THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

June 3, 2020

LIFE IN THE FOLD:

Have you ever had God change your perspective about something? Recently, God has been revealing His perception about me and how each of us are special and different. Too often, we compare ourselves to others and feel that we are lacking. There may even be times when other people make us feel as if we need to "change"; perhaps because they want us to be more like them. We end up miserable trying to be something which we aren't. We may even feel as if we aren't good enough, smart enough, out-going enough, funny or kind enough, etc. If only we could change to become this person whom we imagine we could be or whom we think others want us to be, then we would be a much better human being .

God has been showing me that I am exactly as He created me to be! I may not be as funny, out-going, personable, or social as others; but that's okay. I'm happy with my life and have finally reached a place of true contentment of who I am. I may not fit into someone's idea of what they want me to be, and I may not enjoy doing all the activities that others do, but I am at peace and contented with being me.

For many years I felt like I should try and be different. I felt as if I was somehow lacking. What I often saw as flaws, were really strengths. What I saw as insecurities or weaknesses, were really qualities that God had placed within me to make me be the individual He created me to be. What I perceived as being negatives were really life situations that I was dealing with. Throughout it all, God was shaping and molding me into a unique, special woman whom He greatly loves.

I perceived myself as being shy and not fitting in when I was in high school. Now I realize that circumstances were what caused me to be as I was. My mom was very sick my first two years in high school, until her death in February of my sophomore year. For the following two years, I had responsibilities at home. I started dinner each day after school since I arrived home before my dad and two sisters, who were still living at home at that time. I had gone through something that most kids my age hadn't gone through, which makes you grow up more quickly. While they were running around and having fun, I was grieving my mom and doing what I needed to do to help out at home. So it wasn't necessarily that I was shy or unnoticed, but my situation made me quieter and more serious. I wasn't lacking in any way, but was dealing with the path life had placed me on.

All throughout life, situations happened that weren't always pleasant, but God had brought me through prior circumstances that had built character and strength, so I was able to handle it with grace and endurance.

For many years I felt like, "I need to be more outgoing; I need to be more social; I should be more personable and friendly. I wish I were funnier! I wish I was one of those people that made people's lives happier and they loved hanging out with. I should like shopping and hanging out with ladies groups." And the list could go on.....

I have finally come to the place of enjoying being myself and not seeing myself as lacking. I've found that it's okay to be me! I don't have to try and impress others or conform to who I think they want me to be. I've learned that it's okay to say no if I don't want to do something. I finally like being me! I'm comfortable with who I am!

This is what I'm really like: I'm a homebody and love spending the majority of my time at home. I don't enjoy socializing or hanging out with groups. I don't like shopping. I'm not a big TV or movie watcher. In fact, when Jon has been gone from time to time traveling for work, I may not even turn the TV on the entire time. I prefer reading books. I am content sitting quietly with my thoughts in total silence. I have people who I consider friends, but really I much prefer spending time with Jon or my family. I don't particularly enjoy fellowships or church dinners. I don't really enjoy home bible studies.

I told Jon and my sister a few days ago that I have loved these past three months. I have been able to stay home and pick and choose when I get out and where I go. I get to choose who I want to spend time with and how often, without people thinking I'm rude. It's been wonderful!! I'd like to spend all my time like this.

People who are social and like being busy don't understand people like me. Woman who enjoy hanging out with each other and ladies bible studies and fellowshipping with one another don't truly get it when someone like me doesn't enjoy it. Those who need constant activities don't understand how someone like me could want to stay home all the time, without being bored.

God gave me the perfect match in Jon, because he is a lot like me in many ways. He also prefers being home all the time. He doesn't want a busy social life, nor does he enjoy a lot of interaction with other people. We love a nice quiet life at home.

I say all of this to make a point: Embrace who God created you to be! Don't feel pressured to change what makes you happy and what brings you the most contentment, because others enjoy something different and pressure you to be more like them.

All of our differences is what makes us unique and special. We each have our own gifts to bring to the world. We each have our special place and are here for a reason. God designed each person to be one of a kind. None of us are lacking value or worth. We are awesome, just like we are.

Don't misunderstand me when I say to embrace what makes you unique and special, and don't change to fit someone else's perception of who or what they want you to be. That is a true statement, but that doesn't mean to hold onto bad habits or negative personality traits or sinfulness. Don't think, "I'm just a jealous person and nothing I can do about it!" Don't say, "I'm just outspoken and blunt and say whatever is on my mind, and people can take it or leave it, because I'm not going to change!" God didn't create us to harbor sin or negativity. He didn't make us to offend and hurt others. So yes, there are times when we need to purge our hearts of sin or bad attitudes or things that can weigh us down. We don't excuse bad behavior as that being the way that God created us. We have to work to keep our hearts pure and our focus on Jesus. We let go of things that are contrary to the characteristics of God. Our goal is to become more and more like Jesus.

But while on your journey through life, be happy being the person that God created you to be. Don't try to force yourself into a mold that God never intended you to be in. Not everyone is going to be quiet and enjoy solitude. Not everyone is talkative and thrives on being social and surrounding themselves with other people. Some are happiest when they are involved in learning activities or busyness. There are others who have a gift for making people relax and laugh when they were in their presence. Some are really good listeners, while others are really good at counseling and giving advice. There are those who are creative and are always looking for a project to paint or work on. We have so many differences from one person to the next!

Be happy being you! Don't feel guilty in saying, "No thank you, I prefer not to do that." Don't feel pressured to involve yourself in activities that are not something you enjoy. Occasionally, we may find ourselves in situations that are not particularly of our choosing and something we enjoy; and that's okay, because it doesn't hurt us to stretch ourselves to do something that someone we love wants to do. We may need to involve ourselves in church or social activities that aren't particularly in our comfort zone from time to time. Life isn't always about us and being selfish. We are required to step out of our place of contentment at times in order to support or encourage others. We can't always only do those things that make us happy.

But overall, it's okay to celebrate who God created us to be and see our worth and value. Don't try to change who you are to please others, because then everyone ends up miserable in the end. Be the very best you that you can be! See yourself as the special man or woman that God designed you to be!!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

Many people regard me as very introverted. When I was growing up, I was encouraged again and again to change my unhealthy introvertedness. Through school, I thought they might be right. But I never really wanted to overcome it, and knew it would be too hard for something I really didn't want.

Then I got to college, and the engineering school. It turns out I'm very extroverted. In engineering circles, anyone who looks at the other person's shoes is considered an extrovert. The introverts look at their own shoes. And not only am I an extrovert, I'm extremely extroverted. I look at the other person's shoulders!

The real important thing I learned was that it wasn't important. I didn't need to change after all. I have needed to learn to be pleasant and content in crowds of people who don't understand. But it's fine to be comfortable with who I am.

I don't always live up to who God designed me to be. But I do try. I never live up to who God designed my wife to be. But that's good. I'm sure I'd look silly in a dress.

ON THE MENEWE:

Crock Pot BBQ Chicken

4-6 boneless chicken breasts

18 ounces BBQ sauce

1 tablespoons vinegar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Place chicken in crock pot. Mix all remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender. Remove chicken from crock pot, shred, then return back to sauce and mix well. Serve on slider buns.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

When I was a young child, I learned this song: "Jesus loves the little children; all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world."

In the past few weeks, there has been so much said about racism; as well as horrible acts of racism that have been committed. Sadly, this is not a new problem!

Perhaps you think, "What can I do?" We can all show kindness and love to everyone, regardless of color or background or family history. We can see that everyone is precious to our Father, and His love for each person is equal. Let's act and love every person, just as Jesus does!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

No color, no religion, no nationality should come between us.

We are all children of God. - Mother Teresa

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org