Who writes this stuff?

My photo
I try to keep my priorities in order: Jesus, my Andy, our children, everything else. I homeschool our boys, love to read almost all written words and have been challenged by the military life for 18 years. Right now my faulty human body is demanding a lot of attention. One day at a time, learning as much as possible every day and remembering to look for JOY when other things threaten to overwhelm.

My Blog Title Verse

"For the Lord gives wisdom. From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." Proverbs 2:6 NKJV
The Message translation puts it this way "God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding."


Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Me, Myself and I (#500)




The time for my 500th post has come. I was wondering what I could write about, mulling it over, perhaps stressing more then I should, considering only about four people actually care what I put here.
Then I mentioned it to Andy, and he was full of ideas. Once again, I wonder why he doesn't write...
Perhaps because he would rather do things like this?

Last week he finally had his interview with the Army Officer board. One of the questions they asked him was, "What three words best describe you, and why". He had only a few seconds to come up with his answer, but I approve of what came off the top of his head. I think perhaps it is a good description of who he really is. His answers were:

Integrity, Spirituality, Motivation

Of course, he got to talk a little more about those words, and how they apply to his life. After the interview he was even encouraged by one of the Captains that interviewed him. He said something along the lines of "keeping your faith known (but not pushed on them, obviously) to your men once you become an officer will be appreciated. They will look towards a leader with faith when times get tough."

When Andy asked me what words best describe me, I could only come up with titles. Who I am, not what. (think mommy, Christian, wife) He said those don't count. They are too obvious. I have to go deeper then that. So, I have been on a mission to figure out what three words best describe me, and why.

I have finally decided on:
Joy, Reflection, Edification,

Joy is fairly obvious I guess. I try to shine it, share it, keep it with me all the time.
It is the name of our school, J for Jesus, O for others, Y for yourself = that equals JOY.
I love to laugh, and laughter is contagious. I wouldn't say that I am much of a joker. Actually more of the opposite, but I love to laugh. But even when laughter is hard, when happiness is missing, Joy is always there. When I can't find it by myself, I remember who provides it, and ask Him to pour it out on me. And, I am blessed with people all around me who share my passion for Joy, and when I have lost mine, they help me find it.

Reflection is the fancy word I chose to say that I want to be a shining star, a mirror, a light.
A mirror, which shows as clear a reflection of Jesus as possible. Sometimes, because it is just a mirror and not the real thing, it will be warped, or discolored, or shaky. But still, it reflects.
A star, which reflects light in darkness and burns its own inner fire. I want to shine for Jesus to the entire world. I want to shine in simple things like listening and responding with interest when my hubby rambles on about engines and intakes. I want to shine in larger things like teaching my children the Word of God so they can have a light for every step as they learn. Reflection seems like a huge responsibility.

These boys are a huge responsibility. But oh, they are worth it!
Edification is my gift. I am a listener. An encourager. A problem solver. When someone just needs to vent, I am here. When someone is having a really bad day, and needs someone to find the one positive thing, that is what I was made for. Hopefully, that advice I give actually edifies, or educates and helps solve the problem. Maybe sometimes I am just an encourager. Either way, listening, and then trying to do something about the problem - that is my third word. That is what I hope I am.

Now, here comes the fun part. I've given you a taste of who I am, now it's your turn. All of you lurkers, you who never comment, or rarely have something to say - I would like to hear what three words best describe you. No titles, only descriptors. It can't be who you are, so think deeper. As a side note - those of you who often comment, I would like to hear from you too.

Here's to #1000!

12 comments:

Carrie said...

okay, well, I think in honor of it being YOUR post, we should think of words that we think also describe you! ha ha!
For you: exhortation (fancy encourager!), reflection (in the thinking about things way), love!

Me....meh...I dunno. wife, Christian, mother? jk.

meditative, faithful, love.

Karen said...

I think you and Andy both gave great descriptions....

Tricia said...

When I read Andy's list I thought he had hit the nail perfectly. So did you. Mine is hard for me to come up with, but I will give it a shot... Loyal, Compassionate, Generous

Unknown said...

Great 500th post Bethany! I love it. I agree with Carrie...we should describe you too, right? Although I think you hit the nail right on the head when it comes to you. For me...hm, thats a hard one. I would like to say: Honest, loving, and faithful. Maybe I'll think about it more though;)

EmileeHope said...

Love this post B!

Side note: You need to get some of these posts published. You amaze me with your "way with words"...for reals yo!! (Not really sure why I went gangsta there!?!)

I have no idea what three words would describe me...it seems like this is something that other people should answer for you...I could say what I think I am, or would like to be, but the people who really know me would be the ones that could best answer it.
(plus that requires too much thinking at this moment for me...does that mean one of my descriptive words would be lazy?)

Anonymous said...

Bethany, I will definitely help you break your record because I love reading your blogs! I do not always get to comment on facebook since I am on and off so fast it seems, but you are an incredible writer and sometimes your stories give me an insight into my own life. Keep up the awesome blogging and know that you have a fan in me! Love, Beth Marsden

Mandy Moltz said...

your first answer is b/c women define themselves by relationships, men define themselves by who they are, usually having to do with jobs...just some food for thought.

Good word choice by the way...oh, and you had to become somewhat of a jokester living with us...

for me: independent (to a fault), Princess (my daddy's the King of Kings--i live to please Him), desire (for kids to know love, to break the cycles they are trapped in, for all to know and follow Christ, for christ followers to live in such a way He will be seen by all)

charity said...

Three words... hmm...

Open, analytical, rooted

Open- I live my life wide open and not hidden behind any walls or masks. What you see is what there is, nothing more... nothing less. It doesn't matter if you are a close friend or a complete stranger, I will not "fake it" for you.

Analytical- my other option here would be truth-seeker. I analyze and search for the truth in everything that happens... good or bad.

Rooted- I live totally anchored in my faith. It completely defines me and without my reltionship with Christ, I would cease to exist.

Kelli Belle said...

Oh Bethany, I love you. I definitely agree with your word choices. :)

I don't really know what words describe me well - a side effect of being 21 and still figuring it out! But I would hope that in my life and career and relationships I reflect: capability, joy & passion.

Capability--- this is a big one. I'm striving for a career in nursing, after all. One of my deepest desires is to be ABLE to help, to change things, to see a situation and alter it for the better. My family on both sides, going back to my grandparents, have always highly valued ACTION and believed that if a situation is unjust or poorly managed, then you should work to change it. Capability is something I long for and accomplishment really blesses my heart.

Joy--- this one is pretty obvious! I want to reflect cheerfulness, peace and DELIGHT in this life and those around me.

Passion--- For CHRIST above all, for my husband whom I love, for my work, for whatever is good & inspiring and TRUE, for this life and for the next.

- Kelli M. Hardin

Chocoholic said...

Bethany,
I LOVE your blog . . . I just don't usually comment. You have a true gift for writing; you are so honest and eloquent (maybe that should have been one of your words?!??!) Anyway, I am challenged to come up with my three words and I think they would be determined (to do what I feel is best), learner (which is interesting since my job is to be a teacher), and optimistic. I look forward to your next 500 posts :) Lindsey

Anonymous said...

I agree with Em...You need to publish some of these or better yet write a book! You've read enough books that I'm sure you could top all of your favorite authors cause you would combine all of their talents into one...mhhuuuhaha. As far as the three words I'm gonna be lazy too =) I'll have to think about it

Mary

Anonymous said...

Oh wow this is so hard! Can I "take" yours? :D

I can definitely name the things I'm NOT (patient, boring)

Hmmm...faithful definitely
giving
humourous