Feminine/Masculine

We really missed the boat in the English language, as far as I'm concerned...
When I was learning French in high school, the nouns are either feminine or masculine words, and you need to know which one, so that you know whether to use "la" or "le" before them (la is for feminine nouns, le is for masculine). So "the cat" is: le chat (masculine), and "the house" is la maison (feminine). Interesting, huh?

The Cherry on Top of a Great Friendship

"What is wrong with America today?!"

That's what Jennie exclaimed at lunch today, in response to something I told her.
I'll back up and start at the beginning:
Jennie has my back. Always. This is a truth that I can rely on, and I love it about her, and I hope that I'm the same kind of friend to her that she is to me.

God and His Wacky Sense of Humor

People say this a lot: "Well, God has a sense of humor!" and it's never in response to a funny joke you just told them, like they're commenting on how God created us and our funnies. It's always stated in response to some weird thing you're dealing with, like how something crazy nutso is happening in your life and you're like, "What? And, also, why?" and that's when someone comes along (usually my mom) and she's all, "Well, God sure does have a sense of humor, right?"
So this:

Lessons from my Niece

Kids teach us so many lessons. But I have to say, I've learned more about "being a woman" from my niece than any 30-year-old should learn from a 4-year-old.
I will say that she has been extremely girly, ever since she was little.

She makes sure that she always coordinates everything. And maybe it's Gymboree's fault, with their tights that match the skirt that match the cardigan that match the hairbow. But my niece is all about matching.
She takes risks with her looks, too, though. She'll put together shades of colors that would make any fashion expert cringe, in theory. But when she's tearing through the house and all you see is a blur of orange and pink, somehow it works.
And, every day is a fashion show.

One Word 2011

I read several blogs in which they have decided to choose
ONE word
that will define their year (instead of making resolutions).

I really liked the idea, but I had already made my resolutions. So, I have decided to do both.
I knew my word, instantly! I even commented on one of the blogs with my word: Challenge.

"Good word, Jennie. Good word."

Then...BOOM!
I started to feel like God was giving me a different word to define my year, and I wasn't happy about it.
Contentment.
Man....God, Why?! Why contentment?!
I struggle with contentment. I am restless a lot....with my life and circumstances.
I need to strive for Contentment, not in the sense that I will be complacent and inactive in my life, but okay with where God has me. I still have desires that I feel are God-given, but I have to be content with what God has given me. So here goes trying!

Matthew 11:28-29

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Philippians 4:11-13

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

A Verse for the Year

I used to be totally into celebrity gossip. I don't even know how I got into it... it's just one of those things that starts out slowly and snowballs out of control.
It could start like this:
Me: I like this song... who sings it?
Someone Else: So-and-so. Did you know he's dating (someone else famous)?
Me: No way!
.... a few weeks later ...
Someone Else: Oh, remember that singer you liked who was dating (someone else famous?)
Me: YEAH?

Happiness

What brings you happiness?
Money? Success? Dream Job? Spouse?
When you look at wealthy people, what do you see? More possessions than any normal person could dream of.
They aren't truly happy. They buy things because they think it will make them happy, but it is an endless cycle.
I often think that I know what will bring me happiness. Marriage, a bigger house, a nicer car, a skinnier body.
Sure, at first, all of those things will make me happy. They will not, however, bring me true LASTING happiness. The joy will be momentary.
If someone asked me to describe myself, I would not list CONTROL FREAK as one of my characteristics. When I take a look at my life, my decisions and my desires, I am the biggest CONTROL FREAK I know. I bargain with God to get my way. I try to manipulate situations to get what I want. I do what I want without asking if it is God's Will. Most of the time I don't even realize I am doing it....
I try to control the situation because I think that if I get what I want....it will make me happy.

Matthew 5:6
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."