dear emily,
when i was a timid, young bride, my stomach would be tied
in knots before a business dinner or social function. i fretted
about what i would talk about or what i would wear.
hans, who is a natural extrovert and completely comfortable
in any social environment, couldn't really understand my
worries. "honey, you'll be fine. they'll love you."
yeah right.
so, i took the matter into my own hands and began to read
"us news and world report" before each event. this armed me
with some talking points, but i also quickly discovered that
most people are happy as clams to just talk about themselves.
and, of course, i bought a new suit (think armor not armani.)
when our oldest turned twelve, he no longer found me very
intelligent or interesting. so i read "sports illustrated" to say
things during games like, "do you think he should hold for
one or take a look?"
desperate times call for desperate measures and "a good
sacrifice is not necessarily sound but leaves your opponent
dazed and confused." (nigel short)
love,
lea
"i appeal to you . . . to present your bodies as a living sacrifice."
romans 12:1
37 comments:
Oh the sacrifices we make for our children! Carla
Oh the sacrifices we make for our children! Carla
I can relate to this. It never hurts to be well-read on a variety of topics just so one can have something intelligent sounding to say if needed. Many times I just opt to smile and nod and not say much.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and for your prayers. I appreciate it so much!!
ha! love this. "i fretted
about what i would talk about or what i would wear" - i feel this exact same way all the time about dinner parties and outings. thanks for the idea about reading us weekly. why haven't i thought of that? you're a genius.
You read Sports Illustrated? Now there's an example of a mother's love!
I can totally relate to you, Lea. I appear an extrovert but inwardly I my innards are in the blender ... so to speak. Love this!
Blessings,
Cheri
Hey! I'm sorry you lost my comments. I really don't know why that happened. I know that I left one earlier on this particular post. I was just commenting on how we will do a lot of things to relate to our children. For me today, that meant listening to a radio station that I don't really care for on a long car ride. I was really proud of myself when I could name some of the artists. I think my girls were impressed. Hope my comments continue to make it to you. God Bless! Carla
Great idea to read and become educated in areas that you/we know nothing about. I've always loved Sports. My Daddy used to take me to baseball games when I was little. Then my first hubby loved sports---AND we had 3 sons (all of which played sports and still love sports)...SO---I'm a female who knows ALOT about sports and loves it!!!! Crazy I know!
BUT---I probably need to read more of US News and World Reports... ha ha
Great advice..
Hugs,
Betsy
Hello! Nice visiting and reading your thoughts to Emily! Reading Sports Illustrated would not be my idea of fun... guess that's why God gave me four daughters :)
well no boys for me as of yet but I know what I can do if I have one one day. Or I can just hope he will like football bc I can talk about some football!
I think you are right ... you can never go wrong by asking people about themselves. And I know I've learned an awful lot about subjects I knew nothing about (Legos, Mario Brothers, trucks) to talk with my Little One. I think it is true sign of love.
you're one smart chickie!
Inspiring post! I'm very shy and it has always been hard for me to talk to others at social functions. You're right...when you ask people about themselves it's easier to converse!
What a refreshing blog you have! Thanks for stopping by today! Welcome! I'll be back again!
Choosing JOY, Stephanie
JESUS ONLY in 2010
I did it too, and it was also US News and World Report. I also figured out somewhere along the way that people do like to talk about themselves so you can't go wrong there!! Nowdays I have to look at the horse magazines because my girls are all into that. Funny about the iphone too, we just got them, lol. Mostly because we're musicians, right?
I found your post very inspiring!
Thanks!
My best wishes to you and your family!
maria
from Poland
I always did that too, and thought I was just 'scrambling' to keep up... Perhaps it was a form of wisdom??? Sounds just fine to me!
Praying for your solo this morning.
Blessings!
onja
hahaha...when I first read the title, then a bit into the post, I thought you were going to talk about the girls in swimsuits! Sorry, but I'm giggling (o: and glad you didn't go there..
You did what you had to do and good for ya!
I'm having a giveaway on
lifesoverhaul.blogspot.com
come see and enter..
And have a great week ahead
Hi, Lea, thanks for stopping by, I don't think I've been by here before. Love the way you write, how refreshing.
Lea,
You are so wise in many ways, but today I applaud you on your ideas to stay relevant, so you'll be in best form to communicate. Nothing like speaking "sports" language to sound cool to those teenage boys!
And....I wonder if most of us at the dinner parties (especially the business ones,) all stress about what to talk about before we attend. If we could read each other's minds....
Have a great week,
Debi
How wise you are; I would not have thought to do these things and yet they make all the difference! I used to be so awkward at parties; so timid and shy. Like you, I now realize folks are happy as pigs in mud when they have an audience so they can begin every sentence with "I" -smile-. Just knowing that takes a lot of pressure off.
But, what really did it for me was knowing...not learning but knowing... I am a child, a daughter of the Most High Living God. Once I accepted that in my heart and in my mind, I was never again awkward or shy. He has made ALL the difference!
HELLO, AND THANKS SO MUCH FOR STOPPING BY MY BLOG AND MOST OF ALL FOR YOUR SWEET COMMENT, I THINK MOST OF US AS YOUR BRIDES WHERE ALWAY NERVOUS AND WANTED TO IMPRESS OUR GUEST, DRESS THE RIGHT WAY HOLD A GREAT CONVERSATION!!! I FOUND OUT SOMETIMES ITS BEST TO JUST BE YOURSELF, AND IF I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, I JUST WOULD REPLY OHHH THATS INTERESTING....LOL
I remember the first time I had to
give a speech in front of a group of people. I thought I was going to pass out! I still do not like social gatherings that much. Good idea to read up on the latest news and sports.
Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a nice comment. I'll be back to see you often.
hugs
Sissie
You are so wise. I'm going to put these things into practice. It takes very little time to prepare but makes others feel so at ease when the conversation is smooth. Plus, it's always nice to surprise our husbands with little sports facts!
Wow, they have actual words in Sports Illustrated? I always equate SI to the swimsuit issue.
Glad you came by today and thanks for your comment.
Lynn
That's why I watch the World Series and the Superbowl...so I'll know what everyone is talking about.
Thanks so much for stopping by to visit my blog, I love "meeting" new friends!
What a thoughtful post...I think there are many people out there like this...but sometimes we just need to say what is in our heart...I think that is all humans really want. Sending you much love for a wonderful new week.
Thank you for all your lovely comments you leave for me to read. xox
I have an urgent prayer request on arise 2 write.
andrea
Did you get my email telling you about Windows Live Writer? Your email came through as 'no reply'. If you can email me, I think I might be able to help you. I think the reason you thought your comment disappeared, was because I have comments set to moderation before they are posted, and I had not moderated it yet.
be blessed, Michelle
I find listening and debating with my husband on his favourite topics -- economics, politics and law -- gives me all I need to cope.
Hope the singing went well on Sunday.
I get butterflies each time there's a dinner with large group....even if I've know then for sometime....I guess its the people pleaser in me. :)
I;d say you are very nimble adn apt at refocusing. good for you. Yes, desperate times do ask for desperate measures and sacrifice.
Found you via ELK ... that's such a great quote at the end.
Of the two of us, my hubby is the "extrovert" and is so at ease -in any setting!
...although, I do love to know about others and find that everyone has an interesting story to tell, so I love just listening and getting to know the other person.
(goodness...I probably need to be more aware when it comes to politics, but haven't really. I tend to catch up on politics and sports from my hubby.)
Blessings & Aloha!
Thanks also for stopping by...I am finally home from Atlanta, but have to get back to the work week again...will be catching up with blog reading again.
What a great post!Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. Have a great week!
I think you and I are a lot alike. I often feel uncomfortable in large gatherings (depending on who is there) and like you, try to do some homework ahead of time on interesting topics of conversation. And you are right that people in general like to talk about themselves, so if you can lead the conversation in that direction you have it made! My Mom once told me that she would look for the other uncomfortable person in the room and go and then spend the great evening making a new friend. I thought that was good advice.
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