Scribbles n'Things

Weekend Link Love & Rambling (Valentine Edition)

2012-02-11T07:15:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love Nat King Cole? I do. Hannah and I have had my swing/jazz playlist on repeat for the past couple of weeks (Steve Tyrell, Nikki Yanofsky, Michael Buble, Louis and Ella, Sinatra... etc.).

Encouraging and Cute Blog Posts/Articles: Valentine's Day, Celebrating Our Ultimate Love, Chris and Heather's Wedding Vows, Valentine's Love Inspired by Paul and Julia Child.

Special Sweets to Make: Giant Valentine's Day M&M Cookies, Malted Milk Chocolate Pots, Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies, Heart-Shaped Butterscotch Tarts, Killer Brownies, Homemade Oreos, Rose and Ginger Cupcakes, Ombre Sugar Hearts, and Chocolate Mousse.

My Valentine Movie Picks: The Lost Valentine, Emma, The Princess Bride, The Lake House, and You've Got Mail.

Valentine Craft Roundup and Inspiration Board

Etsy Store Love: Flourish and SoulPeaces

Other Fun Stuff to Check Out: Declaration of Romantic Intent, After Reading Pride and Prejudice..., Bold Loft.

Quotes I'm Loving

I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved. -Shana Abe

Blessed is the man who found a woman who loves God more than him, and blessed is the girl who found a man who waits for her and asks her from God. -Unknown

Distance doesn't matter if two hearts are loyal to each other. -Unknown

Maybe that’s what it all comes down to. Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way. And maybe making that choice, again and again, day in and day out, year after year, says more about love than never having a choice to make at all… Love is the sum of our choices, the strength of our commitments, the ties that bind us together. -Emily Giffin

I Started a New Quote Journal (& My Limited Doodling Skills)

2012-02-10T15:10:00.000-06:00

Things I Want to do with My Future Spouse...

2012-02-09T11:15:00.000-06:00

Pray together

Go on picnics

Wine tastings

Weekend adventures

Laugh a whole lot

Boston in the fall

Bedtimes stories+our kids
Dance in our kitchen

Host Bible studies in our home

Take mission trips together

Build forts on the rainy days

Chinese take-out+movie night

Cut down a fresh Christmas tree

Just grow old (and crazy) together

Continue and create new family traditions

Build bookcases and read books together

Go on lots of coffee and bookstore dates

Random road trips, just the two of us

Sponsor a child overseas together

Buy our first house and make it a home

Eat ice cream straight from the container

Color on tables in those awesome restaurants

Lets sneak off to the playground late at night

Host dinner parties for our friends and neighbors

Leave random notes scattered throughout the house for each other

Epic board game nights with my family during the holidays

Snow Days+Hot Chocolate+Wool Socks

Drink lots and lots of coffee together. (Have I mentioned that yet?)

Watch our kids catch lightening bugs on summer nights

Go to theology related conferences together

Pass on a passionate love for Christ to our children

Support, encourage, and cheer you on in your life pursuits!

Spend a week or two gallivanting around England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland

Bake amazing brownies and chocolate chip cookies together

Eat guacamole together while watching whatever sport you want.

Spend Christmases with you. They're going to be so freaking awesome! Just you wait and see!

For The Guys Who Can't Get a Girl

2012-02-08T08:29:00.000-06:00

Here's a basic summery... and it does pretty much hit home...

About the Twilight thing though... If I were you, I'd actually refuse to take her to see it. Personally, I'm not in favor of watching sparkly vampires under any circumstances. You're doing it for her ultimate good. But then again... that's just my opinion. You have my sympathies if she makes you suffer through those movies.

A Couple of Thoughts on Guarding Your Heart

2012-02-07T08:17:00.000-06:00

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. -Proverbs 4:23

Guard your heart. We hear this a lot in Christian circles, particularly us women pertaining to the subject of guys, but I think in some ways we've misinterpreted what that verse really means. Half the time I'm told "guard your heart" I think that's really just code for "don't get to close" or "be careful," but since when has any type of a relationship been "careful?" And how on earth are we ever to be truly known, if we can't get "close" to a person? Relationships are always going to be messy to a degree. It's putting two sinful, imperfect human beings together and having them live life with one another. Can we all agree that things will get ugly at some point and that risks will need to be taken? And what does this "guard your heart" look like on a practical level? Or what does it really mean?

Take a look at that verse in context. If you read the whole chapter we see a father giving advice to his son. Basically he tells him to get wisdom... and more wisdom... and even more wisdom... and yes, more wisdom. I think what he's ultimately trying to communicate here is both you and I need to fill our hearts with wisdom, then wisdom will flow out, bleeding into the choices and decisions we make.

Where do we get this wisdom? From the Word of God, the proverbial Naomi's (i.e. counselors) in our life, and by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us. I'm saying all this because I see girls at times using this as an excuse not to enter into (or even just pray and think about) a relationship with a great, godly man simply out of fear. Guarding our hearts is not about putting up walls due to fears we may have. Guarding our hearts doesn't mean we will avoid ever getting hurt. The fact is, we can do a really good job at guarding our hearts but still experience pain.

Please don't hear me say that as women we should just throw out all our emotions, dreams, desires, baggage, etc. on display for the man to see right off the bat. I know some girls who do this on the first and second date and then they end up scaring the guy off. There's a right and wrong time for everything. And in the beginning of a relationship we shouldn't lay out all of the cards in the deck for the other to see. (Although to quote Mark Driscoll here, "if anyone shows their cards first, it's the man.") There should be boundaries in the things we share, discuss, and do in our relationships. Then as trust and commitment is built we can adjust those boundaries, all the while following the Spirit's leading. This is why it's so important that we're praying for... can you guess? Wisdom! Guidance! As well as getting the outside counsel from others who see our lives, know our hearts, and can point out the red flags should they pop-up.

So to recap, I think we do need to be careful in our relationships, but not to the extent that we're really just using that verse to hide behind out of fear of entering into a relationship that has great potential. Every single relationship is going to involve some risk and times of stepping out in faith, which is why we need wisdom to help us navigate these waters. Put wisdom into your heart, and wisdom will flow out, thus helping us to make wise decisions in our relationships.

I don't know if much of this makes sense (plus it's really late as I write this)

I think what I'm trying to say Joy has at some point touched on in these video posts: Guard Your Heart and Emotional Boundaries.

But I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, so please do share!

P.S. I'm blogging over at Singing in The Rain Today on Stewardship as a Single. Pay me a little visit! =)

Thoughts on Being a Lady

2012-02-06T08:36:00.000-06:00

Today we are so far removed from gracious living that the word etiquette is basically nonexsistent from our vocabulary and our lifestyles. Somewhere along the way... the idea of being dignified, refined, ladylike, gracious, and socially selfless faded into the background. Now young women seem to get more respect if they are loud, boisterous, rebellious, obnoxious, and sexually aggressive than if they are sweet, polite, graceful, refined, modest, and thoughtful. ~Leslie Ludy

The other night I was watching one of my favorite movies: A Man Called Peter. If I've failed to mention it in the past, let me say so now: I love Peter and Catherine Marshall. If you're ever able to pick up one of their books, do so. But as I was saying, I was watching the film the other night, and was reminded of this one scene I love, where Catherine is speaking at a youth rally to the young women about the honor and gift of being women, which then got me thinking about young women in our society and what constitutes being a lady in this day in age.

Thoughts on Being a Lady...

It's in Our Words. There's nothing more unattractive then seeing a young woman blow up and cussing out those around her. I cringe every time I witness it. This also includes girls who join in with guys in their crass joking, gossiping, slandering, and the usage of profanity in their vocabulary. Throughout the book of Proverbs we learn that words do have power. They can either bring life or death to those we speak them to. Then in 1 Peter we're told that women are to have a gentle and quiet spirit (1Peter 3:4). Now that doesn't mean you can't be outgoing in your personality (which is a whole other topic for another day), but having a gentle and quite spirit does affect the way we speak to one another, don't you think? When we do communicate we're to do so with respect, courtesy, love, and in a way that doesn't belittle people, but builds up and encourages them. Yes there are time when people are going to say things that drive us towards anger, but that's not an excuse for us to lash out. There's a right and a wrong way to argue (again, a whole other topic). Blowing your top, shouting, and cussing at others is definitely THE wrong way.

It's in How We Carry Ourselves. This includes our body language, how we dress, and our manners. When we're around others we should be giving them our full attention by giving eye contact, smiling, and show genuine interest in what they're saying. Even if we're having a bad day or don't particularly like them we still have to watch how we let our negative emotions dictate the way we behave and speak. Secondly, I don't know if it's just me, but it seems that women today either dress like they're going to a strip club or like they just rolled out of bed. A lady makes an effort to look neat and put together. As Christian women we're called to dress modestly. And no, that's not code for dressing frumpy. We really can be modest, attractive, and fashionable at the same time in accordance to our faith and culture. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying (and usually trying to excuse the way they're dressing). We need look no further than the Proverbs 31 woman, who was a bit of a fashionista herself (Prov. 31:22). Then there are our manners. I think we can all agree that regardless of gender, people in general need to have basic etiquette when they're out in public, in someone's home, and even in our own houses as well.

It's in Your Actions Towards Others. Are we striving to be sensitive, accommodating, present and available to those around us? In Philippians 2:4 it says that we're to "look not only to his [our] own interests, but also to the interests of others." When we're conversing or interacting with others we need to try to be as sensitive and accommodating to their needs. As Christians we're called to serve others just as Christ came to the world to serve us. Chivalry is not just for men, but for us women as well. We need to look at those God has placed around us and finding ways we can serve or help them. (Side note: We should also make it a point to reach out to those who are on the "outside.") Be gracious to all. Our society is always on the go, go, go! And personally, I feel like in some ways technology has robbed us of truly getting to know people by us relegating our friendships to the social media sites. Don't get me wrong, I have Facebook and Twitter and think there's great benefits to them, but at the same time I think it can take away from actually getting to know people and spend time with them. Then when we're out with our friends and family we drag our smart phones with us. Maybe this is just a pet peeve of mine (nah, it's not just me), but I find it really annoying when I'm trying to have a conversation with someone and their glancing at their phones every other minute, or texting someone at the same time. What we're really saying when we do this is, "You're not important enough to have my full attention or my time." Put that phone away! Be fully present for the other person! (Sorry about the little soapbox episode there, but I had to get that off my chest.) Finally, a lady supports her local chivalry! In other words she encourages the men in her life to be gentlemen. If a guy opens a door for you, offers to carry something for you, buys you cup of coffee, etc. then take the time to send him a friendly smile and say "Thank You." By doing so you're showing him respect. What you're saying is "Hey, I noticed that and appreciate you doing so." It's a two way street if you think about it. Yes, men should be more chivalrous, but that doesn't excuse us women from being ladies.

If more females would sit down and be ladies, then more males would stand up and be gentlemen! -Unknown

Like all facets of our lives it always comes back to the heart. The way we talk, serve one another, and carry ourselves speaks volumes as to what our inner priorities and values are. Being a lady (or a gentleman for that matter) is really about displaying Christ to the world. Are we representing Christ well?

It's February!

2012-02-04T08:18:00.000-06:00

Happy February y'all! (What's wrong with me! I never say "y'all.") It's the month of love, Hallmark greeting cards, chocolate, flowers, more chocolate... oh! And Washington's birthday! We can't forget him! I don't like this month. Not because of Valentines day and the whole singleness thing. I'm not a Valentine hater. It just gives me an excuse to go to Starbucks to celebrate and sit around and watch chic flicks... of course I do that when it's not Valentines day... OK, you're right, I'm lame. Whatever. In the meantime, I will keep asking my fortune tellers if love is in my future. (Seriously, you gotta get yourself one of these if for nothing else than to have a good laugh.)

I'm totally lovin' my mom's new winter wreath. Just felt like sharing that.

And now for the weekend links I'm loving... Starting with the song on replay...

You Dance by Eastmountainsouth on Grooveshark

Encouraging blog posts/articles: A Father's Covenant, A Call to Prayer, and our pastor spoke at the Desiring God conference this past week, and even if you aren't a pastor there are some great quotes and wisdom from his message.

For those of you who are Downton Abbey Fans, like myself, check this out. And then part 2 as well.

Other Cool Things to Check Out: Open Up the Bible, I Believe in The Scriptures, Sex, Marriage, and Fairy Tales, These Cool Camera Guys, Jessica Claire Photography, and How to Get the Girl This Valentines Day.

Quotes I'm Loving...

All truly wise thoughts have been thought already, thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take firm root in our personal experience. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a person to hold his or her head high, to claim the future for him or herself and not to abandon it to the enemy. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer

How we remember, what we remember and why we remember form the most personal map of our individuality. -Christina Baldwin

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. -Aesop

Crash Course (or Should I Say Post?) in the Art of Chivalry and Wooing

2012-02-03T08:04:00.000-06:00

If you're prone to thinking chivalry is archaic, allow me to enlighten you: It's not. So in the spirit of Valentine's Day coming up, gentlemen, I'm imparting wisdom to you all. Take Note!

Acts of Wooing & Chivalry That Are Sure to Win You Brownie Points...

Offer a Helping Hand & Serve Her. Open that door! Help her carry those heavy things! Offer her that seat! It's cold out? Give her that coat! Flex those arm muscles! Show us your strength. Chivalry is all about acts of service.

Have Good Manners. Just take it from Frank, he knows best...

I may sound old-fashioned, but I want to think all women should be treated like I want my wife, daughters, and granddaughters to be treated. I notice today that good manners—like standing up when a woman enters the room, helping a woman with her coat, letting her enter an elevator first, taking her arm to cross the street—are sometimes considered unnecessary or a throwback. These are habits I could never break, nor would I want to. I realize today a lot more women are taking care of themselves than in the past, but no woman is offended by politeness. -Frank Sinatra

Send Her Flowers. I've yet to meet a woman who didn't like receiving a bouquet of fresh, beautiful flowers. To those who would argue otherwise... I'm pretty sure they're lying. And did you know that all flowers have a specific meaning attached to them? No? Well they do. Apparently people used to know that kind of thing in the Victorian era because they published whole books on it. (Just an idea if you want to impress her.) Double brownie points to you if you figure out her favorite flowers and send them to her! (It'll prove you paid attention!)

No going dutch! Oh. My. Gosh. Seriously, if you go to the trouble to ask her out on a date date (not the proverbial Christian coffee date), you better be paying! Because if I were the girl you were asking out, and you pulled that... let's just say there probably wouldn't be a second date. By paying for the meal you're telling her that you genuinely value getting to spend this time with her. Remember, we're talking about wooing here. Wooing implies you're trying to win her affections, which will cost you a couple of dinners at Olive Garden (or wherever else you take her).

Small Tokens and Gifts. In order to be successful with these, you need to study her. What sort of things would she like? Fit the gift to the girl's personality. For instance, I really like handmade things, letters, cards, coffee, books, special outings, but other girls like stuffed bears and jewelry and... other stuff... I'm sure there's lots more...

Develop a Taste for Austen. You can score serious points with ladies if you're into Austen. Pride and Predjudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Northanger Abbey. Figure out her favorite. Watch those movies with her. She'll love you for it.

Serenading. Please don't do this unless you can actually sing on tune. Or if she'd get a good laugh out of it.

Finally, do yourself a favor and read Brett Harris's Series When Lancelot Comes Riding. And girls, if I left out any acts of wooing, you can share them in the comments.

Outtakes From Ruth: Boaz Was a Real Man!

2012-02-02T08:58:00.000-06:00

I've got two more posts headed your way on the book of Ruth. I'm sure you're all growing sick of my obsession with this story, but I've spent nearly a year in this book and have uncovered so, so, so much. These "outtakes" are just some of the tid-bits I didn't expound upon to much in the series, but wanted to share.

I have a major crush on Boaz. Literally. If that man wasn't dead I would've totally married him in a heartbeat.

You think I'm joking.

But I'm not

;)

Boaz embodies biblical masculinity like no other (except Jesus) and serves as a strong example of male leadership. He's what I would deem a Real Man.

Real Men Protect. Ruth was in a rather vulnerable position considering she was a Moabite in a foreign land. In other words, she didn't have many rights, she has no husband to look after or care for her, and she's destitute. Had she found herself in a field other than Boaz's it would've been very easier for someone to take advantage of her and her situation. But Boaz provides protection for Ruth by keeping her in his fields (Ruth 2:8). He then also makes it very clear to the men working for him not to touch her or bother her in any way, but rather serve her:

"Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn" (Ruth 2:9)

Real Men Provide. Boaz provides community for Ruth. Now, at first glance that may not seem like a lot, but it is. I've moved around a lot in my short life state-wise, school-wise, and church-wise, and it's not all that easy. Moving has it's perks, yes, but at the same time it means having to start all over again in making friends and establishing a community, which at times can be hard and intimidating. Boaz acknowledges that Ruth is the new girl in town and reaches out to her by giving her godly girlfriends (Ruth 2:8). Boaz provides food for Ruth and Naomi. Ruth comes to Boaz's field in order to glean. Gleaning was the Hebrew version of welfare. According to Levitical law whatever the reapers (the paid field works) failed to pick up while reaping, they had to leave for the gleaners to pick up:

When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God. -Leviticus 19:9-10

But Boaz goes above and beyond his law-abiding duty, and commands the reapers to purposefully leave behind plenty of bundles of wheat for Ruth to pick-up (Ruth 2:15-16). By the end of the day Ruth has gathered an ephah. That's way more than the average wage back then. (Plus, adds to that in Ruth 3:15.) Finally, at the end of the book Boaz takes Ruth to be his wife and provides for her a home, a son, as well as taking care of Ruth's mother-in-law Naomi.

Real Men Pray. Boaz prays over Ruth on two separate occasions in the text. Shortly after he's learned of Ruth and his relative Naomi's situation, he calls out to Ruth and prays over her...

"The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!" -Ruth 2:12

Essentially Boaz is asking that God richly bless Ruth on all accounts. Then he utters this one phrase at the end of the prayer: under whose wings you have come to take refuge. I. Love. That. Boaz is praying that Ruth find safety, security, and shelter. As women we love knowing that we're secure in every possible way. When we're in that kind of environment and resting in such truth, we flourish. God does indeed answer Boaz's prayer here, by having Boaz be the actual answer. Remember the threshing floor? Ruth gets all dressed up and goes to meet him there. While there Ruth basically repeats Boaz's prayer back to him and challenges him to be the one to answer it:

He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer" -Ruth 3:9

That's something to think about! When we're praying for someone do we stop and think how God may want us to personally help them? More often then not, God uses His children as answers to people prayers, not miraculous signs and wonders. Boaz realizes that he is indeed that answer:

And he said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first... as the Lord lives, I will redeem you..." -Ruth 3:10-13

Real Men are Men of Action! When Boaz is faced with a challenge, he's not a coward and runs off. Instead he meets it head on. In Ruth and Boaz's story there's another kinsman redeemer closer to Ruth, but one, he's a jerk, and two, Boaz is already in love with Ruth, so he has to find a way to get the jerk out of the way. Nor does he put this off, beat around the bush, or go and "think" about it for a few days, but he deals with it promptly.

Real Men are Responsible and Sacrificial. The "essence of masculinity is responsibility." To be a real man means you take responsibility for that which God has given you... and even at times what was another man's responsibility. Remember all those men in the story of Ruth who failed at this? Elimelech, Chilion, Mahlon, and the no-named man? None of them took responsibility for the women God had entrusted to their care. But, Boaz goes out of his way and makes the care and protection of both Ruth and Naomi his personal responsibility. Boaz didn't have to care for Ruth and Naomi. While studying this book, I read a couple commentators who insisted that Boaz had to be responsible for them, but if we read the story carefully we see that there was a kinsman redeemer closer in the family line to Naomi and Ruth. It was that loser that scripture doesn't even name. This is also why we have the whole court ordeal over who Ruth is to marry in chapter 4. Boaz was definitely not legally obligated to Ruth. Boaz was going above the call of duty here out of love for God and Ruth. And by doing so he had to make sacrifices. Redeeming a relative was no small thing. It cost a great deal of money and meant that he would have to start a family with Ruth (having kids costs more money) in order that the family linage would stay intact. Plus, Boaz was inheriting the bitter mother-in-law, Naomi. (And we all know that's on the top of every man's list for what he looks for in wife.) Through it all though, we see that Boaz wants to do this! He finds it an honor and joy to serve and love Ruth. This is why commentators liken Boaz to a savior figure. Boaz reflects Christ in this story. Christ takes responsibility for His bride, and sacrifically give up His life in exchange for yours and mine. If you read through the book of Ruth and don't see the big gospel picture, then you've missed the whole point of the book. You and I are all Ruths. We've got nothing going for us and are destitute, but Christ comes and redeems us. Real men reflect Christ.

Wednesday Wedding Love

2012-02-01T08:58:00.001-06:00

Check out Paperback Weddings and Their Work Here
Someone forwarded me this video, and I thought it was too sweet not to share =)

The Courtship vs. Dating Question

2012-01-31T13:27:00.001-06:00

Q: So do you believe in just courtship or do you think dating is alright? Where do you stand on the whole courtship vs. dating debate. -Anonymous via Formspring

A: I don't align myself to the whole "I Kissed Dating Goodbye and Hello Courtship" camp (even though I've read both those books, and think there's great stuff in them), nor do I side with the culture's idea of dating. I'm in between the two. I'm willing to argue that neither dating nor courtship are in the Bible. However, we do see how different relationships came together (Ruth and Boaz, Adam and Eve, Issac and Rebekah, the couple in Song of Solomon, etc.) and tons of principles in the scriptures that apply to relationships. Personally, whatever "camp" that's called, that's the one I want to side with. I read many books on both Christian dating and courtship back in my high school days, but I never gleaned as much from those as I have from studying couples in the Bible. (Seriously, that's a relationship book waiting to be written since I've yet to see that one on the market!) Here's the bottom line: It doesn't matter whether you say you're dating or courting, what matters is are you seeking to honor God in how you relate to the opposite sex. I know people who prefer to go the courtship rout, which I think is great, but I also know people who date, but do so in a way that's God honoring and intentional in finding a spouse, which is the whole point. I think Bianaca's words would apply to what I'm trying to get at: I'm "traditional in ideals, but biblical in practicality." If a guy were to ask me to enter into a courtship I'd definitely pray and think about it, and if a guy wanted to date me, I'd definitely pray and think about it. But the proverbial coffee date doesn't count here, since I don't even think that's really a date. I think sometimes people blow that out of proportion. It's just coffee. Yeah... I don't know if any of this has made any sense, and if it doesn't, whoever you are, feel free to e-mail me and I'll try explaining it better.

Thoughts on the Driscoll's Real Marriage

2012-01-31T12:11:00.000-06:00

Mark Driscoll and his wife, Grace, examine what a solid, biblical marriage should look like in our world in their latest book Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together. The book starts off with the Driscoll's exposing many of their own sins pre-wedding and in the first ten years of their marriage. From there they cast the vision of how God designed marriage to be all the while pointing to the gospel.

Obviously, some will immediately turn to the The Can We_____? chapter which answers all the big sex questions the Driscoll's have received over the years. However, doing so and then skimming over the rest of the book, I think the reader cheats themselves out of the real meat of the book. The Driscolls have set up the book in order that they deal with the deeper marriage matters first before diving into the sex discussions, because whatever is taking place outside of the bedroom affects what happens inside the bedroom. All that aside though, my favorite portions of the book were the chapters that focused on friendship in marriage, roles of men and women, and the last chapter Reverse Engineering Your Life and Marriage, which gives couples practical questions in order that they build a foundation in which their marriage gets "better not bitter." Dricoll, as usual, makes his message an engaging and culturally relevant one, while adhering to Biblical truth. I'm convinced it will challenge all who read it to aspire to working towards a better, deeper, loving, Christ-centered marriage. I'd recommend it highly to both the marrieds and singles (yes, even the singles can glean from this book)!

Real Marriage the Book. Real Marriage the Sermon Series. Real Marriage Tour.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Resources on Dating/Purity/Biblical Sexuality/Marriage

2012-01-31T10:01:00.001-06:00

Books...

Religion Saves+ 9 Other Misconceptions by Mark Driscoll (Driscoll covers dating and sexual sin in this book in probably the most clear and concise way I've read.)
Porn-Again Christian by Mark Driscoll (Pornography and related issues for men. Free e-book.)
Dirty Girls Come Clean by Crystal Renaud (Pornography and related issues for women)
Rid of My Disgrace: Hope and Healing for Victims of Sexual Assault by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb
What Did You Expect? by Paul David Tripp (For the marrieds)
Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts by Drs. Les and Leslie Parrot (For the singles and the marrieds)
Every Young Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge and Stephan Arterburn (For Teen/Tween Girls)
When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric and Leslie Ludy
False Messages: A Guide for the Godly Bride (Free E-book)
Intended for Pleasure by Dr. Ed Wheat and Gaye Wheat (For the Marrieds)
Sexual Detox: A Guide for Guys Who Are Sick of Porn by Tim Challies
When Sinners Say "I Do" by Dave Harvey
The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy and Kathy Keller
This Momentary Marriage by John Piper
Meet Mr. Smith: Revolutionize the Way You Think About Sex, Purity, and Romance by Eric Ludy
Answering the Guy Questions by Leslie Ludy
Quest for Love and Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot
Sex is Not the Problem (Lust is), Boy Meets Girl, and I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris
Intimate Issues: 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex by Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus
Sex and the Soul of a Woman by Paula Rinehart (For both singles and marrieds)
God, Marriage, and Family by Andreas J. Kostenberg and David W. Jones
No Stones: Women Redeemed from Sexual Addiction by Marnie C. Ferree
Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God by C.J. and Carolyn Mahaney
Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together by Mark and Grace Driscoll

Messages/Sermons...

The Peasant Princess Series (Driscoll's excellent series on The Song of Solomon)
Religion Saves: Dating and Sexual Sin Preached by Mark Dricoll
Redeeming Ruth Sermon Series by Mark Driscoll
LoveLife Series by Mark Driscoll
The Mingling of Souls Series by Matt Chandler
God and Sex by Matt Chandler
Sanctification in Marriage by Matt Chandler
Song of Solomon for Students by Tommy Nelson
Messages from Covenant Life Church
Song of Songs from The Journey
Selected Sermons from The Journey's You & Yours Series

Websites...

Waiting for The One (Teen Girls)
Dirty Girls Ministries (For women who struggle with pornography)
Beggar's Daughter (For women who struggle with pornography)
Chad Eastham's Ministry (For Teens)
Pure Freedom (Tween and Teen Girls)
Singleness and Marriage posts from GirlTalk
Praying with Your Spouse
Setting Captives Free
The 5 Love Languages
Love and Respect Ministries
Articles from The Resurgence
Articles from Mark Driscoll
Resources from The Gospel Coalition
Sarah Markley's Story
Growth Trac
Treasures
The Porn Effect
Luther and Marriage
Covenant Eyes: Internet Accountability and Filtering
When Lancelot Comes Riding: The Modern Day Gentleman

Boy Meets Girl

2012-01-31T10:01:00.000-06:00

Series on Ruth and Boaz
Once Upon a Time... (Series)
Crash Course in the Art of Chivalry
Thoughts on Driscoll's Real Marriage
Let Your Love Be Genuine
Thoughts on Guarding Your Heart
Romance Novels: Friend or Foe?
Q&A: Courtship vs. Dating
For Guys Who Can't Get a Girl
You Still Get to Wear the White Dress
Stewarding The Single Years
Things I Want to Do with My Future Spouse
Forget the Flowers! Send Her a Camel!
I Want to Marry a Man... & Marry The Woman...
10 Reasons I Won't Date You & 10 Reasons I Will Date You
Outtakes from Ruth: Get Yourself a Naomi & Boaz was a Real Man

Resources on Purity, Marriage, Dating, etc.

You May Be a Closet Homemaker If...

2012-01-30T08:39:00.001-06:00

You May Be a Closet Homemaker If...

Your favorite stores are Ikea, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Restoration Hardware, William Sonoma, Yankee Candle and other home goods and decor stores.

You drool when your copy of Real Simple or The Nest arrives in the mail.

You have Pintrest boards dedicated to your future home.

If you have cookbooks solely dedicated to certain cuisine or course alone.

You watch the Food Network, TLC, and the Home and Garden channel all. the. time.

You're always on the lookout for new organizational tips and ideas.

You have a (moderately) clean house, and you like to keep it that way.

When you buy candles you always buy the scents that fit the season: Apple, pear, and pumpkin scents in the fall, Balsam and cinnamon for the winter, fresh-cut roses and lavender for the spring, and then coastal waters, Gardenia, and juicy peach for the summer months.

You love having people over to your house. In fact you'd rather have friends come to your place, than all of you go out.

You know how to make homemade bread. Three different ways.

You actually exchange recipes with other people.

You own a sewing machine and you're not afraid to use it!

You still like Martha Stewart even though she went to prison, because you remember Martha pre-jail time. And pre-jail Martha was pretty awesome.

Weekend Link Love and Rambling

2012-01-28T08:08:00.000-06:00

Encouraging/Thought Provoking Articles and Blog Posts: Making Your Home a Little Piece of Heaven (Man I love this post!), The Cost of Delaying Marriage, and It's Okay Not to Be Okay.

Recipes I gotta try sometime soon: Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup, Cinnamon Sugar Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Buttercream, and Grilled Zucchini Rolls.

Some of the etsy stores I've been perusing: Tinahdee Beautiful Jewelry, Lulu Bug Jewelry, Simag and Papercut Art and Jewelry

Other cool stuff to check out... October Baby, What Little Boys Are Made Of, and while you're at it, the rest of Wildflower Photography! Tangled Inspired Wedding Shoot, How to Get a Valentine, and these adorable Vintage Paper Placemats.

I got to do a blog interview over at boy loves girl! You can read it here, and be sure to give a little blog love to Lauren. She's super sweet =D

And if you didn't catch these two earlier this week here they are: I Want to Marry a Man... and Marry the Woman...

Quotes I'm Loving...

Love is helping people toward the greatest beauty and the highest value and the deepest satisfaction and the most lasting joy and the biggest reward and the most wonderful friendship and the most overwhelming worship-love is helping people toward God. -John Piper

My strength is as the strength of ten, because my heart is pure. -Lord Tennyson

… and she loved a boy very, very much-- even more than she loved herself. -Shel Silverstein

I hold an old-fashioned notion that a happy marriage is the crown of a woman’s life. -Beatrix Potter

I don’t suppose I really know you very well - but I know you smell like the delicious damp grass that grows near old walls and that your hands are beautiful opening out of your sleeves and that the back of your head is a mossy sheltered cave when there is trouble in the wind and that my cheek just fits the depression in your shoulder. -Zelda Fitzgerald, in a letter to F. Scott Fitzgerald

Just Some Friday Fun

2012-01-27T12:51:00.000-06:00

First, the lovely Breanne over at My World Resting On Your Love, passed on the Liebster Blog award to me. Be sure you check out her blog, where she writes on being a newlywed, her love for missions, and so much more. Here are the rules...

Show your thanks by linking the sweet person who nominated you.
Leave links to 5 of your top blogs and leave a comment letting them know!
Post the award on your blog.
Enjoy the Love :)

And now the hard part since I follow so many great blogs... let's pass this on to...

Beka at hold on, love... because she's awesome and one of my closest friends from the blogging world.
Emily at Amazing Grapes for the endless laughs she brings.
Courtney from Dress Up and Twirl because of her sweet friendship and prayers. I feel like she's a mentor =)
Jennifer over at Singing in the Rain for all her simple, yet encouraging reminders/posts
And Lauren from boy loves girl. I love getting everyday glimpses into her life =D

Second, both Allison over at Nestful of Love and Emily from Amazing Grapes tagged me for a game that's been floating around the blogosphere. I first have to list 11 random facts about myself (which is gonna be hard since I feel like I've probably said it all... at least all I'm willing to say)...

I'm pretty seasonal about what drinks I order at Starbucks... Frappucinos and iced coffees in the summer, Caramel Apple Spice and Chai Lattes in the fall, and White Chocolate Mochas in the winter.
Which brings me to the fact that I never buy a regular brew from Starbucks. For one, I can make pretty good regular coffee at home, and if I'm spending three or four bucks, it's gotta be special!
My friends and I have a tradition to have an Irish movie marathon on St. Patricks day and gorge ourselves on pizza and cookies every year.
I still like browsing the kids section in the bookstore.
I think I've moved a total of nine times over the course of my life.
I love, love, love P.F. Chan's
I'm that weird person who tracks their packages online and anxiously awaits the mailman. My mailman is pretty awesome too. He likes to rock out to Mercyme in his mail truck, which I think is awesome.
I don't eat fast food unless I'm on a road trip and there's not a Chipolte or Qudoba in sight.
I've driven across the state of Kansas so much I've lost count. I'm sure it's in the thirties or something.
Um... uh...
We're currently remodeling our basement.

Now I have to answer their 11 questions to me, but since that's a lot, I combined their questions and picked 11 I liked...

If you had to choose between a burger or a slice of pizza, which would you choose? Hmm... pizza from White House Pizza outside of Aspen, Colorado.
What is your favorite cartoon character? Charlie Brown =)
Would you rather be at home in sweatpants or out on the town looking snazzy? Well that would depend. If I'm on my own, then stay at home, if I'm with someone else, out on the town.
If you could get a free subscription to any magazine, which one would it be? Real Simple
Would you rather live near the mountains or near the beach? This is tough since I've lived near both... um... be- No... mountains. I think.
What is the best meal/recipe you've ever made? PW's Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta with homemade bread, then there's my brownie recipe that I'm in love with.
Do you prefer a wood fireplace or gas fireplace? and why? A wood fireplace. Just seems more romantic doesn't it? And you get that campfire smell. BTW... Guys who smell like campfires and s'mores... ;)
If you were forced to choose between a chapstick, toothbrush or hairbrush to go with you on a deserted island, which one would you pick? AHH! OK, it's a toss up between the hairbrush and toothbrush... I think the toothbrush... yeah.
What past time period would you like to live in? and why? Probably the 1940's. I like the fashion and a long list of other things that I'll save for another time.
Which food could you not live without? Pasta, brownies, roasted garlic and asparagus... bread... I eat those things like they're going out of style.
Where’s your favorite place to getaway? New England area or Colorado.

And at this point I'm supposed to tag 11 more people with new questions, but most of the people I'd tag have already been :) Have a great Friday!

Marry The Woman...

2012-01-26T08:29:00.002-06:00

He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. -Proverbs 18:22

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. -Proverbs 31:10

This post is a companion to this recent one. It only seemed fair that I write this one having written that one. So men, take note! You should desire a good legacy not a good time! That means you gotta get over the whole "how hot is she?" mentality, and find yourself a godly gal! Ladies, both you and I should take this to heart. It's ok to have a list of what we're looking for in a man, but that doesn't excuse us from having high standards and becoming the kind of wife God has called us to be. But, just as I said it in regards to the guys in the previous post, I'll say it in regards to the women: There's grace. You nor I will ever do all these things perfectly on this side of eternity, but we should always desire to grow and cultivate these characteristics and attributes in ourselves.

Marry The Woman...

Who's a Follower and Lover of Christ. First and foremost marry the woman who lives and believes that Christ is the lover and husband of her soul (Isaiah 54:5). If you marry a woman who builds her entire life and existence around Jesus and His word, then you've been blessed by God. Marry the woman who is continuously growing in her faith and being refined by Christ. This is the woman who studies and reads scripture, prays (a lot), meditates, serves, has convictions, and pursues Christ in other ways that are unique to her. Also, does this woman love the church? This actually goes for both men and women. There's a difference between the person who loves God and hates the church, and the person who loves both. Don't marry a person who doesn't love God and the church, because essentially what you're saying is "I love Jesus, but I hate His bride, whom he bled and died for." That's messed up. Make sure she loves both. Marry a woman who fears the Lord (Proverbs 31:30). In other words, does she hate what God has deemed as evil, and love that which God says is good, right, honorable, pure, and true? Does she submit to Christ's authority? As your wife, part of her calling is to submit to your loving, Christ-like leadership. The point of marriage is to mirror the gospel to one another, your children, your family, your friends, and everyone else around you. What is the gospel? Christ gives up His life for His bride, and in response to this divine love, the bride surrenders her life to Christ and follows Him. So, marry the woman who will mirror the gospel with you. If she loves and worships Christ, as Lord and Savior, then she will love and serve you as God has called her (Ephesians 5:22-24), and the rest of what I say really is just subtitles.

Who will Follow Your Leadership & Will Make a Good Helper. As the husband, you'll be called to sacrificially, joyfully, and lovingly lead your wife and kids. This is why you should marry someone who is able to follow you. In Genesis 3 we're told that God creates Eve to be a helper for Adam. This same word for helper shows up again in the New Testament when Jesus is talking to his disciples about the Holy Spirit coming to help them. (Remember that whole thing about marriage imaging the gospel?) Marry the woman who trusts you when it comes to decision making. However, you should always include her in that process and ask for her help in making wise choices. If you want to avoid playing tug of war in your marriage then find a woman whom you can lead and who is suitable to the support and help you need.

Who Gets Her Identity in Christ. Identity is a big thing for us as women. We live in a world where we're constantly bombarded with culture and media to act, look, and be a certain way. But, a godly woman does not look to the world to give her her identity. Marry the woman who knows her value comes from being God's beloved daughter. This is the woman who gets her self-worth from Him alone and finds freedom in that truth. This is the woman who has theological convictions surrounding the areas of *biblical femininity and beauty as well. She no longer strives to live in accordance to the world's standard of beauty because she's consumed with the beauty and value Christ has purchased for her through the cross. Marry the woman who dresses modestly and focuses more on her inner beauty. That doesn't mean she can't be fashionable though (we see that the Proverbs 31 woman knew a thing or two about fashion)! Marry the woman who takes care of herself and whom you find attractive. (Side note: when I say you should be attracted to her, yes, her looks, but mores so you must be attracted to her as a whole person.) Ladies, let's be honest here: Men are visual. I know that can be a hard pill to swallow for some of us, but it's true. I'm not advocating that we should work at becoming super models. What I am advocating is that we put a little effort into our appearance and maintaining a healthy body/lifestyle. A woman who gets her identity in Christ carries herself in a way that's honoring to Him. She's a modern-day lady. She represents Christ in her body language, how she interacts with others, and in the words she speaks.

Who Values Others. This comes back to her knowing the gospel. Does she see those around her as God's children whom He loves? Watch her actions and words when she's around people (including her family!). Do they reflect the love of Jesus? Is she kind-hearted, forgiving, generous, gracious, understanding, and compassionate? Does she genuinely care for the well-being of those around her?

Who's a Good Steward. Statistically speaking women in their 20's are the most susceptible to having huge amounts of debt. Part of being a good steward means knowing how to budget and invest wisely. You'll be providing for her and your kids, but she needs to be able to make that dollar stretch as far as possible. I'm not saying she has to be a whiz at math (I most certainly am not), but she should know some basics like balancing a checkbook, staying within a budget, and knowing how to get good bargains. We see this reflected in the Proverbs 31 woman in verses 14-16, 18, and 24 where she makes smart purchases and business decisions for her family. As the man, God has called you to take primary responsibility when it comes to finances, so marry a woman whom you can provide for, including her expectations. All I'm saying is that I'm not sure if it's so wise for a Sem student to be marrying a girl who wants to live in a mansion and carry Gucci bags. Being a good steward also includes using her time, resources, and social life for the well-being of your family and in a God honoring way. She may not be a Martha Stewart or full-time homemaker, but she should learn some of the basics in running and organizing a home.

Who Has Similar Passions and Visions. Marry the woman whose life goals and passions align with yours. If that means you want to have kids, then marry a woman who wants kids. If that means you have a job that requires you to be away from home a lot, make sure you marry a woman who's OK with that. Or if you're going into ministry, marry a woman who will support your calling. Men, you need to marry the woman who's on board with you when it comes to your vision for the life the two of you will share.

Falling in love in a Christian way is to say, "I am excited about your future and I want to be part of getting you there. I'm signing up for the journey with you. Would you sign up for the journey to my true self with me? It's going to be hard but I want to get there." -Tim Keller

Who's a One Man Woman. Marry a woman of purity and who will be loyal to you. The two of you should both have boundaries in regards to how you act around other people of the opposite sex when you're married.

Who'd Make a Good Mother. If having kids is a priority for you, then it should be a priority for the woman you marry. Marry the woman who you'd be proud to have a daughter just like her. When you have kids, will she diligently work for your children's good? Will she reflect the love of Jesus to them? Will she sacrificially care for their needs and nurture them?

Whom You Love and Enjoy! The woman marry should be your best friend and lover! Remember this quote?

Happy marriages are based on a deep friendship. By this I mean a mutual respect for and enjoyment of each other’s company. These couples tend to know each other intimately—they are well versed in each other’s likes, dislikes, personality quirks, hopes, and dreams. They have an abiding regard for each other... Friendship fuels the flames of romance because it offers the best protection against feeling adversarial toward your spouse. -Unknown

*Normally I would put a list of resources here, but since I've got a whole series on this coming up in a couple of months, you'll just have to stick around till then! ;)

Morning + Evening by C.H. Spurgeon

2012-01-25T07:47:00.000-06:00

Lauren Chandler shared this devotion from Charles Spurgeon on her blog a long time ago, but I've kept it bookmarked as its been an encouragement to me. So I thought I'd pass it along to you all this morning as well.

Thou hast made summer and winter. -Psalm 74:17

My soul begins this wintry month with thy God. The cold snows and the piercing winds all remind thee that He keeps His covenant with day and night, and tend to assure thee that He will also keep that glorious covenant which He has made with thee in the person of Christ Jesus. He who is true to His Word in the revolutions of the seasons of this poor sin-polluted world, will not prove unfaithful in His dealings with His own well-beloved Son.

Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: He casteth forth His ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, He is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord's sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. O that such good results would always follow our winters of affliction!

How we prize the fire just now! how pleasant is its cheerful glow! Let us in the same manner prize our Lord, who is the constant source of warmth and comfort in every time of trouble. Let us draw nigh to Him, and in Him find joy and peace in believing. Let us wrap ourselves in the warm garments of His promises, and go forth to labours which befit the season, for it were ill to be as the sluggard who will not plough by reason of the cold; for he shall beg in summer and have nothing.

I Want to Marry a Man...

2012-01-24T08:15:00.000-06:00

After I wrote this post, my readership jumped thanks to you all. It was one of the most popular posts of last year, and it even sent a few e-mails my way asking for me to write more on this. So I am. Nearly six months later. (Better late then never, right?) And while I wrote that post in more of a joking (or sarcastic) tone, this one is more serious. (I think I've rewritten this thing at least five times now.) These are the real "qualifiers" (I hate that word BTW) for me, and I would challenge they should be for you as well. Note: I don't expect whomever I'm dating or marry to be doing these all perfectly. That would be impossible since we're all sinners. And whomever I marry is not to take the place of God. To put that expectation on a spouse is not loving or fair, and they will surely fall. Just wanted to throw that in there, because as women it can be all to easy to turn men into idols. Having said that though, I do think these character traits should be the desired, pursued and encouraged in our men today. (Note #2: If you're in allegiance with the grammar police and want to get on my case about changing from third to first person... I'm already fully aware of that. No, I'm not going to change it.)

I Want to Marry a Man...

Who's a Lover and Follower of Christ. I put this one first, because if a man is already pursuing and loves the Lord, then really the rest of this list is should be fruit of this truth. This is a man who doesn't just go to church and call himself a Christian. Nope. This is the man who's all about making Christ the center and Lord of his life. He walks the talk. If a man is a follower of Christ he will not be a coward about it either. As Christians our identity is to be in Christ, which means sharing His message and story with others regardless of how stupid you may look or feel. Men of God identify themselves with Jesus unapologetically and unashamedly. A man who loves Christ will see everything and everybody through the lenses of the message of the gospel which is grace. A man who loves Christ extends this to all whom he meets. He should be pursuing the Lord through the reading of scripture, praying, community, and whatever else it is that draws him to the Lord that's authentic to him personally. This also means that the man should have a settled theology and doctrinal beliefs. I'm not saying he has to have it all figured out, but those things which would be of "first importance" (as well as many of those of "secondary importance") should be solid. He desires to grow in his faith and to be fruitful in this (Galatians 5:22-23). If a man truly loves Jesus and is obedient to His word, then he will love you well and as God has called all husbands to love their wives: sacrificially and lovingly as Christ died for His bride, the church (Ephesians 5:25-33). Marriage is about displaying the gospel.

Who's a Leader, Pursuer, Fighter, Protector & Whom I Respect. In our culture men tend to either be overpowering, chauvinistic, control freaks or pathetic, weak, cowards. They should be neither. God calls men to a different standard of *masculinity. This is the man who when times get tough and circumstances change, he gets tougher and adjusts in order to take care and provide for those whom he's responsible for and God has entrusted to him. This is the man who seeks out wisdom from God when decisions have to be made. When he sees something that needs to be taken care of, he gets it done. And when it comes to women, he leads out in the relationship. So many girls I've talked to this is THE biggest frustrations when it comes to guys. Often we're left feeling there's a lack of direction in the relationship. A strong man will lead out in a relationship. He's not going to pursue a woman unless he has purpose in doing do. He initiates and pursues. He's solid in his understanding of what biblical masculinity looks like. And I want to marry a man I can follow, because it's my understanding that this will be my role in marriage (Ephesians 5:22-24). If I can't respect him now, it'll be a lot harder after the wedding.

Who's Tender and Trustworthy. I'm stating the obvious here when I say men and women are different on pretty much every. single. level. And a real man gets this. He understands that the workings of the female heart are entirely different than a man's. He knows that he has to be gentle and tender with a woman's heart because once the vows are said it's total heart entrustment. The best illustration I ever heard on this came from a pastor who explained that a man's heart is like a thermos and a woman's heart is like a crystal goblet (for those of you who have no idea what a goblet is it's like a wine glass only far more expensive and nicer). You drop the thermos it gets a beating, but for the most part it's going to be OK. It's dented, but it still works. On the other hand, if you go around tossing a crystal goblet, at some point you'll drop it, it'll shatter into hundreds of shards, and it's going to be one big, bloody mess that someone has to clean up. A man understands this, thus he realizes the responsibility he has in protecting, cherishing, and gingerly caring for a woman's heart. A man always keeps in mind that the woman he loves is first and foremost God's beloved daughter, therefore he will answer to Him for his treatment of her (Ephesians 5:26-29). It's through this tenderness and cherishing that trust is built. A godly man will act as a shelter of sorts for the woman he loves. This means he's a safe and secure person for her to be around. She doesn't have to shy away from sharing her thoughts, desires, ideas, feelings... etc, from him. Trust leads to intimacy. It has been said that for women, intimacy means see-in-to-me. The secret to winning a women's heart is to know her. Women ultimately desire to be loved, and to be loved is to be known.

To husband means, as I have noted, 'to take care of,' 'to cherish.' As Christ cherishes His own Body, His Bride-that is, us- so a man cherishes a woman: holds her dear, values her highly, treats her tenderly. -Elizabeth Elliot

Before marriage it's about the winning of a heart. After the vows, it's learning to cherish the heart through all of life's seasons. -Eric Ludy (paraphrased)

Who's a Good Steward. He's capable of handling money (however much it may be) well during his single years, in order to prove that he will be able to provide for me and our family in the future. I've never been convinced that if I were to be the main provider, that I could still biblically be the kind of wife that God would call me to be (and that I want to be). God constantly tells men in scripture over and over and over again that they need to be the providers (1Tim. 5:8). As women, deep down we have this innate desire to be taken care of. We like knowing that we're secure (in every possible way). I'm not willing to marry a man who's passive about work and money (i.e. doesn't think he needs a job), nor am I going to marry a man who's consumed by it either (gets his definition by his purchases, constantly need more, discontentment, etc.). We should marry men who thinks about stewardship in a biblical way.

Who has Vision and Passion. Marry the man who has a course of action or plan. Obviously life has a way of messing with our plans, and things happen that we don't expect, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't have some in place (the book of Proverbs teaches this). As women, when we marry, we're often the ones to switch tracks, but the man needs to have a track in place to jump onto! Sitting at home playing video games or working a dead-end job does not qualify as a track! Prior to getting married I want to know what his vision is for our life. And I would certainly hope he'd be excited about it too!

Who's a One Woman Man. Real men do not, I repeat, do not string three or four women along all at the same time. Don't buy into the lie that there's a season in your dating early on that he can go out with other girls and pursue them as well as you. All this does is prove he doesn't truly value the process of getting to know you nor your time. Also, marry a man of purity and loyalty as it is biblical.

Who'd Make a Good Father. I want kids someday, therefore I need to marry a man who'd be a great dad. I think that's pretty self-explanatory.

And Finally, He's my Friend...

Happy marriages are based on a deep friendship. By this I mean a mutual respect for and enjoyment of each other’s company. These couples tend to know each other intimately—they are well versed in each other’s likes, dislikes, personality quirks, hopes, and dreams. They have an abiding regard for each other... Friendship fuels the flames of romance because it offers the best protection against feeling adversarial toward your spouse. -Unknown

*I'm of the belief that women (single/married) should have a vision for biblical masculinity so that we can identify and encourage (not beat up) it in the men in our life as God has called him. These are great free resources: Matt Chandler on Masculinity, Pastor Dad, Marriage and Men, Men and Masculinity, You're Willing to Be a Man, Man vs. Wife and Man Up!

Mission Statement

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000-06:00

Never be content with your grasp of the gospel. The gospel is life-permeating, world-altering, universe-changing truth. It has more facets than any diamond. Its depths man will never exhaust -C. J. Mahaney, Living the Cross Centered Life

I have one earnest desire above all else, that I cling to the grace that was purchased for me by my King, Christ Jesus. That I stand firmly on this rock, and this rock alone. By doing so I will seek to see and understand everything and everybody through the lenses of the gospel. To live a Christ-centered life so that it permeates into every facet of who I am and how I live out my life.

I will strive to live out a life that abounds with creativity, cultivates beauty, and images a divine romance with the lover of my soul (Isaiah 54 & Hosea 2:16-19).

Winter and Prayer

2012-01-23T00:34:00.000-06:00

Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all. -D.L. Moody

Winter grows pure faith. It grows almost nothing, but it grows biblical faith like no other can... Prayer is the ongoing work of winter. -Unknown

I don't know if you noticed or not, but I didn't write any type of post relating to the New Year or making resolutions. There are several reasons for this, the main one being that 2011 was pretty much one of the worst years in my life thus far. I'm not going to sugarcoat the truth. It was awful. I spent the majority of the time feeling incredibly alone, depressed, confused, sick, overly stressed, insecure, fearful, anxious, worried, and feeling like a failure because I hadn't been making (what I deem) enough progress or successes with my life. Toss in there both parents without work as well (nothing says "Merry Christmas" like loosing your job). Needless to say I got really good at crying myself to sleep, which I think says a lot since up until last year I never would have labeled myself as a crier. All in all I'd define that as a bit of a wreck. And wrecks tend to leave you feeling bruised and sore.

I've spent a lot of time questioning God. Does He really love and delight in me? Because I sure don't feel like He does. Does He have a plan for my life? Because it sure doesn't seem like it right now. It seems like He's got a plan for everybody else. Does my life have any value or significance? Because I don't feel like anything I do has meaning. Have I done something wrong? Because if I have I'd like to know what it was and how I can fix it. Is God holding back on me until I get my act together? Because I feel left out. Everyone else is moving forward and in many ways it feels like my life has been put on hold by circumstances that are out of my hands.

Yet during all this my prayer life swelled to proportions like never before. They weren't the sweet kind of prayers though. They were more like laments. More like cry-fests... and getting all slobbery because I'm an ugly crier. They were infused with anger, bitterness, and accusations... when in reality I had no right to be angry or bitter towards God, nor to accuse Him of anything. He's God and I am not. I'd crash from exhaustion nearly every time afterwards. Too tired to speak or think anymore.

And in many ways it's still like that. No, my circumstances haven't changed for better (yet). But, I'm slowly learning how to find my comfort in Christ. How to adapt to changes I don't like or desire. How to still find something to be grateful for. To take one day at a time, because I've personally learned that "anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but only empties today of its strength" (Charles Spurgeon). Ultimately, learning how to trust in Him and hold onto hope. I'm not saying it's easy. It's incredibly hard. If I make progress it's only by God's grace that I do, because I have no strength of my own left. Some days are better than others, and for the ugly days there's even more grace abounding. Even if I don't see it or sense it.

It's this whole season of feeling broken in every sense that drives me to seek Christ. The talking with God so openly and frankly... it's not like I do that with many around me. (Confession #2: I'm an imploder. (See! I was paying attention during last week's sermon!)).

So I wouldn't say that I have any resolutions or am feeling to optimistic for this upcoming year. You'll have to forgive me for that. But, I do want to toil with God more, because it's through this I feel closer to Him. And more than anything to see prayer requests answered. I'd like to see all that labor and hope lead to fruit of some kind. I want to be more aware of God's goodness this year.

Let us be so in the habit of prayer, so devoted to prayer, so filled with its rich spices, so ardent by its holy flame, that all heaven and earth will be perfumed by its aroma... -E.M. Bounds

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure. -Peter Marshall

This Weekend is For Book & Journal Lovers

2012-01-21T10:26:00.000-06:00

Encouraging Blog Posts and Articles This Week: 8 Reasons to Journal (& some inspiration), Many Creatives, Setting Up a Moleskin, and Books That Speak to Me.

Check out these cool scripture journals, The European Paper Company, and The World's 6 Coolest Bookstores.

And for laughs... Judging Someone's Faith Based on their Bible Underlining.

Quotes I'm Loving...

Books. People have no idea how beautiful books are. How they taste on your fingers. How bright everything is when you light it with words. -Rachel Kadish

You must write every single day of your life… You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads… may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world. -Ray Bradbury

Men do not understand books until they have a certain amount of life, or at any rate no man understands a deep book, until he has seen and lived at least part of its contents. -Ezra Pound

A truly great book should be read in youth, again in maturity and once more in old age, as a fine building should be seen in morning light, at noon, and by moonlight. -Robertson Davies

A room without books is like a body without a soul. -Cicero

What books have you been reading lately? =)

Friday Night #14

2012-01-20T15:30:00.002-06:00

Tonight there's a forecast of an ice-y rain storm. And like most winter-y Friday nights, I'm staying in. That's single life for you. Anyway... after my last class this morning I dragged mom to Target for a mini shopping spree with Christmas gift cards. I always save gift cards for weeks like these. It's like a reward system of sorts. Terrible week? Here! Go buy yourself something to cheer up! I'm sure that's a bad habit... or something. Quite frankly I don't care what that says about my underlying philosophy. I'm glad I went though, because Tangled was on sale. And I pretty much think it's one of the best movies Disney has put out in FOREVER. And the fact that the script was written by a guy. That's a trend I've been noticing actually. All my favorite chick-flicks are written by men for the most part.

Just in case you were wondering... I think this is one of the best scenes in the whole movie.

As I was saying originally, tonight is a stay in PJ's watch movies. (I've been informed by Hannah that were watching this and this as well. I have no choice.) And I'm making dinner and a hot, bubbly, delicious blackberry cobbler. Doesn't cobbler sound like a winter-y dessert? I think so. Then to end the night I shall go blow some dollars at iTunes and drink Chai tea. And I'm sleeping in till PW is on in the morning. Yeah. It's going to be the most awesome of days this whole week!

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. ~Edith Sitwell

I Love The Milky Way

2012-01-19T15:02:00.001-06:00

This was not the best week. And dad was kind enough to pick me up my favorite while out. He's set the standard high in that regard for whoever gets hitched to me. And it was gone within 3.27 minutes.

Letter from God

2012-01-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

Just some encouragement for you today...

Warning: Be Prepared for a Very Un-Optimistic Post

2012-01-17T11:07:00.002-06:00

So,

**insert long exasperated sigh**

This week classes began again. This semester all of those classes except one are online for me. It's like I'm homeschooled... even though I never have been. This semester I transferred back to community college due to lack of finances and both parents loosing their jobs. I'm not one of those people who's community college experience has been any good. So I figured I might as well take online classes mostly in order to reduce the amount of time I have to spend in that depressing atmosphere. Plus, I can stay in my PJ's longer and drink coffee while I'm working.

Bad news... I got a nice letter in the mail from the financial aid people saying I'd have to start paying on my loan in six months. WHAT?! I'm still in college! That's not what the contract said! So here I am trying to clean up that mess, because people in financial aid can never seem to get their job right the first time. And dealing with financial aid ranks very high on my stress list. Like super high. I totally freaked out when I got that letter. Still am.

Syllabuses. Pleh! :P Can I just say, I think it ridiculous to have three textbooks relating to one class all of which were in the $70 range. Sorry. But I had to get that off my chest. That, and the fact that I hate it when you sign up for a class specifically for that professor, and then it gets switched around to one that you absolutely cannot stand. Yeah

The first week of every semester is always my worst ~~and least favorite~~. (There are no favorite weeks now that I think about it.)

How many days till summer break???

What I Said... What I Really Meant...

2012-01-16T09:58:00.000-06:00

What I said: I'm Fine

What I meant: I most certainly am not fine! Can't you see that!

What I said: I'm so tired.

What I meant: Please don't ask me to do anything, because I'd much rather sink into this couch and become a potato for the rest of the day.

What I said: You're looking nice today.

What I meant: Gosh, you're cute!

What I said: We should grab coffee sometime!

What I meant: We should seriously go grab coffee sometime... I'm free next Tuesday!

What I said: I'm going to go workout

What I meant: Don't bother me for the next hour, while I try and focus on anything but my life, and get myself a dose of endorphins.

What I said: I need a nap.

What I meant: I really, really, really need a nap.

What I said: I don't want to talk about it.

What I meant: I really do want to talk about it, but as soon as I start talking about it the floodgates will be opened and I'm going to be one big, blubbery, ugly mess, and whatever comes out of my mouth neither you nor I will understand, and then I'm going to ask you if you'll eat a tub of ice cream with me and watch sappy Hallmark movies, because sappy Hallmark movies always have a happy ending, and I know that's not realistic, but can't we pretend it is for an hour and a half?

What I said: I have a headache.

What I meant: Please don't talk to me unless you come bearing tylonal.

What I said: I have a migraine

What I meant: Don't ask me anything, because the answer is no. I'm going to bed.

Weekend Link Love and Rambling

2012-01-14T08:13:00.000-06:00

First, I'm in love with Rend Collective Experiment's latest worship album, Homemade Worship by Handmade People. (I love their album Organic Family Hymnal as well). Love their message, songs, and you have to admit, it's pretty cool that they're Irish. I love Irish accents ;) While we're on the subject of good music, one of our church's worship leaders is putting out an album this Tuesday, and it's gonna be great! Check out the video trailer here.

Some articles/blog posts that have been an encouragement this week: What to Do If You Wake Up Feeling Fragile, Homemade People, and I Don't Believe God's Done with You!

DIY's and Craft Ideas to be added to my To-Do List: Boho Bunting, Burlap Art Nests, and Record Bowls (great for coffee tables!).

If my breakfast looked anything like this, I might actually start eating it! Oh! And we can't forget, Season 2 of PW premiers today on Food Network!!! (Can you tell I'm excited?!)

Some other inspiring and fun stuff: Florabella Photoshop Actions, Tutorials, & Textures, A Super Sweet Surprise, These Awesome Tea Mugs, This Pretty Dress and This Beautiful Skirt, & I Love This Kids Table. Don't You Just Love Those Restaurants Where The Let You Drawn on The Tables?

And finally some quotes I've been loving...

Only a man who has felt ultimate despair is capable of feeling ultimate bliss. It is necessary to have wished for death in order to know how good it is to live…..the sum of all human wisdom will be contained in these two words: Wait and Hope. -Alexandre Dumas in The Count of Monte Cristo

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means waste of time. -Lord Avebury

The world is full of poetry. The air is living with its spirit; and the waves dance to the music of its melodies, and sparkle in its brightness. -James Gates Percival

Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. -John Piper

The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean. -Jonathan Edwards

Let Your Love Be Genuine

2012-01-13T09:44:00.000-06:00

Let love be genuine... -Romans 12:9

Romans 12:9-21 is what most Bibles have labeled as the Marks of True Christians. If that's true, then they should also pour over into how we do relationships with the opposite sex as well.

Staying true to his teaching style, Paul starts off with love. Let love be genuine, or as other translations read Let love be sincere. The words genuine and sincere mean without hypocrisy or the person, thing, emotion, or action is authentic. Synonyms of the two include heartfelt, real, profound, deep, honest, truthful, straightforward, and direct.

Our relationships should reflect these attributes. They should be honest, truthful, and real. We shouldn't be putting on masks and preforming for one another. I know it sounds cliche and it's overused, but you should be able to be yourself with the guy or girl. Let's be honest here, nobody wants to be with someone who doesn't like them for who they are. And constantly having to hide and act a certain way gets exhausting pretty quickly. We should be with the guy (or girl) who shares some of our same interests, likes, dislikes (it doesn't have to be all of them), appreciates our quirks (because there are plenty of them), holds to the same ideals and beliefs, etc. Contrary to popular belief that opposites attract, several studies have shown, that couples who are mostly opposites are in the minority. For the most part, similarities attract.

Our relationships should be heartfelt, profound, and deep. Relationships that are built only on surface level things cannot weather the storms of life and don't last that long. Meaningful relationships have depth to them, which is something that takes time to build and invest in.

Our relationships should be straightforward, direct, and have intention. You can call me old fashion if you want, but when I enter into a relationship I take it pretty seriously. I had one brief relationship with a guy where there was absolutely no direction at all in the relationship... and it drove me crazy. It was like we were in limbo land... until the girl he really wanted to be with became available, but that's a different story (and lesson learned) to be shared a different day. Girls, you shouldn't have a long list of boyfriends because you feel unlovable and invaluable when you don't have one. Those are lies, and as God's dearly loved daughters you deserve better than that. Wait for the guy who sees pursuing and getting to know you as a valuable use of his time and worth every effort and inconvenience. Now, that doesn't mean that our relationships have to start off on an serious or extreme note, but there needs to be some sort of purpose to the two of you being together, and personally I think that should be to get to know one another and then see if there's a possibility of marriage with that person. (Which also means I tend to be a more particular in who I date.) Romantic relationship that are vague don't personify genuine love, but rather are ones built on selfishness. We really have no right asking for someones affections if we aren't willing to act purposefully and to honor and value those affections. In order for our relationships with one another to glorify God, they need to be marked with genuine, sincere love. When this is the heartbeat and central point to our relationships everything else falls into its proper place.

Now, having said all that, there are no formulas when it comes to how our relationships play out. For each couple has unique qualities, characteristics, backgrounds, tastes, passions, goals, etc. Therefore, each relationship unfolds in a different way.

Snow Days Are For...

2012-01-12T12:23:00.001-06:00

Baking Warm Treats and Chugging Down Hot Drinks...

I'm thinking Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies Today.

Reading...

Peanuts For Laughs, The Book I'm Reviewing for Booksneeze, and Our New Bible Study

Crafting... (and Actually Utilizing Pintrest for Once)...

And Maybe Some Pre-Writing For a Future Blog Series...

You Are...

2012-01-11T10:12:00.000-06:00

In Case You Needed a Little Reminding Today...

You are loved | Ephesians 2:4

You are forgiven | 1st John 2:12

You are healed | Isaiah 53:5

You are new | 2nd Corinthians 5:17

You are secure | Hebrews 6:19-20

You are no longer under condemnation | Romans 8:1

You have the Holy Spirit | Ephesians 1:13

You have every spiritual blessing in Christ | Ephesians 1:3

You will never be abandoned | Matthew 28:20

You are partakers of the divine nature | 2nd Peter 1:4

You are pursued | 1st John 4:10

You are clean | 1st Corinthians 6:11

You are holy | Colossians 1:22

You are blameless | Ephesians 1:4

You are His | Titus 2:14

You are made in His image | Genesis 1:27

You are written on the palm of His hand | Isaiah 49:16

You are free | Galatians 5:1

You are filled with a Spirit of power, not of fear | 2nd Timothy 1:7

You have Jesus as your advocate | 1st John 2:1

You are justified | Romans 5:1

You are not on trial anymore | Colossians 2:14

You have a Father that graciously gives all things | Romans 8:32

You have Him interceding for you at all times | Romans 8:34

You are a Child of His | 1st John 3:1

You are His bride | Ephesians 5:31-32

You are His friend | John 15:15

Your old self is buried with Him | Romans 6:3

You are raised to new life | Romans 6:4

You are dead to sin | Romans 6:7Y

ou are in union with Jesus | Galatians 2:20

You are a member of His body | Romans 12:5

You are chosen | Ephesians 1:4

You are hidden with Christ in God | Colossians 3:3

You are a branch of Jesus | John 15:5

You have perfect access to Him at all times because of the blood | Ephesians 3:12

You are God’s poetry/workmanship | Ephesians 2:10

***List and Verses Compiled by Jeff Bethke***

A Brief Room Tour

2012-01-10T07:56:00.000-06:00

Forget Flowers, Send Her a Camel!

2012-01-09T08:43:00.000-06:00

Genesis 24 is a love story. Don't believe me? Look it up. And you might be tempted to think that with the culture and time we're living in now, that we wouldn't be able to glean much insight from it, but I think we'd be wrong in saying so. I actually find it pretty practical myself.

With all good love stories there has to be some sort of challenge that must be overcome, right? Right. This is true for Issac and Rebekah as well. You see, Issac has a bit of a problem... there are no godly, young women around for him to marry! (Bummer.) Abraham, Issac's dad, realizes this as well. So one day Abraham calls his servant over and the two make an oath to find a suitable wife for Issac. The servant then packs some provisions, a dowry of sorts for this mystery girl, and takes a 450 mile road trip to Nahor. As soon as he reaches his destination he parks himself and all 10 of the camels in front of the city well. The servant then begins to pray and tells God that he will ask one of the women for a drink. Whichever young woman obliges him he will assumed to be "the one" for Issac...

And he said, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham. Behold, I am standing by the spring of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Let the young woman to whom I shall say, "Please let down your jar that I may drink," and who shall say, "Drink, and I will water your camels" - let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master. -Gen. 24:12-14

Talk about pushing God around! OK... I guess he said please and was really humble in his asking, but don't you find it even a little funny? This servant is very wise though, because he does two important things here: he prays and he asks for clarity. Whenever we enter into a relationship we should always be praying for wisdom and God's leading on a consistent basis. By doing so we're inviting the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. Relationships should be saturated in prayer. The servant also asks for clarity in who Issac's wife is to be. He begs God to make it obvious. When we enter into relationships we should be asking that God put his fingerprints all over it. Now, this is where the story gets kinda crazy, because as he's praying through all this, a young, beautiful woman walks out! For Real!

Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah... came out with her water jar on her shoulder. The young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known. She went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please give me a little water to drink from your jar" She said, "Drink, my lord" And she quickly let down her jar upon her hand and gave him a drink. When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, "I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking" So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran again to the well to draw water, and she drew for all his camels. -Gen 24:15-21

Finding that his request has been answered by the Lord, he gives her jewelry (see! it's biblical!), inquires whose daughter she is, and worships God. A couple of character traits of Rebekah here is she is hospitable to Abraham's servant. First, when she gives him a drink and then again when she invites him to stay in her family's home (verse 25). Second, she's a hard worker and goes beyond what is asked of her. This is exemplified in the watering of the camels. I don't know a whole lot about camels, but watering a small herd of them couldn't have been an easy task. Plus, camels are kinda mean. They spit at you. Not cool.

Rebekah then runs to tell her family of the well scene, and her brother Laban, comes out to greet the servant and invite him into the home. The servant accepts the offer but first tells Laban the entire account of Abraham sending him on a journey to seek out a wife for Issac, praying to the Lord, and Rebekah being that answer. After hearing this, Laban gives his blessing for Rebekah to be taken back to Issac. The next morning Rebekah hops onto one of the many camels and begins to travel to marry Issac.

Now Isaac had returned from Beer-lahai-roi and was dwelling in the Negeb. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. -Genesis 24:62-63

Back at home, Issac goes out to mediate in the fields. Issac also is a great man of prayer, and while he's out having his "devo time" he looks off into the distance and sees the camels returning. Rebekah too, sees Issac in the distance (verses 64-65). As soon as everybody has rendezvoused the servant recounts all that had taken place, and Issac and Rebekah are married (verses 66-67).

The big picture of the story? Men, in order to find yourself a suitable, Christian spouse, you have to go where they are. For some that may be as simple as getting yourself in a Bible study or working in the church nursery, but for others that means actually moving or traveling a great distance. All the long-distance relationship people will testify to that, but it's so worth it. Issac and Rebekah's love story proves it.

And just as a side note, if I were you, I actually would send flowers instead of a camel. Camels are messy and smelly. Flowers are beautiful and smell 100 times better.

Christmas and Crafting Ramblings+Weekend Link Love

2012-01-07T08:04:00.000-06:00

First off, this is what I see when I view my blog, and what I wanna know is if it's the same for you as well or if that last link that reads Contact Info is floating around all weird-like and not as it looks here...

Secondly, since Christmas and New Years are over, I've moved onto Valentines Day. Thus, I make valentines. And I've come to the startling realization that I posses more valentines than I give out. Kinda a bummer actually when I think about it... but clearly it hasn't bummed me out enough to stop me from getting all Martha Stewart-like and reaching for the glitter. So... yes. It's winter, I can't do much outside hobby wise so I'm making valentines.

The one gag Christmas gift I got was flavored dental floss. My uncle is just strange like that. He gave everybody their own collection... which I guess was... thoughtful. I was y pretty disappointed that they didn't actually taste the flavor they claim. Although that pickle one may. Haven't tried it yet.

Onto this weekend links...

Soul Encouragement: Make a Peace Retreat and The Simplicity of Prayer for Beginners
Best Handmade Christmas Gift Idea EVER! (OK... maybe I'm overreacting a bit, but remember my love-hate relationship with hardware??? This is a love!)
National Human Trafficking Month
Lovely Clusters and Cannelle et Vanille for food and crafty inspiration
Catch up on the series on Ruth I did this week
Downton Abbey Season 2!!! If you like period dramas, then you'll love it :D
The newest little edition to the family that arrived just in time for Christmas! Gosh she's adorable! But I'm a bit biased ;)

Earworm Song...

Quote Lovin'...

Man is more himself, man is more manlike, when joy is the fundamental thing in him, and grief the superficial. Melancholy should be an innocent interlude, a tender and fugitive frame of mind; praise should be the permanent pulsation of the soul. Pessimism is at best an emotional half-holiday; joy is the uproarious labor by which all things live. -G.K. Chesterton

The quickest way to the heart is through a wound. -John Piper

The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted. -Mother Theresa

Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard hearts. -Charles Dickens

Deeply earnest and thoughtful people stand on shaky footing with the public. -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Ruth & Boaz: To the Alter They Go

2012-01-06T08:20:00.001-06:00

Now Boaz had gone up to the gate and sat down there. And behold, the redeemer, of whom Boaz had spoken, came by... -Ruth 4:1

All great love stories have one thing in common: a challenge. There's some kind of obstacle that's working against the couple that must be conquered in order for the two to be together. It's scattered in nearly every love story throughout history, and we'll see it here in Ruth and Boaz's as well. Boaz is not legally bound to take Ruth as his wife because of another closer kinsmen redeemer, but Boaz loves Ruth, so he's going to find a way to get rid of this other man. There's a great lesson to be learned with Boaz's actions here. If you're a guy, there's going to be a problem (or problems) that you're going to have to fight through in order to prove your love for the girl, and you shouldn't shy away from that. If you do, then that speaks volumes of how you really feel in your heart. It could be that she's still in college, or she has debt that needs to be taken care of, she doesn't live near you, so there are geographically issues, she's a single mom, or she's been abused, or she doesn't come from a great family or background... there's a long list of possibilities here. But, these obstacles serve the purpose of you demonstrating just how much you love and care about her. Before you ever marry a girl, you have to win her heart, which means there's going to have to be some fighting and overcoming. Boaz gets up goes to town the very next day (he's not going to waste time) in order to settle the matter. And it just so happens, that God blesses Boaz by bring along the other redeemer while Boaz is there. Boaz immediately seizes his opportunity:

And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, "Sit down here" So they sat down. Then he said to the redeemer, "Naomi, who has come back from the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land that belonged to our relative Elimelech. So I thought I would tell you of it and say, 'Buy it in the presence of those sitting here and in the presence of the elders of my people' If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not, tell me, that I may know, for there is no one besides you to redeem it, and I come after you" And he said, "I will redeem it." Then Boaz said, "The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you also acquire Ruth the Moabite, the widow of the dead, in order to perpetuate the name of the dead in his inheritance" -Ruth 4:2-5

Now this first redeemer... to put it bluntly, he's a jerk. The Bible doesn't even bother giving him a name because his character. Here's destitute Ruth and Naomi, and he does nothing for them. Doing nothing is sometimes a sin as well. The guy doesn't even have a clue what's going on with the two of these women. He dropped the ball. This is probably the first time he's even hearing about them, and foolishly he just agrees to redeem the land without reading the fine print or knowing the details. And it's here we see how Boaz is going to get Ruth. Boaz mentions just the land (which would equal more money), waits till Mr. whats-his-face agrees to it, then Boaz shares with him the details. Mr. what's-his-face will gain the land, but he also has to marry Ruth (who was a Moabite and has already been married), have children with her so that the family line doesn't disappear, and then he gets to take care of her bitter, complaining mother in-law Naomi. Not surprisingly the deal has gone sour for this other man, and he no longer wants to redeem the land.

Then the redeemer said, "I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I impair my own inheritance. Take my right of redemption yourself, for I cannot redeem it" -Ruth 4:6

Boaz is shrewd in his business here. And it's biblical. When it comes to business Boaz knows how to make wise decisions that benefit and care for those whom he loves, but he does it in a legal, moral, biblical way. In the following verses we see Boaz redeeming Ruth as his wife, Naomi, and Elimelech's land. All the elders present congratulate Boaz and bless him! Worthy men, like Boaz, who continue down the path of righteousness surly are blessed for their obedience. Time for a wedding and the tossing of rice!

So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. -Ruth 4:13

It's in these last few verses of the book we finally get to see what we've been waiting for. All the prayers are answered. Despite her past and her background, Ruth gets a fantastic, loving man, Boaz gets a beautiful, godly wife, and Naomi, whose been bitter and angry with God finally gets her joy and blessing from the Lord:

Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him" Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi" They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. -Ruth 4:14-17

Ruth & Boaz: Time for a DTR!

2012-01-05T08:10:00.000-06:00

Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor... -Ruth 3:1-3

Ruth had continued to glean in Boaz's field during the harvest, but the end of the season draws near. Naomi comes to Ruth and asks if there's been any more progress with the whole Boaz situation. There hasn't. No second date after Boaz's and Ruth's first meeting, conversation, and prayer. The harvest is wrapping up and time is running out for these two. But, there's a big party going down at the threshing floor that night and Naomi concocts a plan. Just as a side note here, when it comes to relationships, you need to get yourself a Naomi. I've got several now, and I wouldn't go back to having none. Your Naomi needs to be that person (or several) who speaks into your life and gives you wisdom on your relationships. This needs to be a person who actually knows a thing or two about the opposite sex and relationships, which is why those who are already married make great mentors. Ruth's Naomi reflects the Titus 2 idea that the older women pour in and teach the younger women. So recruit yourself a Naomi!

Naomi's plan here is very clever actually, and some would argue not wise counsel, which I'll get to later, but to start things off Naomi tells Ruth to get herself cleaned up and looking nice. Boaz has only seen Ruth in her muddy work clothes, so it's not hard to figure out why he hasn't been thinking about Ruth in a romantic-pursuit kind of way. Men are visual, and it's OK for women to get dressed up and look attractive. So Ruth takes a bath, puts on the little black dress (or whatever the equivalent was back in the day), puts on the heels, does the hair, does the makeup, and puts on some perfume (because let's be real, men would prefer you smelling like vanilla or a garden rather than a barn).

...but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. -Ruth 3:3

More wisdom on men here! Naomi tells Ruth that once she gets down to the threshing floor not to go all emotional, drama queen, asking for a DTR. No, no, no! Play it cool. Chill a bit. And wait until he's eaten. Yes. This is true. I'm not married, but I've done hospitality long enough to know that sometimes you just need to shove a plate of food, something chocolate-y, and a nice glass of wine in front of him. Then wait till he's consumed the meal, because for whatever reason eating a nice dinner makes men more apt to listen to you. I don't understand it, but it works. This is also Naomi's advice to Ruth. Wait till he's had his meal before approaching him.

Ultimately Naomi is going to tell Ruth to get in front of Boaz. This whole scene that's about to unfold is what is now popularly known as "pulling a Ruth." Pulling a Ruth is far different than chasing a man. You don't want to chase a guy. You want him to pursue you because it proves he values you. Pulling a Ruth means you simply get in his way a bit. Make yourself avaliable in order for him to pursue you, because guys need a little pushing sometimes. They're nervous, so help him out a bit, but get counsel from your "Naomi" when you do this.

But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do" And she replied, "All that you say I will do" -Ruth 3:4-5

Now this... this is what some would call risky counsel. Naomi tells Ruth that once Boaz has eaten, celebrated the harvest, and fallen asleep, that she should snuggle up to his feet and do whatever he tells her. All I'm going to really say is that the Bible here is describing what happened, not prescribing, so you can determine for yourself whether that was wise advice or not.

And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and his heart was merry, he went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain. Then she came softly and uncovered his feet and lay down. At midnight the man was startled and turned over, and behold, a woman lay at his feet! He said, "Who are you?" And she answered, "I am Ruth, your servant. Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer" -Ruth 3:7-9

Surprise! You find a beautiful woman at the end of your bed! Boaz is a little taken back when he finds Ruth laying down at his feet. He asks who it is and finds out it's Ruth, but it's the second half of Ruth's reply that I love because she asks him to spread his wings over her. If you remember back in chapter two, Boaz prays that God would take Ruth under His wings, and here's Ruth encouraging Boaz to be the answer to that prayer. Spreading your wings over a woman is the equivalent of giving her an engagement ring. Ruth is not proposing, but she's proposing the Boaz propose to her. She's hinting that he pick up the pace and marry her.

And he said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich. And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. -Ruth 3:10-11

Boaz is sold on this idea. (YEA!) Boaz loves Ruth, he loves her character, and he loves her faith in God. This is awesome. They've declared their love for one another, and now they can set a date. She'll get a dress and bake a cake! Happily ever after is on the horizon for these two love birds. Or so we'd hope.

"And now it is true that I am a redeemer. Yet there is a redeemer nearer than I... But if he is not willing to redeem you, then, as the Lord lives, I will redeem you. Lie down until the morning" -Ruth 3:12-13

All good loves stories, those in books, and those in real life usually all have conflict in them of some sort. There's an obstacle that has to be overcome. We'll see more of this in chapter four, but Ruth and Boaz's story is no different. There's another man in line to redeem Ruth (and her mother in-law) whose closer than Boaz, and legally, Boaz may only redeem Ruth if this man cannot. Boaz promises Ruth that if this man does not redeem her, he will, but until then she's to stay at the threshing floor until morning then goes home. Boaz here shows that he obeys God by obeying the law that's been set up, because God will bless His children's obedience. Boaz puts his trust in God that everything will turn out as He plans. Of course, as we'll see in the next chapter, that doesn't prevent Boaz from dealing with this obstical in a godly, yet sneaky way.

Morning comes, Boaz sends Ruth on her way (with more money), and when she returns home Naomi encourages Ruth to hang tight until Boaz settles the matter with the other redeemer (which he will do ASAP). There's a problem that needs fixing, Naomi tells Ruth to wait and let Boaz figure it out. Boaz is a man, so he will fix what needs fixing.

She replied, "Wait, my daughter, until you learn how the matter turns out, for the man will not rest but will settle the matter today" -Ruth 3:18

***For those who don't know, DTR stands for Define the Relationship

Ruth & Boaz: Love At First Sight (Sorta)

2012-01-04T08:23:00.000-06:00

Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor" And she said to her, "Go, my daughter" So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers... -Ruth 2:1-3

I'll admit it. I have crushes on dead guys from the Bible. Creepy? Yes. But, I'd like to think I'll get more credit for liking dead Bible men than Hollywood actors. And Boaz is one of them. Boaz is a relative of Naomi, and he is not some cowardly, passive guy, nor is he overbearing and harsh, but rather he's a strong, masculine, godly man who knows how to treat a woman. If you're a guy, imitate Boaz. You'll go far if you do. Up to this point the men we've been introduced to have been Elimelech, Chilion and Mahlon, all of whom kicked the bucket and were foolish. But, Boaz is different. Boaz's name literally means strength, and strong he is. He's strong in his faith, strong in his masculinity, strong in his plans, strong in his business (the dude has got some cash), and he's not afraid to step up to the plate. He's a worthy man. And it just so happens he's single. Amen.

Now, picking off from chapter one, Ruth and Naomi have just moved back to Bethlehem... and they're broke... which means they're hungry. So Ruth asks Naomi if she may go into the fields to glean, which Naomi agrees to. Gleaning is the equivalent of welfare services or the food pantry. It was set-up because the people believed that they did not "own" their lands, but rather God did, so if they did have land, they were to be good stewards and to help those who couldn't buy food. So folks would glean in the fields in order to earn some food. This is what Ruth set out to do "and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech" (Ruth 2:3). Ruth goes out, sees all these fields, and just randomly picks one, but not just any field, nope! She "just happened" to pick Boaz's field. The rich, single, God-loving man. It's a good day indeed. I can just clearly picture God looking down on this smiling and excited about what He's about to orchestrate. "And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem..." (Ruth 2:4). It just so happens that Ruth picks the same day to glean that Boaz decides to visit his workers and check on his business.

Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" -Ruth 2:5

Boaz looks out and sees this woman working in his fields who he did not hire, but he sees her (love at first sight? perhaps), and his curiosity is spiked. Now, it should be noted that Ruth does not look her best here. She's been out in the fields working hard, she's sweaty, sticky, and muddied up. Her hair is tied back in some messy knot and she's wearing her work clothes. So it's not like Boaz sees this incredibly good looking woman; Ruth is a mess. But, Boaz is a wise man, because he's attracted to her character before her looks. Boaz sees that Ruth is a hard worker whose trying to take care of her bitter mother in-law because they're destitute, and to top it off she's a new Christian and new to the community. This is great example that we need to be more concerned with a good legacy rather than a good time. I know you come across someone who you think is hot, but you gotta get beyond that. Hell is hot as well. You gotta be attracted to their character and love for Christ first and foremost. Boaz is also smart because he sees who God has placed in his life. Boaz isn't looking over Ruth for some imaginary woman that fits his "list." I'm going to get on my soapbox here, but I don't care. Whenever I hear a guy complaining that he can't find a nice Christian girl I wanna knock his head against the wall or something. Seriously! They're all around you. I've got a running spreadsheet of single girls. They're not that hard to locate! Just open up your eyes! And some of you need to chuck that list of things you're looking for in a future spouse. When you get down to it being so detailed you're even looking for a specific eye color in the other person (yes, I've heard that come from someones mouth), you've gone to far. I mean think about Ruth. She's broke, homeless, smelly and dirty, spent the majority of her life in a sexually perverted cult, and to top it all off she's got a bitter mother in-law whose part of the package deal. That's probably not what Boaz had on his "list." But I digress... Back to Boaz and Ruth...

Then Boaz said to Ruth, "Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my young women. Let your eyes be on the field that they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn" -Ruth 2:8-9

Ruth and Boaz have their first conversation beginning in verse eight, and we see here that Boaz is going to step up to the plate where the other men in her life have failed. Boaz tells Ruth not to go glean in another field, because he's going to make sure she gets more than her fair share of his food and money. Boaz is going to provide community for Ruth by having her glean with the other young women. And finally, Boaz is going to make sure that none of the men bother her whatsoever, he's going to protect and defend her, and they will serve her if she needs a drink of water rather than the other way around. Chivalry is a good thing and needs to be resurrected in this day and age. Boaz goes above and beyond the call of duty. Understandably this leaves Ruth a bit confused because she doesn't have a ton going for her right now: "Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, 'Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?'" (Ruth 2:10) Boaz's answer here will either make or break the Bible's best love story of all:

But Boaz answered her, "All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!" -Ruth 2:11-12

Boaz explains to Ruth that he's taken notice of her character and the hard life she has had. He's not going to flatter her but rather he's going to encourage her by praying that the Lord takes her under His wings. Nice. Boaz is a man of prayer. One thing you'll notice throughout the story is there's a lot of praying, and every one of those prayers gets answered by the end of the story. So Boaz prays that God bless her in every way imaginable... and it just so happens that Boaz is going to be an answer to his own prayer for Ruth. Boaz prays that Ruth will be fed and have a home... he feeds her and provides a home and community for her. Boaz prays she has another husband... he's going to end up being that husband. Boaz prays for children... they're going to have a son. Sometimes we end up being the answer to our own prayers. When we pray we need to make requests on the persons behalf, but we also need to examine how we as Christians can help in those requests. God often uses his people to get things done.

Then she said, "I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not one of your servants" -Ruth 2:13

Ruth highly respects and esteems Boaz. As women we like it when men speak kind words to us, comfort us when we're struggling, take care of us, etc. Boaz does just this. He knows how to be tender and an encouragement to Ruth. He's shown her a great deal of grace and provides for her far above what the law would've required or would've been expected of him. Boaz knows his gospel very, very well, and he puts it into to practice. Ruth becomes Boaz's informal ministry by looking after and caring for her because it's an honor to do so, not because he owes it to her. So at the end of the day he sends Ruth home with an ephah barley (an equivalent of a few thousand $$$).

When Ruth returns home, Naomi is more than impressed with what Ruth brings back. Upon finding out that Ruth gleaned in Boaz's field Naomi blesses and prays for Boaz because of his generosity and his hesed love towards them.

So she kept close to the young women of Boaz, gleaning until the end of the barley and wheat harvests. And she lived with her mother-in-law. -Ruth 2:23

Ruth & Boaz: The Set-Up

2012-01-03T08:03:00.000-06:00

In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons. -Ruth 1:1

The book of Ruth begins by introducing us to the cast and setting of one of the Bible's best love stories. The time period is that of the judges, which was a "godless and wicked" age in Israel's history. Basically everybody did whatever they wished and whatever they pleased (sound a bit familiar?). It's during this time that we find that the land of Bethlehem is going through a famine (possibly the judgement of God due to the people's lack of obedience to Him). Just as a side note, the book of Ruth has quite a few ironies throughout it, the first one being a famine in Bethlehem, whose name means house of bread. Anyway, we're quickly introduced to Elimelech and his family. Elimelech is married to Naomi (whose name means sweet), and together they have two sons: Mahlon (whose name means sick) and Chilion (whose name means dying). Clearly Elimelch and Naomi failed big time when it came to naming their children. Don't ever name your kids that.

In the first few opening verses we gain a lot of insight into the character of Elimelch. Like many men, when faced with serious economic situations, he begins to make new plans. There's a famine in the land, which means there's no food, thus he looks to where he can get his family fed. And of all places he chooses Moab. Moab was no place for an Israelite to be living. Moab was am extremely pagan society. The Moabites worshiped the god Chemosh and their worship practices were sexually perverted (that's putting it lightly). The fact that Elimelch even considers this is a big deal. He would be moving his family to a country where they'd basically have no connection to anyone of their own faith. There would be no church, no community group, no Bible Study, no coffee that tasted like dish water... nothing for them in terms of spiritual nourishment. Not that coffee does that either... but you get the point. Elimelch is a fool for this. He doesn't count the spiritual cost of this move for him or his family. Rather than staying in Bethlehem and trusting in God for provision (Irony #2: Elimelch's names means God is my King, although Elimelch doesn't act like it), he uproots his family and relocates to Moab in order to escape starving to death.

But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. -Ruth 1:3

Turns out what Elimelech was running from ended up actually happening: he dies, leaving his widow and sons in the land of Moab. No family or community for support. These two sons then end up taking Moabite women as their wives: Chilion marries Orpah and Mahlon marries Ruth. Together they all live in Moab for ten years. Both Orpah and Ruth are barren during those years as well, which back then was pretty serious since many people would see that as a sign of God not blessing them. Then to top it all off both of Naomi's sons die as well, leaving behind three, childless widows with no support and no money. But, it's here that we start to see the providential hand of God at work; a central theme in the book of Ruth.

Then she arose with her daughters-in-law to return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the fields of Moab that the Lord had visited his people and given them food. -Ruth 1:6

Naomi gets word that rain has finally come and Bethlehem is again fruitful. So she decides to pack up what little she has left and to journey back to her home, back to her people. While they're traveling Naomi encourages her daughter in-laws, whom she loves as her own, to return to their families because she has no more sons for them to marry, she's broke, and she really has no idea what her future holds. Naomi cannot promise them much of a future if they continue on with her (verses 11-13). Orpah does so and returns home, but Ruth does not.

But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you" -Ruth 1:16-17

Ruth is an incredible woman of God. It's here in verse 16 and 17 that we see her conversion and the incredible amount of faith she has in the Lord. Ruth is traveling to a land she has never been, one where she will be looked down upon due to her nationality, previous religion, and the fact that she's a childless widow. Ruth knows no one there and is penniless. Despite all of that though we see that Ruth trusted that God would provide and take care of her, all she need do is have faith. A huge amount of faith. Ruth also loved her mother in-law dearly and was loyal to her. Together they had Hesed love for one another. This is the second major theme throughout the book.

So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. And when they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them. And the women said, "Is this Naomi?" She said to them, "Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went away full, and the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi, when the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?" -Ruth 1:19-21

I like Naomi's honesty here. Actually she's more than just honest, but she reveals in her heart that she's painfully bitter towards God because of her circumstances. She changes her name to Mara, meaning bitter. This should serve as some encouragement to us when we find ourselves in a season of life where we're not happy and go-lucky. But even still, as the book reveals later on, despite our bitterness, God is still sovereign and has a plan He's carrying out (even in the subtle details of our lives). It also shows us that every affliction we face is for the purpose of our good and our sanctification. And it's His plan that a new season should unfold for the two of them at this appointed time...

So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabite her daughter-in-law with her, who returned from the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem at the beginning of barley harvest. -Ruth 1:22 (emphasis added)

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-06:00

There's an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today, 80% of which are women, and 50% are children. 126 million children working in horrible job conditions. An estimated 300,000 children are forced to be child soldiers in war torn countries. Another 2 million little girls sold and forced into the sex-trafficking industry. They are beaten, tortured, and raped repeatedly, so much so that by the time they reach their teen years they're cast off, destitute, and left to live out their short life. 70% of the pornography that's sold in the states is of women and minors sold into prostitution. 2,800 kids will be sold today alone. Human trafficking is the third largest profitable criminal activity, making slavery more prevalent in our world than ever before. And on and on the statistics go. They're staggering and numbing. But, with everything noble and honorable that's worth fighting for, small steps are the place to begin. If you don't believe me, take it from someone else who knows, and get involved yourself.

Getting started:

Pray!
Get Informed. Research organizations, the abolitionist movement, the various branches of slavery, and zone in on those which you're passionate about most.
Raise Awareness and Support. Figure out what your resources and strengths are, and get creative about how you can raise awareness. Grace posted some great questions to ask yourself on how you can get practical and involved in the way that best suits you. (Pssst! She also does a great job at giving updates and news stories as well.)
Vote Wisely. Get updates on which politicians are fighting against modern-day slavery and keep an eye out on important legislation (check out IJM for these updates).
Buy Fair Trade. I can almost guarantee that there's at least one (if not more) thing(s) in your house that was made by slave labor. Unfortunately many of the companies and stores we buy from buy their products from other companies and manufactures who've used slave labor in their supply chain. Support those companies and businesses that make a real effort to investigate their supply chain and fight to keep their products slave free. You can investigate stores and write/sign petition letters here, and you can find out just how many slaves are working for you by taking the survey at Slavery Footprint, as well as updates with their new app.
And if your a guy, read this.

Other Organizations and Resources...

International Justice League: Teams of lawyers and investigators working alongside with the government to help demolish slave trade and sex-trafficking in a legal manner.
Other Anti-Trafficking Ministries: U-Count Campaign, Project Rescue, Salvation Army Combating Trafficking, Street Grace, Love 146, World Vision, Grace Haven House, For the Silent, and The Covering House.
Books to Check Out: This Immoral Trade, Escaping the Devil's Bedroom, and God in a Brothel.
Buy Fair Trade: Good Weave, Freeset, NightLight, Global Girlfriend, Raven and Lilly, Punjammies, Sseko, Radiant Cosmetics, and Stop The Traffik.
Polaris Project, Not for Sale, ECPAT USA, Free the Slaves, HumanTrafficking.org, and Call+Response
Grace's Awesome Blog Forte for Freedom
Sex Trafficking in Cambodia Documentary
The Candy Shop: A Short Film on Child Trafficking
Zach Hunter's Ministry
ABC's Nightline report on child slavery in Haiti
And the awesome, inspiring movie Amazing Grace

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. -Proverbs 31:8-9

Statistics: Change the World, Socyberty, and Christianity Today

Weekend Link Love

2011-12-31T09:23:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

34 Photoshop Tutorials That Will Leave You Looking Like a Pro and MCP Actions
For my crafters: Paper Relics
Some great time management advice
How stinkin' adorable is this!
Just another reason why I should move to Canada
This beautiful country, winter wedding. Love. It.

Earworm Song...

Quote Lovin'...

The biblical understanding of salvation is not merely that our lives and our world finally will be set right again. The biblical understanding of salvation is that our lives become swept up into something larger and greater than ourselves, into God's purposes for the world. -James Brownson

I think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path. We’re here to know God, to love and serve God, and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature. You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance, to sing, to play. You don’t have time to carry grudges; you don’t have time to cling to the need to be right. -Anne Lamott

I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an 'Honest Man.' -George Washington

Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter. -John Keats

A Winter Day

2011-12-28T07:51:00.000-06:00

A Winter Day by Lucy Maud Montgomery

The air is silent save where stirs
A bugling breeze among the firs;
The virgin world in white array
Waits for the bridegroom kiss of day;
All heaven blooms rarely in the east
Where skies are silvery and fleeced,
And o'er the orient hills made glad
The morning comes in wonder clad;
Oh, 'tis a time most fit to see
How beautiful the dawn can be!

Wide, sparkling fields snow-vestured lie
Beneath a blue, unshadowed sky;
A glistening splendor crowns the woods
And bosky, whistling solitudes;
In hemlock glen and reedy mere
The tang of frost is sharp and clear;

Life hath a jollity and zest,
A poignancy made manifest;
Laughter and courage have their way
At noontide of a winter's day.

Faint music rings in wold and dell,
The tinkling of a distant bell,
Where homestead lights with friendly glow
Glimmer across the drifted snow;
Beyond a valley dim and far
Lit by an occidental star,
Tall pines the marge of day beset
Like many a slender minaret,
Whence priest-like winds on crystal air
Summon the reverent world to prayer.

I'm Writing a Book.

2011-12-27T07:59:00.000-06:00

Yep. You heard me right. I'm writing a book.

But it's not what you're probably thinking. I'm writing a children's book. Sort of. The content has already been written for the most part. I'm coming in and editing, adding and subtracting what's necessary and not, making it more relevant, etc. You wanna hear a little more about it?

This book will be along the lines of the Little House books in it's writing style (so think short chapter book with illustrations thrown in every four or five pages). It doesn't take place on the prairie, but rather in rural America circa the 1930's and 40's.

There are three generations working on this project. My grandmother, who's providing the stories from her childhood, my mom, who's doing the illustrations, and myself who's putting it all together/editing/making it age appropriate/historically accurate ('cause I'm a history buff, and that's my new major)/whatever else needs to be done… which also means working to get it published. I'll be honest I have no clue how I'm going to get that part accomplished. I've been told though that it's a good idea that we can make this into a series, and something about how publishers like that 'cause it makes more money, and blah, blah, blah. So that's my biggest side project this upcoming year. To get it ready and together by December 2012.

P.S. If any of you actually have any tips on the whole publishing part, I'm all ears.

Excuse the Mess Around Here

2011-12-26T13:02:00.000-06:00

Well? What do you think? About the new look? I'm still tweaking with it so please excuse the mess around here for the next week or two. Of course, this girl can only mess around with HTML for so long before she gets frustrated and throws in the towel. I think you're going to like some of the things myself and others have planned for this up coming year ;) Until then, have a restful holiday vacation! Explore the blog and let me know what you think. I've redone all the pages and am adding a couple more. Here's a sneak peek at some of the series and posts you can look forward to seeing in the first half of the new year...

Reading List 2012

2011-12-26T10:47:00.000-06:00

Marking them off as I go!

Confessions, St. Augustine
Jesus Calling, Sarah Young
For Women Only, Shaunti Feldhahn
Practical Theology for Women, Wendy Horger Alsup
Vintage Church: Timeless Truths and Timely Methods, Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
The Explicit Gospel, Matt Chandler and Jared C. Wilson
Living the Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing, C.J. Mahaney
A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall, Catherine Marshall
Treasuring God in Our Traditions, Noel Piper
John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, Jonathan Aitken
Death By Love: Letters from the Cross, Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears
For the Love of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God's Word, D.A. Carson
Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God's Will, Kevin DeYoung
Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change, Paul Tripp
Quitter: Turing Your Job into a Dream and Your Dream into a Job, Jonathan Acuff
The Search for Significance: Seeing Your True Worth Through God's Eyes, Robert S. McGee
The Gospel According to Peanuts, Robert L. Short
Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together, Mark and Grace Driscoll
God, Marriage, Family: Rebuilding the Building Foundation, Andreas J. Kostenberger and David W. Jones
The Hunger Games Trilogy, Suzanne Collins

Reading List 2011

2011-12-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

I Will Carry You by Angie Smith
What Women Fear by Angie Smith
Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck
Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond
Stuff Christians Like by Jonathan Acuff
Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
unPlanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader's Eye Opening Journey Across the Life Line by Abby Johnson
A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester
A Way with Words by Christin Ditchfield
In Praise of Slowness by Carl Honore
Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry by Mike Wilerson
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll
Renovation of the Hear by Dallas Willard
The Consequences of Ideas by R.C. Sproul
Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
Desiring God by John Piper
Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn
Dirty Girls Come Clean by Crystal Renaud
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
Tell Me Everything: How You Can Heal from the Secrets You Though You'd Never Share by Marilyn Meberg
One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp
The Fitting Room: Putting On the Character of Christ by Kelly Minter
Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die by John Piper
Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

Via

O Holy Night by Mercy Me on Grooveshark

His Coming

What's Your Advent

Sad Celebrations

The Weight of Waiting

Have Yourself a Merry Dark Christmas

Brown Paper Packages

2011-12-22T12:14:00.000-06:00

Can we just all agree that "brown paper packages tied up with string" are the best kind?

As well as old, worn books?

**Today I'm blogging over at Keeping Christmas. You should drop by and say hi**

What I Believe

2011-12-21T18:53:00.000-06:00

I believe in one, triune God, meaning that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are three in one. God has no beginning or end; He's always been and always will be. I believe God is the Maker and Creator of heaven and earth. God is omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient. He is holy, merciful, compassionate, loving, just, true, forgiving, generous, gracious, and judges.

I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. I believe that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life (since he was fully God and fully human). He suffered the brutal death and wrath of God that I deserved in order that I may have salvation and eternal life. He died and was buried, descended into hell, then after three days rose again from the dead. He then ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father, "where, as our high priest, he fulfills the ministry of representative, intercessor, and advocate."

I believe that the Holy Spirit indwells within every believer, convicting of us of sin, molding us into the image of Christ, regenerating our hearts, minds, and spirits, and leading and teaching us in the sanctification process. He is our comforter, counselor, and guide. "He produces fruit in us that does not earn our salvation, but rather that is evidence that our salvation has and is taking place."

I believe that the Bible (the 66 books the make-up both the old and new testament) is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God. Because I believe that the bible is the ultimate authority and truth, I stand under it not over it. I align myself, my beliefs, my values, my actions, thoughts, words... everything in accordance to the Scriptures.

I believe in seeing everything through the lenses of the gospel. With the gospel we no longer have to struggle to be free, but we're already free, therefore when we struggle there's grace. I don't believe that Christianity or faith is something we compartmentalize, but rather it seeps into every aspect of our lives. This also includes cultural matters that scripture doesn't really specifically deal with. When that happens we have three options: we can either totally reject it, totally accept it, or redeem it. Personally, I'm going to opt for redeeming as much as possible.

I believe in practicing and pursuing heart transformation not behavior modification. To find out more about this check out this incredible book, and these posts: Heart Matters, What's in Your Hand? and The Woman from Samaria.

I believe the worship is not solely what we do in church on Sunday mornings, but rather the way we live out our lives.

I believe that all Christians are to be on mission. After Jesus ascended into heaven he commanded us to go into the world and share the message of the gospel with everyone. You and I are called to be agents and witnesses of this message of redemption and reconciliation every day, wherever God has us, to whomever He places in front of us.

I believe that as Christians we're called to live in community not isolation as is popular in our culture and society today. Community is to be more than just something we "do" on Sunday morning, but rather "doing life" throughout the week with fellow believers. This means coming alongside one another and loving, encouraging, challenging, caring and supporting each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly (and believe me it's going to get ugly). We're to share in each others burdens, sorrows, and joys.

I joyfully hold to the complementarian view of women.

I believe in a theology of biblical stewardship, not poverty nor health and wealth theology.

Some of my other faith related passions are adoption, pro-life, modern-day slavery, biblical femininity, marriage (yes, even though I'm single), hospitality, seeking to worship and serve God through the arts and other creative venues, and finally helping others discover and progress in their God given passions and dreams as well.

To find out what I believe in regards to the role of the church (as well as more detail, and source of quoted material on some of the above points) go here.

Christmas Past

2011-12-21T12:32:00.000-06:00

Here's a little Christmas past for you... yes, it's mini me...

Now this... this is one of dad and mom's first Christmases together... the one where she chose to knit him a sweater. I know. What on earth possessed her mind??? I mean it's pretty ugly even for late 80's standard. Just goes to show that you do some stupid things when you're in love. At least I'm getting a good laugh out of it twenty years later.

I will not be knitting anyone, let alone my future spouse, anything, which I actually think is a blessing for him. Baked goods. That's the route I'm taking.

Some Christmas Rambling

2011-12-20T09:57:00.000-06:00

There's less than a week till Christmas. Are you excited yet? 'Cause you should be ;) If you haven't started blasting Christmas music yet, get to it! We've been busy crafting baking, and putting up last minute decor.

Made these little owl ornaments to go along with peoples presents

And these are all gone already.

And since today is one of those cold rainy ones (no snow = bummer), I've locked myself in my room wrapping presents and watching old black and white Christmas movies. Despite it's cheesy trailer, I highly suggest this one... It's a classic...

We Are But Lowely Shepherds

2011-12-19T10:50:00.000-06:00

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." -Luke 2:8-12

Don't you find it a tad bit odd, yet at the same time wonderful, that out of all the people God could have told of His Son's birth first, He chose lowly shepherds? Shepherds were not thought highly of back then (I think it may even be true to this day even). Shepherds were those poor, hairy, smelly men who spent their lives hanging around sheep, which if you know anything about sheep, you'd know that's not a great job. These are not the people you're going to go visit and have tea or coffee with. They're just not worthy of the time or effort, and it's really hard to enjoy your meal when the guy across from you smells like he's been working in a barn all day. You avoid these people. But despite all of that, God specifically chooses these men to proclaim the good news. Euangelizomai, the verbal gospel:

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us" And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. -Luke 2:15-18 (emphasis mine)

After the shepherds visited and worshiped the Christ child, they went out declaring and testifying all that they had seen and heard. They shared the gospel. They shared THE ultimate gift with everyone they knew. You and I are those shepherds. Lowly men and women who've been told this joyous news too. Advent is indeed the season of waiting on the Lord and seeking Him, but it's also a time to share the message of the gospel to those around us. Giving the gift of Christ is the best gift anyone can receive in their lifetime.

Christmas provides you and I with the perfect opportunity to do this. In general, people are more open and receptive to hearing that good news. Find some unique way you can share the gospel message with others. It could be as simple as inviting a friend or neighbor to church, to supporting an organization or ministry, to taking a few hours out of Christmas day to go serve the poor in your community. Be the one to usher in Advent, His coming, into someone else's Christmas this year.

Each year I share this ministry here on the blog, because I love their message and mission. Take a moment to watch it, as it points you to the heart of the Christmas story and the action God calls us to with the birth of His son.

Other awesome Christmas based ministries, resources, and ideas to help you share the gospel this year and every year...

Weekend Link Love

2011-12-17T08:02:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

The Weight of Waiting and What's Your Advent?
For all you PW fans (and if you're not you should be)... look what came out on pre-order!!! LOOK! And be sure you catch the Christmas special this weekend!
This guy keeps me laughing. Like to the extent where I'm crying and turning three shades of red and purple. I suggest you watch the whole thing.
IF YOU ARE A CHRISTIAN YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME (This guy totally gets me.)
For you crafters: Lauren Elise Crafted and Anthropologie Inspired Snow Globes
And I love this wrapping paper

Earworm Song... (a childhood favorite)...

Quote Lovin'...

There is a false and momentary happiness in self satisfaction, but it always leads to sorrow because it narrows and deadens our spirit. True joy is found in unselfish love, a love which increases the proportion as it is shared. There is no end to the sharing of love; therefore the potential joy of such love is without limit. Infinite sharing is the law of God's inner life. He has made the sharing of ourselves the law of our own being, so that it is in loving others that we best love ourselves. -Thomas Merton

It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open doors of hope. -Joseph Ratzinger

The natural gift of wonder God gave us as children was meant to be kept alive.…Instead we let wonder go to sleep. We entered the typical dream state of most humans. -Rev. Alfred McBride

God is not a power or principle or law, but he is a living, creating, communicating person — a mind who thinks, a heart who feels, a will who acts, whose best name is Father. -R.H.

It Just Needs a Little Love

2011-12-15T08:22:00.000-06:00

Via

Christmas Time Is Here (instrumental) by Vince Guaraldi on Grooveshark

We have a long withstanding tradition in our household for as long as I can remember. If you were to look at my calendar you'd see a big smiley face on today's date because later this evening the four of us will gather in the living room with PJ's on, hot chocolate and the sugar cookies I'm going to get around to baking in hand, to watch the Charlie Brown Christmas special. I don't care how old you are, this is a classic and will always be. The message is timeless regardless of your age. Go watch it tonight. It's on ABC. You'll be glad you did.

It was an instant hit, much to the surprise of network executives, but surely not to me. (I assumed the whole world was watching!) Creator Charles Schulz argued with the bosses at CBS over a host of issues. At the time of its creation, studio personnel thought it was too religious (Linus quotes Luke 2:8-14) and too amateur (all the voices were of kids, not professional actors). They also believed the theme music was too contemporary for kids’ tastes (Vince Guaraldi’s jazz soundtrack is now a classic and instantly recognizable by all) and that the lack of a laugh track left the production feeling flat and too contemplative, but in an overly simplistic kind of way. Isn’t it interesting that all the things we like about it are the very things Hollywood didn’t? Guess the more things change, the more they remain the same. -Jim Daley

Feeling Creative: Christmas Garland 2

2011-12-13T10:38:00.000-06:00

See Last Year's Here

What's Your Advent?

2011-12-12T07:42:00.000-06:00

Advent. The Coming. With every coming there is a period of waiting. This season of waiting serves as a testing ground of sorts, where hope and patience are stretched to the utmost, where anticipation is built, and mounting tension is clearly felt.

As Christians we spend this Christmas season, together, celebrating the birth of Christ. It's during advent that we remember how Christ entered into the world in human flesh. The long awaited prophecies were to be fulfilled at this God appointed time. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given..." Can you just imagine the enormity of that moment? God had been silent for 400 years! Generations of people waiting. Yet God came rather silently. Humbly. A select few were lead to this newborn king by a star. Despite it's grandeur, it was all rather peaceful.

Advent isn't just fulfilled in a manger though. Advent is found at the cross. At Golgotha where blood was shed and cries that broke forth from the chest pierced the heavens. This too was a fulfillment.

As Christians we're in a season of advent even now, and have been for hundreds of years. We're still waiting for this same King, the Christ, riding on the mighty steed. Advent does not end on December 25th, but will continue until His return.

But what about you? I'm willing to bet that every one of you are in your own personal seasons of advent. You're waiting and anticipating something. Maybe you're like the elderly man I found myself sitting next to last night at dinner, where each passing Christmas is a painful reminder that the wife he loved for decades is no longer with him. He's looking forward to that day when he sees her again. Or maybe you're like the glowing expectant mother I talked to before church yesterday. You're counting down the days until you get to cradle this incredible blessing. You could be like the handful of friends of mine who are now engaged and gushing over bridal magazines; their little girl dreams finally coming true. Maybe you're the college student waiting for direction. Or you're simply waiting for work to come in our economy's downward spiral. What's your personal Advent?

I'm waiting on countless things right now. Some are heavier on my heart than others. One in particular that's caused countless prayers and tears. The ironic thing is that it's a joyful thing... a person. But it's not easy by any means. Living in tension never is. Fears, worries, anxieties, and frustrations rear their ugly head. If you're like me, you're tempted to listen to them rather than the hope that's being whispered to your heart. You're torn. Part of you wants to just give up. After all, that would be easiest thing to do. But then the other part of you can't give up because despite it's difficulty "it's hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but it's even harder to give up when you know it's everything you want." Tension.

Tension can be tiring to the human soul, heart, and mind. Tension brings weariness with it. I believe you and I can relate to the Israelites in this way. Tension for 400 years surely had to have been exhausting for the nation. But, they pressed on with hope and continued to pray and persevere. So must we. And when the weariness sinks in, find rest in God's promises. Kindle hope. Morning shall eventually break forth.

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

~O Holy Night~

Weekend Link Love

2011-12-10T13:37:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

Cool Blog Posts to Check Out: The Art of Play (So Awesome!), People Are a Work in Progress, Six Important Links to Hope, and How the Wait Till Christmas can be Weightless.
Buzzard Blog
Sure I'm not five anymore, but I could still have fun with this!
Christmas Tour of Homes 2010/2011
The Great Christmas Tree Adventure and Elf on the Shelf (Some Acuff Humor for ya!)
For all you bakers out there

Earworm Song...

Quote Lovin'...

Self-protection inhibits you from giving fully of yourself. -Darrin Patrick

For the great and powerful of this world, there are only two places where their courage fails them...the manger and the cross. -Dietrich Bonoeffer

The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing. -Marcus Aurelius

If my heart is a glass and I'm full of myself, the glass must be up-ended; the heart bled-out. A transfusion is required. -Zach Hunter

Prayer means letting God's creative love touch the most hidden places of our being. -Nouwen

It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas...

2011-12-06T17:22:00.000-06:00

The Christmas Tree (feat. Lauren Chandler) by Folk Angel on Grooveshark

Deck the Halls (feat. Shane & Shane) by Folk Angel on Grooveshark

Spiritual Whiplash

2011-12-05T10:45:00.000-06:00

I once overheard a young girl complaining and venting to a group of people about how it annoyed the heck out of her the way Christians always were so happy and that they never seemed to struggle with anything or have doubts. In my mind I was thinking bring your coffee over here and I'll tell you all about my doubts and struggles! At the same time I know what she meant. Often as Christians we tend to put on masks and preform. We know all the right answers and moves, and we cover up what we're really struggling with.

These past six months have proven to be the most stressful, confusing, painful, tiring, emo-filled times in my life. I've had my fair share of crying. Life just hasn't gone the way I would have wanted and all my plans have been frustrated. Every time I've tried to take a step forward I've ended two steps back. Then I look at my close friends lives and in many ways I think they'll be able to get to the end of college and look back on it as one of the best times of their life. They're all very set in their career paths and love what they're doing, they have full social lives, and 90% of them have great boyfriends or girlfriends. (You wouldn't believe the number of engagements that have taken place this year!) Am I a tad bit jealous and envious? You bet. (And don't go acting like you've never been there yourself, 'cause I know you're lying!) I often feel like I'm on the outside looking in. That I've been left behind.

My college path is blurry and I can't say I find much joy, growth, or fulfillment with it. I find it all very tiring, so when the social events present themselves I just want to go home and sleep. I'm not really "present" either. In all fairness I probably took on too many hours this semester. I'll own up to that. My Bad. And we won't talk about my relationship status... that's a totally different conversation anyway. To top it off there are quite a few family issues that have been going on, the most recent one being my dad loosing his job last week. Not great timing at all. Especially with this economy. Having both parents out of a job sucks. There's really no other way to put it. Then in terms with my spiritual walk... bombardment.

Have you ever found yourself in a season where it seems like God is throwing a barrage of trials, lessons, info, whatever you want to call it, at you? When people ask me what the Lord has been teaching me recently I think, "You better sit down. This could take a few hours. I have a list... and it's a quite a few pages long." I struggle with figuring out God's will, and is that even possible? I get very conflicting counsel on this. Some like to quote Augustine and say "Love God and do what you like." But then I've got other people telling me that that would be very selfish of me to do... which just makes me feel guilty. And due to financial circumstances, I'm not exactly in the position to really go and do whatever I want. I'm an oldest child! I have responsibilities and obligations to other people! (If you are an oldest child you know exactly what I mean by that.) One thing I am certain of though is that God's will and plan isn't a straight path. As one friend put it, sometimes God's leading involves a lot of jerking around. Jerking around is right. I think I'm going in the right direction, then out of the blue, He says, "Nope. We're going this way."And it's given me spiritual whiplash.

But back to the girl in the coffee shop. As a Christian I do have struggles and doubts. I struggle with believing God has some grand purpose or plan for my life. When people throw Jeremiah 29:11 at me I inwardly cringe. Not because they're wrong, but I just can't get that truth to stick... yet. I have trust issues with the Lord and believing that He's going to genuinely care for me and my needs, and if He even cares about my desires and hopes, or am I just being really selfish? I doubt that God takes any genuine delight in me. What are realistic expectations to have for my life? After all I've been greatly disappointed. At what point does one begin to settle for less? And how does contentment fit into all of that? Because sometimes I feel like I am settling for less and that I should be a bit more daring. And what does it mean to hope?

Surprisingly though, with all these questions and doubts, last week I found myself in this weird place of peace and comfort. And it came while reading Lamentations. In a matter of days it's become my newest favorite book of the Bible. When was the last time you heard that one? I soak up every word of it, and re-read it over and over again. All my questions and doubts are still present, but God is still God. I may feel lost, stuck, and paralysed for now, but I read the Psalms and Lamentations and find I'm in good company. As I told one friend, I don't feel all that optimistic right now, but I do have peace. Hope will catch up with me eventually. I can't exactly stand up and declare it out loud, but I will continue to whisper it and take each day as it comes.

So coffee girl, I'll be the first to admit that I don't have it all together and that life isn't always sunshine, unicorns, and glitter.

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins. -Psalms 25:26-28

I am feeble and crushed; I groan because of the tumult of my heart. O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs; my strength fails me, and the light of my eyes - it also has gone from me. -Psalms 38:8-10

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted. -Isaiah 40:30

Weekend Link Love

2011-12-03T09:30:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

For encouragement: Who Are The People I Should Listen To (8 Qualities To Look For), When God Breaks Your Heart, Holidays Clarify Our Pain, and Ladies: Do Not Shy Away from Theology.
Two cool videos: Black Coffee and Ready or Not
20 Unusual Uses for Coffee
One of my favorite pasta recipes =)
For Laughs

Earworm song...

Quote Lovin'

"A woman must learn to distinguish between a man that flatters her, and a man that (genuinely) compliments her. A man that spends money on her, and a man who invests in her. A man who treats her like property, and a man who treats her properly. A man who lusts after her, and a man who loves her. A man who thinks he’s God’s gift to women, and a man who remembers that woman was God’s gift to man." -Unknown

"It's like Christmas in a cup." -The Proposal

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." -Psalms 73:26-28

"To ease another's heartache, is to forget one's own." -Abraham Lincoln

Christmas Quotes

2011-12-01T10:46:00.000-06:00

Via

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. -Augusta E. Rundel

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with melody that would last forever. -Bess Streeter Aldrich

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas when its mighty Founder was a child Himself. -Charles Dickens

When Christmas bells are swinging above the fields of snow, we hear sweet voices ringing from lands of long ago, and etched on vacant places are half-forgotten faces of friends we used to cherish, and loves we used to know. -Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind. To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas. -Calvin Coolidge

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. -Agnes M. Pahro

The perfect Christmas tree? All Christmas trees are perfect! -Charles N. Barnard

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! -Hamilton Wright Mabie

Even as an adult I find it difficult to sleep on Christmas Eve. Yuletide excitement is a potent caffeine, no matter your age. -Terri Guillemets

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air. -W.T. Ellis

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Christmas Craft/DIY Roundup {2011}

2011-11-29T12:46:00.000-06:00

DIY Projects

Ornaments...

Gift Wrapping Ideas, Cards, and Printables...

For More Ideas and Inspiration...

His Coming

2011-11-28T09:05:00.000-06:00

Christmas is hands down my favorite time of the year. I know that can sound cliche to so many, but it's the honest truth. Even my own name reflects it. Natalie is derived from the Italian language, usually translating to Christmas child, merry Christmas, or Christ's birthday. What kind of person would I be if I didn't live up to that? ;)

Time changes during the holiday season. It's strange, but for 25 days out of the year time is not broken down into past, present, and future, but rather it's a melting of all three into one. The past brings that same excitement and anticipation I had as a kid. (Yes, I still have a hard time sleeping on Christmas Eve.) The present allows me to feel like I'm fully alive and living in the moment. And the future... I look to the future of when I'll have my own children someday and will have the great honor of instilling that same joy, wonder, and awe my parents gave to me and my sister. I anticipate the passing down of traditions and starting new ones, but most importantly... pointing to His coming. This is what Advent means. The Coming.

Few people celebrate Advent, and for those of us who do, I'm not sure we totally grasp what we're doing all the time. We may open the doors on our Advent calendars finding some sweet treat or Bible verse, or perhaps we light a candle on the wreath with each passing week, but do we really celebrate His coming with each day during the season?

One of the major purposes of Advent is to reflect on Christ coming to earth and taking on human flesh. God Incarnate dwelling among His people. When I stop and ponder on this fact alone it's a little mind blowing. But that's not all... Advent serves as the opportunity to reflect on how Christ has come to dwell within me. I think it may have been what Oswald Chambers meant when he asked, "Have I allowed my personal human life to become a 'Bethlehem' for the son of God?" Do you and I allow ourselves to be a home for this Savior? Will we allow this Christ to rule and reign in our hearts, our minds, and our spirits? For this is the very reason He came in the first place. Immanuel, God with us. God came to be with us. For hundreds of years God's people awaited the arrival of the Messiah. In some ways you and I are not so different as those Israelites, for we now wait and watch for the second coming. Christmas is but a shadow of something far greater. This is why some of us who celebrate and observe Advent will say there's a bit of bitterness to the season. For we were not made to chase shadows, but rather what the shadows prove. Shadows prove that there is something greater. Something real. Something alive. The shadow is to point to the Christ. He is what we are to chase after. And it's not just during this season of good will and cheer, but for all our days. In order for Christmas to hold any genuine, lasting value, we must seek out the King just as the Wise Men and the Shepherds did. Yes, we have the freedom to enjoy the shadows, but remember that their ultimate purpose is to direct us to the thing that does last all year, every year. Once we take hold of this truth, Christmas holds much more depth and grandeur for you and I. So during this Advent season seek Him, for He is Coming.

Great Books on Celebrating Advent...

Weekend Link Love

2011-11-25T17:04:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

Encouraging blog posts and articles: Homemade People, Because Thanksgiving is More Than a Holiday, and Immediately.
Oh man... I'll take one huge scoop of the Black Current please!
Paddywax Library Candles (AWESOME!)
Paloma's Nest
Cardamom Honey Caramel Pears (YUM!)

Song on replay...

Quote Lovin'

The wounds God allows are part of His work to redeem and restore. -Bob Bickford

Biblical womanhood is ALL about showcasing the beauty of Christ. If we are not displaying the attractiveness and the mission of Christ, are we being the women GOD would have us to be? What difference has the Gospel made in your womanhood? -David Platt

The walks and talks we have with our two-year-olds in red boots have a great deal to do with the values they will cherish as adults. -Edith F. Hunter

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. -Louisa May Alcott

A Very Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T10:45:00.001-06:00

Via

If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. ~G.A. Johnston Ross

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

Thanksgiving is nothing if not a glad and reverent lifting of the heart to God in honor and praise for His goodness. ~Robert Casper Lintner

Perhaps it takes a purer faith to praise God for unrealized blessings than for those we once enjoyed or those we enjoy now. ~A.W. Tozer

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. ~Johannes A. Gaertner

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~Melody Beattie

Remember God's bounty in the year. String the pearls of His favor. Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light! Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude! ~Henry Ward Beecher

Dear______,

2011-11-23T16:17:00.000-06:00

Dear Charles Dickens,

You're brilliant, but I have to say, Great Expectations was painful.

The Amish, Working Out, & Odd Ramblings About Who I Marry

2011-11-22T10:20:00.001-06:00

So coming to campus today was totally pointless really. I got here and in first hour all we did was watch movie clips and an episode of the Twilight Zone. All of which were really depressing because we're studying Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and existentialism. If you're in Philosophy or have taken it you can probably guess why I'd be bothered by it all. Literally the entire time all I could think about was C.S. Lewis. And how I don't like Woody Allen films. And why I didn't think to pick up something to eat on my way out this morning. That's when I realized I had a Milky Way in my bag. But then I figured I should save that for when I have to watch some boring technology documentary in Survey of Computing. Yes. It really is as lame as it sounds. Why on earth do college students like myself required to take this class? We already know everything. We're the most tech-savvy generation alive. It seriously is a waste of time. I'd much rather watch some random documentary on the Amish. Yes. You read that right. I've watched quite a few in the past month. I find them interesting. Especially National Geographic's Amish on Break. Seriously. It's neat. :)

What the heck, I'm going in for the candy bar! Here's my philosophy concerning sweets... One, I work out five or six days a week. (Apparently you can get addicted to exercise. Google it if you don't believe me. No I don't do it for the low self-esteem thing. The endorphins now... may be the root issue.) But I refuse to run. I hate running for longer than... a minute. Which is why I hope I don't marry a man who does those marathons and wants us to be that "cute" couple that runs together. Because it's so not happening. And weight lifting. I'm not to into that either. I'm sorta bothered whenever I see a female muscle builders. Sorta freaks me out. Pilates and cardio (other than that whole running thing) is the way I roll. Two, metabolism normally doesn't slow until after 23... so I've got three years left on that. Therefore, I will eat my cake and enjoy it to!

Another thing... I'll have a big problem on my hand if I end up marrying a vegetarian or vegan. Big, big, big problem actually. I love a perfectly grilled steak. Or cheeseburger. Non of that tofu junk is going to go over well with me.

I've gotten way off track now.

But I've got three hours to kill before my last class till break officially starts and there's no homework to be done (sorta... I could get a head start by why?) and I don't have a book with me to read. So staring at a computer screen is my only option. Or stare at the only other person in the hall... but they might find that sorta creepy, and I'd find it boring.

So I shall sit here and continue eating my chocolaty goodness and reading the latest post from Driscoll, "8 Reasons Why Single Men Should Work in The Church Nursery." I concur. It drives me nuts when the few single, godly guys complain about not finding a Jesus-loving girl. You've got to be kidding me? I could make up an Excel Spreadsheet of available girls. There's no shortage of women in the church that's for sure. Look, close your eyes, spin in a circle, and at any point you stop and open them you'll find one in front of you. Maybe even two or three. Maybe I should consider being a Matchmaker... Nah... I could see that exploding in my face eventually.

But enough about my very disconnected thoughts at the moment.

My apologies if I offended any runners, body builders, or vegetarians.

Weekend Link Love

2011-11-19T08:08:00.000-06:00

To Surf...

For encouragement or to think on... God and Depression: A Plea, A Discussion, and A Hope, Why Your Life Needs to Suck (Before It's Sweet), Women, Burnout, and The Lie, and When It's Hard to Still Keep on Hoping.
Other stuff... some of which is funny... and some of which I can relate to way too well... Me, Myself, and I'm Sick of It, 3 Life Lessons from Playing Oregon Trail, and Drinking Coffee in Church.
DIY Projects... Scrabble Coasters and Book Page Jars/Candle Holders
Note to Self: If I ever want to smell like a library, there's a scent for that now.
Loving these postcards

Earworm Song...

Quote Lovin...

Some day you will be old enough to start read fairy tales again. -C.S. Lewis

Creative endeavors release joy because creativity is one of the strongest expressions of God’s image. Creativity aligns us with our truest selves – which ultimately brings us into contact with the God whose image we reflect. All of this, invisibly, is pure joy. -AJ

Let’s break out of our isolation and realize that Someone who dwells in the center of our beings wants to listen with love to all that occupies and preoccupies our minds. -Henri Nouwen

Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength... -Spurgeon

I Can Quote a Little Shakespeare

2011-11-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

Via

Let me not to the marriage of true minds

Admit impediments. Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! it is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark,

Whose worth's unknown, although his height be taken.

Love's not Time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks

Within his bending sickle's compass come:

Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,

But bears it out even to the edge of doom.

If this be error and upon me proved,

I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

~Sonnet 116~

Lucy Eleanor Moderatz Pre-Engagement to a Vegetable.

2011-11-15T11:34:00.000-06:00

Source

He would get these far-off looks in his eyes and he would say "Life doesn't always turn out the way you plan." I just wish I'd realized at the time, he was talking about MY life. -Lucy in While You Were Sleeping

Sometimes I feel like Lucy Eleanor Moderatz. Minus the fact that I'm not engaged to a man in a coma, nor do I live in Chicago. And in case you were wondering it would take a lot of convincing to get me to move to Chicago. I can only think of two good reasons why I'd ever even consider it. (No offense to those of you who live in Chicago BTW.) If you've never seen the movie While You Were Sleeping, do so. You're really missing out. The basic gist is Lucy works for Chicago's CTA. Her life could be described as boring, lonely, mundane. But, day after day she pines after this "attractive" lawyer. I use quotation marks there because I don't see why he's so attractive. One day this "attractive" lawyer (Peter) gets pushed onto the L tracks, Lucy saves his life, he ends up in a coma in the hospitable, there's a misunderstanding with Peter's family and a nurse, and surprise... Lucy finds herself engaged to the guy. And you'd think that would make her really happy... until she meets his brother, who's exactly her type. She then spends the rest of the movie falling in love with Jack and trying to untangle the messy engagement to Peter.

Maybe I should rephrase: Sometimes I feel like Lucy Eleanor Moderatz pre-engagement to a vegetable.

That opening quote... I can relate to that a little too well. Nothing in my life has ever gone to how I've had it laid out in my timeline or mental planner. So now here I am. In this spot of rather lackadaisical, numbing existence. Even amongst friends I feel rather distant. And when the occasional moment of happiness presents itself, some intangible thing inside me prevents me from entering into that moment and truly enjoying it to the fullest extent.

How's that for a chipper post this morning?

But maybe I'll get lucky and I'll get myself a (brunette) "Jack." And a stamp in my passport. If I could make a request though, I'd choose the UK. Who am I kidding... Italy would be awesome too!

Source

FYI... Men in flannel... now that's attractive ;)

Spiritual Hide and Seek

2011-11-14T13:55:00.000-06:00

Source

The other day I had to make two decisions. And after they were made I felt absolutely terrible. The first decision was one that was sorta out of my hands and had been arranged to begin with, but the other day I had to make it final. After the papers were signed I had a huge sense of looming anxiety and fear come over me. No peace whatsoever. And I tried ever so hard to hold myself together while walking out of that office and out to the car. All the way back home my mind kept spinning and spinning. "Why did you do that stupid? What are you thinking?" Now every time I think about it all I feel like I may throw up.

So I got home and that lingering sense of "Oh my gosh I think I may have just forever ruined my life and ruined God's will as well" would not go away. And that's when decision number two presented itself, and because of my morning and stress, I blatantly went against God and chose the easiest and quickest fix to the issue. Bad, bad, bad, bad choice. I shouldn't be making more than one major life decision in a day because otherwise it just results in huge emotional wreckage. I spent of that day wallowing in old familiar lies Satan loves to whisper to me and sobbing my eyes out. FYI, lies make for a terrible comfort when you need it most. Take it from someone who's done it numerous times. (You'd think I would've learned my lesson by now... but nope.)Like a little kid I ran and hid from God. I'm pretty good at spiritual hide and seek you know.

Here's the thing about spiritual hide and seek: it never lasts. God always knows where you're hiding and why. And God always seeks out His children. Even if we don't want to be found at the time... because I'll be honest, I would've preferred huddling under the table. I would've preferred to keep beating myself up than to run to Abba's arms. Even now there still remains a part of me that rather go back to my hiding spot... but God won't let me. That deep nagging of the Spirit just won't go away no matter how hard I may try and ignore it. And it's in these moments I have to be reminded of grace.

Grace is already mine for the taking. You nor I can earn it. That's totally backwards when you consider the very definition of the word.

Ever so tenderly He comes, picks me up, cradles me, and takes me back. Every. Single. Time.

So don't play hide and seek. You won't win. And it's not worth it.

Weekend Link Love

2011-11-12T09:38:00.001-06:00

For your surfing enjoyment...

10 Signs You Are Nearing a Meltdown
Perry Noble's blog
If I hadn't mentioned it before... this is my favorite home renovation blog.
Awesome Photoshop Tutorials and Ashley Sturm Photography
Two very sweet proposals: Tina + James and Branden's Proposal
I've had JJ Heller on repeat all week long

Quote Lovin'

Winter in the soul is by no means a comfortable season, and if it be upon thee just now it will be very painful to thee: but there is this comfort, namely, that the Lord makes it. He sends the sharp blasts of adversity to nip the buds of expectation: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes over the once verdant meadows of our joy: He casteth forth His ice like morsels freezing the streams of our delight. He does it all, He is the great Winter King, and rules in the realms of frost, and therefore thou canst not murmur. Losses, crosses, heaviness, sickness, poverty, and a thousand other ills, are of the Lord's sending, and come to us with wise design. Frosts kill noxious insects, and put a bound to raging diseases; they break up the clods, and sweeten the soul. O that such good results would always follow. -Charles H. Spurgeon

We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence… -Mother Theresa

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow." -Mary Anne Radmacher

Woman at The Well (Take Two!)

2011-11-08T11:27:00.000-06:00

This was too awesome not to share...

You can read my thoughts on the woman from Samaria here.

Weekend Link Love

2011-11-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

Grab a cup of joe and check these out...

Encouragement for the heart and soul: More Sabbath Please, God's Plan for Your Life, and What Churches Could Learn from Disney.
Date a Girl Who Takes Photographs and Every Relationship Starts with a Cup of Coffee
Orphan and Adoption Awareness Month
Jewelry DIY: Anthropologie Inspired Bracelet, Lace and Pearl Necklace, and Pearl Bracelet.
Coffee Joulies. Trust me, if you're a die-hard coffee lover, you're gonna want these.
Lip balm galore! and The Beauty Department
My friend Jessa makes some of the most decadent desserts ever... I finally hunted down her recipes ;)

Song on Reply...

Quote Lovin'

You always motivate others with that which you are mainly motivated. -Darrin Patrick

The best thing you can do for your fellow next to rousing his conscience, is -not to give him things to think about -but to wake things up that are in him; or say, to make him think things for himself. -George MacDonald

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting—a wayside sacrament. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Certain thoughts are prayers; there are times where no matter the attitude of the body, the soul is on it’s knees. -Victor Hugo

I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past. –Walt Disney

Being Still in The Storm

2011-11-04T11:46:00.000-05:00

It hardly seems fair to go from a desert season to the storm. Maybe it's to serve as a testing to ground of sorts. To see if what was learned in the desert season really rings true in times of pouring rains, lightening, thunder. Back in July I wrote on my wilderness season. Near the end I wrote this: "...know that the rain will eventually pour down." In my mind I was thinking about that sweet gentle spring rain that brings the earth back to life, not a full out storm that endlessly pours, with thunder and lightening as its companions. But that's what I got. It's where I am now. God showed me Hesed in the desert, now He wants to show it to me in this storm. There's a purpose and a plan to it, although I admit, I don't really know quite what it all is right now. I have some puzzle pieces... things the Lord keeps bringing up.

In the gospels we're told of the time where Jesus and His disciples where on a boat. At some point during this journey, Jesus goes to rest, to sleep. While He's sleeping a storm comes over them, the waves rise up, tossing the boat around. Understandably, the disciples begin to freak out. Fear enters into their hearts, and they're struggling to hold on. But during all of this, Jesus, God in the flesh, is taking a nap. What the...? Don't you find that a little odd? "Um... Hey Jesus, uh... I don't know if you've noticed but we could very likely die here, and you're off getting some shut eye." Those of you who know the story know that Jesus then calms the storm and tells his disciples their faith in God is still little. But I keep focusing in on what Jesus was doing while the storm raged on. He's sleeping. He's resting. He's being still. My first reaction during storms is not to be still and slumber away. It's exactly that of the disciples: Freak Out. Try and control the situation. Pull myself together, this is not the time to be sleeping. Put on that 21st woman attitude that tells me I'm strong and I can do anything. But I've tried all that. None of works. If anything my freaking out and trying to control the situation leaves me even more weary than before. I can't pull myself together, I don't feel strong, and I really resent living in a world with a feminist attitude. Sleep... stillness... this may be the remedy I need. Ironically, somebody in a previous post cited a verse that I had been dwelling on a few weeks prior and I think it fits into this perfectly: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still" (Exodus 14:14). I'm starting to do that more. Being still. Sleeping. From my vantage point I don't see this storm letting up any time soon... at least not the one outside of me, but why am I preventing the Lord to calm the one that's going on in my heart? What am I doing that's preventing me from being still? Daily I have to choose to be still, to "sleep." God will calm the storm outside at the right time.

Source

It's sorta weird but I feel like I'm supposed to be lost at sea for a while... if that makes any sense.