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May 2005 ETC Corner
HOSPITALITUDES
By: Pat Ennis
Happy are those…
who practice biblical hospitality because in so doing they are demonstrating their love for God (1 John 3:17-18).
who "pursue the love of strangers" for they are choosing to obey their heavenly Father's command and modeling His character (Romans 12:13b).
in church leadership who practice hospitality for they allow others to observe them in their homes where their character is most graphically revealed (1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-8).
who include people of all cultures on their guests list for in this manner they are demonstrating the expansive love of their heavenly Father (John 3:16).
who are willing to make the sacrifice to practice hospitality for they understand that good memories require time and energy to create (Exodus 12:1-14).
who develop hospitality management skills for in this way they are capable of being faithful stewards of all that our Lord has provided for them (1 Corinthians 4:2).
who intentionally extend hospitality to "the others"- singles, widows, the grieving, the hospitalized, those with dietary challenges, and those experiencing food insecurity-for they are choosing to live out biblical compassion (James 2:14-16).
whose homes are both a place of refuge and a center for evangelism for they are glorifying their heavenly Father by their actions (1 Peter 2:11-12) and fulfilling His instructions "to do the work of an evangelist" (2 Timothy 4:5).
who have consecrated their lives to their heavenly Father for they are then capable of practicing true biblical hospitality (2 Corinthians 4:7).
who have consecrated their china to their Lord's service for they have the opportunity of helping others to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8).
who do not become disillusioned in practicing biblical hospitality for they understand that in due time they will reap if they do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).
who acknowledge that they are unable to practice biblical hospitality in their own strength, for by this means they learn that our Lord's power overcomes their weaknesses and allows them to become vessels used for His honor and glory (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Philippians 4:13)!
Pat Ennis is professor and establishing chairperson of Home Economics at The Master's College, Santa Clarita, California. She is a contributing author to Think Biblically! Recovering a Christian World © Crossway Publishers and co-author of Becoming a Woman Who Pleases God © 2003 and Designing a Lifestyle that Pleases God, Moody Publishers © 2004 by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock from which this article was adapted with permission.
Your Child's Personality
By: , Speaker Team Member
I first realized how varied children were when I marched into the classroom with my teaching degree in hand, ready to create masterful lesson plans that would challenge and encourage. Soon it dawned on me that what motivated some, bored others; what built curiosity in boys aggravated girls; what delighted the extrovert, grated on the introvert; what moved the right brained, baffled the left brained; what made sense to the serious student, confused the casual learner. You get the picture.
Our homes are no different. Here we attempt to rear multiple children under one roof, with a set of house rules, limited space, and tight budgets. On a given day a mother must relate to her children according to their birth orders, learning styles, personal preferences, and social adaptabilities. She must also contend with each child's personality style in order to successfully raise her family. Learning more about the four basic personality types can help.
The Four Types:
The sanguine is the Popular child - an extrovert whose goal is to have fun, talk, and spend time with people.
The choleric is the Powerful child - an extrovert whose goal is to take control, be organized, and have purpose.
The melancholy is the Perfect child - an introvert whose goal is to understand the routine, be orderly, and accomplish tasks.
The phlegmatic is the Peaceful child - an introvert who desires a stress-free environment, respect, and harmony.
Most children exhibit traits from at least two of the above descriptions, with one being predominant. Look for the traits most clearly and frequently displayed by each child in your family, then plan some summer activities adapted to each child's natural preferences.
Summer Activities by Type:
Popular child - will be happy when busy having fun, especially with friends. This child likes doing colorful crafts, attending camp, or taking lots of active field trips. If doing a summer play, this child would like to be the actor.
Powerful child - will feel happy and important if allowed to make plans for a picnic, a day trip or a family project. This child enjoys being completely in charge of something. If doing a summer play, this child would like to be the director.
Perfect child - doesn't require lots of activity, and is especially content when life is orderly and activities are well-planned in advance. This child is often content to read books together or to visit the library weekly. If doing a summer play, this child would like to design the program, sell the tickets or video the event.
Peaceful child - also thrives on quiet activities and a slower-paced schedule. Preferring not to go too many places, this child often enjoys watching television, playing video or board games, and going to the movies. If doing a summer play, this child would like to write the story.
Using what you have learned about the four personality styles, use the following suggestions to offer a variety of summer activities, making sure to respect the needs and strengths of each of your children.
Art portfolio
Journaling diary
Crafts
Games
Pet Show
Parade
Movies, Videos
Vacation Bible School / Backyard Bible Club
Scrap booking
Day trips
Collections (nature collection, coin, stamp etc)
Backyard Camp Outs and Cook Outs
Park
pool
picnics
gardening
Nature Walks
Fishing
Sports or hobby camps
For more information read Your Child's Personality by Florence Littauer or
Smarter Not Harder by Sharon Marshall Johnson with Marita Littauer.
Van Walton is certified by CLASS (Christian Leaders and Speakers Services led by Florence and Marita Littauer) to speak and train on The Personalities. She is available to speak to your group of mothers, women, teachers, youth leaders, teens or couples. Knowledge of temperaments frees individuals to be the people God created them to be and helps us understand one another, leading to peaceful and harmonious relationships.
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