Hero in a halfshell.

I sure do like to hear people speak highly of me. I think everyone likes to hear accolades. For me, those accolades are tiny pebbles rolling around in the bottom of my shoe. You know what I'm talking about. That irritable distraction that won't let you enjoy a walk or run. You have to stop, unlace the shoe, and empty out the debris. You see, I am only as admirable and good as my helpmate, my wife, and my love. Without her I am only half of what God has designed me to be. Any praise toward me needs to also be showered on Tracie.

To say Tracie is "Wonder Woman" may be a stretch, but I can say she has superhuman strength. I have seen her drive hundreds of miles without asking for me to take over (although it could be due to her not liking my driving). She moves heavy furniture and never bats an eye. I literally watched her give birth to our four children and know without a doubt I could not endure the pain she went through. She has even begun to squash unwelcome bugs and spiders in our home!

She works to keep our home in tip top shape. She bakes and cooks, she works a job outside the home, and she has worked in every church we have ever served. She is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman and I am blessed to call her my wife, my confidant, and the best half of our marriage.

Tracie finds time to be a wife, mother, grandma, friend, and ninja turtle??? Ha. Ha. This is why I love her more everyday. She finds ways to keep our family young and growing into fun activities. It could be that God was inspiring King Lemuel to write Proverbs 31 and had my wife in mind. Take a look.

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." (Proverbs 31:10-31, NIV)

If you are a man and married, tell your wife how much she means to you. If you are a young man and hope to marry one day, don't let a day go by without cherishing the woman with whom God blesses you.

Tracie Lynne Hughes, I love you and thank God for crossing our paths over 34 years ago. He knew what I would need in a mate and the rest is history. You are a hero in a halfshell and we think you are super!