Friday, August 10, 2012

On Being {You}


Dear Emily, Rachel and Samuel ~

Today is just a regular Saturday, we had a fun breakfast and then I got ready for a baby shower. I had one of those moments today where I was thankful for something Grammie taught me and helped me believe and I just wanted to pass that on to you.

Grammie is one of my biggest cheerleaders in just being me {Daddy is one too} and one thing that I want to be diligent about helping you believe is to be yourself, be true to you. You are the best you there is and you are just exactly the way God made you for His purposes.

What brought this up? So glad you asked :) It wasn't anything nearly as reflective as this post is becoming. So, I was getting ready for the baby shower and was scheduled to bring chips and dip. When getting breakfast ready, I set out my chip and dip server to bring to the shower and moved on to fixing breakfast.

But, as soon as I set the dish out - I just knew it wasn't me. It doesn't reflect anything about me but it is practical and was a wedding gift and I've enjoyed using it. Anyway, I began thinking of an alternative that would be more me.

 
And, I remembered this cool galvanized tiered thingy - yep, that is definitely more me. Less practical {which by now you should know is more me} and with a lot more character. Do you want to take a guess as to which one I took?


Yes, I sure did - I took the one that was more my style and matched me. And, all of that got me to thinking about being myself and how that's ok and good.

Sometime you may be in a moment where you don't feel like you fit or feel different from so many others you might wonder why or if you should change to be more like them or do the practical thing instead of the charming thing.

Don't ever try to be someone that someone else wants you to be ~ just be you.

I say all this because this is something that can be hard for me. I do spend time wondering what others think of me and wanting to do what others may think I should do. Of course, my first goal is to be who God wants me to be and focusing on Philippians 4:8 has been a big help for me.


"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things."

I love you for you!

Love,
Mama

Photos of Mama since there are few with Mama behind the camera! :)

19 comments:

Chrissy said...

So sweet Monica! You are beautiful inside and out...your love of Jesus is written all over everything you do!

Wendi said...

This was timely for me as Chuck and I were talking about something like this last night. We were at a gathering and all the little girls were playing barbies. Megan doesn't like barbies at all! I felt bad that she was standing there and basicly standing out. I tried to encourage her to just play. Then I had that moment when I thought do I want her to be a follower because is is the norm or do I want her to be the individual God intended her to be? Of course I want her to be herself! It isn't easy being different, but it is certaintly better to be the person God wants us to be.

Anyway, all that to say it is a great letter to your kids! BTW... You are on my list of bloggers I would like to meet. I admire your ability to be you and be so creative. :)

Have a great weekend!

Valerie said...

Thank you for sharing the heart-felt thoughts you wrote to your children with us. Just as you are blessed to be the mother of these children...your children are blessed to have you as their mother!

Wishing you a beautiful start to your weekend,

Valerie

Mom said...

Oh how I love this post!! And oh how I love you for you!! Lots of love, Mom

~katie~ said...

Awwww...this mama heartily agrees!!! Blessings to your sweet family as you all grow in the Lord!!

angie said...

I often myself being the exception rather than the norm. How do I know that? Because I am continually comparing myself to others.
The problem arises that when I try to explain myself, I think I appear prideful.
For example, on Wed night I walked to pick up my son from youth. By the time I walked the 3 miles, I was pretty sweaty. I felt compelled to explain to the other moms why I was such a mess. I think I came off as "Supermom." That is far from reality! And it distances me from fitting in. Have you experienced this?

Lisa said...

This was inspiring for more than just your children. It is nice to know that others feel out of place sometimes, and despite that feeling still embrace with a whole heart everything that God made them to be. It gives myself and I am sure others the courage to continue being exactly who God intended.

Thank you

Heather's Blog-o-rama said...

What a sweet post :) :) I totally agree with you, too. Thanks for including the Scripture!!! Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)

Kathy said...

Beautiful!! Both the post and you!!

LynnMarie said...

What a great post. When I was little I wish someone had told me to just be me. It was hard to learn that and you give your kids the right tobe themselves. Great mom!!

Kelli said...

Love this post and it was something I really needed to read this morning.
I always enjoy my morning read of your sweet blog.

Amy said...

Lovely!

Anonymous said...

hi monica.....love this!!
connie

Julian said...

Oh yes! Thats definetly me. Learning to be who He made me to be,and being ok with it.:)
Christina

I like your dip container idea

Leanne said...

I love the pictures! I just turned 42 a week ago, and realized I have spent DECADES trying to fit in...in so many ways...for my 42nd birthday, I gave myself a present...be who God wants ME to be...otherwise, I'll NEVER get to be the person he intended...
great post!! thanks for the help with my blessings order! can't wait to get it!!
Leanne

Unknown said...

Love it! Thanks for the sweet reminder.
Just in cause you missed it, Were doing a giveaway at our blog from Songs for Saplings. Come See
http://jonncarramoorman.blogspot.com/2012/08/songs-for-saplings-cd-giveaway.html
Blessings!!!

Lisar said...

So love your final choice....and I totally agree, that from what I know about you from reading your blog...it is SOOOO YOU....embrace the way God made you because he makes everything perfect....

Elise said...

Love, love, love this post, Monica!! Really, I love it!! Your back to school picnic is so cute, too!!!
Elise
By the way, I totally would've done what you did with the dip!!

Mrs. B said...

Beautiful!!