Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Woman's Day!

I am sitting here folding laundry pondering some of the comments... pictures... and conversations today and I know if I don't get it out of my system... me nor my husband will get a sound night's sleep.

These are my two cents... take it or leave it.  Just my opinion and for the last year or so... I officially live in a country that I have the freedom of speech.

I am feminine... not a feminist! I want to be known by my love, kindness, and compassion towards others.  I am a nurturer and a care taker.  I balance out my husband... and he balances me out.  I want to show respect towards others and I want that reciprocated.  I want to work hard for an honest day's wages.  I want to be able to express my voice and have others listen with respect rather than shouting that I am wrong.  I want to use my gifts and talents that are unique to me instead of getting shoved into the cookie cutter of the "social norm".

In this thing called life that we walk through on a daily basis... screams of equality between the sexes are everywhere. ... but there are just certain things that aren't "equal".  I can do something that my husband can't do... I can carry a precious life in my womb and produce a living breathing brand new creation... but I can't do it all on my own... I need my husband!

We were created to balance one another out.  I have done this thing called life "independently" for more years than I care to count... can I do life on my own???  Yes I can!  However on this side of marriage I do have to say I enjoy doing this thing called life with a man who gets me for me and loves me anyway. I love having another person that looks out for me... and I look out for him.  And yes... I love how he holds the door open for not just me but any woman walking in or out of the building.  It hurts my heart when his kindness is repaid with disrespectful looks or comments of "I can do it on my own."

My aunt posted this picture of a dear lady in the village where I lived for almost a year in Uganda.  It reminded me out blessed we are to live in the US of A... where we have many opportunities and freedoms that women elsewhere do not have. These women are up with the sun tending to their families... washing clothes by hand... growing and harvesting their food... and then doing all of their cooking over a small camp fire.  They put their babies to sleep on dirt floors and when their day is done... they curl up on a hand woven mat beside their little ones to rest up for another day of survival.  These are some of the happiest, most joyful women I have met... who have a song on their lips and a smile on their face.

Our issues of equality and feminist qualities are first world issues.  We need to use our individual gifts and talents to serve one another in love.  We need to use our freedoms to be an advocate for that child without a voice... to use our resources to provide for that family that is struggling to put food on the table... to use our voice to stand up to injustice to women around the world (and in our own communities)... to try to create a world that we want our sons and daughters... nieces and nephews...growing up in.

I am proud that I am a woman and I am blessed to have many women in my life that have spent time and energy investing in me to make me a better woman!  Thank you to all the women that use their gifts and talents to make an impact on the world around them!!!  YOU ARE APPRECIATED... not just today but everyday!

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

A new season

It has been a while since writing on this blog... partly because I have started a new season in my life and we started a blog together to follow our adventures...

Feel free to catch up at... http://justinandangelasawesomeadventure.blogspot.com

Back to the moment at hand... because of the day it is (Fat Tuesday) and the fact that I had some extra time this afternoon to work in my new office/craft room... it got me thinking...

This is normally the season where people give up something for lent.  I understand the thought process behind this that whatever you give up should make room for you to ponder on the upcoming season and what Jesus has done for you.

Instead of giving something up for the next 40 days... I propose to give of my time, talents, and treasure for the next 40 days.  To do what we are called to do in the Bible... to be HIS hands and feet... to love others... to encourage... to come along side...to show others what He has truly done in our lives instead of what normally happens during this time when people give up... say caffeine... or something that makes them normally more agreeable on a daily basis.

Would the God of the universe desire that you are horrible to people while giving up something to focus more on HIM???  Just a thought!

What would happen if each of us did one random act of kindness... or said one encouraging word... or gave one hug... or provided one meal... or gave up one mocha on the run to sit down and chat with a friend?

I have been encouraged by my husband who is always looking out for how to help those around him... He is the reason I have an office/craft room at the moment as he cleaned out a spare bedroom while I was out on Sunday and set up my office space!  I have watched his kindness and care towards strangers and friends alike and have been inspired to look outside my own little bubble.  

So for the next 40 days... my goal is to use the resources God has blessed me with to bless others.  I may not track much but #blessedtobless.  I encourage you to see how you can bless those around you!