Aren’t you glad that God made us all so different?He sure had a sense of humor when he made me! Some of us have freckles, some have dark skin, and some light.Some of us are extroverts and others are introverts.Some laugh easily and sing a lot; others are quiet and shy.Some of us need words of affirmation, and others just need a look of approval or a touch of love. You are uniquely you. My three daughters-in-law (see picture) are very different from each other: from their backgrounds to the way they parent to their senses of humor, but they are all three beautiful, and I am so proud of each of them.
The comments that I get after I speak are always interesting and reveals that we all have different needs and that we each are uniquely you. I recently facilitated a panel of couples on marriage for our local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. I explained that I was facilitating instead of being on the panel because there was no way that my husband would ever want to get up in front of a group of beautiful young ladies and talk about his marriage. When I asked him he said that he would rather eat glass. (Now, in all honesty, my sweet husband would have jumped at helping to set up, to clean up or to cook, but he is not an up-in-front-of-groups person.)
We went on and had a great panel. The couples gave out lots of advice, answered lots of questions, and shared their own struggles and victories through Christ.Afterwards a young lady came up to me and very timidly asked if it bothered me that my husband did not want to come and be on the panel.I had just mentioned this in passing and there was a whole lot of other and, in my opinion, more pertinent information. I was surprised that she had picked up on this particular issue.We spoke for a few minutes and I found out that her husband has the same personality and spiritual gift of service that my husband has.This frustrates her, because she loves people and groups and speaking and going and doing. I assured her that God made us differently and that is okay!
Another time when I spoke at a women’s group about parenting, two moms came up to me afterwards.Now remember, they had just sat through the same class.The first one says to me, “Thank you, God really used you to confirm our decision to homeschool.”The second lady then came up and said, “Thank you so much, now I know that homeschooling is definitely not for me!” I briefly mentioned that we had homeschooled, but had not lingered on this topic at all!
We are all different and that is good.If we were all the same we wouldn’t need each other!As Christians we sometimes judge one another on matters that really just come from our differences.Things like dress, hair styles, how we celebrate different holidays, how we worship, and what translation of the Bible we use.1 Corinthians 4:6 says, “…so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.” We are to agree on the principle matters of doctrine, but rejoice in our differences of personality, choices, dreams, and desires. It’s okay to be uniquely you! As long as what you do is for God’s glory and you do it with all your heart, then others are not to judge. (Romans 14:1-10)We are to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and remember that “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable.All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
In this spirit, we are pleased to now offer our Practical Proverbs for Older Students and our Practical Proverbs for Younger Students in both New American Standard and in King James Version.The wording may be different, but the message is the same!Jesus is Lord; He saves; God loves us; we are free from condemnation and shame; and we have a home in heaven!Whichever version you prefer, read it!Get to know your God; He is waiting to remind you how much He loves you.
Hint of the day: I think that I am in need of a hint today! How many directions can a mom go at one time? Just one! So, when things keep piling up faster than you dig out from under, just keep doing the next thing next. And, try doing it with a smile! (Not easy and sometimes impossible! – but a good goal)
Discipline. Don’t you just cringe when you hear that word? This is not the punishment of acts committed, although sometimes it feels that way! This is the continual practice of good choices that over time changes our bodies, our minds, and our spirits.1 Tim. 4:7-8 says, “But have nothing to do…
Phil. 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” This verse has helped all of us get through a tough time or a tough day. Jesus is our strength in all that He desires for us to do. But I used to read this verse all wrong….
It is definitely an In the Midst day! It is one of those days where just getting out of bed is a chore. The weather is cold, and my body does not like cold weather! I woke up at 5:00 in severe pain after spending hours earlier in the night fighting…
I strove for years to have that gentle and quiet heart and spirit that 1 Peter 3:4 speaks of when he says, “Your adornment must…be….the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.” Even though…
Man did everything he could to put up dangerous items to keep the birds from perching on the top of the pole in the picture. Neither nails or a scary owl was able to keep this one stout-hearted pigeon from settling down in the midst of the danger for a…
Christmas time is all about joy, peace, and love; but for many of us, the stress seems to snuff out our personal joy. We are living jet setting lives when we were created to enjoy the meandering. “Be still (cease striving) and know that I am God,” says Psalm 46:10….
Aren’t you glad that God made us all so different? He sure had a sense of humor when he made me! Some of us have freckles, some have dark skin, and some light. Some of us are extroverts and others are introverts. Some laugh easily and sing a lot; others are quiet and shy. Some of us need words of affirmation, and others just need a look of approval or a touch of love. You are uniquely you. My three daughters-in-law (see picture) are very different from each other: from their backgrounds to the way they parent to their senses of humor, but they are all three beautiful, and I am so proud of each of them.
