Why I Love Being Feminine

Photo Courtesy of A Lady's Findings

It's wonderful being a girl. So many times it's the little, seemingly-insignificant things that delight the feminine class. Perhaps this post may seem a bit rambled, but here are some of my favorite and enjoyable side effects to being feminine.

- The graceful movement of tucking a stray piece of hair behind my ear while I type on my laptop in a cafe'.

- The mystery of having a smile teasing my lips as I shop for romaine lettuce and bell peppers.

- The dignified feeling that comes when I stand with my shoulders back and head slightly tilted upwards.

- Enjoying a spontaneous skip or hop every once in a while - no matter who sees.

- The soft scent of powder makeup.

- Wearing ribbon in my hair that was salvaged from the wrapping of the gift from my valentine.

- The swish of my skirt as I sit down in the car.

- The prim sound of heels clipping against the pavement.

- Knowing that a flower can immediately transform any hair catastrophe.

- The light reflected from sparkly jewelry.

- Walking through the fabric store and picking out my wedding colors.

- The ability to "brain laugh" when a boy gawks at my brightly colored rain boots.

- Ruffled necklines.

- The domestic feeling that surges through me when I put on an apron.

- Adding curlicues and swirlygigs to my writing.

- Silently reveling in the "please-clarify" look of the young man who takes my complicated order at Starbucks.

- The distinguished air that only women can hold.

I know there are more perks to being feminine out there - what are yours?

The Great Proposal

One of my favorite things ever is to hear an engagement story. The mystery, the anticipation, the rumors about the purchase of a ring, and finally the big announcement all culminate to produce a wonderful story of love and joy. I've already "planned" how my proposal will happen, provided that it is in the Lord's will. Yes, I know it will never happen how I've predetermined, but it's always fun to dream.

A few months ago, I was sick with a cold and couldn't go to church with my family. While I was in my room praying and overall talking about my day with the Lord, I started daydreaming about my proposal. Would it be in the living room with my family present or just the two of us on the sofa? Would it be at a restaurant or down by the creek behind our house? Would I expect it or would it be a surprise? All these thoughts crowded into my mind and I began to tell the Lord about them. A few minutes passed by while I kept on dreaming until I felt an impression to look up a verse in the book of Revelation.

"And the Spirit and the bride say,

'Come!'

And let him who hears say,

'Come!'

And let him who thirsts come.

Whoever desires, let him take

the water of life freely."

~ Revelation 22:17 ~

I realized that while I was dreaming about how my "real" proposal would go, here the Lord was inviting me to come to Him. All that I need is found in Christ alone. While I may long for love, Christ fulfilled that need when He paid for my sin on the cross. He lavishes His grace on me everyday through the blessings He gives. Jesus extends His hand of invitation to every one of us. It's up to us to accept His free gift of love and grace.

". . . 'I am the bread of life.

He who comes to Me shall never hunger,

and he who believes in Me

shall never thirst.'"

~ John 6:35 ~

I will never be disappointed if I find my fulfillment in Christ alone. Yes, my soul will be distracted by the things of the world. But my prayer everyday is that my soul would awaken to the grand proposal the Lord holds out to me - walking with the Creator of the universe every single day. I do look forward to the day that I will marry. But during this season of singleness, I desire for my soul to be set in finding its satisfaction in Christ alone. While it is wonderful to be loved by a human being, how much more wonderful be called a lover of God!

I Am Resolved

As the new year approaches, people generally make goals for the next year. Exercise and diet, interesting places to travel to, hobbies to experiment with, new foods to taste, and countless other "to-do's" make the list. I personally have never found making resolutions too helpful. I'll fall into one of three categories.

1. For one, I never write them down. Hence, I forget them by January 2nd.
2. I'll make resolutions I could never possibly do. ("Become an acrobat.")
3. I'll make resolutions that I absolutely have no desire to achieve. ("Learn Swahili.")

However, at every year's end, I always read over and am fascinated by the resolutions of Jonathan Edwards. His desire to please the Lord through his life is made evidenced by these life goals. As I was reading through them on Saturday, number 53 jumped out at me.

"Resolved, to improve every opportunity,

when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind,

to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ,

to trust and confide in him,

and consecrate myself wholly to him;

that from this I may have assurance of my safety,

knowing that I confide in my Redeemer."

~ Jonathan Edwards ~

How I desire that trait to be my resolution, not just for the year, but for my whole life. God alone is my only Sustenance. Jesus, my only hope of salvation. He gives me grace for every trial and delivers me from every temptation. He holds the universe in His hands, and yet He cares about every detail of my life, from my wishes and desires to the intimate cares of my heart. Christ deserves all I am. May my life be hidden in Christ my Savior, and may its trust be not in the things of the world, but in the knowledge that He is all I need.