Femininity Revisited

My New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Sad to say - I am going to very gently and tenderly take my hands off both this blog and my dreams of being a stay-at-home mother and wife.

If you would like, please follow me on my new blog Romantic Victorian and Vintage Treasures.

It has been a joy and honor dreaming with you ladies here. I can never repay you for your encouragement and kindness during these past few years.

Some dreams are not meant to be.

Yet I have learned so much about femininity, biblical womanhood and my own role as a woman. None of that has changed.

Children get older, life goes on and sometimes changes need to be made.

I wish I could have been a homemaker. The time has come to tenderly lay down my dream and move on.

New Decorating Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:24:00 +0000

Hello Ladies! Happy New Year!

I've started a new blog called, "Romantic Victorian and Vintage Treasures".

I love to antique and go "junking". I thought I'd keep a blog of some of my finds and decorating ideas. If you love old-fashioned things, you might want to subscribe.

Thank you!

We Women Got Offtrack

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:51:00 +0000

A Wonderful Post by my dear friend at 'A Quiet Gracious Life'. Please read it if you can - not long but quite thought-provoking.

http://aquietgraciouslife.blogspot.com/2012/01/catherine-marshall-we-women-got-off.html

Demi Moore's Insecurity

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:59:00 +0000

"I would say what scares me is that I'm going to ultimately find out at the end of my life that I'm really not lovable, that I'm not worthy of being loved," Demi Moore reveals. "That there's something fundamentally wrong with me."

Demi Moore is saything this? In this article, she explains how she has always had a fear of being abandoned and uncomfortable with her body.

Ladies, this woman has spent thousands on making herself look nearly perfect. And yet, she still has issues with her self esteem. In my natural mind, I would never think someone like Demi Moore could feel 'unworthy'.

When I read this, I read my own story and most likely the thoughts of most of us women. It stunned me to think that Demi Moore could feel the same as someone 'unimportant' like me.

I wish I could introduce Demi to my Lord who could show her unconditional love and acceptance.

Pink, Romance, Roses and Girlishness!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 04:15:00 +0000

Well, Ladies - bear with me here.

White is beautiful. I know because I'm here in the snow in Ohio right now. It's beautiful...BUT....

What happened to the original Shabby Chic? Where the main style was pink and white? Deliciously feminine rose and floral fabrics?

When I pick up 'Romantic Homes' (which I used to subscribe to) - all I see is white and neutrals.

I miss the romance of the early editions of 'Romantic Homes'! All my old favorite decorating blogs have evolved from luscious pink/rose/femininity to stark white with a little beige thrown in and some fake diamonds! Blogs that used to be deliriously romantic!

If you are like me and miss the romance that we used to see in magazines, join me on Pinterest! I'm keeping my old-fashioned, rose-colored dreams alive!

Wintery New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Happy New Year! I am writing from Ohio and experiencing my first New Year in the cold north!

I am absolutely LOVING the snowy, cold weather. It is simply invigorating to me after Florida's humid heat. I am struck in awe and breathless at the stark winter beauty. I just took a long walk in 30 degree weather and REVELED in the beauty of evergreens, brisk breezes and beautiful homes. It is so different from Florida that I feel as though I am on another planet. I would move up north in an instant but alas, my husband has a wonderful job in Florida so there I will remain. I'm grateful for his job. However, I'd be in heaven if I could live up here with seasons.

I hope you all have a blessed New Year and a happy holiday. I'll write again when I am back at home....missing the beauty of a "real" winter!

God bless -

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:34:00 +0000

I wanted to wish you all a beautiful, joyous and blessed Christmas!

Thank you so much for all of your prayers. Our situation has not changed, but it has not gotten worse either!

I truly hope your holidays are bright with love and happiness!

Which is More Expensive?

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 16:48:00 +0000

My Dear Friends,

Tomorrow is my 25th Wedding Anniversary. We will not be celebrating it. :(

May I tell you why?

I have worked for the entirety of our marriage. My husband and I were not Christians when we married. We became Christians after my son was a toddler. I took off one year when each of my children were born but that is all. It has been a struggle for me and I have always wanted to be home. My heart has been torn in two. Even now, successful in my career- we're still living paycheck to paycheck despite all the statements of "We can't afford it.". However, my husband recently got a promotion at his work.

Last year, I asked my husband how he wanted to celebrate our upcoming 25th Anniversary. I had envisioned a big party, renewing our vows, a second honeymoon etc. My husband didn't seem interested. I was very surprised but over the past year, I continued bringing the subject up to no avail. I was hurt. I didn't understand.

Our marriage, for several reasons, is at the brink. :( I asked my husband last night what he thought would make it better and he replied, "You coming home."

I was stunned.

I had been off this summer from my job at school and he said life was so much better and less stressful.

So I'm going to discuss it more with him but I am considering leaving my position at the end of this school year, if not earlier.

This is a frightening prospect for a woman of 45. Yet, when I look back on it - I've not contributed so much to my family financially. And at the end of the day, I don't contribute much to the household because I'm exhausted and my husband is exhausted. I haven't been a "keeper at home". I haven't fulfilled my role. Am I surprised at this turn of events?

We'll see what happens. I am praying for God's will. My husband and I love each other very much. If coming home will save my marriage, it's worth it. Regardless of the shocked responses I receive for leaving a well-paying position in these tough economic times - if I'm divorced, what good will it do me? I can always get another job.

I can't get another husband.

I won't be able to take a trip to Paris, or to travel as much as I'd like. But I will do what I can to save my marriage and home. No matter what.

Thanks for reading and if you could pop up a prayer for us, I'd appreciate it. :)

Are you ready for Christmas???

Thoughtful Tuesday

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:54:00 +0000

I'm up for a Fall Challenge - how about you? :) Please visit Women Living Well and join me.

Confession Time: I have been waaaaay too self-centered recently. It's been "All About Me" for a long time now and I have seen my sin. Of course, it took Daddy taking practically all of our money away and finding myself standing in a food line last week for me to see my sin.... Gosh, we can be stubborn!!! Anyway, my family is in temporary financial straits due to medical and car repairs ~~horrible planning.~~ To the point where we are praying to Daddy literally to make it through the week with groceries and gas. It will be a miracle if we do, but He's a good Daddy. Part of the reason I'm posting this is because I anticipate telling you on Friday (payday) that He did help us through. I'm in the thick of my trial right now though and can't see how.

You see in the past few months, my husband picked up my slack in the housework and also and began doing the finances. I became lazy and selfish. He became lazy and selfish. My children became lazy and selfish. (It continually amazes me how we women shape our homes....) So, of course, I got mad at my husband and my children for being lazy and selfish. >.< Yeah, that helped. (Not!)

Our life just blew up and we had no money, no groceries, no savings, no nothing. Of course, that is what it takes for most of us to bashfully shuffle up to the Throne, rest our forehead on His knee and mutter, "Daddy, I need help...." That's all He is waiting for.

He forgave me, as He always does. He helped me sit with my husband and go over finances and create a budget. He helped me start couponing (which is fantastic, but another blog post!). He helped me when I prayed yesterday while driving home from work with tears in my eyes, "Lord Jesus, I am exhausted. I don't know how I will be able to give anymore today to my family - who should be the main ones receiving my attention. I'm so tired from work and I just want to go home to bed. I need Your strength to cook dinner, do laundry, clean, listen, guide, care, and get ready for tomorrow. You'll have to do it through me, Lord, because I have no more to give."

And He did.

He will for you, too, Dear Sister.

Today, I'm literally eating a package of cookies for lunch. I don't have anything else and no more money to buy anything. I am making lunch for my husband and children each night and trying to eat as little as possible. (No worries, I can stand to lose a few pounds!! LOL!)

I thought last evening while washing dishes, "I have so much to do and so little energy...why should I keep this blog? I'm no perfect homemaker." God whispered that it is even more important for me to continue the blog because working moms need help and encouragement the most. You all know my reverence and respect for homemakers - where I believe we all should be - so I mean no disrespect.

However, working and commuting 45+ hours a week, having a husband, children, home, pets, friends, sisters and people who demand your time and are angry when you can't give it - we working moms are exhausted. I know I am.

Still, we can light a candle, pray, and make sure we sit at the table and eat that frozen pizza with our family.

I was 'woe-ing is me' aloud recently while slouched in the recliner. My son looked at me and said, "Mom, look up at the ceiling." I stared at him as though he were crazy. He said, "Just do it." So I did. Then he said, "Now look at the walls." Again, I gave him a look but I did it. Then he continued, "Now look at the floor." Okkkkaaayyyy....... Then he said,

"All of this is yours. This is your house. God gave it to us. Don't you think he can get us through the week, too?"

UPDATE: As of 1:00 p.m. today, I've had pizza, soda and two cookies - all courtesy of my Daddy! :) One thing about these times is that I almost anticipate how God will provide - knowing He will. And I try to remember that if He doesn't - it is for my good. Another thing I have learned is how good a full tummy can feel!

GOD IS GOOD! He took care of this little one today. Thank you, Daddy!

Brighten the Corner Where You Are!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:44:00 +0000

I tend to ignore the dire warnings and unpleasant news. In fact, I've dismissed it with a wave of my hand and "Oh, it won't get that bad." However, this Pollyanna cannot ignore the fact that the world's economy is crumbling. The handwriting is on the wall - just look a the news today.

SO - with that in mind, come what may - I plan on Brightening the Corner Where He Has Put Me! :) Yes, hard times are a'comin' but you know what? We've had hard times before and we'll have hard times again. We must keep on keeping on!

If you need a glorious dose of encouragement today, go on over to Aunt Ruthie's Sugarpie Farmhouse! She has another blog post up for Fall. Yahoooooo!

I'm still couponing and stockpiling but my main trust is in our Lord.

http://youtu.be/HnJrXfXTeQI Sing Along! :)

Fall, Finances and Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 12:35:00 +0000

My goodness, the news is more depressing than I have ever seen.

Financially, morally, spiritually - this is getting depressing!

Anyone relate?

We have cut back on our spending and I have, to my surprise, started seriously couponing. Food is simply too expensive not to do so. I couldn't believe when I noticed that bread is almost $3.00 a loaf and milk is $4.00 a gallon. Gas where we live is now $3.65 a gallon. It appears that those wise women who blogged a couple years ago about stockpiling were right. The food prices have skyrocketed!

I have been delving into Money Saving Mom's website. Financial matters are very tight in our household right now as I am certain it is with most people. I'm very grateful to the bloggers who scour the deals for us trying to save a little where we can. My husband created a large pantry for me in the laundry room and I'm in the process of filling it slowly but surely.

BUT - I must remind myself daily that our provision comes from the Lord and only the Lord. It may be hard to keep the faith through tough times but I'm drumming verses of His infinite care into my stubborn and distracted mind!

Isaiah 40: 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

I'm focusing on Isaiah 40 today. "Comfort, comfort, My People...." Isn't He patient and wonderful to love us so?

My beautiful daughter started high school a few weeks ago. She is actually enjoying it although she is painfully shy. My handsome son is in a Media/Graphic arts course and looking for a part-time job. I'm very grateful he still lives at home with us and is such a homebody.

Our home is still a joy and I smile every time I go up the driveway. I am excited to decorate for Fall (since we don't have an Autumn here in FL!).

How are you cutting back or are you?

Summertime

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Hello Friends -

Can I just say how sweet and kind you are to still be following me when I've been going through such a tough time? Thank you. It means so much to me.

Since I have written last, we have gone through a brushfire that nearly consumed our home and my husband had a dangerous car accident. Thankfully, he is fine after some medical care and the brushfire stopped ten feet from our porch.

Aside from those issues, I have been enjoying the summer off with my two teenagers. I go back to work after next week but I feel refreshed and grateful to have been home this summer.

My daughter and I attended a Japanese Godzilla convention in Chicago last week. It probably sounds boring but it was very fun. My daughter, who is entering high school next month, had the time of her life and met some very nice friends.

I have been battling a spirit of laziness in regards to my housework. I just have no energy to do it. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how did you get past it?

Yes, I'm still wrestling with the Lord which seems silly when I write it. After all, who do you think will win?? LOL!

Isn't it silly how stubborn we can be?

Please tell me what you're up to this summer!!

Much love,

Where is Lady in the Making?

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Sun, 22 May 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Hello My Dear Friends....

I'm sorry I haven't been here. It's painful for me to visit this blog anymore. You see, I'm just getting older and older and so are my children.

I won't ever be able to be a SAHM. It's not in God's plan for me, I suppose.

So I have to give up this dream. It's very difficult for me. I am still working and probably will until I'm a grandmother.

When you're having a tough day being a mom with your kids, please remember that I wish I could have done that.

God bless and keep you all!

Attitudes Toward Working Women in the 1950s

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:24:00 +0000

*Heart breaks* I thought the whole "she's wasting her talents at home" starting in the late 1960's. :(

Why Study Home Economics? (1955)

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:55:00 +0000

So sweet that it broke my heart as I watched it in my office 56 years later.....

How I wish I could have had home ec in high school!

Fun Radio!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Okay, Gals, if you want a blast from the past - check out this online radio station from the 1920's and 1930's! I listen to it all day at work. :) Click the link below.

Radio Dismuke

It's "happy" music!

My 3rd Bloggerversary!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 13:28:00 +0000

Happy 3rd Birthday to

Femininity Revisited!

It was three years ago today I launched my blog and my journey into cherishing home!

I'm not sure how many readers I have because I don't get a lot of comments but I'm thrilled with my little anniversary! This blog is so special to me! :)

Valentine's Day Challenge - Week 2

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:07:00 +0000

I couldn't write this any better than Courtney. Check out here post today at Women Living Well.

Going first is hard! :)

Women in the Word Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:14:00 +0000

Okay - totally off topic - but how many of you mentally phoenetically space 'Wed-nes-day' in your head when you type it out?!?!? LOL!

This past week, God is teaching me about biblical submission and persevering through trials. Frankly, I have never "loved" a Bible study before. But I am really and truly enjoying the James Bible study hosted by Good Morning Girls. Truly, just spending 15 mere minutes in Bible study each morning has changed my life already in ways I can see and hopefully in ways that I can't.

As a working mother, my mornings are harried to say the least. I always told myself that I didn't have time to study God's word in the mornings. This Bible study only lasts me about 15 to 20 minutes each morning but the verse(s) remain in my heart the entire day. I think about it the entire day long. I love walking in the Word!

I think I'm a bit surprised at how much I relish my own time with God each morning at my dining room table. I cleared out a special little drawer for my pretty pink notebook, my Bible and my writing pens that I use only for Bible Study. I actually anticipate the time with Jesus in the morning!

Valentine's Day Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 16:47:00 +0000

Good Morning, Ladies! I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Monday wherever you are.

I'm in the process of trying something "new" for me.

With God's help, I'm attempting to be submissive to my husband's leadership.

I'm talking about biblical submission here as referred to here. If you are reading this post and not a Christian, I can probably guarantee that this concept won't make sense to you. :) Indeed, I've been fighting this for most of my 25 years of marriage. As I have said before, I'm a reformed feminist but those independent desires still linger within me.

I've decided to take Courtney's Valentine's Day Challenge. If you're interested, please click the photo below.

*sighs* Submission of any sort does not come easily to me. I'm a selfish, stubborn and rebellious woman. I am firmly convinced that my way is best and I know how to handle every situation in our home.

I will say this though - the one time I was totally biblically submissive to my husband, we were able to purchase our first home ever. You can read about that miracle here. (It really is a miraculous story. Just click the tags 'home' on my blog. :) )

I'll close with a quote that I just adore:

"Submission means ducking so God can hit your husband."

Women in the Word Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:59:00 +0000

I have never (yes, you read that correctly), never been consistent in Bible Study. I'm not proud of it but it is the truth. One of my New Year's Resolutions is to spend consistent time with my Best Friend - the Lord - each day.

This week I started a Bible Study hosted by Good Morning Girls. We signed up about a week ago and I have a group of six women (including myself) whom I am accountable to each day via email. We've never met, but we email each day to share struggles, prayer requests and what God is teaching us.

We are in a Bible study of the book of James. We take two passages per day to study.

I am learning so much by taking only two verses per day to mediate on, write about and pray about. I usually read the Bible the way I read my novels. To take it bit-by-bit and little by little is uncovering God's amazing provision for us in His Word.

In addition, I am making friendships with some truly astounding women. Not perfect women.....ladies like me who are struggling but long to do God's Will. I cannot express the enjoyment I have had by sharing daily life with these heretofore strangers. They are a joy to me now and truly my sisters in Christ.

Thank you to Good Morning Girls for facilitating this fantastic Bible Study. I'm learning so much and it hasn't even been one week yet!

Delicious!!! Feminine!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Hi Ladies!

I wanted to share this with you because I know you understand the feeling of finding something so feminine and lovely that it makes you swoon!

I've been looking for a quilt for our king-sized bed for some time now. A quilt that is old-fashioned (a must!) and not too feminine for the hubby. Our big dog sleeps in our bed with us at night so I know it must be practical as well.

I found it! Isn't it luscious?? I love the print.

This quilt is so "me"! I didn't want to get anything too warm because we live in Florida. I asked hubby if it was okay with him before we bought it and he liked it. The price was right, too.

Thank you for indulging me in my feminine find!

Please join me and others indulging in our femininity at Pink Saturdays hosted by Beverly.

"Less Than a Christian Wife"

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 11:12:00 +0000

An Excellent Post at 'Like a Warm Cup of Coffee' today:

Less Than a Christian Wife

I admit that I feel the same way as this woman often. A lot. Everyday? Perhaps I need to do the opposite and stop coveting what SAHM's have and I do not.

Snow Days, Rainy Days and Sunny Days

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:57:00 +0000

Well, I'm feeling a bit left out today!

It is snowing in 49 states in our country. I'm in one that has sunshine and warm temperatures. While I understand that most people would love to live in Florida, I have lived here my entire life. I would love to experience the renewal of Spring, greet the Summer warmth gratefully, jump in leaves in Autumn and savor snowfall on a cold Winter's night.

However, this is my reality:

Day in...... Day out. Year round. Beautiful - but boring.

Now - mind you - before you inundate my email address with angry retorts.... It is always like this where I live! There are days when I'm glad it is raining to give me a break from the incessant sunshine!

How can you enjoy paradise if you have always lived there?

You can't honestly appreciate it.

As well...........

...how can you enjoy marriage if you never argue?

...how can you revel in health if you've always been well?

...how can you feel fantastic in an outfit if you've never looked horrible?

...how can you appreciate a Savior if you've never sinned?

Today I am trying to be grateful for the messiness, plans that don't work out the way I want them to and not living in a state that snows.

So if you live in a place where it is cold, snowy, icy etc. today, just remember that I would love to experience that!

And especially remember that one day, we'll live in true Paradise.

And it won't be boring!

When Your Marriage is Rocky

noreply@blogger.com (Lady in the Making) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 16:41:00 +0000

Let's face it - we all have "those times".

Those tough times when you're wondering....

"Why do I always have to be the one to give in this marriage?!?!"

"If he were a good husband, he would (or wouldn't) ____________!"

"What about MY needs?"

"If he really loved this family, he would (or wouldn't)___________!"

or my personal favorite:

"Why should I be a godly wife if he isn't going to be a godly husband?"

When you're fuming!!!!!

You're so mad you could just ________________________________!

You're so hurt you cry.

You're just tired of trying.

I found a great resource for us during these times. Actually, I'll be honest.

I was searching Google because I am currently in one of those times.

This link made me remember Whom I serve. And ultimately, it isn't my husband.

Even if you only have a few minutes, this is worth a peek. Short and sweet.

http://www.fms-help.com/marriage.htm