When is the last time you thanked God for your strengths & WEAKNESSES

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Today at MOMS we had a really encouraging speaker named Tiffany Ashenfelter. She spoke on different personality types.

She started out her talk by asking, “When is the last time you thanked God for your strengths and your weaknesses?” What an odd question… but she makes an interesting point. If we all had the same strengths, well first we wouldn’t have any weaknesses, and second, it would make for a very boring world.

I feel like I’ve been to a lot of discussions that talk about interacting with different personality types, love languages, and love and respect. What it all boils down to is: WE ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED BY GOD FOR GOD.

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I really struggle with being uptight when it comes to social situations. I’ve often been jealous of my friends who are able to let loose and have a good time no matter the situation. By being jealous I am telling God that I don’t like this particular trait he has given me. Instead of being jealous, I need to learn to love this about myself and figure out what it is exactly that I need to use my ‘flaw’ for to please God.

Like most of you, David and I have struggled in our marriage because we are very different. I try to take my enthusiastic, people motivating, encouraging, impulsive, intuitive, demonstrative, creative, loving people, friendly, and influential husband and place him in my controlled melancholy box.

WOW. really? I have been trying to change my husband who has been made who he is by my perfect God? I can’t beleive the last 7 years of our relationship I spent far too much time battling David’s personality. If I was mature enough to realize this and understand it at 18 it would have made the last 7 years a whole lot easier.

I am not saying from here on out it is going to be any easier to learn and interact with David, but it sure will help to know the things he does are not to hurt me, to go against my wishes, he doesn’t have another agenda, etc. His actions, his thoughts, his drive, his dreams, his work ethic…they are all who he is and I love everything about him.

Anyhow, she spoke on so much more than this, but this is what really hit home with me. I pray that I can remember who David is and not try and battle him like I have been doing for too long now.

The Pig Personality Test…DON’T CHEAT.
I am a realist (no way?! lol). I am innovative and active, but don’t have a strong sense of family, and I don’t remember dates. I am analytical, cautious, and distrustful. I am secure, stubborn, and stick to my ideals. I’m a good listener. and have a good sex life.

“Thrive, Don ‘t simply survive.”

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“LET GOD BE GOD.”

I heard an amazing speaker named Karol Ladd. The topic of today’s talk was “Thrive, don’t simply survive.” Something that she focused on was the ABCs on being flexible in your life (especially as a mom).

A- Accept the challenges
Accept the challenges God gives you and grow from it.

B-Believe in the beauty of Plan B
Always remember that your plan B is ALWAYS GOD’S PLAN A

C- Chose to move forward
Mold grows in every environment….but diamonds only grow under immense pressure.

In our discussion afterwards someone reminded me of a saying I’ve heard before, “Being a mom is the closest you’ll ever feel to what God feels for us.” and It’s so funny because as frustrated as I feel toward my daughter when she continually tells me “No!”, continues to do everything I tell her not to, and the times when SHE WILL NOT ASK FOR FORGIVENESS (she is as stubborn as me)…I still long to be close with her while she is making me mad. That is how God feels about me. When I keep telling him no to whatever I am feeling led to do or when I continue to be selfish and lazy or when I will not ask for forgiveness he still forgives me. I am doing a horrible job at explaining how I am feeling about this topic, but I think you get the idea behind it.