To Be or Not To Be a Diva: Selflessness

My thoughts on Divas, Christianity, Women and Girls:

I've went over it from every angle... a Diva thinks of herself, a Christian does not.  Self is crucified.  But, yet, there's more.  There's this aspect of always growing in the areas of our faith that matter most to God.  It reminds me of 2 Peter 1:5-8

"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

I love that.  If the above qualities are yours and are increasing, you will be useful and fruitful in the knowledge of Jesus.  Wow.  Somehow, some way, let our Blossoms be planted and growing in the above qualities.  The selfishness is crucified with the flesh so the beautiful character traits that please our Lord can grow and increase.  Oh, my dream for our Blossoms.  I'm thankful that He's supplied grace for us to train them in this way.

Skipper's opinion

Skipper (#3) always has an opinion.  Always.  This particular topic was how often the Blossoms like what Mommy makes for supper.  Now, just so you know, Mommy tries to make palatable food for all.  As long as they aren't gagging over my kid-friendly comfort food type cuisine, I expect them to eat it.  They usually do.  But, sometimes they need a little more convincing than others.  Lately, I was on a roll and it about bowled me over.  I heard positive comments on supper TWO nights in a row AND a few meals in between were approved as well.  Skipper wanted to put in her two cents.  She added, "Mommy, I YIKE yo homemade tupper!"  Complete with a snuggle, it melted Mommy's heart.  :)

To Be or Not To Be A Diva: Independence

My thoughts on Divas, Christianity, Women and Girls:
Some might think that a Diva IS independent.  After all, perhaps she has her own style and opinions.  I think that isn't really the case.  Most of what a Diva is and does, really is dependent on what others think of her.  We want our Blossoms to be independent.  Independent people take responsibility for themselves.  They think for themselves.  They act based on their own convictions - the eternal intangibles that are far more noble than a Hollywood appearance and personality.  They are concerned about leading their own life and minding their own business, which are concepts we find in the Bible.  Godly, independent people do not have a sense of entitlement.  They work hard to make things happen.  They take responsibility for their own actions in a way that sees the cause AND the effect in their lives.  They do not shrink back from the hard lessons they must learn.  Independence denotes a strength of character that reminds me of that verse, "Be strong and courageous..."  Independence is such an intangible, that I believe only the leading of the Holy Spirit can prompt us for ways to model for and train our children in this trait.  I believe He will be pleased by it. 

To Be or Not To Be A Diva: Flexibility

My thoughts on Divas, Christianity, Women and Girls:

If I stood on a soapbox on the street, it might be a soapbox regarding flexibility.  It's one of my biggest beefs these days with children.  No one is teaching their children flexibility.  Maybe that is leading to the increase in Divahood.  I don't know.  Divas are inflexible. 

"I want a certain something.  Therefore, you must give way to my way... or else I will have a royal fit or I will freeze you alive."

I want our Blossoms to know that it isn't "their way or the highway."  Who cares if you have orange Gatorade or blue Gatorade?  It doesn't matter if you're first, second, third or last in line.  It's not important if you're candy is smaller or bigger than your sister's...  They've gotta learn to give a little, as my Mom used to say.  We aren't doing our children any favors when we allow them and encourage them to be inflexible.  Being flexible is about learning to prefer others higher than yourself.  Be flexible in your wants, desires and needs.  The only inflexibility tolerated and encouraged here is when it comes to God's way.  We don't budge there.  And by His grace, may the Blossoms never budge.

To Be or Not To Be A Diva: Love

My thoughts on Divas, Christianity, Women and Girls:

The problem with Divas is their intense self-love.  We know, according to I Corinthians 13, that self-love isn't real love.  Real love changes how you act toward others.  It is connected to virtue.  If you don't have love, you don't have virtue.  If you are loving, you are also patient, kind, humble, not jealous, etc.  And, without love, you simply are a resounding gong or clanging cymbal... Divas' lives are empty noise.  Divas are all show and nothing lasting.  Love is and does something lasting.  Additionally, we know that faith works by love AND without faith it is impossible to please God. That's pretty important to the Christian life.  So, how do you teach love?  You don't.  You model it.  Here at home, they see that Mommy and Daddy love one another in real practical ways.  Mommy practices patience and kindness.  She encourages the Blossoms to practice all the things that love is and does.  We recognize that these things in 1 Corinthians 13 are real and lasting.  We promote these things.  We hold them in high esteem.  The outward appearance is kept in its proper place.  We strive to be well-put-together, but more importantly, we strive to BE Godly, to BE beautiful inside.  That all starts with love.