Femininity

I'm embarking on a new journey of discovery as I attempt to answer a simple question central to the soul of a woman- What is femininity? What makes us feminine? Or unfeminine? Does femininity mean frilly skirts, the color pink, high healed shoes, baking skills, and an Anthropologie wardrobe? Am I unfeminine if I prefer my stretchy sweat pants and men's Hanes T-shirt? What happens if I don't always fit the role of patient, loving, nurturing, and soft spoken? What if my spirit is not always gentle and quiet? What if I choose to wear dark colors or slouchy boyfriend jeans- am I less of a woman? Does it make me unfeminine?

As women we are constantly bombarded with images and opinions of what it means to be feminine. We've been taught that good girls don't drink beer, play sports, wear dark colors, or speak their mind. We're encouraged to properly accessorize, speak softly, keep a clean home, and send prompt thank you cards. And if these are the things that make me a women- boy am I in trouble! But what if we stop defining femininity in such narrow terms, if we open our minds to the true soul of a woman, what will we find? What makes women- all women- feminine??

"The emancipation begins neither at the polls nor the courts. It begins in a woman's soul."

-Emma Goldman

Tattoo

It may be hard to see my tattoo in this picture, but it is indeed there.

As a matter of fact, my tattoo will always be there.

It reminds me everyday of what a magnificent artist God is.

It reminds me that I am "fearfully and wonderfully made".

It reminds me that I am passionately loved by the God of this universe.
Its my permanent reminder. An unremoveable extremely sticky post-it note if you will.

As an artist once said, "A tattoo is romantic, unreasonable, thoughtless and eternal all at the same time. Therefore, I love them."

Prayer for my future husband

Lord God,

your Word declares that if I delight myself in you—if I enjoy and seek your pleasure above mine—you'll give me the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). Desiring a husband is neither evil nor selfish because marriage is honorable (Hebrews 13:4). At the beginning of creation, you proclaimed, "It is not good that man should be alone" and then you created Eve to be a suitable partner for Adam (Genesis 2:18). In the name of Jesus, I ask that you would protect the husband—a suitable partner—you have chosen for me. Because the covenant of marriage is sacred (Mark 10:9), I ask for a man of God. Please give me a husband whose love for me is only outmatched by his love for you; a man who will cherish me and build me up (Proverbs 31:28); a man who will honor me (I Peter 3:7) and our marriage vows; a man who will be a good father and provider; a man whom I will be attracted to physically, emotionally, and spiritually; a man who will love me as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). Keep me from attaching myself to another man out of desperation. I will not settle for a relationship that's second best, convenient, or one that feeds my insecurities. Guard my purity and give me the patience to wait. And when I meet him, confirm to me that he is the one. Release from me the baggage of past relationships, and prepare me for the man You have chosen to be my husband. Free me from any hindrances to a healthy and godly marriage: insecurities, habitual sins, selfishness, and emotional hurts. Dispel my unrealistic expectations that set me up for disappointment. I place my trust in you rather than my partner. In this period of waiting, I will look to you alone to be my companion and best friend. You are the one who redeems my life from the pit, who crowns me with love and compassion, who satisfies my desires with good things (Psalm 103:4-5). I will not be anxious, but as I present my requests to you, flood me with the peace that surpasses all understanding so my heart and my mind are guarded in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). In this request, I commit myself to trust you and do good, to dwell in the land and feed on your faithfulness. I commit my way to you and trust that you will bring it to pass (Psalm 37:35)

Amen

~Author Unknown

Time to get angry

I'm not about to get on my "soapbox" and preach why this photo is horrendously offensive. I'm simply going to let you judge it for yourself. I'm posting it not because I condone it, but because I want you to get as fired up and as angry as it makes me. Keep in mind this ad is one that is currently running in multiple women's magazines today. Its sick.

Its Friday!

Friday nights are glorious! They mark the end of the busy week and the beginning of the oh-so-beloved weekend. Typically Friday nights are my evenings to embrace my inner nerd. Nothing says "why hello weekend" like a glass of wine, sweat pants, candles, and a good book. But not tonight. Nope- tonight I'm heading out with my girlfriends. It'll be a night of cocktails, laughter, and good company. Where are we going you ask??

We'll be starting off our night at Bar North for drinks

Then off to Jesterz for an improv comedy show!

Pictures of the evening coming soon.....

HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!!!

Learning

I'm currently in the process of finding out who I am. I find no shame in trying new things, going new places, and experiencing the world in a way not previously done. I will undoubtedly try and fail many times over. I will run when I should have walked and say things I probably shouldn't. But I'm not afraid to try. I'm not afraid of what others think of me, I'm not afraid of being different, and most importantly I'm not afraid to take a risk- big or small. I'm eclectic, inconsistent, and totally sporadic... and I love it. I've come to realize I am not defined by the things I have, the clothes I wear, or the talents I lack. I can only be defined by who I am in Christ. I'm letting go of judgment and criticism. I'm realizing I can't please everyone. I'm making peace with whoever it is I am. And most importantly, I'm choosing to follow God and seek His approval above all else. Don't get me wrong- I too judge. As a matter of fact I'm guilty of gossiping about my friends, envying what others have, criticizing the appearances of strangers, arguing with the people I love, saying things I don't mean, lacking patients when its needed most, and intentionally going against what God asks of me. I'm imperfect. But with each mistake I make I learn more about the woman I want to be. I'm learning to hold my tongue when my defensive urges come rushing over me. I'm learning to treat others with the same grace God shows me. I'm learning to open my mind to different ways of life. I'm learning my words to others are powerful. And I'm learning my opinions are my own and cannot be taken from me.

Yes, I'm learning- and I love it.

Not Me Monday

Wow has it really been a few months since I last wrote a "Not Me Monday" post?!?

Well- that is just simply unacceptable.

Its time for another sweet round of denial.

Get Ready.... Get Set..... Its NOT ME MONDAY!!!!

Not Me Monday:

1. I was NOT so excited that fall is finally here in Arizona that I slept with my window wide open only to find myself covered in annoyingly itchy bug bites this morning. I am NOT that dumb.
2. I did NOT get totally excited dusting and vacuuming my apartment today. And I do NOT think vacuum lines are better than shopping.
3. My dog Tirzah did NOT jump up into my kitchen sink, tear out my garbage disposal opening, and proceed to eat everything in the disposal. That would be disgusting and totally NOT something she would do.
4. I did NOT spend over an hour trying to figure out what I would wear to work even though I knew the kids would most likely spill juice or some kind of bodily fluids on me at some point anyway.
5. I did NOT let Ty(my 2 yr old nephew) go to town on chocolate covered raisins in the grocery store so I could get my shopping done.
6. I am NOT currently listening to "Paper Planes" by MIA. Nope NOT me- I'm a good girl who only listens to music about puppy dogs and rainbows remember??
7. I do NOT agree with Carrie Underwood when she says..."the more boys I meet- the more I love my dog"
8. I am NOT desperately trying to rock the hippie head scarf even though it looks ridiculous on me.

Fall is fast approaching and my wardrobe cant wait!!!

*SNIFF SNIFF*
mmmmmmmmm.....
Is that Fall I smell??
Ok so maybe its not quite fall I smell yet, but rather my oh-so-delicious pumpkin spice candle burning.
Regardless, Fall in Arizona is fast approaching. My soul loves the cool refreshing mornings and evening breezes that tousle my hair about. Its pure magic. And after my very first Arizona summer, I'm more than ready to embrace the cooling weather.
With fall comes some of my favorite things- like colorful leaves, warm rich soups, scarfs, sweaters, boots, leggings, hats.... wait- what was I talking about again?? Oh ya, Fall. Its a beautiful time of year indeed. Just yesterday I decided to pull out my fall wardrobe and with the things I already have, reinvent my style. I'm taking the old and making it new. All day I've been dreaming of the fall'ish' outfit I'll be donning tonight as I gallivant around the Tempe art festival with a few equally fall fashionable friends.
This year I'm finding myself inspired by layers. Lot and lots of layers. I'm talking drappy sweaters, long necklaces, multiple scarves, and boots with leggings. Basically- if I can layer it, you can bet I'll be wearing it.
Here are a few fashion inspirations for you to drool over with me....

In the words of Rachel Zoe (AKA fashion guru)- "I die!"

"Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everybody I've ever known."

~Chuck Palahnuik

Today

Today I'm seeking peace.

Today I'm choosing to guard my heart as God calls me to do.

Today my prayers are filled with an over abundance of questions.

Today I have no answers, no warm fuzzy feelings, or empathy.

No, today I simply realize that God is the only one I cant live without.

His peace sustains me today...

John 16:33 – “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 5:1-5 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Romans 16:20 – “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Job 21:23 – “Submit to God and be at peace with Him…”

Isaiah 26:12 – “Lord you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us.”

Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flows the spring of life.”