Two months are in the books. They daylight hours are longer. Spring is coming!
Why do we feel the need to prove ourselves to others? When do we say, “Nope. Your approval is not key to my self-worth.”
I recently decided to look into Christian ministry training. I have a calling on me to do more to share my personal testimony, to share the Gospel, and support my church. I have a section here devoted to that mission.
I reached out to my pastor to learn the process for getting the “official” training, to be officially recognized within the denomination. He shared what information he had, but it was for a more advanced course. I have all the introductory courses to complete first. Those courses will be virtual this year and have not been arranged yet.
The Lord knows I need more practice in patience, but I feel He wants me moving forward in this instance. He isn’t beholding to a denomination. In fact, I doubt He cares if my training is formal at all.
Anyway, this need for formal, recognized training makes me wonder when is enough enough? It seems all my life I’ve tested, certified, and graduated in order to document my training for someone else’s approval. Here is a quick list of a few:
Contractors License Business Law Exam (1996)
50+ software, business writing, human resource required training by WV Division of Personnel (1998-2007)
Certified Professional Secretary
Certified Administrative Professional
Associate Degree in Office Administration
Bachelor Degree in Business (Organizational Leadership)
Loan Signing Agent (National Notary Association)
Loan Signing System Certification
Certified Reverse Mortgage Signing Agent
Wedding Officiant State of WV (Multiple organizations)
I’ve written four books. I’ve served on five boards. I was president of four organizations; a West Virginia National Guard family support group, Charleston IAAP, West Virginia Division IAAP (statewide), and West Virginia S.C.O.R.E.
I was politically active for years, serving as district committeewoman, and on the state committee. I ran for House of Delegates in my political district.
I wrote for two different print publications. One an ad insert, published weekly, focusing on local business ads. I think the phrase is advertorial, advertisements that look like editorials. I wrote for it over a year. The second was the famous Two-Lane Livin, now Two-Lane Renaissance, which I wrote for two years.
Those aren’t bad credentials. So, why do I constantly feel the need to prove myself? Or, better stated, why did I feel that need?
I am working on a piece in the Christian Ministry and More section about obtaining more training from a non-traditional education source. I am sharing why I decided to go this route, instead of the formal denominational path. If I set it up correctly you will need to either subscribe to get updates or check-in regularly.
Betty had her eye surgery last week. We are already able to see some improvement. I discuss that more in the Everyday Life at Holstein House section.
The poultry are producing! All seven of the chickens are laying, and two of the duck are back in gear. Needless to say we have more than a few dozen eggs. A little egg update and some specials are shared in Holstein House Happenings. St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the only special thing that happens in March! Make sure you are subscribed to get that information.
For my thrifting friends, be sure to subscribe to Everyday Thrifting at Holstein House. I’ll be posting about a couple really nice finds and how we are incorporating them.
I realize it seems like a lot of subscribing. Right not they are all free. They are broken up because not everyone wants to know about every subject we may discuss.