Recently I watched a popular show on Lifetime. It features a man teaching women how to feel confident about themselves no matter what their size. I liked the concept, so I decided to tune in.
The episode I watched was a mother/daughter duo. The daughter was developing low self-esteem as a result of watching her mother berate herself each time she had a chance to do so.
The host took them through a couple of exercises and gave some good pep talks. It ended with the mother doing an almost totally nude photo shoot and the daughter in a bikini for a magazine. They did seem to learn to love themselves, but I couldn't help but think that it won't last.
A couple of things:
The host is an openly gay man. Is it really possible for women to define their beauty by the standards of one who is attracted to other men?
The women who had been told how beautiful they already looked were given extensive makeovers.
What about addressing the psychological reasons why women are so hard on themselves? Television and Media to name two.
After giving birth to 2 children in 3 years, my body parts will never again return to where they used to be. If any of you have breastfed, I am sure you have thrown all of your bikinis away. If not, the stretch marks on your thighs and stomachs have given you another reason to discard skimpy swimsuits and form fitting shirts.
The reality that my body will never look the same was enough to make me cry at first. But there was a person in my life constantly telling me how beautiful I was. I could not believe him. I know some of you have been there. Maybe you are there now.
Deep in my heart, I believe that our beauty, our true beauty is found inside. And we learn to appreciate it by remembering our Creator. He created us "fearfully and wonderfully " .
(Ps. 139:14)
For those of us with daughters, they are watching. So next time you get out of the shower, stop sucking in long enough to take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. Take in all of the flaws. Try to notice some things that you love about you. And if you just can't do it. Remember the One who made you. Ask him to love what you have. Stretch marks, extra pounds, saggy boobs and all.
Rubies are rare and precious jewels. Every facet is unique. When they are broken, they can only be restored by the Creator.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Crazy Hot Sex!
Yesterday I was listening to an audiobook recommended to me by a coworker. It seemed normal enough at the time. It was about a regular married couple. Kids. The whole nine yards. Nothing special, right? Soon, it took an unexpected turn.
The author chose to describe their relationship. She talked about the love, passion and lust that existed between them. From a late night rendezvous to a wild night in the boathouse. Even after more than 15 years of marriage, they were still wild for one another. The husband was a fisherman who often spent several days away from home while the wife stayed home with 3 kids, one having special needs.
But when he came home, sparks flew between them! One particularly interesting scene had the couple at the grocery store. They became overwhelmed by the need to be together. They abandoned the cart and moved their truck to a remote corner of the parking lot. Let's just say, it took a while for the fog to clear from the windows.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an author writing about a MARRIED couple having wild, crazy sex. And with each other! How often do we read or see this on TV? I don't. Why not? Isn't that the way God wanted it? We have created our own new standard.
Some may disagree with my writing about something so private. However, I think it's healthy and necessary. The whole world talks about sex while the church sticks its head in the sand. Who better to teach the world what sex should be like than some crazy married people?
So come on girls, grab your husband, and remind him why he fell in love with you in the first place. I think I'll take my own advice!
The author chose to describe their relationship. She talked about the love, passion and lust that existed between them. From a late night rendezvous to a wild night in the boathouse. Even after more than 15 years of marriage, they were still wild for one another. The husband was a fisherman who often spent several days away from home while the wife stayed home with 3 kids, one having special needs.
But when he came home, sparks flew between them! One particularly interesting scene had the couple at the grocery store. They became overwhelmed by the need to be together. They abandoned the cart and moved their truck to a remote corner of the parking lot. Let's just say, it took a while for the fog to clear from the windows.
I was pleasantly surprised to find an author writing about a MARRIED couple having wild, crazy sex. And with each other! How often do we read or see this on TV? I don't. Why not? Isn't that the way God wanted it? We have created our own new standard.
Some may disagree with my writing about something so private. However, I think it's healthy and necessary. The whole world talks about sex while the church sticks its head in the sand. Who better to teach the world what sex should be like than some crazy married people?
So come on girls, grab your husband, and remind him why he fell in love with you in the first place. I think I'll take my own advice!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A funny thing happened...
On Sunday, we visited a new church for the first time. All was going well. The music and message touched our hearts. When the minister asked those going through something to stand if they wanted someone to pray for them, we uncharacteristically did. Usually, I like to do things very privately.
We stood along with others, and teenagers prayed for us. Soon I felt tears flowing out of my eyes. We have been in what feels like an oven lately. We know that this is a time of transition, but things are moving at a pace slower than we can appreciate.
Afterward we sat down. It was time for offering, and I realized neither of us had brought cash. Who does in this world of debit cards? I found like 37 cents in my purse and threw that in as the basket went by. I thought nothing of it, even though my husband laughed at me for doing so.
As the service was ending, we were walking out to meet the pastor. The man next to me tapped me on the shoulder and placed something in my hand. As we neared the hallway, I opened my hand to find $100 in it. I was stunned speechless. We looked at each other in disbelief and both decided to give it back.
We told the pastor about it, and he was so happy about it. He told us to look at it as a blessing and enjoy it. Ironically, my husband's bag was stolen from his car Saturday as he coached a game. $50 cash was stolen. Good measure? Of course that may not seem like a big loss, but every little bit counts in this economy.
We tried to no avail to find the good samaritan. As we rode home, we discussed it and were thankful for the provision. But first, we had to put our pride aside. I thought that perhaps we looked broke since we put so little in the offering. But that wasn't it. I've done that several times before when I forgot cash or just didn't have money. No one ever handed me money before.
In the end, that one man made quite an impression on us. We learned an important lesson about humility and about being able to receive from someone as well as give. What a way to show love to a stranger.
We stood along with others, and teenagers prayed for us. Soon I felt tears flowing out of my eyes. We have been in what feels like an oven lately. We know that this is a time of transition, but things are moving at a pace slower than we can appreciate.
Afterward we sat down. It was time for offering, and I realized neither of us had brought cash. Who does in this world of debit cards? I found like 37 cents in my purse and threw that in as the basket went by. I thought nothing of it, even though my husband laughed at me for doing so.
As the service was ending, we were walking out to meet the pastor. The man next to me tapped me on the shoulder and placed something in my hand. As we neared the hallway, I opened my hand to find $100 in it. I was stunned speechless. We looked at each other in disbelief and both decided to give it back.
We told the pastor about it, and he was so happy about it. He told us to look at it as a blessing and enjoy it. Ironically, my husband's bag was stolen from his car Saturday as he coached a game. $50 cash was stolen. Good measure? Of course that may not seem like a big loss, but every little bit counts in this economy.
We tried to no avail to find the good samaritan. As we rode home, we discussed it and were thankful for the provision. But first, we had to put our pride aside. I thought that perhaps we looked broke since we put so little in the offering. But that wasn't it. I've done that several times before when I forgot cash or just didn't have money. No one ever handed me money before.
In the end, that one man made quite an impression on us. We learned an important lesson about humility and about being able to receive from someone as well as give. What a way to show love to a stranger.
Shout Out
Thanks to my girls for the support. And folks say women can't get along! It's good to have good friends to read and comments on here. You know who you are. My heart is overflowing. I miss you a lot, but you have a permanent place in my heart and in our family. I look forward to sharing many more thoughts with you. I love you!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Working Woman
Have you ever been tired of being tired? Lately I've been feeling that a lot. I work full-time outside of our home. We have two young children. I feel that there are never enough hours in the day. My house is never clean enough, the meals are rarely nutritious enough. I find myself longing for a break or a big cry. Do any of you ever feel like that?
I enjoy my work [most of the time;)], and we need the income right now, but I wish I could do it all better. What's a girl to do? I think mothers, whether we stay home or not, are always feeling guilty for one reason of another. I think we are very hard on ourselves. It's very hard to prioritize the many things expected of us in a 24 hour period.
We miss out on doing many of the things we enjoy, like sleeping and relaxing, because we are often busy meeting someone else's needs. I have hundreds of pictures trapped in digital world just waiting to be printed and placed in an album. I think I'll get that done by the time I'm a grandmother! More later...
I enjoy my work [most of the time;)], and we need the income right now, but I wish I could do it all better. What's a girl to do? I think mothers, whether we stay home or not, are always feeling guilty for one reason of another. I think we are very hard on ourselves. It's very hard to prioritize the many things expected of us in a 24 hour period.
We miss out on doing many of the things we enjoy, like sleeping and relaxing, because we are often busy meeting someone else's needs. I have hundreds of pictures trapped in digital world just waiting to be printed and placed in an album. I think I'll get that done by the time I'm a grandmother! More later...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Scatter brained
The first day of school went of without a hitch, except that I got slightly lost trying to drop our daughter off. Oops! So far she's enjoying it a lot.
Anyway, my older brother just arrived back in the Middle East. He's been in the Air Force since he graduated high school. He's been over there a couple of times already. I pray for his safety daily. This war just won't seem to end. I'm sure many of you know how I feel.
The gas prices are also back breaking. Jobs are uncertain.
I'm so glad there is one thing that is always steady in my life. The love and protection of my Father. Sometimes that's all we have to hold on to.
Anyway, my older brother just arrived back in the Middle East. He's been in the Air Force since he graduated high school. He's been over there a couple of times already. I pray for his safety daily. This war just won't seem to end. I'm sure many of you know how I feel.
The gas prices are also back breaking. Jobs are uncertain.
I'm so glad there is one thing that is always steady in my life. The love and protection of my Father. Sometimes that's all we have to hold on to.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
First day of school...
Our firstborn starts kindergarten today. I prayed for peace so that I could sleep. I am so nervous and don't know why. It seems like she was born yesterday, and now she's off on her own. Wow. I want to cry just thinking about it, but I feel crazy. If you've ever gone through this, then I'm sure you can empathize. I'm going to wake her soon so that we can open this new chapter together. Hopefully the ride is not too bumpy. Hopefully I don't embarrass myself with too many tears.
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