Who am I ~ What defines Me
Who am I ~ what defines me?
Am I defined by my family, how I grew up, my education, my mistakes? What is it that identifies me?
I grew up in a Christian home with my parents, Don and Gloria, and two brothers, Kevin and Andy. Mom stayed at home with us and Dad farmed. My mom taught me how to take care of a family and for that I am forever grateful.
Being the only girl on both sides of the family prepared me for Nana life with 8 grandsons. Growing up with this posse of brothers/cousins educated me on boy life. Needless to say, nothing the grandsons have conjured up has shocked me!
As the only girl, I was a bit spoiled. Not with "stuff", but with a precious love that gave me the foundation I needed for the role God planned for me - marrying Farmer Dan when I was 22-years old and stepping into the role of step-mom to 4 and adding 3 more to our herd!
Growing up on our family farm right across the driveway from my dad's parents and my other grandparents being less than five miles away was A - MA - ZING! I knew four of my great-grandparents and had the best aunts and uncles. They taught me how to fish, knit, cook, sew, plant garden, and other things by simply spending time with me. These dear people taught me the importance of investing in others.
Who am I ~ What defines Me
I loved growing up on a farm and especially showing pigs. Whether the crops had to be planted/harvested and long, hard hours spent in the fields; the 4-H pig had to be walked day and night hoping for a banner; or the green beans needed to be weeded in the hot sun so we could enjoy them in the winter, I learned the importance of "rolling up your shirt sleeves"!
Life on the farm was great, then there was junior high and high school! Talk about a major train wreck! I got cut from the track team (no lie!), among a couple other school activities I tried out for; I was NOT homecoming queen; I got to "watch" couples dance from the bleachers at school dances (still can't figure out why I kept going). In these not so cool days, God taught me how vital it is to make others feel included.
Hallelujah, the next stop was college. What a sweet time! It was there that I found my own faith and my life verse - John 16:33. I became part of a campus ministry and found six of the most godly friends who have spurred me and my family on over the past 29 1/2 years. These ladies, our campus minister, and his wife poured into me and have been beautiful examples of what it means to pray for others.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Does any of this define me? Am I better because I grew up in a home with two parents who took me to church, NO. Am I better because I had a family that loved and cared for me, NO. Am I worse because junior high/high school were epic fails, NO. Am I worse because of my countless mistakes, NO.
I am defined by the One Who knit me in my mother's womb. HE took my first 22 years - both the good and the bad - and used them for the role He called me to. Nothing in our stories define us - only God Almighty does.
God doesn't see what you have or haven't done; He only sees what HE can do through you for His good purpose. He wants to love you right exactly where you are so that you can love others. Sweet friends, the Bible tells us GOD HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD. That and that alone is what defines us!
Beautiful! Loving the blogs and knowing you more. And all those pictures are priceless!
Reading this was so special because I have had a front row seat to much of your life. I too, loved the pictures, and was there when the 3 1/2 month picture was made. Please continue to bless us with more of your story!