"Flaws For Facets"

So...Yesterday I, along with several other of my colleagues, was blessed to be in a position to connect with Thousands of people, "believers" and "non-believers", at an annual event called Fish Fest.
As I spoke with people who stopped by the booth to inquire about our services,and even as I listened to the music and words coming from the surrounding stages. I had the opportunity to hear testimony after testimony about how God has shown up in times of pain and trouble or how this is the time people need God to show up. I heard stories of angry children, broken marriages, depression, cheating, anxiety,substance abuse, and confusion. What kept coming to my mind was THANK YOU FATHER, for putting us here in this place for such a time as this. I looked in the faces of the people I spoke with. I looked at the expressions on the faces of passers by. I saw every shape, color, and size of humanity and what I felt was love, unity, and a very distinct uniqueness. You see none of us goes through this life smooth we all have our battles we have to endure (this is what unites us)however even when in the same battle each soldier must take up his/her own armor(this is what makes us unique)
which brings me to my revelation:
It is when we are in intense battle that our weaknesses/flaws can and often do get exposed.But when the fight is imminent we have to arm ourselves with the whole armor of God, His Word. We are meant to do battle in this world, and to be victorious!!!!it refines us and sharpens our faith. So when we are cut, bruised, and broken Our Father is just faceting us as diamonds reflecting His light. What we see as flaws and imperfections are representations of our multifaceted Saviour.As we "do battle" our Father has given us victory in trading our Flaws for Facets.

The Art of Parenting?

The more I work with parents as well as parent my own children I have come to the revelation that parenting is not a science but rather an art. You see in science, chemistry specifically, you can use a certain formula and get the exact same outcome every time. You can control the input and outcome of the scientific process. But as a parent you can "pour in" the same amount of love, discipline, and morals into each one of your children and get different outcomes. Each child as God's own unique creation has their own gifts, talents, and personalities that are unlike those of even their closest relatives. In this sense our children are like works of art. God has provided us a very precious "canvas" in our children. As parents we are the "medium". But unlike science we cannot control how the canvas receives the medium. For example oil will be received much differently on burlap than it will on glass, but the outcome is equally as beautiful in it's own way! the same with our children. The scientist views same process-different outcome as a failure or mistake. The artist views same process-different outcome as an extension of their talent. So instead of asking "why can't he/she be more like their brother or sister"? or "they were raised in the same home, why did they come out so differnt". We should view parenting as our God given opportunity to compose priceless works of art, trusting the "Master Crftsman" to preserve the art as well as the artist!