In the KNOW

I always say knowledge is power. When I am aware of it- I can change it, grow it, study for it, pray about it, seek Godly advise, wisdom from others...


I am blessed with friendships God has arranged that provide support, wisdom, encouragement and fun! I am always looking for new stuff to help me wife and mother the best I can. I want to know why I/we do things, how I/ we can do them better and keep growing and maturing into what God has called me to be.


I've always been interested in birth order, personalities, temperments, love languages. I feel I am tuned into my girls personalities, strengths/ weaknesses and am aware of the typical traits of birth order, but recently heard someone speak and took a couple new insights...


1st born:
strengths: highly motivated, leader, well organized
weakness: tends to be perfectionist, analytical, and can be critical in nature (critical spirit).
love language: words of affirmation, acts of service


Personal revelation: I didn't know that critical nature was a typical weakness for 1st born. I thought I was the only mother in the world.... we have always worked on this area. Lauren is sweet, tender hearted and a great kid- and I know her little brain organizes and analyses things to figure out how to make them better (much like her Daddy), but it comes across as critical- and is taxing-


one of the H's in our family motto addresses that: H~ have a good attitude
A joyful heart is good like medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Do all things w/0 grumbling, complaining and questioning. Philippians 2:14


Middle:
strength: mediator, avoid conflict, most independant , loyal, caring, free spirit, people oriented
weakness: can often get lost in the family and feel left out
love language: physical touch, QT: quality time alone with loved one


Personal revelation: I know the concerns of a middle child being lost- especially when they are easy and just fit into the mix. I have come to realize that Brooke prefers physical touch and needs more "dates". She is a sweet sister, a peacemaker- and I need to provide more opportunities to be the "designated leader."


Baby:
strength: outgoing, charming, carefree, uncomplicated,
weakness: manipulative, space cadet, messy, may feel left out/ forgotten
love language: acts of service, gifts


Personal revelation: I am blessed that Kate is an easy, fun kid- but need to follow through better on disipline- she is getting away with stuff- because it's really "not that bad"- but if not addressed- could be real bad. I also need to teach her about consequences for poor choices.


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5 Love Languages:
Words of Affirmation
QT: quality time
Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical touch


Author Gary Chapman has some great books on the 5 Love Languages.
Dr. Kevin Leman - one of my favorites authors- Birth Order and some other great studies-

My Toothless Wonder

If we are close- you have probably heard me talk about how Lauren amazes me. It starts with her sweet, sensitive, loving heart - she has a concern for people, their feelings, health, needs... and she loves Jesus and wants to make sure everybody knows about him. Both, often pull me from my quiet, safe comfort zone. She's a deep, thorough thinker like her Daddy and tends to push limits, question, and voice her concerns. Her free side is creative, artsy- and loves to perform on her private stage(bed) in her room. She has creative ideas, a strong sense of right and wrong and BIG emotions to wrap it all up.

That said, I am usually either on my toes or my knees :)

I feel like I have a good handle on knowing my girls- their personalities, love languages, strengths, struggles. And this summer I wanted to be intentional about learning their heart- "where is she coming from- when she does/ says this" I also wanted to work on our life skills- aka character qualities of Christ... using self-control, forgiving, loving, team players, being respectful, truthful- it's an ongoing lesson- for me too. As Mommy, I am called to be a daily example of Gods love, grace and mercy to them- I am still learning!! The lessons & reflection has been insightful and encouraging in my own life.

I started this post with this thought in mind- Lauren amazes and inspires me at how she faces her day. I drop her off at the curb inside her school parking lot- she says "bye mom", flashes me our "I love you" sign and tilts her head with a smile and walks into school. Normal- for you maybe- but not for me. As a kid, I rarly felt prepared for what was ahead- Now, I sometimes feel the same- but I am reminded and assured in God- his grace is sufficient and his mercy is new every morning. 2 Corinthians 12:9, Lamentations 3:22-23

...and as Lauren would say (in her favor, at the most opportune times) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Phil 4:13