Movie Magic-Part 5 in a Series on Biblical Womanhood

Think back to Sunday School. Remember Sarah, Rebekah, Rachael, Leah...Deborah!?

When imagining adjectives for these women, "weak" doesn't come to mind. Cunning perhaps, but doormats never. God used women to build up nations. Have you ever noticed how only through their mothers did men reach their destiny? There used to be a saying "behind every great man is a great woman". This has gone out of vogue of late, but I believe there is great truth to it. Women shape nations. Even without being a direct force in the world, we are the ones behind the curtains.

Before I go further I'd like to acknowledge that there are biblical women front in center! I think this proves very clearly that some are called to this role. However, since those women are more cherished in today's society, I'd like to focus on those of us called to be wives and mothers.

Back to the stage! Imagine a production without anyone running the sound. There is no crew to run the lights, no stage managers to corral actors, and no technical crew to build the set. All you have is a few dim, quiet actors in street clothes. Not exactly a magical experience!

It is obvious to everyone who's ever been in a theatre production that the technical crew is every bit as important as the star. Even a production composed of the most brilliant actors of our time would be lackluster at best if these celebrities were left solely to their own devices.

I'm sure you've picked up by now that in the grand production of life, Biblical Women are the technical crew. We're the ones to avert disaster with a well placed nail or seam, the ones to review lines 47 times to ward of stage fright. We are the clean up crew, and the lighting heads who somehow spotlight all the good while casting shadows on the bad. We're the ones who make everything run smoothly, and with a little luck, magically.

Now of course, this works much better if our star is as good an actor as we are manager. Everyone knows that the best crew in the world cant stop a production from running into the ground if the cast is dead set on it being there.

But with a good cast and good crew our lives are almost certain to be blockbusters.

Godly by Choice-Part 4 in a discussion on Biblical Womanhood

I think a large part of the feminist critique of Godly living is the idea that no woman would choose such a life. Worse, that those who do choose home are damaging to women everywhere.

First let's talk about the idea that "no intelligent woman would ever make the choice to sacrifice for her family." Well that's just wrong! To begin with, the very image of a biblical woman is one who is strong, yet compassionate. Someone who contributes much to her family, while maintaining harmony within.

Just look at Proverbs 31. No one would consider such a woman a weak little flower. Yet that is precisely the view the world has of women who strive to follow God. We are seen as weak, drifting women who would leave it all behind if given the chance. Perhaps, were we not saved, we would. For I will not deny that being a Godly woman requires a good deal of death to self. As does, of course, being a Godly man.

Remarkably, when we bury ourselves with Christ, entire worldviews change. What was once drudgery is now a blessing. We strive to walk more closely to Christ not because we have to, but because we so earnestly desire to be near Him. We have not stumbled into a role that we feel forced to keep. Rather we know that through Christ who strengthens us we can do all things. Perhaps the greatest of these is being formed into the kind of woman described in Titus 2.

The world looks at us and sees quaint remnants of a forgotten time. What they fail to see is that in this crumbling world, being old fashioned has its benefits. We are not perfect, we all stumble. The one thing that I believes holds us together is a faith in God that prevails over our selfish nature. Once we surrender our expectations, God quickly shows us His way.

Addressing those who belive the choice to stay home is damaging to women, I ask- if not us then who? If we take all Godly women out of America...what then? Am I saying that to follow God a woman musn't work? Of course not, the ideal biblical women owned a field and gave fruit. What I am saying is that we mustn't let ambition cloud principle. The women of the world would be much better off if they went into their carreres embracing their femininity instead of requiring all other women to shed of this quality at the first interview. What would our world be if every woman in America embraced this philosophy?

Urgent Prayer Request!

My friend jacque over at jacquefromtexas just found out that her mother suffered a heart attack and was diagnosed with pneumonia and is hospitalized.

Jacque talked to her mother (who was awake), still she urgently requests your prayers.

"Being a Mommy in a Me-First! World" (Barbara Curtis)Part 3 in a Discussion on Biblical Womanhood

After establishing the world's view of Biblical Womanhood and looking at the actual biblical mandate for women, I believe we can now safely say that the discussion can move to how biblical principles are applied in the everyday lives of contemporary women. Discussion is still quite open in the preceding posts, but I fear my intention with this series might have been misunderstood.

My hope for this series is to explain Biblical Womanhood in such a way that those on the outside may glean a better understanding. I see a huge misunderstanding on what being a Godly woman actually means. This series is not about debating if such and such view is a "feminist" view, but rather to show what our view actually is. It is foolish to discuss the merits of an ideology without first understanding (and not by assumption) its basic tenants.

That said I am excited to see where this discussion will lead. This first article was posted originally in Mrs. Curtis' blog, Mommylife It is titled "Being a mommy in a Me- First! world" and is posted with permission of the author.

Motherhood is not easy - I think we're all agreed on that. From the get-go it involves sacrificing your own needs for another. Marriage should do that too, but because marriage involves another adult, it's far less intense and we can get by with just giving in a little.

But that sweet little baby they hand you in the hospital is a bundle of needs with no ability to take into consideration things like your need for sleep. That's where I believe the first chance for changing our attitudes begins, but since we're inexperienced when we go into this motherhood thing (all our learning is on the job); we immediately set a goal of getting the baby's cycle to conform to our own.

Now there's really nothing wrong with that - to a point. But how we go about it - and our attitudes - really matter. I know when I was starting out as a mom it took a long time for me to let go of my sense of entitlement - as though I were somehow entitled to sleep through the night. It took me a long time to surrender to the fact that my life was no longer my own.

But the fact is, my life is not my own and has not been for 36 years. And while I may have spent years resisting the idea that the world did not revolve around me, but - that my world would now revolve around my family - those were not the best years of my motherhood. The best came when I surrendered and realized it wasn't about me at all. This was something I had learned from experience and fully embraced years before Rick Warren made it the first line of The Purpose-Driven Life: "It's not about you."

I find a lot of reassurance in those four little words. They soothe and calm me when I momentarily forget that it's not about me. See, when I forget it's not about me, I'm miserable and unhappy because life is full of reminders that it's not about me. And being a mommy has to be the ultimate challenge in surrendering to the reality that life is nowhere near being about me at all.

Being a mommy is humbling. You are confronted with your mistakes constantly. They haunt you: What if I had known then what I know now? What if I had done this differently? What if my children never realize how much I loved them? And what if no one ever knows how hard things sometimes were?

You have the most challenging task in the universe, and yet the most unaffirmed. No pay raises, bonuses, performance reviews, trophies, medals, or even stickers for doing things well. Growing up in a society that routinely rewards success, it can be hard to make the transition to motherhood. It can be lonely. It can feel like no one cares.

But there is someone who cares - our Heavenly Father. And I don’t mean that as a platitude or in a you’re-not-supposed-to-feel-this-way-so-pull-yourself-together-and-get-over-it kind of way. I mean it in a real way. Because in motherhood sometimes God is absolutely the only thing you have to hold on to.

It involves surrender. Dying to self. Not too popular in this Have It Your Way! age. Nothing we’ve really been trained to do. And something we’ve been taught to resist. How often have you gotten advice like “You have to have time for yourself” or “Be good to yourself” “Think about your needs”?

Gosh, I just don’t know where to find that in the Bible. And though non-believers scoff at using the Bible for advice (I know because I was an unbeliever for 38 years), I have found that following the wisdom there gave my life a turn for the better. I tell my kids it’s like our Owners Manual.

Everything about motherhood is really just the opposite, nudging us to put others ahead of ourselves, and to sacrifice our needs to theirs. Is it really so bad? Not if you know that you choose it willingly. So the key to finding the joy in motherhood is in making that choice.

In Chariots of Fire Eric Liddell, the 1924 Olympic champion, was able to bring his best to each moment of the race because he ran to please the Lord: “When I run, I feel His pleasure.”

Well, that’s how mothering can be. When we are surrendered and thinking more of others than ourselves, we are at our best. We feel God’s pleasure.

Perhaps the most important thing we can grab hold of and hang on to is that motherhood isn't just about us molding our kids to be all we want them to be. It's also about allowing God to mold us into the mothers he wants us to be. So how we go about doing things - and especially our attitudes - is more important than we could have imagined before we found ourselves in the midst of sleepless nights, droopy diapers and markers on our walls.

As for the lack of affirmation – your motherhood is between you and God. When you think about it, the opportunity to raise children is an incredible privilege. I can’t think of another job where you would have the opportunity to sacrifice so much – thereby becoming more conformed to the image of Christ. I picture Mary breaking her alabaster jar to anoint her Savior, and I want my life to be broken like that alabaster jar, so that my days spill out like precious oil.

Do I do it perfectly? No I don’t. But I am constantly trying to do better, constantly learning to depend more on God’s grace and forgiveness. If you are the kind of person who struggles with guilt or the paralysis that comes when you feel you’ve blown it, time to let that go. Acknowledge your faults and move on

Motherhood is a journey and we who are on it are all individuals. All of our journeys are different, but each of us stands poised to take our own next step, whatever that may be. It’s just important that we be willing to grow and to change – rather than trying to mold our motherhood to fit our own desires, it’s more challenging – and ultimately more satisfying to allow God to mold us into the kind of mothers He would want us to be.

While this post is about parenting, I believe it transcends the maternal/child relationship. It is a wonderful example about what real women believe about being a Godly woman.

Commitment to Loveliness

1. Finish all the post-vacation laundry.
2. Finish setting up my dressing table.
3. Finish painting the sofa table.
4. Figure out some way to deal with my rebellious skin.
5. Learn at least one new recipe.

Scripture-Part 2 in a Discussion of Biblical Womanhood

This post is simply a few scriptures about Honorable Women. What would a discussion of biblical womanhood be without it? I included both the KJV and the Message to aid in discussion.

Proverbs 31: 10-31

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

KJV

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing. She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

The Message Version

Titus 2: 3-5

3The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

5To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

KJV

Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don't want anyone looking down on God's Message because of their behavior.

The Message Version

How I am viewed-Part 1 in a Discussion of Biblical Womenhood

First, this is my 200th post. It seems fitting then that this message is about how my words have impacted others, and how I myself am now seen.

Through the wonders of site meter I saw that an incredible influx of visitors were coming to my site through an online community where I used to post. Of course these were in the days of my pro-life infancy, during a time where I trusted people more, and Christ less.

Anyways, these new additions to my online readership came from the "pro-choice" section of the main website. They came in response to a post I made about a year ago (snarkishly) realizing the irony that those who are in the highest ranks of the contemporary women's movement seem to cast aside any sibilance of femininity. Irony...hah. hah. Not my best moment.

Apparently there was an entire thread devoted to this post and why it made me "anti-feminist" Ooops. At least it was better than the influx of traffic I received from a child-free website thats main focus seemed to be calling my ill child "fugly".

Contained in this pro-choice thread was the analyzing of one member of my life and self. This I will share with my readers:(factual inaccuracies will be bolded to avoid confusion_

Broorel? I remembered she used to be in the pro-choice guild. Wearing a nursing suit and long blonde hair for her avatar.

She later joined pro-life guild (probably felt alienated here).In fact I never was a member of the pro-choice guild, though as you know, I was for many years pro-choice)

Joined the feminist guild, but had a hard time reconciling her Christianity religion with fundamental rights of women (which is difficult, if you believe in a literalist, concrete, fundie interpretation of the bible because there's plenty of passages that downgrade the status of women).In fact I did join the feminist guild, and contrary to belief left not because of conflicting moral qualms, but because I left the site altogether

From my short time of knowing her at the boards, I knew her as a nice girl but a confused girl.

She'll probably get mad by hearing what I have to say, but I know that in a few years time she will thank me for being very observant.

She'll tolerate this ideological framework that stands as her personally-imposed hell until it drives her crazy. Her life will feel increasingly empty, her husband would have gone complacent and comfortable being in the patriarchal role that she enabled and encouraged him to be in, she will resent him more and more for not treating her like an equal, and she will resent that her status as mother and the roles imposed on her end up actually objectifying the growing baby.

In fact, her personal dissatisfaction of this lifestyle is already showing signs because she wants all women to become her model. Women that do not conform to her way of life are considered "the other", the "masculine". There is great insecurity in knowing that not everyone is living, acting, and breathing the way yourself does, when deep down inside you never wanted to participate in life in this manner IN THE FIRST PLACE.

All of this, because I'm "sure" God *really* hates girls wearing pants.

The bulk of this really seems to be an affront to biblical womanhood, and not myself personally. It stands heavily on the notion that no woman happily chooses a life of servitude and grace. As scary as those words are to some people, many flourish under such guide.

So I feel now that I am not defending my person, but rather defending biblical womanhood as a whole. It is strange to me those who cry the loudest about our oppression, know little about the strength that comes with living a Godly life.

This begins then a discussion on Biblical Womanhood in a Modern Culture. I hope that any stray gaians will stay around for the ride. It's not much of a conversation if I'm the only one talking. But now I must dash to take the pot-pie out of the oven. :)

Home Decor-Holden's Room

Another "victory" for safe 'n legal abortions

From an article about the oh so happy contraceptive and abortion museum

Up until about 1900, abortions were so dangerous that it was safer for women to carry the child to term and then kill it after it was born. Visitors can even listen to recordings of abortion providers discussing how up until 30 years ago it was still a life-threatening procedure.

link

Aren't we happy we've come so far?

Post-Abortion E-cards

I found a link to these e-cards over at feministe. At first I found them a bit trite (the first announces that you think the abortive mother made the "right choice"). The rest though seemed supportive and loving. Though I world love to see the day when no women would need such a card, I think these are a thoughtful way to reach out to women who are in pain.

If only Exhale could care about the children as well.

5 family meals for under $5 (#5)

I'm running a series of 5 family meals under $5.00. The first part of this series, with links to the rest can be found (here)

This is a great meal that my reminds my dear husband of his childhood. It should- my mother in law taught me how to make this simple, home cooked wonder.

Breaded Chicken and Buttermilk Biscuits and chickeny rice

Ingredients:

1 boneless skinless chicken breast per adult. Half per child. $1.00 per breast
1 1/2 liter buttermilk (you wont use it all) $1.00
1 1/4 sticks butter $.50
2 1/4 cups flour $.15
1 cup rice $.20
1 bullion cube $.12

Total cost- 4.97
Feeds- 2 adults, 2 children

Preparation:

Biscuit

Preheat Oven to 500.

Put about a tablespoon of butter into skillet or baking dish and heat in oven until melted. When you get it out of the oven make sure butter covers entire bottom of pan or dish.

Put 2 cups all-purpose flour in bowl.

Cut one stick of VERY cold real butter into small pieces.

Add butter to flour in bowel and mix together quickly (just mix it evenly)

Add about one cup of buttermilk to flour/butter mixture and stir it into loose ball (I use a biscuit mixer for this to keep it nice and cold). Add buttermilk if flour mixture is too dry and continue mixing until a loose ball is formed.

Put floured surface and knead just long enough for dough to form a more solid ball.

Roll out dough to about 2 inches think and cut out biscuits (you can use the top of a round glass if you don't have a biscuit cutter) and place in baking skillet or dish close together. Take the remaining dough from the first cuts and form it in and oblong shape that looks like a couple of biscuits. Cut those out w/ the dough cutter and add to buttered pan w/ first biscuits. It is very important to make sure that you place a biscuit in the center of the pan so that the butter absorbs evenly.

Bake about 15 minutes. Then check to see if top of biscuits are brown. When they're brown, they're done!

Chicken-

Lay out two shallow bowls. Fill one with about 1/4 cup of butter milk, and the other with about the same amount of flour.

Take chicken breasts and lather in buttermilk and then bread in milk.

Throw chicken into an oiled pan and cook til cooked through.

Rice-

Cook rice according to instruction on bag, adding a bullion cube to water for flavor.

5 family meals for under $5 (#4)

I am doing a series of 5 family meals under $5.00. The first in the series, as well as links to the rest, can be found (here).

Here is my super duper cheap 'n easy Lasagna recipe. This too comes from the (Free!) Kraft Food and Family magazine!

In fact, I'm going to cheat on this one and just link to their website!

Here you go (Kraft lasagna recipe)

I'll simply give you a breakdown of costs.

Lasagna noodles- $1.00
Pasta sauce-$.80 (get the cheap kind you open w/ a can opener)
1 bag shredded mozzarella cheese- $1.50
1 container (15oz) ricotta cheese-$2.49
1 egg $.16
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese-$.80
A good hearty sprinkling of parsley- $.40

Total Cost-7.15 (I know, I know this isn't really under 5...but it serves twice as many people which makes it incredibly frugal for a Sunday dinner party or a large family)
Feeds-8 adults.

5 family meals for under $5 (#3)

I am doing a series on frugal families meals. 5 meals under 5 dollars! The first in the series, as well as the links to the rest can be found (here).

This is one of my favorite meals because I feel so clever that I managed to clean up tacos...at least a bit. This recipe does not call for lettuce because my family doesn't like it on their tacos but feel free to add it if you like. As you'll see, this recipe doesn't call for much at all, but boy is it yummy!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey. 85/15 works best because it doesn't get too stringy. Plus, it's cheap! $2.80
• 1 pkg taco seasoning or a good squirt of taco sauce. $.80
• 2 oz or so cream cheese (This is my secret ingredient that holds things together) $.40
• 1/2 a cup or so of salsa. (this can vary depending on you families preference) $.50
• 10 or so corn tortillas (depending on family size and appetite) $.25
• Enough vegetable oil to to fry the tortillas $.10

Final Cost $4.85
Feeds-4 adults

Preparation: (warning, this usually takes two to time well,think of it as a family affair!)

Brown & Drain the meat

Meanwhile, Fry corn tortillas in vegetable oil. This process is a bit complicated to explain, but I'll try. If it seems to difficult just make "tostadas" by placing the corn tortilla in the skillet and hot oil and allow it to crisp on both sides. Or you could just buy "hard tacos" for a bit more.

If you are going for taco's Place the tortilla in hot oil skillet and allow to sizzle for about 40 seconds. Take two spatulas, and gently mold the tortilla into the form of a taco so that the opposite side will be fried. Be careful to position your spatula so that the taco does not close in on itself. after about 70 seconds turn the taco so the remaining side is placed in the oil. Fry the remaining side and place on a paper towel covered plate to allow oil to dry. Repeat until desired number of tacos is reached.

Returning to the meat mix in cream cheese and salsa.

Place meat mixture into each taco and enjoy!

5 family meals for under $5 (#2)

I am posting my 5 favorite meals for under $5.00 for a family of 4. My first recipe which will link to the all 5 can be found (here)

This recipe is from Rachael Ray's Express Lane Meals and is one of my husband's favorites.

Spaghetti all Ceci (chickpea and tomato pasta)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta of your choice. $.80
• 3 tbls olive oil (three turns of the pan) $.30
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flake or powder $.05
• 3 or 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped (or 1 tsp garlic powder) $.05 if powder-$.20 if fresh
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme $.05
• 1/2 cup chicken stock (use the other half of the bullion cube used for pot pie)
• 1 14oz can crushed tomatoes $.80
• 1 140z can chickpeas $1.00
• Parmesan cheese to top Negligible

Total Cost: $3.20! (including use of fresh garlic!)
Feeds: 4 adults or 2 adults 3 children

Preparation:

Bring big pot of water to Boil for the pasta. Salt it and cook the pasta to al dente.

While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Evoo, red pepper, and garlic. Place the chickpeas in and pulse to a fine chop. Add the chickpeas to the skillet with the garlic and season them with the thyme, salt and pepper. Saute them for 3 or 4 minutes. Add stock and cook down for 20 seconds and then stir in the tomatoes and adjust the seasoning. Drain the pasta and toss w/ sauce.

5 family meals for under $5 (#1)

• This is probably a Meme somewhere, but I couldn't seem to track it down. The idea occurred to me today that I have several 4 person meals for $5.00 or less. They're far tastier than anything I've made of frugal recipes, and they don't break the bank!

So here are my list of 5 family meals for under $5.00
1- Chicken Pot Pie (in this article)

2- Spaghetti Al Cici

3- Not so messy Tacos

4- Easy Lasagna

5- Chicken, Bisuits and Rice

Chicken Pot Pie. You have no idea just how easy this recipe really is. This is one of those standbys that I cook when I'd really rather just order a pizza. I found this in the FREE Kraft cooking magazine [here] They substitute Neufchatel cheese for cream to cut fat, but I don't.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb* boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in 1 inch pieces.

*I generally only use two breasts and add in extra veggies. There is plenty of meat and this cuts the meat cost to about $2.00

• 1/4 cup* Italian dressing. (low fat is fine)

*This is simply used to cook the chicken, so a turn or two around the pan is fine $.20?

• 1/3 package cream cheese (or neulchatel) $.60
• 2 tbls. flour $ negligible!
• 1/2 cup* chicken broth

* I prefer to use bullion cubes. They are cheaper and you don't have to worry about how long that box of broth has been in the fridge. You can cut a bullion in half since it is only half a cup and safe the other half for another time. With this, the cost is $.06

• 1 10 oz* package frozen mixed veggies

* I generally use only about 6 oz and my pot pies are more than full. $.75

• 1 refrigerated pie crust*

* These come in packs of two, but I use a single layer pie, and thus need only one. $.75

Total cost-$4.36!
Feeds- 2 adults 2 children

Cooking instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degree F. Cook chicken in dressing in large skillet on medium heat 2 min. Add cream cheese; cook and stir until melted. Add flour; ,ix well. Add broth and veggies; simmer 5 min

Pour mixture into deep dish 10 inch pie plate. Arrange pie crust over filling; flute edges w/ fork. Cut 4 slits in crust to allow steam to escape.

Bake 30 min. or until crust is golden brown

The Trouble with Viability

We've all heard ardent defenders of choice claim to respect abortion for any reason... up to the point of viability. This sand drawn line is very telling of the abortive mindset. There are two facets of self preservation when it comes to abortion and viability neatly divides the two.

The first justification of abortion involves the invasion of bodily domain by the unwelcome unborn. The woman, pregnant by apparently miraculous means unbecoming of consent, is thus entitled to remove her progeny at will. Viability is given as a rational point of restriction because at this point the unwelcome unborn can theoretically survive apart from its "host" however unhealthily.

Of course, this dips into a realm of problem when we evaluate what such sentiments seem to imply. Are we to believe that a lack of a "good" option makes killing a moderate one? I can think of no other situation where a lack of escape from a self made situation justifies the killing of an innocent,abet inconvenient bystander. Moreover, I can think of no situation in which a window of opportunity disallows a "harmless" procedure; that where "good" comes, "neutral" is made to "immoral".

Trapped people do desperate things, but are we to allow a self made captive to destroy another simply to escape temporal bonds?

For the bonds of pregnancy are temporary. No one will deny this fact, least of all the "up to viability" folks. For how could they possibly claim abortion as a free pass from motherhood when arbitrary restrictions are placed well before the chains of motherhood are clasped?

The second facet of abortion justification is the "right" to be free from motherhood. This "right" it seems should extend til crowning. For I know of no circumstances in which hypothetical freedom from bodily intrusion simultaneously inflicts the bonds of parenthood. Birth excluded since it is established that this is the act so fought to avoid.

Opposing abortion after viability, but not before, makes little sense. It speaks more to personal morality than logic. This is fine, except that those who support abortion subvert moral thought. It is hard to support abortion when the aborted are capable of life outside the womb, but the situation of the mother is unchanged. To truly support the choice of women, one can take into account nothing of the child.

Though it may be horrifically appalling to the sensibilities to think of 23 week aborted fetus and a child of the same age fighting for life in an isolet, there is nothing logically different about aborting at 23 weeks or 7. If you find the former disturbing, perhaps it is time to examine closely your views of the humanity of the unborn and the reality of abortion.

My choice. His life. Which will you support?

A good distraction-Clothing meme

I found this over at charming the birds from the trees

A: What accessories do you wear everyday? I used to wear a beautiful necklace my grandmother gave me for my highschool graduation, but it was torn off by my diaper bag one day.

B: What is your beauty routine? Wake up, shower, was face w/ only water (I have very sensitive skin), moisturize with soy moisturizer, put in contacts, put on foundation.

C: What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? For myself? I think a skirt from Banana Republic. My mom bought me a few youthful summer items. I'm trying to decide if they're my style.

D: Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Both. One is very small for unmentionables. We also have a built in shelving unit in our closet. We're supposed to be getting an antique dresser from my in laws soon.

E: What type of earrings are in your ears right now? None, I'm horribly allergic to ear ring posts. I'm actually considering having all my nice earrings made into some other form of jewelry.

F: What type of figure do you have? A bit taller than average, with a slim but curvy figure.

G: Do you wear glasses? As rarely as possible. I look much better without them, but my vision is 20/800. Only when sick or tired to I wear them.

H: What type of handbag do you carry? I have a Dooney and Burke bag that my mother in law bought me a few years ago. I carry that our Holden's diaper bag depending on the situation. I also have a more formal bag.

I: What is your ideal style? I really modest, yet feminine clothing. I LOVE the shirt dresses from the 40's and 50's and really strive to style myself after that time.

J: What jewelry are you wearing right now? Just my wedding band

K: Do you wear knee-hi stockings? Knee-hi's no. Thigh hi's yes. Is that too risque?

L: Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? I like to but I rarely do.

M: Do you wear makeup? If yes, what products do you use? Bare Natural powder foundation, Sephora brighting foundation, Benefit Boing undereye concealor, Sephora blush, E.L.F mascara, various eyeshadows to match my fancy.

N: Do you wear nightgowns? No, but I'd love to get some.

O: What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winters day? My gorgeous green Brooks Brothers coat Oliver bought me for Christmas, sometimes a scarf, hat or gloves.

P: What is your favorite perfume? I actually don't wear any.

Q: Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? Yes. I'd rather have one really well made skirt or shirt over five or six poorly made ones.

R: Do you wear rain boots? Nope, it's pretty dry in Texas

S: Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? Neither, I just put my cold feet on poor Oliver.

T: Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yes, we received some beautiful luggage for our wedding.

U: What is your daily uniform? In cold months, a knit skirt and turtleneck and in warmer months a linen or cotton skirt and tee.

V: If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? If not, how did you do your hair? I had a veil, and my hair was done up with pearls.

W: Do you wear a watch? Yes, but it doesn't work! It's a vintage 50's watch my grandmother gave me and I love it.

X: What item of clothing always makes you feel eXtremely beautiful? There was this versace dress that I didn't buy that made me feel like a star. I'm always hoping I can somehow track it down.

Y: What is your favorite type of yarn? Cashmere

Z: Do you prefer zippers or buttons? Hm, if the buttons are delicate then buttons, otherwise a hidden zipper.

Why is it even a question?

It seems odd that we need even ask if killing a member of our species is wrong. Of course, we live in a society where we question even if "wrong" exists, so perhaps it is not. I find it difficult to articulate my exact feelings when it comes to abortion. It is somewhere in the range of disgust and horror and sympathy and sadness.

I trick my mind into not focusing on the exact details of the killing. I suppose we all do that to some extent. Horror is more palatable when we think in generalities and do not let our mind wonder into what killing actually entails. When I think daily of abortion, I think of the death of the child in terms of a light switch. Now they live, now they don't. I can't look at the reality. It is too stark, and too grotesque.

Then I look and I pray.

Hating Abortionists

Abortionists are easy to hate. Even when we pray for them and claim to love them, it is easy for hateful speech to leave the mouths of the pro life community. We hate injustice, but we should not hate people.

A verse I found very telling is 1 John 3:15

Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.

Wow. My husband hit in on the head when he said "It seems to me that the pro life community is at much at risk as the abortionists, for spiritually we are judged equally"

Now I know that as a whole the pro life community is very loving. I also know that it is very hard to remain loving when faced with murder and malice. We must. For in order to rise above the killing, we mustn't despise the executioner. For though there are many that will flaunt the death of innocents, even more do they need loving prayer.

So I am asking God to help me not let vile attacks escape my lips. Though trite, the adage of loving the sinner and hating the sin must reign in my life. For it is impossible for me to achieve anything while carrying around hatred for the people who are lost in their sin. It is my job to bring light, not to throw mud.

Prayer Request: What is happening to me?

It's not often I post a personal prayer request, but today I really need it. For the past few months I've been having a lot of health problems that only seem to be getting worse. It looks like we wont be able to get pregnant and stay pregnant again without medical intervention, and our insurance covers one (1!) cycle of drugs... EVER. So now we're in a really scary place because we know that my luteal phase is too short to sustain a pregnancy, but we don't want to give up hope of another child. This is definitely a God thing, and we would appreciate your prayers.

Last cycle I had an ovarian cyst burst, and I fear that using our one lifetime assisted cycle now would be a very poor decision. Every cycle seems to be worse and less fertile, so we're afraid if we wait too long we may forever miss the chance.

In addition to this (or perhaps they're related?) my gluten intolerance seems to have spread to a general food intolerance and eating anything at all turns my stomach.

I'm just in a really bad place right now.

Blogger's Block?

I haven't written much lately. Quite honestly, I haven't had much to say. It's not that I don't care enough to write, but more that the absurd horror of abortion has frozen my keys.

I've written volumes on the subject, but at the end of the day the reality seems unimaginable.

Did I really write over 100 posts about women paying to harm themselves in order to kill their children? 100 posts about doctors casting aside the first tenants of medicine? Doctors who kill.

How could this be happening? Regardless of your stance on the legality of abortion, step back and look at the what is really going on. Thousands of women every single day pay to have their children killed. Doctors maintain practices solely to kill their patients. We, the American people, pay for this to happen.

How can I begin to do this justice?