More Beautiful You

“All of the charm and beauty a woman may have amounts to nothing if her ambitions are self-centered. But if she reflects her Creator and assumes the posture of a graceful servant, she cannot help but command high respect and love.”

~ Jeanne Hendricks

The lyrics from this song have blessed me beyond measure these past few days, and I hope that they will bless you as well! We don't need to be made up with make-up just to look beautiful. God thinks we're beautiful just the way we are.  


~Don't forget to turn off the music on the bottom of the page before you listen to this:)~


Enjoy and have a great weekend!! 

Fun with Friends

"The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch with, never saying a word, and walk away feeling like that was the best conversation you've had."  ~Author Unknown

This warm weather is feelin' just fabulous and we're all loving it!! Yesterday, our friends, Sarah-Anne and Clark came over and we decided that we should go outside and take some pictures.  Can you tell we had fun? :) 

Have a wonderful evening! 

Blessings,

Our Birthday Party

This past Saturday, Katie and I had a joint birthday party. We had some friends come over for a fun night of good food, fellowship, lots of laughter, and we also played a few games. It was such a wonderful evening with our friends and I'm so glad they were able to come over.

The whole group of girls! :D

Katie and I had so much fun making our birthday cake. It was so pretty!

Katie's real birthday is May 2nd and my birthday is May 20th, but since the month of May at our house is so busy we just decided to have a little party in April.

I hope your having a wonderful week! :D

Blessings,

Some Encouraging Words...

~~Appreciation can make a day - even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. 

-- Margaret Cousins

~~Don't wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater. 

-- Mary Manin Morrissey

~~I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. 

-- Helen Keller

~~No one else can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten

-- Natasha Bedingfield

Wordless Wednesday-Biology with my Bestie

Meeting a Dear Blogging Friend

left to right: Me, Meredith, and Katie

On Friday, we had the privilege of meeting my very dear friend, Meredith, and her family. It was such a blessing to meet another like-minded family! We all enjoyed our visit with the Alexander family very much and we even had the chance to tour their farm. 

Mom and I have been following Meredith's blog for nearly three years now and Meredith and I have gotten to know each other better through emailing, but I never imagined we would actually get to meet in person one day. I can't tell you how exciting it was when I read Meredith's email that said we would be able to visit their farm during our family vacation this past weekend! I am so glad it worked out for us to meet one another! I only wish we lived closer to each other! I hope and pray that we will continue to write each other and get to know each other better through the years and maybe, one day we'll be able to see each other again in person.

I encourage you to visit Meredith's blog, Striving to Serve at Home. She is such a sweet sister in Christ with a heart for the Lord and I am so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet her. Thank you, Meredith for being such a wonderful encouragement to me and many other young women! You're such a blessing! :)

Much Love,

Wordless Wednesday-I'm Loving Spring!

The Simple Woman's Daybook-April 13th, 2010

FOR TODAY: April 13th, 2010

Outside my window...It's a beautiful day here in NC! The weather is almost perfect.  It's sunny, a little breezy, and the yard is filled with pretty flowers. 

I am thinking...That life can't get any better than this week. 

I am thankful for...The simple pleasures of life.

From the learning rooms...Biology, Algebra, Writing, and... Well, let's just say that I'm trying really hard to finish up with the school year. We're almost there, but we'll be glad when summer begins. 

From the kitchen...Homemade oatmeal for breakfast, chili and cornbread for lunch, and Katie is cooking fish, rice, and vegetables for supper.  

I am wearing...My blue jean skirt, green t-shirt, and my silver dangle earrings.

I am creating...I'm still working on my quilt, but I haven't made much progress since I last posted about it. 

I am going...To be home for most of the week and we're leaving to go out of town for the weekend.  

I am reading...My Bible and some required school books.

I am hoping and praying...That this week will be full of exciting opportunities for my family and that we can get everything accomplished before we leave to go on our trip.  I really hope that we have good weather for traveling too! I also hope and pray that Mom will get lots of sleep this week and that her arm will get stronger for the trip. She has been having some shoulder pain these past few days and she hasn't felt like herself either. Please pray that she will feel stronger and more like herself for this trip.  Thank you, everyone for praying for her. It means so much to our family when you do. :D 

I am hearing...Right now it's really quiet, we have some soft music playing in the background and everyone is just doing different things around the house. It's peaceful and relaxing.

Around the house...Dishes need to be done and granola needs to be made after I finish this post.

One of my favorite things...Springtime flowers! :D

A few plans for the rest of the week: School, working on laundry, cleaning the house, packing for the trip, and I'm also planning on baking some cookies for the road.  

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

To read more Daybook entries, please visit this link: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

In Him,

A Peek Into Our Sister's Lives-Esther Zimmerman-Part 2

Here is the second part of Esther's interview. I hope you enjoy reading it! :D

Emily: What your views on courtship vs. dating?

Esther: I am committed to courtship. I wasn’t always. There was a period of time where I was really questioning and sorting through what I truly thought about courting vs. dating vs. betrothal. And, after doing a lot of praying, studying and thinking I can now say I am 110% convinced that courtship is the way to go! 

There are a ton of books that I highly recommend that have helped me understand this very important topic, first the Bible, then in no particular order just as they come to mind: Emotional Purity, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, When Boy Meets Girl, What He Must Be, Before You Meet Prince Charming, Fathers and Daughters...these are just a few of bunches of great resources out there! Oh, also Vision Forum Ministries puts out some CD’s on the subject that are awesome.

Some more random thoughts…

If a guy doesn’t have the guts to go to your dad (or whoever your authority is)…then he doesn’t deserve you. That’s my philosophy plain and simple. As hard as it is, I have a little policy with myself that I’ll share…if a guy doesn't actually straight out say that he likes you and wants a relationship with you, then don’t even let yourself think he does. This helps when you’re trying to remain emotionally pure…or at least it has helped me. Maybe he compliments you or seeks you out in a crowd? That doesn’t give you license to plan your wedding. Even if he really is interested. If he is…let’s hope that you have made it quite clear that your father is the keeper of your heart and that you’re not interested in a relationship outside of his blessing. If he is the right man for you…he will take initiative and seek out your father.  Dad’s are a wonderful thing, girls! Don’t pretend they don’t know what they’re talking about or are ruining your life or some other nonsense. They are there to protect you, to help you. And, this is an area that we really need that protection and help in.

One more thing, I pray every single night (and often throughout the day) for my husband and for my future children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren and great-great-great-great grandchildren. No joke. I do.

Emily: What first encouraged you or opened your eyes to living a biblical life? What is one of your favorite verses in the Bible?

Esther: Oh so many things! There have been many times that it would’ve been easy to just close my eyes and go off and be my own person separate from Christ…but, God is faithful and has a plan for my life. When I look back, I can't help but praise God for how many times he has saved me from myself. So many times...I was about to do my own thing...and yet, somehow...I didn't. And, days, weeks, months or even years later...I see why. Life is beautiful when you trust God.

Some big things that have encouraged me to live a Biblical life? Definitely watching my parents change…watching them slowly but, surely give up their past and embrace a Biblical worldview. And, also, reading the Bible, praying and seeing God work in the lives of those around me as well as my own life.

Throughout the years the Lord has used friends and sometimes strangers to introduce ministries that have really challenged and helped my family and I think from a Biblical perspective. I have a list of links on my blog that lead to websites that have impacted my life so, I’d encourage you to check them out.

Ah, one of my favorite verses? Genesis 1:1-Revelation 22:21! That is one of the hardest questions for me to answer because every verse in the Bible is so important! It seems like there are so many that were written with me in mind! =P Here are a few that I find helpful considering the topics we’re discussing,

 “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 

{

2^nd Timothy 2:22-26}

Emily:  What has helped you in choosing your clothes, modesty, feminine, etc.? Do you have any advice in that area to share with us?

Esther: My parents have never forced my sister or I to just blindly accept their convictions…they have always encouraged us to sort through issues such as modesty and how it applies to us as young women for ourselves. To search the scriptures and to see what God has to say. I highly commend them for that. If you’re only dressing a certain way because your parents say so…then you’ll just end up bitter and resentful, which will eventually show through on the outside. We need to know what we believe and why. We are the daughters of a King and we must learn to look and act like it. We should be modest. And, yet we should also strive to be lovely, feminine…beautiful inside and out.

On an everyday, practical level, hints and tips level…knowing my body shape and having guidelines for myself as far as length, coverage etc. have made it much easier for me when buying clothes. Also, don’t be afraid of color. God loves it!  I personally believe that we should keep ourselves looking as up to date, healthy and put together as possible.

A great book on modesty is “The Public Undressing of America”.

Thank you so much for the opportunity for me to share some of my thoughts and my heart of some very important issues. God bless!

Emily: Thank you, Esther for doing the interview. You're love for the Lord is so encouraging! I've really enjoyed getting to know you more. :D

What do you think of Esther after reading the full interview with her? Do any of you have a nominee for the next "A Peek Into Our Sister's Lives" post? Please go to the "Contact me" page at the top of the page and send me your suggestions. Who knows you might be the next lovely lady... :D

In Him,

A Peek Into Our Sister's Lives: Esther Zimmerman-Part 1

Last year I was blessed to have come across the lovely, Esther and her wonderful blog Unknown Artist. Since then, I have wanted to interview her and she has graciously accepted my request! I am extremely excited to give you another interview from other one of our sisters in Christ.  I hope that you will be encouraged by the interview and will enjoy getting to know another wonderful example of a young woman that is serving her family. Let's begin...

Emily: Esther, can you tell us a little bit about yourself, family, and current life, for those of us who don’t read your blog?

Esther: Blonde hair, blue eyes, 5’8, 100 and something pounds…*grins*…okay, I’ll be serious.

*puts on serious face*

First, I am a Christian. And, my faith affects every area of my life. I’m the daughter of an amazing couple...who when I was just 2 years old came to know Christ. The road has been long and filled with pot holes but, they have overcome and their testimony has strengthened my own personal relationship with Jesus Christ as well as their unfailing guidance and prayers.

I am the youngest of 5 and the aunt of 8 (many more to come Lord willing). My nephews and nieces are a big part of my life! Actually, children in general are a big part of my life!

My older sister, Ashley is getting married July 17^th so, wedding planning and maid of honor duties are what I’m all about right now. Such an exciting time! But, sometimes I wonder…why we have to grow up? *pouts*

Oh, and I almost forgot…I live in Alaska. And, no I don’t live in an igloo.

Emily: What were you like as a child? Girly girl, tomboy, outgoing, shy, etc?

Esther: Oh, very outgoing and I definitely had some strong tomboy tendencies for sure. I wore baggy jeans and black t-shirts for a period of my childhood and was always trying, and usually succeeding at, being one of the boys. But, I think even then…deep down….I always wanted to be a girl. Now, I am proud and so very happy I am! I love being a woman! Not a weak, prissy girl. But, I am trying to develop my character as one of a strong and at the same time, gentle…lady.


I really love encouraging young girls (especially ones that act like I used to…) to embrace their femininity and to share with them that there is nothing weak or not cool about having a love for the home, for babies, children, for helping their fathers and family, for beautiful dresses and flowing skirts…and just all things lovely and feminine.

Emily: What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?

Esther: I enjoy taking pictures, being outside, reading, playing games, making people laugh, singing…oh, the list goes on and on.  I have fun keeping up with friends and family and making new friends through Facebook, Twitter, blogging etc. and I’m sure I’m not alone that social media can take up a lot of time if you let it!

Emily: Could you share with us about being a servant to your family? What is the best thing that has helped you in being content during this time in your life (maidenhood, training to be a homemaker, etc.)?

Esther: Developing a servant’s heart and perspective on life is something I am working on for sure!  


Here are some random thoughts from the brain of Esther: there are so many little things that we can do to show others we care. Paying attention to what is going on around us is great habit to develop. Is someone’s glass almost empty at the dinner table? Fill it…without being asked. Is it dark out and your parents aren’t home yet? Make sure the outside light is on. Trash is full? Don’t just leave it for the next person. Empty it! Constantly be watching to see what you can do to make people you come in contact with, friends and family member’s lives easier. Learn to ask what you can do or if anyone needs anything often. These little acts of service should become a part of who we are. It’s the little things that sometimes have the biggest impact.


Also, I’m a big fan of the character quality ‘dependability’. Others should be able to depend upon you without worrying if you’re going disappoint them this time or not. And, if you want a servant’s heart…you must be dependable. Can you imagine a servant that wasn’t? They would be looking for a new position sooner rather than later! If someone asks you to do them a favor for them…don’t say yes if you know you can’t. And, make it top priority to do it if you can. This way people don’t have to worry whether you’ll actually do it or not and can put the task from their mind knowing you are dependable and are truly interested in them and not just saying “yes” without really caring about what you’re asking them to do.


The best thing that has helped me be content? Definitely the fact that God is control…I am where I am for a reason. Also, I’ve got so much to do! I don’t have time to be anything but content!

Emily: What do you think unmarried women should do during their life after school and before marriage? What did you do after school and what are you doing now?

Esther: Well, I’m going to do a little copying and pasting here. =) A few years ago my mother wrote some wonderful home educating, child rearing, wisdom packed lines that I really think fit my answer to this question. I’ll share a few tid bits of it here…and will probably put the whole thing on my blog soon:


“…The Bible says our daughters are to be trained to be keepers at home and helpmeets to, first, their fathers and eventually their husbands. Our daughters should be an integral part of our family life. That is our point. Let me explain. In contrary to modern society, our daughters should not be a financial, or time, convenience, or any other such drain, or burden on the family. They should be viable productive members of the family aiding in the families financial prosperity, spiritual growth, helping to make our home a joyful haven.

Here is a typical scenario: We decide to home school instead of home educate. Mom pulls out a curriculum, tries to make sure its right on track with public school standards and expectations, becomes distraught and frazzled because it takes up her whole day and she can't keep up with her other duties. Everyone becomes moody and frustrated. Many times big battles ensue. Children rarely learn how to "learn" on their own. So we teach our daughters a bunch of academics that have NOTHING to do with God's calling for her. We develop their talents and interest in an avenue that prepares her for a "Career", which will ultimately create competition with, and independence from, her husband. Then she hits 18. "Schools" finished. What do we do with her now? Here is the ultimate answer: She can't just sit around the house! We must find something for her to do. So she is off to college. Off to the mission field. Off to be nanny for someone else.

Here is the message to our daughters loud and clear. We don't need you. You are not an integral part of our family. We can function great without you. We need to figure out something for you to do.

Well, here's how I came to that reflection. I have watching several families close to ours send their unmarried daughters off and I thought about my two daughters. I will be in absolute dire straits when they leave. It is going to take major readjustments to cover their work both domestic and in real estate. I will probably have to "hire" help.

Isn't that the way it should be? When their Daddy turns them over to their life's partner, shouldn't we drastically feel their loss?

Yes, our daughters were born for a purpose.
God has ordained them.
Study it in scripture together.
You won't find it on a workbook page or on the SAT. 
It is not about us Ladies.
We were born for the Glory of God and for God's pleasure.“

I agree with the above.

For the past I’ve-lost-track-how-many-but-it’s-a lot-years I have worked full time in my family’s real estate company. (Side note: I LOVE family businesses! Everyone should attempt to have one even if just a side venture…I believe it is highly important to work together as a family and to learn to love every minute of it!) I praise God for the family he put me in. I know not everyone has the opportunity to be in the same situation that I am. I am completely convinced that a woman’s place is in the home and under the authority of her husband or father. I also believe as an unmarried young lady I need to be preparing myself for marriage and becoming the woman that I need to be to make an impact on the world for God’s glory. Which for me includes making my father successful in business so, that one day I can help my husband be successful as well.

Emily: Stay tuned for part two of the interview later in the week! What are your thoughts so far, ladies?  I would be so blessed to read your thoughts and I'm sure other girls would be as well. Have a wonderful week! :D

In Him,