Freedom in Your “hodgepodge”!

We hear about “style” in all areas of our lives – clothing, decorating and even in cooking but what does that mean? There is no right or wrong, (REALLY – though some will disagree) it’s just different. It comes down to what you prefer – what makes you happy – what looks good to your eye – what brings life and freedom to your life.

In the midst of this style conscious world I have observed and questioned my oddity. But, I have a wonderful friend who’s decorating style is “minimalist” – I go into her home and it has a peaceful flow, clean and open. I love it! But, it’s not me. I’m not country, or contemporary, and surely not modern, so – maybe I don’t have one, and my hodgepodge style struggled on.

For years I have contemplated the word “hodgepodge” – a word my mom would use – sounding like a swear word. I have carried that “hodgepodge” like shame over my head – but it’s not wrong – it’s just different. I enjoy multiple types of wood furniture in the same room, different art pieces of every style and “clutter” treasures tucked here and there. It is funny, how a name changes everything! One day I found the word “eclectic” attached to a home decorating magazine and my heart skipped a beat – that’s me – I have a “named” style – I am eclectic! Wow – freedom!

Now I can enjoy, embrace and walk in my “style” freedom; finding freedom in who I am – in my hodgepodge. And now a recent example of this presented it’s self in my beautiful courtyard. Within our back yard, I have a secluded little courtyard – my secret garden, and I have it filled with pots and plants. As I originally designed it, I worked hard to keep the ceramic pots color coordinated, the plants all in shades of purples and blues with a touch of pink and white. It was nice, but now as those pots are overgrown they are ready to be re-done. Pondering this job, a freedom emerged and I am embracing my “eclectic” style and began choosing just what I like – I now will have reds, yellows, and oranges right there next to the blues, pinks and purples and I even added different colored pots.

Spiritually speaking – BE who you are – find true freedom in who HE has created you to be! Enjoy the walk exactly where you are and walk in that assignment. Your design, your purpose may be “hodgepodge” – enjoy it and find freedom in your difference.

I Corinthians 7:17a Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. (NASB)

John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (ESV)

“I am a kid – Silly”

I love watching my grandson and his 6-year-old friends! One day they were all “being dinosaurs” and I asked them “who are you”? I was prepared to hear T-Rex and a list of all the great ones they know by name along with detailed information of each. To my surprise my grandson declared, “I am a kid, silly”.

These words spoken from a child’s perspective are ones we need to chew on and remember. We grow up and “become” whatever we have worked hard to get to – through education, training and practice as well as those passions and gifts that God has endowed us with naturally. BUT those are simply like “playing dinosaurs” – who we really ARE is not connected in any way to what we do.

WE are simply kids!   Children of the Most High God!

As we learn and walk in this understanding, all the striving, performing and need to succeed drops away as freedom to BE who we are, begins to ring true all around us.

We can step in and play dinosaur when needed – doing our jobs and pursuing our passions, but we must understand that we are not a dinosaur! And with freedom we can simply announce, “I am a kid, silly.”

Declare today that you are a child of the Most High God! Enjoy what you do, but don’t allow it to steal your identity.

Just BE a kid, silly!!

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

Rom. 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God

 

A Gorgeous Bouquet Surrounds Us!

     Recently I was on a hunt for just the right flowers to add into a few new borders in my yard and the Holy Spirit began to highlight my love for flowers.

     I love flowers – they just draw me in. From the tiny to the huge – crocus and grape hyacinths that sprout through the frozen ground in early spring to the huge dinner plate size dahlia’s, that stand in strength and presentation. The beautifully scented – freesia, wisterias and jasmine as well as the ones with no scent or even the adversely scented ones.

     I am continually amazed at the beauty and diversity that God created in such a gorgeous bouquet, all just for us to enjoy.

     BUT that’s not all. What about the bouquet he has made out of all of us? Just like the flowers he created, each flower being completely different – so are we.   Enjoying the differences in flowers is easy – but when it’s differences in people, we pull away from those who are different. Instead of pulling away, separating and isolating into the “right” groups, He has created us to be a world changing bouquet. Each of us with all of our differing sizes, shapes, and scents complimenting one another.

     Look around – spend time with those who are different from you and you will walk away smiling. Those you think are so different are pretty amazing. We were created to compliment each other – to enjoy the differences of our brothers and sisters and most of all to love each other. Take time to enjoy the human bouquet that surrounds you.