BIBLICAL WOMANHOOD: DAY 1

I've been thinking a lot recently about what it means to be a Godly woman. I am by no means an expert on the subject, but I will do my best to summarize my thoughts in this coming series of posts. Today I will share some of my thoughts on body image.

BODY IMAGE: Part 1:

Our society places many demands on us, and few (or none) of them point us to the way of biblical womanhood. For instance, we are constantly told that we "should embrace our bodies" and "be content with who we are and what we look like", and then we are bombarded by images of frighteningly thin models who apparently are meant to be our beauty ideals. Do you see anything wrong with this picture??? I sure do. Having struggled a lot with body image issues and anorexia, I can tell you that being thin will NOT make you happy. When you have an eating disorder, it doesn't matter how thin you are, because you will still think you are overweight! I remember a time not too long ago when I frightened my family and friends with my appearance. I was always sick and miserable and hungry, and I looked so undernourished because...well...I was. Of course I denied to myself and everyone else that I was starving myself. In my mind, I was "controlling and disciplining" myself. I mean, it's a sign of strength and self control to starve yourself, right?? Wrong. I remember keeping a journal of exactly what I ate for a few months. Here's a sample entry:

Breakfast: 1/2 apple

Lunch: 3 crackers

Dinner: nothing

Workouts: 1 hour cardio, 1/2 hour weights


Admitting all this stuff is really hard. I don't think I've ever shared this kind of thing before, but it needs to be said. Girls need to be made aware of what this kind of nutritional deprivation can do to their bodies and minds. Even though I am eating more now, I still struggle with body image on a daily basis. It's a constant battle. But you CAN win! Rejoice in the body God gave you, and do not listen to the devil telling you that you are anything less than a beautiful child of the King!

In BODY IMAGE: Part 2, I'll share some tips for keeping a healthy view of your body.


Blessings,

Erin

Madeline, here's your requested post! :)

There hasn't been too much going on, actually. Mostly everyday stuff.

Last night, we went to see The Merchant of Venice, put on by a local theater company. It was surprisingly good! We really enjoyed it.

Sooooo since I can't think of anything else to tell you, I'll just post 10 random things about myself! :)

10 random things:

1. The weather today was really nice.
2. I haven't eaten anything today but a plate of fruit, two french fries, and coffee. I must be getting sick, because I have NO appetite.
3. I had fun talking to Maddy today! :)
4. I am insanely excited that my mom might have time to watch a movie with me sometime next week!!! It is so nice to have some time with her, even for just an hour.
5. God is good.
6. I hope my appetite comes back soon.
7. My hair needs to grow faster. I miss my long hair!
8. I hope to live in the country someday.
9. I love Fall/Winter!
10. I have to go help with dinner...


XOXO,

Erin

The verdict on the kittens...

Oh my. I am at a loss for words. Well, ummm....basically....THE KITTENS ARE AMAZING!!! They are nearly 12 weeks old, they are SO adorable, and both of them have fabulous personalities. They've spent the last two days sleeping, eating, sleeping, playing, eating, sleeping, playing, and sleeping some more. :) I will upload pics/videos as soon as my brother *cough* shows me how.

We took them to the vet yesterday. Joy. They absolutely hated it, of course. Archie was pretty good, but Lina (pronounced "Leena") had a fit. Oh well, she got over it. (And yes, we did change their names. We didn't like the ones the breeder gave them.)

We were supposed to keep them in only one room for a week after getting them, but they were very eager to get out, so I put them in a basket and took them into the family room to let them explore a bit. They liked that.

The whole fighting thing just cracks me up. Archie loves to *almost* pounce on Lina. He'll sneak up on her while she's not looking, and then right when he's about to get her, he'll run away! She immediately turns around and attacks him, of course. I love the little squeak noises they make while they're fighting. AHH, I just can't get enough of these little cuties! :)

Well, I guess that's enough for now. Pics will be coming soon.

~Erin

New look.

I like it. If you REALLY can't stand it, I might consider changing it. Maybe. :)

Sometimes I wonder...

About life's trials and struggles. I try to think about how they're improving me rather than how they're hurting me. Sometimes it's hard to think in that way, and all too often I find myself thinking WHY me, WHY was I chosen to walk this path? instead of saying Lord, I realize there is a reason for all this, but I *really* can't figure it out? All I feel is pain with no end in sight. But I trust You and want to continue trusting You until Your plan is revealed. Sometimes I'm so afraid and it seems like nothing can help. And then comes Your still, small voice saying "My child, be still and know that I am God. Nothing can separate you from My love."

Lord Jesus, hide me under the shadow of Your wings!

Kittens!!!

Ever since our beloved Kitty died, we've been looking for some kittens to welcome into our family, and it looks like we've found the perfect pair!! Kitty was my very best friend, and it was so hard when she passed away. She was there for me when nobody else was, and she let me cry on her whenever I needed to.

I haven't been truly happy about something in a LONG time, so this is really really neat! :) We haven't actually gotten the kittens yet, because they're too young, but we'll be getting them on September 18th. Here are pics:

www.kelskits.com/Chini%208-27-08%20pic%201c.jpg

^That's Emma

www.kelskits.com/Spot%208-27-08%20pic%201a.jpg

^And that's Jack

I am just...speechless. They're so beautiful and sweet, and I'm just so happy!! :D

Hi everyone...

It's me again. :)

Well, on top of PCOS and herpes, I now have a cold. LOL. Just my luck. The herpes just keeps on coming back over and over again, even though I'm taking the medicine five times a day! It's just a tiny bit frustrating. :P

Even so, I had a lovely time with Joi and Ashley last night, and my mom said she would try to make time to watch a movie with me this week, so I'm really looking forward to that.

My dad's blood test results were given to us today, and unfortunately, he may have some more problems. He's going to have an ultrasound to check for kidney problems. Prayers would be greatly appreciated for that -- he *really* doesn't need any more health issues right now!

Hugs,

~Erin