You, Me, and a Roly Poly ‘Bug'
The title to this article
has got to be near or at the top of the ‘Strangest Titles Ever’ list. If there
were such a list, that is. But stick with me because by the time you get to the
end, it will make sense. I promise.
I want to start by asking
how many of you had at least some level of fascination or interest in the roly
poly bugs you encountered as a kid? I know I did. But it wasn’t until just the
other day while working on a project that I learned something I consider to be
quite fascinating. Not to mention a dandy object lesson for all of you.
Are you ready? The roly
poly bug is not even a bug, aka, insect! That’s right. The roly poly is
actually a crustacean. More than that, it’s the ONLY crustacean that can
survive solely on land, unlike their cousins ‘named’ crabs, lobsters, and
shrimp. These little land-loving crustaceans also breathe through gills, which
is why they live best where it’s moist/wet, i.e., dark, damp places. They also
have the ability (unlike bugs which are really bugs) to drink through their
gills OR through little tubes that extend out their rear end.
There are a few other
interesting facts about the roly poly, but I’ll leave those for you to discover
on your own, because now I want to share with you why I chose to make the roly
poly the object of today’s article.
There are times in
everyone’s life when we are a roly poly. Times when what appears to be
is not. Times when we seem to have it altogether but don’t. Times when we smile
and act like life is good, but inside our hearts are aching like crazy. Times
when we know in our minds that God is there, but our hearts feel like he has
put us out with last week’s trash. Times when we withdraw or aren’t our ‘usual
self’ and someone mistakes our pain for anger or arrogance. Times when we are
the man in Mark 9:24 who says to Jesus, “I believe; help me overcome my
unbelief!” (NIV).
Maybe you are a roly poly
right now.
Or maybe it’s someone in
your family. A neighbor. A coworker. A friend. The person you sat next to…behind…in
front of…or across from in church last week.
Who it is isn’t the
point, though. The point is that we need to remember that what appears to be,
always isn’t. Or as the saying goes, “Appearances can be deceiving’. So…
Pray for the people
you care about. Pray God’s peace and comfort for whatever and whenever. Pray
for yourself—to have discernment, compassion, and understanding. Pray that you…me…everyone
will be blessed with someone they can be transparent with. Bare their soul to,
so to speak. And that whoever that someone is, will be honorable and worthy of their
trust. Pray that you can be that someone when called upon.
The roly poly isn’t what
it appears to be. Or more accurately, what we assume it to be. I hope and pray
that each of us will love one another in such a way that we will see more
clearly and love more intentionally so that none of us ever again feel like a
roly poly ‘bug’.
Be salt and light,
Darla
Who am I?
I’m Darla Noble—Author, Speaker, and Ghostwriter with over thirty years of experience. I am known for being a great storyteller, but not merely for the sake of telling a story. The stories I tell are a) true and b) they always have a takeaway, i.e., a life lesson meant to help you be a better version of yourself.
I’m Darla Noble—wife, mom, nanna, and a little ‘oldish’ lady who loves Jesus, her family, playing in the dirt, walking…walking…and more walking, riding bikes, eating popcorn, roast beef, Mexican food, reading, and watching old sitcoms.
What do I write?
Inspirational nonfiction—Christian devotionals, books that spark the creativity in every mom and nanna’s heart, and one that breathes new life into the art of being a good neighbor and reminds you of why it matters.
Historical nonfiction—WWII and family memoirs.
Character Education & Family Fun—Books that use science and scripture to teach positive character, scavenger hunts of all kinds that are both educational and FUN, and write-in journals for tweens and teens.
What do I say and who do I say it to?
*WWII hands-on display and presentation based on “All My Love, George…Letters from a WWII Hero”. The presentation consists of brief reading from the book, an interactive time of Q&A, and time for participants to view and examine a variety of WWII memorabilia including George’s original letters and medals.
*Keepsake In The Making Classes, using the book, “Please Pass the Memories” as inspiration, the class consists of exploring and brainstorming fun, creative, and interesting ways we can use your family’s keepsakes, recipes, photos, stories, and even traditions (YIKES) to bring past, present, and future generations of your family together. Everyone needs and wants to have a sense of who and where they come from, and the Keepsake In The Making Class is the perfect way to do just that!
*Women’s ministry events/conferences/retreats. I offer several programs that are easily adaptable to fit your needs and timeframe. Workshops for each one are optional. Programs offered include: “Jesus and Zinnias Make Me Smile”, “Deuteronomy 6 Parenting”, “Please Pass the Memories:, “Love, Momma D; Getting to the Heart of Parenting From the Heart”, and “Sippin’ Tea With Jesus”. NOTE: I am also happy to speak on a topic/subject matter of your choosing.
*The Nanna Subscription—an easy, but oh, so fun mini-class which equips Nanna, Gma, Granny, Mama, Mimi, or whatever name your grandkids have for you, with EVERYTHING you need to engage and connect with your grandkids on a regular basis. No matter how young or old they are, no matter how many miles separate you, no matter how many grandkids you have, no matter…anything!
*Brighten the Corner Where You Are” is my newest book as well as the focus of an event I offer to individuals, community chambers of commerce, neighborhood organizations, HOAs (Home Owner Association), church groups, and anyone else interested in reviving the art of being a genuine friend and neighbor. Participants will discover (or rediscover) the value of kindness among neighbors, and of having a small circle of people you can count on and who can count on you…no matter what.
*Fun with science and a few illusions, “The Sneaky Banana Lesson (plus 26 more)” is a character education program for ages 5 to 15. This event is engaging, interactive, and overflows with life lessons young people relate to and that will make them want to be a little better and stand a little taller.
*If you don’t think it’s possible to have fun teaching math, science, verbal skills, ordering, rational thinking, and grammar, social skills, and team building, think again! “The Medium-Sized Book of Scavenger Hunts” event gets kids up and about, inside and out, talking and listening, and learning on the sly. This event is fun for classrooms, parties, family events, social gathers, team building, and lots more.
Fees for events vary. For more information, questions, or to book an event, CONTACT ME at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com, on Linkedin (Darla Noble), or on Facebook (Darla Noble).
Where can you find me?
My books are available worldwide via Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or directly from me when you email me at dnoblewrites@yahoo.com. You can also request any title from your favorite brick and mortar bookstore.