Who am I?

"But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body." 1 Corinthians 12:18-20

I received this verse in my Proverbs 31 newsletter today. The author was commenting on her struggles with fitting the mold of how many Christians believe Christian women should be.
We all know there are a MILLION books out there on how to be a better Christian woman... many of which promote wonderful characteristics emphasizing the fruits of the spirit. But sometimes, we get caught up in what good Christian women wear, look, what their hobbies are... feminine things like looking delicate and always put together, sewing, cooking, flower gardening, decorating, hostessing tea parties, crafting, and the craze of scrapbooking.
Let's face it. These are all very womanly things... none of which are bad whatsoever...
and almost none of which I partake in.
I can't even begin to recount the many times I've guilted myself into trying one of these hobbies... because they're what good Christian women do, right? It's taken me a very long time to get past these things that surround me in other Christian women - many of whom are my own friends and family. I've finally stopped allowing myself to feel pressured to do these things just because others are doing them. It's been a long journey, but I sure do feel a lot less stressed now that I know I don't have to sew aprons and skirts or scrapbook every vacation just to "fit in". I am who I am... and God made me this way to serve His purpose and to give Him glory.

Who am I?
I am a Mom.
I am a computer programmer.
I am a chicken farmer.
I am a vegetable gardener.
I am a housekeeper.
I am a cook - although I'd like to think I am a chef. ;-)
I am a camper, floater, and hiker.
I enjoy offroading in our Jeep.
I love shooting rifles.
I consider myself the resident weed eating expert. :-)
And I want to go hunting.

I am not many, many, many things... but I am who I am. And I think I like it. After all, God made me in His image and knew me long before I knew myself. I guess we can give credit where credit is due.

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of workings, but the same God works all of them in all men." 1 Corinthians 12:4-6