Smell the Beautiful Roses

I suppose (in Minnesotan) that I should talk about what has been going on in my life. My spiritual brother and I have decided to start a courting relationship, also known as “dating with a purpose.” I like this concept! Yet, I am freaked out and happy and excited and scared and my mind is racing with thoughts. What should I do differently? How can I show him that I care about him? Basically, how do I not screw it up?

I am not necessarily afraid of messing up the core of the relationship, but I am afraid that we are taking it too far too soon. I don’t want this new level of love to change our already well-developed friendship. If that happens, I’m afraid it will die out soon. David, if you are reading this, please know that I love you and care about you so much. I want you to know that. I want you to be ridiculously happy. We need to stop putting so much focus on the relationship that we lose focus on God, our lives, and ultimately, the friendship we have grown this year.

That said, I hope that we can continue being what we have become. I am sincerely excited about this next step we are taking because truthfully, I have wanted to do this but was too afraid to say it or I was very certain that you didn’t want to. My goal is to not focus solely on the relationship aspect, as that can make us become overly obsessed with it. I KNOW this can become a horrible obstacle in a relationship. You are my best friend, my spiritual brother, my courter. You are a gift from God. Please let everything happen naturally, don’t rush anything, don’t change the wonderful person you are, stay sane, and as my grandma always said, “Take time to smell the roses.”

The King is Enthralled By Your Beauty

The first sermon in the series “Beautiful, a series for women and the men that pursue them” tackles issues such as a women’s identity, culture, beauty, and what God has to say.

Women (and myself!) try to find identity in appearance, “home”, kids, relationships, career, and religion.  Yet, when the very thing that one finds his/her identity in is taken away then what… In the sermon Perry indicates that women who are doing this are “tired.”  Tired of trying so hard and falling short. Tired of going through the three hour beauty routine only to have the rain come and mess everything up! Tired. Simply tired.

Furthermore, culture surrounds us with definitions of beauty. Pictures of beauty abound in magazines, television shows like “America’s Next Top Model”, the internet and every other media outlet. Culture screams multiple ways to become beautiful.  If only you buy this kind of make-up or that dress, then you will feel beautiful, you will look “sexy.”  Or better yet, eat this frozen dinner and you’ll magically lose those 10 extra pounds that keep you from feeling “beautiful.”  Yet, if you did lose those extra pounds, would it ever be enough? Can we ever meet or feel like we’ve met culture’s standard of beauty?  Are we always stuck in the “not good enough” category?

Besides, what is beauty even? Does beauty consist of make-up and high-heels or of skinny jeans and cute tops?  Or maybe beauty comes with the perfect job and perfect husband? Maybe we should turn to scripture instead to find our definition of beauty. Then, would more women be able answer the “Me, Beautiful?” question in an affirmative way? Perry’s main verse, Psalm 45:11, states: “The king is enthralled by your beauty.” God sees who we can be.  God sees us through the lens of Jesus. Let God show You what He sees about you.

Autumn Hiking

My friend and I decided to do some autumn hiking… before the snow returns! We walked by the Red River and took pictures along the way, hence this awesome slideshow. Enjoy.

 

You Are Beautiful My Sweet Sweet Song

The 119th Wing’s worship leader sang this song for worship service. It reminded me to be thankful and accepting, instead of questioning my life.