It’s always fun putting together a wedding: the excitement & anticipation of this day, the preparation, the nerves as the couple scurries about finalizing all the details.
Then all at once the music begins; it’s time. A sense of calmness overcomes the nerves. The groom enters, and his face is so expressive. There is a longing to see his bride as he shifts his weight from side to side, trying to remember not to put his hands in his pockets.
The music changes, and the bride is just waiting for that moment. The moment they both have been waiting for for a long time.
Suddenly, the doors open while the guests rise in honor of the bride.
She enters the room, stunning, and headed straight toward her groom. The glow that radiates from her makes all observers smile.
Dad is holding back the tears, knowing he is giving his precious daughter away to a man, that was instructed, rather sternly, to take good care of his little girl. He realizes he will no longer be charged with protecting and providing for his sweet princess. In just a few minutes, that transition will take place. The emotions run high. She is going to something, he is having to let go, and we are all watching this unfold.
Why can’t we all just get along? That’s a question I’m sure we’ve all wrestled with time and time again. Well, truth is, we can! God provided the greatest model for us through is His Son, and when we take a look at how Christ lived and worked among the people you will see common characteristics.
So exactly how do we go about obtaining unity? By practicing these 3 principles.
Remember the common goal. Understanding there is a common goal allows us to focus on what we are really trying to accomplish, not on who came up the solution. By outlining what the real goal is helps everyone involved in the decision making process. It is also important to create the mindset of one team trying to get something done. Not two teams competing against each other. Once the later takes hold hard feelings and togetherness are lost.
Listen to others. When we purpose to put others first we tend to listen more to their ideas. This shows respect and value to them. In dealing with situations we tend to think our approach is the best. Why? That’s easy, because it make sense to us. That in turn, causes us to forget others might come up with a different solution or even have a better plan.
Be slow to speak. This one is crucial. It is really the key to unity. In scripture we are reminded a wise man holds his tongue but a fool blurts out. By simply holding your tongue provides time to process the information being shared. When passion, knowledge and insight are bubbling inside we naturally want to speak out, but if not properly filtered that wisdom can fall on deaf ears. Making the distinction between exchanging ideas and deflating or attacking others can also play a role in how information is shared and received.
Do you have a mentor? Do you have someone that you are currently mentoring?
People often ask me how important are mentors? My answer, very important.
The concept of mentorship is nothing new. Even though the titles have changed over time, the practice has been around for as long as we know, and for good reason!
A mentor’s goal is to help you take the next step with confidence. The best form of mentoring exists without the expectation of what the mentor might get in return.
Over the years I have had several mentors; they have been women I have both observed, listened to, and witnessed the results of their work. Whether it was for professional development, gaining business savvy, learning to be a wife and mother, or maintaining overall balance in life, they were there for me freely sharing their insight, knowledge and wisdom.
Each of my mentors have this common motive: to listen, encourage, and share their knowledge with me (without expectation or hidden agenda). They impacted my life forever, and consequently the lives of my children.
College admissions tests are changing. Yes, the College Board is drafting a new SAT test, and the ACT is also being revised. Some say this is good; others think the tests are being “dumbed down”. Regardless of your view, change is coming.
For the past 22 years, I have been involved in the education process of children – mainly as the result of needing to know how to properly teach my five children with what was required to do so.
Over the years I’ve met with governors, lawmakers, and school board representatives in order to keep bureaucracy from placing undue regulations on parents who choose to educate their children. I frequently attend education forums as a homeschooling authority and/or liaison to share the needs of the community, as well as to learn what may be coming down the pipeline.
Recently I met one of the writers of the new SAT in an effort to get to the truth behind the rumors that have been circulating. What will be different with this test in the future?
Are you ready for convention? The saying, “A stitch in time saves nine” couldn’t be truer when it comes to preparing for your weekend. There is simply so much going on that if you aren’t careful you will blow the family budget, miss important presentations that you needed to hear, or find yourself lost in a sea of other confused moms.
Take it from me, with a little pre-planning you will feel less overwhelmed once you arrive at the conference. (more…)
