For several weeks Mommy and we older girls have been listening to “Evenings with Victoria Botkin,” an online class for women and their daughters. It has been a special experience to listen to the wise, godly counsel and instruction from such a sweet woman. This last week, Mrs. Botkin challenged us to be someone that is easy to love and one who is pleasant to be around. She outlined three distinct areas to help us do this. These have been both thought provoking and convicting to me when I applied them to how I relate to my parents and siblings. Once these areas are learned in the home, they will naturally overflow to everyone else around us and will increase our effectiveness for Christ.
I. Personality
-Your personality is the kind of person you are, based on your outlook on life.
-Others appreciate it when your personality reflects respect, gratitude, cheerfulness, courage, faith, love, praise, enthusiasm, and sympathy.
-Show respect by: greeting politely, not interrupting, being a ready listener, serving, making comfortable and happy, and choosing not to use annoying physical motions or gestures.
-SMILE at those around you. We are commanded to be joyful. (Deuteronomy 28; Philippians 4)
-When it is hard to be joyful, encourage yourself in the Lord your God by meditating on His Word. (1 Samuel 30:6)
II. Speech
-Words are some of the most powerful things in the universe. (Proverbs 18:21; Psalm 33:6-9)
-We will give account for all of our words. (James 3:2)
-Tone of voice is vital in speaking.
-Read aloud to learn to use appropriate voice inflection and gain control over the voice.
III. Deeds
-In every day, find special ways to make those around you feel special.
-When we do not feel like reaching out to those around us and making their day special, it is often because of deep-rooted pride and bitterness in our hearts.
Very well-said Kathryn! After the FEW Conference we gleaned some excellent advice from Mr. Stelzl who was able to watch our testimonies on DVD and give us a critique. Of course it was very painful … and very good! So often our elders are willing to give us advice and instruction for free even though it was very costly for them. Along with what we have been reading in the book of Proverbs you have encouraged me to keep listening to instruction.
So, a new personality requires a new outlook. Our souls have eyes out of which we view our circumstances. When we are looking out of deep-rooted pride and bitterness we find it impossible to perform actions of deep-rooted humility and generosity. It is as if we are blind to what God is doing and wants to do. Jesus came to give sight to the blind (Jn. 9:39). Easter is a great time to be willing to go through the death of confessing our blindness and into the life of all things made new! – 1st John 1:1-19. When my eyes are new, everything I see is new! 🙂
Kathryn, thanks for passing on the wisdom you gleaned from Mrs. Botkin! How refreshing!!
Donald, even though it may have been hard – praise the Lord for someone willing to step out and offer constructive criticism. It’s a very rare opportunity to occur.
Kathryn,
I was just looking over this and I can tell that you have applied some of this to your life. You are always smiling!! Constantly! You always cheer others with your smile. That is something we all need to do is SMILE!:)