Day 1 of Femininity

So technically I cheated...and started my week of femininity yesterday :) Knowing today would be a crazy day - and hating to take pictures of myself SO MUCH I wanted to get it done yesterday - I got all gussied up early.

One of the reasons I love this skirt is it's SO flowy! I have endless amounts of freedom in it without feeling like I'm wearing a corset (a condition that makes a fairly obvious difference...I'm just saying). The fun blues and crinkly nature also make it a favorite.

Few things make me feel more feminine than having my hair down. Lately I've been wanting to chop it off, but my goodness, then I see it like this and think, "PRETTY!" In any case, some things I noticed yesterday: do you know...I just felt beautiful. My hubby thinks I'm beautiful every day, but it's so rare for me to feel the same way. The years have not always been kind when it comes to my looks (CAROL - it's just how I feel! I know you think I'm beautiful too! *kisses*). But when I put on something like this I can't help feel as though I'm just a bit...more.

Because of this I felt energized to get things done. And that's a result I was not expecting. Maybe it has something to do with my mental and emotional health. Maybe feeling beautiful helped me to want to make my surroundings a little more beautiful. It's amazing how when you feel good about yourself, it seeps into every aspect of your life...even when it comes down to getting a load or two of the never-ending laundry done ♥

A Week of Femininity

I was introduced to a lovely young lady I want to say about a year ago (is that right Emily?). Her blog, A Beautiful Life, is full of beautiful and uplifting words, ideas, and creations. Not too long ago she set a goal for herself to wear skirts every day, in an effort to become more feminine as well as modest.

As she began sharing some of her experiences with us, an insight she had spoke straight to my heart and has never left. I can't recall her exact words, but the theme was this: she noticed a change in the way she acted, even in little every day things. Not only this but those around her - even complete strangers - began to treat her with just a little more respect and courtesy. All from wearing a skirt.

At least once a month now I wear a skirt for an entire week. It's nothing glam, nor do I typically wear my "Sunday" skirts, but they are skirts nonetheless. And you know what? I love it!!! I'll go walking in my skirt, I'll go shopping in my skirt, I'll even clean the dreaded bathroom in my skirt!

Emily's most recent post encouraged us to join the Feelin' Feminine Challenge from the Feelin' Feminine website, where women (old and young alike) are challenged to wear skirts or dresses for an entire week, starting on Wednesday Sept. 30th.

The challenge is not only to wear more modest and lady-like clothing, but to note the change in yourself as well as those around you. Ask yourself questions like, how does wearing skirts make you feel about yourself? Did you notice any difference in the way you carried yourself? How did friends and family respond? How about complete strangers?

Wearing skirts doesn't mean donning something that only stops at your toes, but I would strongly recommend not going above your knees, as the modesty issue comes into play. Still, have fun with it. Take pictures and post about it! Encourage your daughters to try it, and really sit down to tell them why it's important to maintain a level of feminity in our lives. God made us women, we should be unashamed to show it!

Sunday Inspirations September 27, 2009

Once again I'm putting my post together late Saturday night, but I had quite an experience - one I'd like to share while it's still fresh in my mind.

A little before six o'clock I walked into my local church meeting house, both excited and impatient for a meeting to start. This particular meeting happens just once a year, and while my younger self used to dread it - even unto finding excuse after excuse to keep from going - my older self is finally coming to recognize the blessing this particular meeting is. It is telecast over satellite to meeting houses like mine all over the world, and is just for the women of our church.

It was the yearly General Women's Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's a mouthful, isn't it?

I found a seat practically right at the front to keep me from being tempted to watch the people around me, so I could simply focus. Gentle, soothing music was being played over the speakers, and I allowed myself a few minutes to let the day fall off my shoulders. As the Sabbath day would be our Fast and Testimony day, I had already begun my fast in an effort to put myself into a better spirit for the words shared. It was, for me, a peaceful time.

About ten minutes before the meeting would start women began trickling in, looking for their own seats. Whispers began to flitter across the chapel. Chattering mouths began to surround me, pecking away at my peaceful moment. Soon I couldn't even hear the music. I could feel the muscles in my neck stiffen, had to fight the impulse to put my fingers in my ears, and became sorely tempted to go up to the front of the chapel and - like I've seen our priesthood leaders have to do several times - remind these ladies of where we were.

A little thought popped into my mind that said: If you do, the good feelings will fade. Let them be happy.

I closed my eyes, began to breathe in and out...in and out...and let them be. My mind focused on the songs the children had been learning in Primary, allowing the simple yet beautiful words to come over me. After a few minutes I felt a little better.

As the prophet of our Church entered our view on the screen before us, I could feel irritation creep back in as many of the women around me still didn't stop chattering. Grrr. Was it simply that I didn't have anyone to chat with? No. I needed to be alone this night, as there were so many things going on in my head and heart to allow me the freedom to have a bit of lighthearted banter.

Only when the meeting officially started did the room quiet. I appreciated the first few talks, felt the peace that sacred music can bring, and then - nearer the end of the meeting - was overcome. It wasn't a particular message that touched my heart, though the talk on "Mind the Gap" was so incredible I can't wait to share it once it becomes available. It wasn't even the song sung after, "How Firm a Foundation," that left me in tears. Even the final speaker, one of my favorites, Henry B. Eyring wasn't the driving force behind my tears.

It was the Holy Spirit at last penetrating my heart, speaking to me of the love my Heavenly Father and brother in Christ have for me...for all of us in that room and beyond. In that moment my attitude toward the ladies around me changed. No longer did I resent their whisperings, for I knew they were all as needful of this love as I. At last my heart had softened enough to allow the Spirit to speak truths to my heart and soul.

I've been pondering this bit of enlightenment throughout the rest of my night, thinking especially about those Sundays at church where I don't seem to get anything out of my meetings. This can be especially frustrating when others around me, sitting with me in the exact same meetings, go on and on about how incredible the lessons and talks were and how the Holy Spirit is so strong in the room. If it's so strong, why am I unable to feel it?

Okay so I've known the answer for years, but perhaps it was simply the way in which I was reminded of it all that hit me so hard this night. If we're not feeling the love - His love - then we must ask ourselves what is it that's keeping it from entering our hearts? Are we angry and can't let it go, or frustrated, or vengeful, or exhausted, or depressed, or...and on and on. Perhaps these feelings are of our own doing, or maybe it's the result of the actions of others. Either way the ability to partake of the Spirit comes down to one thing: choice.

I chose tonight to allow my spirit to talk with the Holy Spirit, though it took almost an hour to get to that point. Yet I'm so happy I did, for I wouldn't trade knowing my Heavenly Father loves me for anything.

Team StreetStunts

A friend of mine posted a video to these guys - one of whom is in her karate class. They are AMAZING!!! The sheer talent, guts, and muscle needed to do what they do is beyond my imagination. So sit back and marvel at what you're about to see!

Team StreetStunts in California

Sorry for putting it up in a link...no matter how hard others try to help me, I can't seem to grasp the posting of a YouTube video on blogs (*shrugs*).

Pictures from Sugarhouse Park

That's right folks - more pictures!!! I had to post these as we really did have tons of fun this day at Sugarhouse Park. Twice a year in conjuction with certain Church meetings we take the kids out for a picnic lunch here (weather permitting).

Normally one might think, 'Pictures at a park? DULL!" Not so here. There's a beautiful stream that runs through the middle of the park and into a large pond where oodles of seagulls come to scavenge for bits of bread and food. We didn't go down to the pond. Instead the kids chose to walk up the river.

So enjoy! Oh, and if you're wondering, yes I did get into the river myself. You can get better pictures this way!!!!

Sunday Inspirations September 20, 2009

Several months ago I sensed a change coming. Heavenly Father has a way of preparing me for these things beforehand, knowing how hard change can be for me to cope with. I knew I'd be called to work in the Primary (children ages 3-11), but even as I was asked to be a leader over the Achievement Day girls (ages 8-11) there was a little voice in my head saying, "This is only the beginning."

For the last three months I've felt my heart turning toward the Primary children. I've been volunteering to teach classes as well help in the nursery. I found myself enjoying the little ones, preferring to help them rather than go to my own classes - an unusual occurrence as I adore both Relief Society and my Sunday School class.

As the feeling something more was coming crept upon me I began to think about where I might be used. To be honest I thought it would be in the nursery, as one of the leaders had moved. About three weeks ago my husband called me in for a rather short-notice interview where he asked, to my surprise, "Would you be willing to serve as the Primary chorister?"

My first thought was, "Huh?" The second I spoke aloud: "Yes."

To accept a position in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not quite like accepting it in another church. Well, perhaps it is in some religions, but in ours we believe callings like this come from inspiration and revelation from the Lord. Accepting them comes with a promise to fulfill them to the best of our abilities. We are not paid, it's not quite like being a volunteer, and they often require a load of sacrifice. At times it feels like more than we can bear, and yet they bring with them some of the greatest lessons and blessings we can ever hope to receive.

I have worked with the young women of our church, girls 12-18, and found it to be one of the most incredible positions I have had the pleasure to hold. I have had the chance to lead music in two other meetings, to lead the choir, to teach in Primary, and a few others. I have never before had the opportunity to lead children in music. The idea is both exciting and terrifying, lol.

In accepting a new calling we are given the chance to spread our wings, to use talents we may never have known we had, and to learn. Callings are given just as much for the benefit of the individual as well as for those we are called to serve.

The thought of receiving a calling used to terrify me. I used to put some fantastic effort into thinking of every reason in the book why I couldn't possibly accept. Now I'm excited when something is offered. I know my Heavenly Father is giving me a fresh outlook on how the church works, on what I can do with everything He's blessed me with, and with this particular calling I have the ability to help the children learn to love music.

We have a whole new primary presidency today. I'm certain they're far more anxious than I, but there is no doubt in my mind they will become loved. Do you know why? When the previous leaders were released today my oldest began crying. Her heart was breaking for those leaders she wouldn't spend two hours with every Sunday. It's that thought which keeps me excited - what life will I touch in such a way?

A Post of Pictures

WHEW! Baby have I had fun taking loads and loads of pictures lately...in case you couldn't tell. I wanted to share some of our recent adventures, and then figured you'd be looking at pictures from now until Christmas at the rate I was going. So we'll just start with a recent trip to one of our favorite sections of the Jordan River Parkway.

Yes, there are three different pictures of the exact same scene. I just love to see what pops in the different colors.

I was really quite surprised to see so much water. It seems the district is working to change the face of this portion. It's beautiful, as you can see. And completely unexpected.

Also quite unexpected were the sunflowers. I love sunflowers, and can't wait to see them really take off in a few years.

Daddy and daughter, enjoying some quality walking time.

Okay so I had a lot of fun taking pictures of J. It's a rare occurrence, as he's not the biggest fan of having his pic taken.

He found this awesome walking stick that he hung his bike helmet on. He said, "Mom, I kinda look like one of those guys who walks around with a thing tied to a stick."

There's a power substation right next to this section. I couldn't get over this perspective.

SUNFLOWERS!!!!!SUNFLOWERS!!!!!