Blessed Beyond Measure

This past weekend I had my bridal shower.  Not only was it fun, but I realized just how blessed I am.  I seriously have the BEST friends ever.  I know everyone says that...but my friends are radiant.  They shine with confidence, humility, beauty, and most importantly, God's love.  Having them all in one room was so special to me, especially because this whole wedding planning things takes up all of my time and I haven't had much girl time.  I was also blessed by my family & future family to be! They are all so supportive and wonderful.  So to all who came, thank you so much.  It meant to much to me.

My mama and mama-to-be! :]

I adore these women.

Sheesh, I just LOVE women.  There is something about femininity that captures our hearts and souls.  Their beauty resonates.  While in their presence and a part of their fellowship, I feel a sense of wholeness, as if I am fulfilling a purpose.  I have been so blessed to have a relationship with multiple Godly women to speak truth, wisdom, and love into my life.  I hope to mature in the Lord as they have, and Proverbs 31 is my guide:

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!

  I may be most appreciative of women because for so long, I despised them. Growing up, girls weren't friends, they were enemies.   It wasn't until my junior year in high school that I began to realize that there were girls out there like me, desiring more from life than being popular and going to parties. When I look at the influences most other young adults allow to creep into their lives, I can't help but cry.  This world fights to break us down by building us up on lies.   It is blinding my generation more than any of those proceeding.  WAKE UP! Satan is real and his deception is like no other.  Seek truth and it will set you free! Stop being a slave to this world.  Find your purpose. And to all of you women out there:

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;

be women of courage; be strong. 

Do everything in love.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14