30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 24

Wehoo... today is a HOLIDAY... and what a beautiful and HOT day it was... (still is technically) The first official LONG WEEKEND of the year...

Today's topic is - INTENTIONAL TRAINING
Today's verse is Proverbs 31:24 - "She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes."

Intentional by definition is;
–adjective

1.done with intention or on purpose; intended: an intentional insult.
2.of or pertaining to intention or purpose.

We have to make it a PURPOSE to train those around us... If we are 'younger', we need to seek out an 'older woman' to mentor us, someone with similar circumstances, etc. If we are 'older' we need to live our lives as an example for the 'younger' generation. We need to search them out as well, and try to train them in the life principles found in God's Word. It sounds so difficult, and it sounds like it takes a lot of time, energy and work. Really, according to Nancy in TODAY'S DEVO, "It’s really just giving friendship, counsel, encouragement, exhortation by your example, by your words, one on one in the context of everyday life."

Getting together with someone, younger or older (or even a threesome where there is one young, one middle & one older) can be beneficial to both/all parties. It has been said that we should have "Paul's", "Timothy's" & "Barnabas'" in our lives... A 'Paul' is one who mentors and trains you. A 'Timothy' is one that you mentor or train, and a 'Barnabas' is one who is your peer, one who is WITH you on the journey.

I know that this is something I see myself getting more involved with, as it is a desire of my heart as well. I love all the 'spiritual moms' in my life, some are intentionally training and being an example, yet others are just living their life as an example to view, and learn from. I love teaching and training the younger generations, but usually is has been in the Preschool-Primary areas. Now, I find myself involved in our 'YOUNG GOD CHASERS' class, which is made up of 'Tweens who are ages 8-12. They are 'hungry' and 'thirsty' for knowledge and wisdom. They are exciting to teach, and train because they are ready to tell their story too. I am teaching them, but I am also learning from them as well. I am also planning to start a 'girls group' with a few other 'older' women... we are also getting our 'older' women involved too... to have a multi-generational ministry and get-togethers/functions/workshops/
conferences and more. I am excited to be a part of our church, because we are a church of equippers... so our 'children' and 'youth' are being brought up to equip others as well.

We should try to have PURPOSE for everything we do as women. It doesn't all have to be spiritual, yet it will bring spiritual blessings as well. As in our verse today, our 'virtuous woman' "makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes." We already know this woman is amazing... she makes linens and clothing to provide for her family, yet here we see she also makes linen garments with a PURPOSE. She is making them to sell. She herself does not sell the garments, she gives them to the merchants who sell them for her. She is again making a profit, for which she used some as an income to again provide for her family and as verse 16 states, "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard". Everything this woman does is out of PURPOSE. She is a WOMAN of PURPOSE!

Purpose by definition is;
–noun

1.the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
2.an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.
3.determination; resoluteness.
4.the subject in hand; the point at issue.
5.practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.


–verb (used with object)
6.to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
7.to intend; design.
8.to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.


Therefore, our 'virtuous woman' knows the reason for which she exists (definition #1). She is desiring to set goals for herself, and she tries to fulfill them to the best of her own ability. (definition #3 & #6) She resolves to be different, to do and be ALL that God has called her to be. (definition #8)


Again, this leads us to being the ME that God has called us to be... the ME that I want to be. My M.E. is my MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS. That by definition is;


Maximum:
–adjective

5.that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained: maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.
6.pertaining to a maximum or maximums.


Effectiveness:
–adjective


1.adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result: effective teaching methods; effective steps toward peace.
2.actually in operation or in force; functioning: The law becomes effective at midnight.
3.producing a deep or vivid impression; striking: an effective photograph.


Therefore, in my life I want to accomplish the greatest or highest possible things that God has planned for me. I want to ACTIVELY attain the goals that we have set for me. I am adequate to accomplish the purposes that He has for me, with PURPOSE, which will produce the intended or expected result that HE has for me! I really love the 3rd definition of 'Effectiveness' ~ "producing a deep or vivid impression; striking" I want to leave a deep & vivid impression to those who follow behind me. As a creative person as well, this creates a vivid picture for me. The example given is an 'effective photograph'... as a hobby photographer, I have seen several different 'contests/photo games' around the net, where the creator gives a topic/theme for example, and you have to post pictures that you have taken into that category. For example, say "BRIDGES" was the theme, I could post this picture (photo credit: ME)...

For "JOY" I could post this pic from our wedding...

[Photo credit to SUDDEN EXPOSURE (Mark MacBain).]

Both of these pictures exhibit EFFECTIVE imagery showing the desired theme.

Now, using 'Effective' vs. 'Not so effective'... For "PAIN" I could post this pic of me when I had 'facial cellulitis'...(photo credit: Me)

Yet, here is another pic of me with the Facial cellulitis, but I have a smile on my face, so it kind of takes away from the desired effect of "PAIN"... it does still somehow look painful, because it is red and swollen, yet because of my smile, it doesn't 'seem' painful.

God's desired theme for us is to live a life that is pleasing to Him, and completely FOR Him. He doesn't want our 2nd best, nor does He want to be 2nd place! To be an EFFECTIVE witness and example, we need to live life with a PURPOSE! (God's purpose, not our own!)

When we do that, like our 'virtuous woman' friend, God will grant us favour and give us many blessings greater than we can imagine or think! So walk out your life with INTENTION and PURPOSE. (Not just living with 'good intentions'... but actually following through to reach the goal that God has for you in Christ Jesus!) "I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back." (Philippians 3:13-14 THE MESSAGE)

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 18

Today's topic is -- MORE THAN A LIST

Today's verse is -- Proverbs 31:18 -- "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."

"IF WE DON'T TEACH THEM, WHO WILL?" This motto in my own life, leads us into our devotional for today. Training and teaching our children regarding 'Modesty'. These thoughts continue from Day #16 (which can be found here).

Some women find it helpful to make 'checklists' to go about their daily routines, and I do like lists, but sometimes I forget them, or I forget to check things off of my list, or I get frustrated because I cannot check some things off my list. LOL! Others make lists, to list rules, 'do's & don't's', etc. Modesty, and other items are not just something we can write a 'list' of rules for... it's something that has to be lived out in our own lives, if we want others to follow.

To go along with today's verse, "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night", I realize that one has to take seriously their giftings & talents (in this sense, 'trading') and how they fit into the Kingdom. We are ALWAYS being observed by others, day and night. The way we live, our reactions, our words, our dress, our witness is constantly under watch, and we think we are living one way, but sometimes the things we get stuck in push us to say or do things that aren't really what we want others to see of us. (Like the TV Show, 'True Beauty', which I have also written about here.)

The TV show 'TRUE BEAUTY' was on before, and is now on again, with a twist of course (or else the contestants would know what to do). For those of you who have never watched, or never heard of it, it's a reality-based show where contestants compete to see who was the most beautiful. However, they thought they were only being tested on outer beauty. The first show was hosted by three judges: Nolé Marin, Cheryl Tiegs, and Vanessa Minnillo who judged the contestants on their inner beauty as well. The show that is on now is secretly hosted by Vanessa Minnillo and on-screen by Carson Kressley and Beth Ostrosky. (see here for more info too) It was funny to see them competing with each other, and actually judging each other in the house. There were usually tests/secret challenges during the photo shoots, or activities that they were involved in; simple things like helping a girl who is really upset, to helping an older man who fell and dropped his groceries. Others this season were like not cheating, or sharing a magician's secret. Most of the contestants didn’t help in the first season we watched, this season was 'a little' better. Sometimes they even got irritated at the person, and it was really disheartening to see that they were so consumed in their own outer appearance and life, than to take time to help others. Most of them were more interested in themselves and the mirror, then others around them. Some of the 'secret challenges' are technically un-fair, because even if you are caring and 'beautiful on the inside', you may not stop to do because of repurcussions or consequences in today's world. For example, the contestants {this past week} [editor note: I edited this devo on July 17th incase you are wondering how I knew this show so early] were 'BlackJack Dealers', and they had to take training of course. Now the people involved are all in on it, and are told to 'act' either like the mean, overbearing Pit Boss or the insignificant, quiet trainer. The boss obviously acted his part, and was quite rude and disheartening, I wanted to punch him out. The trainer did there job and sat there like a petty, helpless kitten. The boss was told to 'down-talk' or 'complain' about the trainer. The contestants were judged on whether they helped or stuck up for the trainer. In some cases a person would be afraid to speak up to a Las Vegas Pit Boss, but still able to console a quiet trainer (someone who would be considered a peer). I know I would want to help, and I would want to 'punch the guy out' (as I said above), or at least put him in his place, but I don't know what I actually would have done in the situation, as this was supposed to be 'my job' for the day. So I need to submit and show respect to the Boss, even if he is disrespecting me or fellow employees. Only ONE contestant spoke up to the Pit Boss directly, the others (who passed) spoke kindly to the trainer. Funny part was, the contestant that spoke up, was in full mind capability as he was intoxicated (in midst of a hangover). I was super proud of him. {THIS IS NOT A SPOILER - sorry if you are watching the show. We watch it on ON DEMAND.} Anyway, the Boss (a different one) picks the bottom 2, and they go into the elimination room with Carson and Beth. The bottom two (which I will not name, incase someone out there hasn't seen this episode yet) both give little speeches saying why they should be 'the face of Vegas'. Carson and Beth (& Vanessa) all judge who should stay and who should go. The one that was eliminated (again not mentioning names) had said in {their} speech that they love people and have a heart for people, etc... which was funny because {they} had JUST failed the secret challenge, which was to help a mother who had a baby and lots of luggage, and needed help getting things into the car. Seriously, {they} even stopped to look at the mother who was obviously having trouble (acting of course), and then went on their way. The other contestant surprisingly stopped to help. When it came time for Vanessa to come out, and surprise the contestant going home, she asked of course 'Do you think you are a TRUE BEAUTY?' and then they show a video clip of different scenes from the show depicting the 'no so beautiful' parts of the person during the show. This contestant was hurt... you could sincerely see that {they} (and the contestant that left previously) were truly hurt by their actions and words that were spoken. They both commented that 'that's not me'... I knew that I would be hurt by different actions and words that I have spoken, and it shows the contestants and even we as the viewers that we need to be more careful in what we say and do, and portray about ourselves.

Going back to the verse, as I side-tracked a little... "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night". As I started saying above, I realize that one has to take seriously their giftings & talents (in this sense, 'trading') and how they fit into the Kingdom. We have to realize that God made us exactly who we are to help out others in the Kingdom. Some of us may only have one measly gift, whereas others around us seem to have lots. We have ALL been given ALL of the gifts, but some of them we choose not to utilize. Some of us are only meant to use some of the gifts when absolutely necessary... God will grant us the use of a gift for only a time. Others are gifts we can use everyday. This is something that I am learning. I am much more 'gifted' than I thought, which is kind of cool and crazy all at the same time, because I myself have gifts in many areas. God is bringing more of the 'GREATER' ones to light in my life which is exciting for me. But it all takes you back to 'IF YOU DON'T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT' which basically comes from the "PARABLE OF THE TALENTS" in the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

Here it is in the MESSAGE translation;
""It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.

19-21"After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
22-23"The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
24-25"The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.'
26-27"The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
28-30"'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'"

We need to utilize our gifts, or 'see that our trading is profitable', so that we can be fully used in the Kingdom. Some of us may be gifted with 'smaller-sized' or 'behind-the-scenes' gifts, but they are still important. Those of us with 'in-your-face' gifts cannot fully do the job which we've been called to, without the work being done by those with 'behind-the-scenes' gifts. Nevertheless, there are those who have 'in-your-face' gifts, and they are not walking in humility, and it sometimes takes the character of the 'behind-the-scenes' one to bring them out. Take for example the story of "The Millionaire and the Scrub Lady" by William E. Barton. (Found in the book 'Stories for the Heart' Compiled by Alice Gray (page 79-80))



"There is a certain Millionaire, who hath his Office on the Second Floor of the First National Bank Building. Andn when he goeth up to his Offices he rideth in the Elevator, but when he goeth down, then he walketh. And he is an Haughty man, who once was poor, and hath risen in the World. He is a Self-made man who worshipeth his maker. And he payeth his Rent regularly on the first day of the month, and he considereth not that there are Human Beings who run the Elevators, and who Clean the Windows, hanging at a great height above the sidewalk, and who shovel Coal into the furnaces under the Boilers. Neither doth he at Christmas time remember any of them with a Tip or a Turkey. And there is in that Building a Poor woman who Scrubbeth the Stairs and the Halls. And he hath walked past her often but hath never seen her until Recently. For his head was high in the air, and he was thinking of More Millions. Now it came to pass on a day that he left his Office, and started to walk down the Stairs. And the Scrub lady was halfway down; for she had begun at the top and was giving the stairs their First Onceover. And upon the topmost Stair, in a wet and soapy spot, there was a Large Cake of Soap. And the Millionaire stepped on it. Now the foot which he set upon the Soap flew eastward toward the sunrise, and the other foot started on an expedition of its own toward the going down of the Sun. And the Millionaire sat down on the Topmost Step, but he did not remain there. As it had been his intention to Descend, so he Descended, but not in the manner of his Original Design. And as he descended he struck each step with a sound as if it had been a Drum. And the Scrub Lady stood aside courteously, and let him go. And at the bottom he arose, and considered whether he should rush into tthe Office of the Building and demand that the Scrub lady should be fired; but he considered that if he should tell the reason there would be great mirth amonth the occupants of the Building. And so he held his peace. But since that day he taketh notice of the Scrub lady, and passeth her with Circumspection. For there is no one so high or might that he can afford to ignore any of his fellow human beings. For a very Humble Scrub Lady and a very common bar of Yellow Soap can take the mind of a Great Business Man off his Business Troubles with surprising rapidity.


Wherefore, consider these things, and count not theyself too high above even the humblest of the children of God. Lest thou come down from thy place of pride and walk off with thy bruises aching a little more by reason of thy suspicion that the Scrub Lady is Smiling in her Suds, and facing the day's work the more cheerfully by reason of the fun thou hast afforded her. For these are solemn days, and he that bringeth a smile to the face of a Scrub lady hath not lived in vain."

We can always use our gifts, day and night... and we need to SHINE our lights/lamps to the world. Be sure that the LIGHT/LAMP inside of you does not go out at night! Even as we sleep, God and Holy Spirit can reveal great things to us regarding our 'trading'.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 16

Day #16... a day set apart for God... a day where I can corporately join other believers in worship, prayer and the Word... another day to live out all that I learn here in these devotionals, and all that I teach to the next generations!

Today's topic is: TRAINING OUR DAUGHTERS

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:16 -- "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." (In the Amplified it reads, 'She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]')

"In Titus 2:3-5, we are told to 'Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.' Older women, is a term used loosely here, and in most cases we don't want to see ourselves as the 'older women' in this verse. However, we all have a generation behind us, which we are 'older' than, so we all fit into this category. The 'younger women' category most of us fit into as well, although in seldom cases those 'older' than us may no longer be living to share the truths they have learned (but hopefully you gleaned something from them before they left the earth spiritually.) Therefore we are all 'teachers' and 'learners'." (Taken from DAY #1's devotion found here)

Some of us are not 'mothers' by name, meaning we have no children of our own (yet), but we have the role of teaching and training the young women of the next generations... I am blessed beyond belief to be a part of imparting the truth into the lives of the next generation. I love children, t'weens & youth, and love to impart into their lives and watch them 'blossom' into who God has designed them to be. I also however love the 'older', mature women in my church, who are imparting into my life as well. I know that some of them don't know how or that they have an impact in my life, so that I why I always want to be 'real' and 'practice what I preach', so that the young women watching me may be blessed as well.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it." Early education (school or church) is important. We need to reach them before the world reaches them, and takes their innocent faith-filled hearts trying to conform them to the image of the world. We need to help God transform their young pure hearts, and minds to the knowledge of Him. ("Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV)

Our 'daughters' need to learn exactly what we are learning through this 30-day Make-over. Each of these life principles and Spiritual principles need to be lived out, so that they may see and experience the JOY of knowing Jesus as King. If we do not live out our faith joyfully, they will not want any part of it. Nancy worded it like this in today's devotional... "One of the killers of the faith of Christian young people is that they do not see that their parents’ faith has joy in it. Your kids will most likely reject your religion if it is a joyless religion." To me, it's not religion, it's a relationship! But that's another topic of discussion...

This teaching/training/living out the truths is important at ANY age. It does not matter that your 8 year old is not worried about having kids, but if they have a dream/vision from the Lord about their future children, we cannot laugh it off, and not train them NOW, we need to take our responsibility serious, and show them now how to treat their husband, how to train their own children, and how to make life and Biblical principles real in their own lives. They learn by our example... There is an old poem that was written regarding how children learn what they live.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves

and in those about them.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to live.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with friendliness,

they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

We have to show them the example, we cannot let the world teach our daughters about modesty, honesty, purity, etc... because the world does not believe in it. They allow our 'girls' to wear tight clothes (tighter than a school bag full of books); short dresses, skirts & shorts (shorter than a english paper); and low, revealing shirts or dresses (lower than the Grand Canyon)! (examples taken from today's devotional) The movies, tv shows and magazine ads all portray these 'awful' images to our young ladies, and they begin to think they have to dress like this, or act like that to be accepted in the world today. WE HAVE TO STOP THIS BEHAVIOUR, DRESS & ATTITUDES NOW! We must lead by example... especially if the young ladies in our 'circle of influence' do not have a mother, or a mother-figure who is a Christian/true woman of God.

The 'virtuous woman' in Proverbs 31 is just that... she is leading by example (for all of us who read about her). In verse 16 today, we see that "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." This woman 'considers' a field... she doesn't just take and spend her earnings on something the world offers, she inspects, closely examines and weighs her options before buying this land.

The word 'consider' by definition means:
–verb (used with object)

1.to think carefully about, esp. in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on: He considered the cost before buying the new car.
2.to regard as or deem to be: I consider the story improbable.
3.to think, believe, or suppose: We consider his reply unsatisfactory.
4.to bear in mind; make allowance for: The arrest was justified if you consider his disorderly behavior.
5.to pay attention to; regard: He considered the man for some time before speaking to him.
6.to regard with respect, thoughtfulness, honor, etc.; esteem.
7.to think about (something that one might do, accept, buy, etc.): to consider a job in Guatemala.
8.Obsolete. to view attentively; scrutinize.
9.Obsolete. to recompense or remunerate.


–verb (used without object)
10.to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.
11.to view carefully or thoughtfully.


She thought carefully, deliberately, and with attention before purchasing this land. Now this land purchase was not for herself, but for the betterment of her family. She didn't just rush into the decision, she carefully and thoughtfully planned out every detail. After she purchased the land, she went on to use her earnings and plant a vineyard as well. This vineyard would provide for her family and herself. She would gain more out of what she reaped and sowed, than the cost of the property to begin with.

This example shows us that we need to be deliberate, careful and attentive in our thought processes, our purchases, etc. If we are so, then the ones watching us will learn from us and continue the process. For example, I don't tell Bible stories/Historical events just for the joy of telling them, I tell them so that I can also help those listening to apply it to their own lives as well. I carefully and deliberately study the story, so that I can get out of it what I believe (through Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance) they need to hear. (Even if it is for JUST ONE!) This also proves the same with 'special occasion art' that I like to do with the children I teach. (Special occasion meaning, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc...) I try to have the thing we are making be useful, to be something the parents will not just hang for the moment (like a picture), but something they can keep or cherish for a lifetime. It is sad to me when I see children working really hard on paintings, or crayon pictures, only to show their parents, and then watch or know their parents throw them in the trash. Now I do know that you can't keep EVERYTHING that your child makes, or WOW what a mess of papers you would have... but sometimes I know the art gets left in their cubby, only for us to throw it out later. That child sees that their parent is not really interested in their work, and therefore may stop trying, or continuing to make pictures, or whatever the case may be.

They (the younger generation) are also ALWAYS watching us. Sometimes we think they may not be 'looking', but they are. (Like I said above, some women do not know that they have impacted my life, because I see or hear things from them just in passing sometimes that have meant a lot to me, or that I have taken to heart to pass on to the next generation as well.) There is also another poem regarding this... "When You Thought I Wasn't Looking".

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator,

and I wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you feed a stray cat,

and I thought it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw you make my favorite cake for me,

and I knew that little things are special things.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I heard you say a prayer,

and I believed that there was a God to talk to.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I felt you kiss me goodnight,

and I felt loved.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw tears come from your eyes,

and I learned that sometimes things hurt,

but it's alright to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I saw that you cared,

and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking,

I looked....

and I wanted to say thanks for all the things

I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.

~Author Unknown~

 
So be on the lookout for those who are looking to you as an example. They may be your own kids, someone else's kids, or even those in generations above you.
 

BE BLESSED AND BE A BLESSING!