Oodles.

That's the only word I can think of to describe what I've been thinking and pondering and reading lately.

This coming month is going to be very busy. These past years I have discredited seniors who claimed they were busy with "senior stuff" around this time of year, but as my impending graduation draws nigh, it is now my turn to claim I am too busy with "senior stuff." There are so many things to bring closure to.

So if I have told any of you, my dear friends, that I am too busy, with "senior stuff," it is in all honesty. Come July, I will have nothing to do with myself and will catch up with each and every one of you after graduation, family reunions, the Crossover, and various other trips and activities. :)

One such event that is quickly approaching is the wedding of my friend, Sara! I am very excited for her, as she embarks on this adventure. And an adventure it certainly will be!
I got to spend some time with her last Friday, and hearing about all her wedding plans was positively giddy-fying. It's going to be lovelyyyyy. I'm so honored to be a part of it! Thanks for making time to hang out with me before your man claims you for good, Sara;)

One thing I have managed to make time for is revisiting some of my favorite books and diving head-long into some new ones. Some are for mere entertainment, while others are changing the way I think. One happens to be one of my all-time favorite fairy tales, I, Coriander (by Sally Gardner). It's so well-written, and gripping (at least it was when I first read it;). One of my favorite things about it is that there is romance in it, but it is not the focal point of the entire book. It's more of a background happening that doesn't get introduced until the last half.
So refreshing...

Another book I'm revisiting is The Three Faces of Eve by Corbett H. Thigpen, M.D. and Hervey M. Cleckley, M.D. It is non-fiction report by two psychiatrists in the 1950's about a women who suffered from multiple personalities. While it may sound disturbing, it is really really interesting! I recommend it, if you have a weakness for tales of abnormal psychology like I do;) This one I had the good fortune of making a school assignment as well. (Thank you, Mrs. Blake, for making us write a four-page report on an abnormal condition of our choice. I relish the excuse to read this book again;)

The third book is a world changer that I'm sure nearly every conservative Christian household has heard of, or lost in their extensive libraries of curriculums: Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot. Gahhhhhh, so good!! I have been reading a chapter or two every day as my devotional book. It is Elliot's personal journey through her relationship with her first husband, Jim Elliot. It's a difficult journey, but it hits home. I cannot relate to much about her actual situation, but I can relate to the agony she felt in the waiting.
Being in a relationship is the most wonderful thing in the world, yet a whole new realm of temptations I had not encountered before have now become an inescapable reality. Her encouragement and depth of insight is so helpful.
Here are a few tidbits:

"There was nothing that I was experiencing that He had not been through in some form. The love that is everlasting had entered this world, my world, my very heart, known its struggles, shared its weakness and perplexity. None of those things then would separate me from His love. They would, in fact, give me the opportunity to experience it, to learn to cry, "Abba, Father!""

"My heart was saying, "Lord, take away this longing, or give me that for which I long." The Lord was answering, "I must teach you to long for something better.""

"If the yearnings went away, what would we have to offer up to the Lord? Aren't they given to us to offer? It is the control of passion, not its eradication, that is needed. How would we learn to submit to the authority of Christ if we had nothing to submit?"

"We are not meant to live merely by what is natural. We need to learn to live by the supernatural."

So, there, a peek into what my brain has looked like this past week:)

And this week? Ug. I have a lot to do...

I will hopefully find time to write... I typically do;)

Until then, 

                 Case

Strawberries!

  This past Saturday, and fan and I went strawberry picking at a local field. We try to do it every year around Mother's Day, but the season was so early this year, we decided to embrace the open Saturday morning and make it a family outing.

 






















We came home with four bucket-loads; nevertheless, the red beauties were quickly devoured within two days;)

The Attack of Immodesty II

  I wanted to make one more note on modesty while my brain is rolling in that direction. I wanted to touch on it before, but the previous post seemed long enough.
  I have been told that there are two types of very dangerous women when it comes to the assault on men's purity: those who know what they've got, and those that don't. Let me explain:

  There are some women who know what it does to a man when they dresses immodestly. (The "If you go it, flaunt it!" mentality.) These women are on the front lines of the assault. Some do it because they like the power; some do it because they need to feel wanted; some do it because it's the only way to get the male attention they lack/lacked in their lives. Whatever the excuse, it's wrong. It is taking advantage of weakness in a man.
   The other kind of dangerous woman, is the one who does not know what it does to a man when she dresses immodestly. These women may have low self-esteem, think of themselves as unattractive, or assume women in general are not a big temptation for men. Either way, they tend to be lazier with their dress because they undermine the influence they're making.
  Both kinds of women touch too much, reveal too much, and manipulate (intentionally or unintentionally).
  The balance comes when a girl has a general understanding of what impact she can make on men, but rather than using it for self-gratification, she uses it to protect them.

The lovely Brooke Sweeney; Photo Credd to Becca Crumrine

  There are some girls who are truly clueless (even though the category may be slim; in this day and age it's hard to be naive when it comes to what guys like about gals).
  Not to be too Humanist, but to an extent it's not really the gal's fault most times; her behavior is a result of the way she has been conditioned according to her environment. Besides the obvious cultural influence of the media, at the root of it, many girls turn to this avenue of self-gratification because their fathers failed to provide the solid love they needed to thrive. Girls need to feel accepted, protecting, loved and liked by their fathers and father figures, or a false concept of worth is subconsciously formed in her mind. When there is a void, she seeks to fill it. The easiest way to get that attention (what she believes is filling the void) is to get a boy's attention the quickest way possible.
  It is not always the fathers' fault, and never completely his fault; indeed, it all comes down to choice. We are responsible for our actions and attitudes to an unbiased God. When we get to the other side God isn't gonna let us gals slide for stealing mens' purity under the guise that "it was Daddy's fault; he didn't love me enough."

  Another reason girls succumb to becoming cheapened, is because they are ignorant of their actual worth. Ahh, this is what makes my heart break... If only they knew that the God of the Universe is head over heals with them!! that He created them specifically and beautifully!!
  It is one of the biggest issue that tugs at my heart strings. Seeing my girls, all beautiful, and unique, entirely unique, believing the lie that they're worth less because they aren't skinny or aren't curvy, that they have no chances of finding a man because they aren't worth a second glance, that they're ugly.

God does not create ugly.

  Feel free to disagree, but I believe it. If the God of the Universe took the time to care about how many freckles are on my face, or what the perfect color for my eyes are, I must be valuable.

  This is the bottom line, my ultimate agenda: I want my girls to be able to walk with dignity, knowing that they are beautiful, fully-loved, highly-valued Daughters of The King. I want them to live with confidence, knowing that they are honoring their Savior, their Lover, with the way they dress (with their clothing and their good deeds).

  There are so many more worthwhile pursuits other than shoving yourself into the mold of 'Miss Perfect.' Isn't loving, and thriving, and living a love-offering to Jesus far more fulfilling? far more fun?

Photo Credd to Becca Crumrine

  What I really wanted to say, in their defense, is that, even though I do not agree with the decisions made by all the "bikini babes" out there, they are not all predators. Most are just gals who want to have some fun. I happen to know a few bikini-wearin' girls who are really sweet. Their decisions are still wrong, but it doesn't mean they are to be judged right-off-the-bat, rather than loved. Besides, we can cope with their desires! A woman is designed to long to feel wanted. It's natural. But we also designed to be wanted by only one man, not every man!

  I hope, in some way, this was encouraging, or opened your eyes to a new perspective. Know that God does not create worthless people, or purpose-less people. In fact, He created you purposefully!

The Attack of Immodesty

  Everywhere. It's EVERYWHERE!!

  Every speck of media glorifies some super-skinny, fixed-up, dolled-up, and under-dressed hussy. This is ridiculous. It is so easy to get discouraged...
  There is more to being a woman than being physically attractive, but couture has shoved aside all propriety and modest in pursuit of something that brings immediate fulfillment. 
  I, for one, am sick of trying to live up to standards so low.  I'm tired of my worth being judged by my dress size.

"A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
She... works with eager hands.
She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
She is clothed in strength and dignity;
she can laugh at days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, 
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her husband... praises her:
"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise..." -Proverbs 31

  Where are the men who honor a woman of this character far above bikini babes?
  I think the more appropriate question would be, Where are the women who are displaying something far more valuable?

  What I mean is, physical appearance has become so idolized by women, young girls especially, right? Why?
  Because guys like it... Right?

  Yes, BUT I also believe guys will be satisfied with less (i.e., a beach babe) if that's all they've been conditioned to be satisfied with. Get it? When women are of lower standard, guys are of lower standard. When women are ok with being (in fact, striving to be) nothing more than physically desirable, that's all they're ever going to be. So many women are frustrated with being seen as nothing more than an object, when in reality, that is how they are projecting themselves. 

  Where are the women who will put aside the vain pursuits and will instead be clothed with strength and dignity? who will challenge themselves to hearken to Paul when he writes, "I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."

  Now, anyone who knows me at all knows that I am one who happens to "puffy heart" elaborate hairstyles, pearls, and snazzy clothing. I am not suggesting that Christian gals should dress shabbily, or dully. The challenge comes with balancing cute outfits with modesty, keeping "strength and dignity" in mind. Dress like the Daughter of the King of Kings!! He does not, by any means, want you looking drab, but clothed with the humble dignity of a princess, and with mystique and mystery. (Mystique and Mystery in a gal, by the way, is far more interesting than a girl who is willing to give-all and show-all on the first impression... what's to be won?)

  Don't be afraid to rise above. You don't have to stoop to the stupid standards of society. Give those guys a run for their money!! Dressin' modestly means that any man that comes a-callin' (and a man most certainly he would be!) must see something other than just the outside appearance.

  You are worth far more than any average guy deserves. Don't be satisfied with anything less than a Man. 

  A Man sees the worth in a girl who has better things to do than show off what is only meant for her husband's eyes. 
  A Man notices the way you treat others and shine with Jesus more than the amount of make-up you didn't bother to put on that morning. 
  A Man is more concerned with finding a Woman who cares more about character than keeping up with the fickle fashion world.

  Besides, I've hear that when he falls for you, you become the most beautiful girl in the world anyway;)
  It is far to easy to go with the flow, especially when there are really cute outfits that you know cross the lines. And, admit it, it feels really good to feel desirable! I stand much taller knowing that I look good! But before you walk out your door in the morning, make a heart check:

1) Am I wearing this top because it's flattering? Or because it highlights every desirable place of my torso?
2) Is there any way this outfit could accidentally be immodest in any way? (this is when you mentally walk through your day: Will you be sitting? Check your skirt length. Will you be bending over? Check your V-neck. Is it windy? )
3) Is my motive to protect the eyes of my brothers? Or to be noticed? 
4) Am I going out of my way to look desirable, attractive, or sexy to guys?

  Maybe it's because I have brothers, and maybe it's because I have a boyfriend, but every time I'm around a gal who is showing too much, it makes me wish I was ElastiGirl so I could cover every guys' eyes within a 100-yard area. I want to protect my boys, all of them! Those girls, whether they know it or not, are stealing from them what is only meant for one girl to give. Don't be the girl who takes away from an amazing relationship. Every time a guy looks at a girl who makes him stumble, she is giving him something only his wife is meant to give, and she is taking something that isn't meant for her. This is thievery. While it is not our responsibility to keep every guy pure with his eyes, sometimes they can't help it. Give them a bit of help!

  I have challenged myself to be the girl a guy can relax around. I don't want to be the girl a guy has to struggle through a simple conversation with because he is too distracted. I want to be someone who they can look at unashamedly, not a reason to make them guard their eyes. I want to give the guys a rest. 

  And I refuse to keep being categorized as a girl of lesser value just because my skirts aren't short enough!! My value cannot be determined by what guys think of me. 

[All photo credit goes to Josiah Crumrine:)]

I like...

1) Necklaces

 2) Yelling competitions with Super Wyatt (to see who can scream unintelligible nonsense the loudest;)

 

 3) Sweatpants!

A few years ago, I read somewhere that if you're spending a day at home to get stuff done (which is almost everyday for a homeschooler like me) don't put on clothes that are too comfortable. Her reasoning was because when you feel a little spiffy (at least presentable) you'll get more done because you'll feel better about yourself and more motivated(not like a lazy bum). (I've teased Josiah before that if I've had a rough day, knowing that I at least look good makes my day a bit better;) I've been relatively faithful with making this suggestion a habit, and found much success! I feel way more motivated (and cuter;) after putting a nicer skirt on and shoes than wearing my pajamas all day.
Yesterday, however, was an exception. Bermuda short sweat pants, a sporty grey shirt, barefoot, AND productive. Probably because I felt so athletic and skinny in my would-be-a-workout-outfit (if I worked out;)

Fam Campin'

This past weekend the fam and I went camping!

 The site was absolutely beautiful!

 This is all Hayden did, pretty much...

 It was the first time in a long while that we all stayed in the camper!! It was colder than planned, and Mama didn't want the boys in the tent.

A few random moments:

It was great spending so much time with them, and Mama loved not having to "share" us with friends;)