Over the last few months I have watched many women talk about what they do not like about themselves. They strive to become these perfect specimens by getting things tucked, sucked, and cut this way or that. Cosmetic surgery has become a billion dollar industry; and while I think it does have its place, it is not the answer to loving, or even liking yourself.

I have learned to come to grips with my imperfections and I know that they are a part of who LaTara is. I am a perfect imperfection with dents, bumps, and bruises. I understand that there are no perfect people- though there are many who want to believe they are. And you know what? They are perfect…but now in the way they may think.

While I am not a political blogger and likely never will be because politics is not at all about God, but man in my opinion. However I do find that it is a topic that many mom bloggers are discussing. I have noticed that some of these moms are to the left while others are to the right. This made me think, “LaTara, what type of mom are you?”

I have been thinking about this long and hard for the last few days and I have decided that I am a Vertical Mom. I don’t beat to the beat of a man’s drum. My drum is mine and only God can have a turn on it. That is not selfish because man is not the determiner of my life as it should be. I am not concerned with whether or not I am liked, if that were the case I would cry everyday, as there are many who think I am different – not at all like the rest. To that I say thank God because as I watch the path that many take, I am glad that my road is a little different.

You know as moms and women we neglect ourselves continually. We allow everything and everyone to come before us all the time. Is this the right thing to do? In some instances I say ‘yes’ and in others I say ‘no’.

I think that the goal of any believer is to be available for the work of God and to serve others as He sees fit. We are to strive to become less selfish beings and open ourselves up to the needs of others. I think as moms we have this down pack but as women we are so living as doormats.

Women tend to have a naturally nurturing spirit and we are more apt to step up to the need of another, especially when we become moms. We will be there when they are sick, when they need to be cleaned, when they fall and hurt themselves, when they need, need, and need some more. We become everything to our chidren and, if married, husbands as well.

A while back I wrote about getting Back to Organization and I have really been accomplishing that. I even have my husband on the bandwagon – well somewhat anyway, but hey sometimes it takes time. What I have been doing to pay attention to how things are unorganized is reading books and articles and asking questions. I am also taking a few mental and physical notes.

Some of the things that I have concluded are:

• I have to be the example to my family and show them that glorifying God includes keeping the home in order and being more organized. I had given up somewhat with Mr Messy in the house. However, I have been pushing him daily to get it together by reminding him that the Word tells us that whatever you do, you are to do it to the glory of God. Talk about conviction

About two weeks ago I wrote a post about an epiphany I had. I realized that I am a point of finding myself and it sure feels great! I am not sure if it is all about being a few months from 40 or if it is just that I am finally hearing what God has been saying to me for years. Whatever it is, it really does feel good to be in this position!

I have listened to this person and that person about who I am and yet I never quite felt comfortable about what they had to say. It was as if something were missing. However, there were times when I listened and found myself in the middle of some situations that I did not want to be in. Now I don’t blame anyone because they were just trying to help and meant well, as we often do when we give advice. However, I should have listened to the voice that was guiding me elsewhere.