ago, our Pastor talked about God trusting Joseph to be a Step-Father to Jesus here on earth and I had never thought about this before. Joseph was chosen by God…and he chose to love Jesus.   As a Step Parent…we are chosen by God to love children who aren’t biologically ours and we also choose to love them because it’s who we are and what our hearts are made of.  The role of a Step Parent is so very beautiful and having love multiplied through Christ is a gift to be treasured forever.  As our own children grow and form their own ideas, opinions, thoughts and moral compass, my hope is they follow their heart and grow up loving Christ as their personal Savor. As a parent/step-parent, I will always be here to love, listen and wrap my arms around all our kids and show them my authentic self that Christ created.  I don’t pretend to be something I’m not and I don’t seek the approval of those here on earth. My calling is higher and I love our family with all my heart!  When I’m gone one day, my hope is our children won’t remember me by the “things” I gave them, but rather by the time, memories made, laughter shared and love I gave.  Being married to Brian Hutto and being a Momma/Step Momma to our 6 kids is the greatest joy I’ve had here on earth and I will continue to press on until God takes me home!   So...cheers to all of the AWESOME Parents/Step-Parents out there!