On a strict diet or just want to eat more healthy?


From personal experience I know that it's very difficult to have allergies or health problems that limit a person to a very strict diet.  In simple English - It's no fun!  Besides myself, I have several family members and have many friends who are also on strict diets due to health and have to closely watch what they eat.  And the foods that seem to cause the biggest problems?  Grains, dairy, and eggs.  With so many people who have to avoid one or all of these things, I have begun writing recipes that will hopefully make life easier and a bit more sweet. So if you are a person who is on a strict diet or you just want to eat more healthy, I think I may be able to help.     (As long as you're not allergic to nuts too!)  Below I have posted a  recipe to get you started and give you a special treat for the Christmas season.  And maybe, just maybe, if enough people like this recipe, I may just have to share a few more. :)
- I even have a few recipes for those of you who are allergic to nuts! ... Well, that is unless you're also allergic to seeds as well.... hmm...

Merry Christmas!  

Missy

Chocolate-Cherry Snow Balls

Chocolate-Cherry Snow Balls

Recipe by Missy

2 Avocados
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (or carob)
1 to 1 1/2 tablespoon honey or agave
1 cup coconut or crushed nuts (Plus extra to roll balls in)
Dehydrated cherries


Remove peels and pits from the avocados and mash or blend well.  Add in the cocoa powder and sweetener along with 1 cup of coconut or crushed nuts.  Place a heaping spoonful in the palm of your hand then add 2-3 dehydrated cherries to the center.  Create a ball making sure that the cherries remain in the middle.  Roll the ball in coconut or crushed nuts and place on a cookie sheet.  Freeze balls then enjoy!


Chocolate-Cherry Snow Balls are a fun, easy, and HEALTHY treat just in time for Christmas!  (Avocados... Wow... Who would have thought... )

Make Your Own Almond Milk - It's EASY!

          Making your own almond milk is quick, simple and EASY! It is a great replacement for people like myself who don't drink milk and it is also great used in smoothies and baking!

Photo Credit

Simply place 1 cup almonds in a container and cover with water.  Let them soak for 4-8 hours or over night.  Next, strain the water out and place the almonds in the blender with three cups of water.  Add 1 tsp vanilla and 2-3 un-pitted dates to sweeten. Blend well and then strain with a metal strainer or a nut milk bag. Once you have strained out the pulp - you have almond milk!


Why not just use the water that you soaked the almonds in?  Almonds and many other nuts have something in them that make them hard for people to digest.  Soaking them releases this into the water so it can be then drained.  Some people regularly soak their nuts then re-dry them before using.

So what do you do with the pulp? Don't waste it! Make COOKIES!!! MMM!!!  


Squeeze the pulp to make it as dry as possible, then, crumble it in a thin layer on a cookie sheet to let it air dry (This may be a problem in humid areas) or place it in a food dehydrator.  Once dry, use a food processor or coffee mill to make flour.  Then keep an eye on this blog for fun and easy almond-cookie recipes!


~ Missy

Solid Perfume Recipe by Leah B.

Please enjoy this solid perfume recipe and article from our guest writer, Leah B!

This is the perfect homemade gift for every girl on your list!  Mother, co-worker, friend, grandma, or neighbor.  Perfume is a classic present, and when it's made by hand it makes it even more special!  This recipe is very easy, but you would never guess that.

Solid perfume has recently become very popular...you just pour this in a small jar or container (with lid) and it will last forever!  Beeswax and essential oils can become pricey depending on where you live, but you use very little in this recipe, which means you can use one batch of either over and over again.  This makes it very inexpensive gift.

3 Tablespoons grated beeswax
6 Tablespoons almond oil
4 Vitamin E capsules
Essential or Fragrance Oils

Combine beeswax and almond oil.  Melt mixture in a double broiler.  Remove from heat and add the Vitamin E by puncturing the capsules (with a pin) and squirting the contents into the bowl.  Fill a small container almost to the top.  Add 8-10 drops of oil and stir with toothpick.  Leave mixture undisturbed until it solidifies.  Wrap and give! 

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Natural Remedies: Colds

I am sorry this was late!  My life has been crazy so I did not get this posted on Wednesday -- sorry for the delay!

COLDS 

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Symptoms

§  Sore throat & swollen tonsils

§  Stuffed or runny nose

§  Coughing or sneezing

§  Watery eyes

§  Fever & headache

Home Remedies

§  STEAM: Inhale steam to release congestion and relieve a dripping nose.  This can be done through boiling water or with a humidifier in the house.

§  BLOW: Blow your nose often!  This is your body’s way of getting rid of infection!

§  GARGLE: Gargle with warm salt water or with apple cider vinegar.  This will moisten a sore or scratchy throat, bring temporary relief, and help kill those bad germs.

§  SHOWERS: Take lots of showers.  This will assist your body by keeping you clean, warm, and enveloping yourself with steam.

§  HOT PACKS: Apply hot packs around your congested sinuses.  These hot packs are better if moist/wet.

§  SLEEP: Sleep with an extra pillow on your head.  This will allow for drainage of the sinuses, allowing you to heal faster.

§  GARLIC: Consume as much garlic as possible – be it mixed with drinks, soups, or eating raw garlic.

§  HERBAL REMEDIES: Don’t forget to take your Vitamin C, Echinacea, and Zinc!

§  HONEY: Consume a tablespoon of honey at various times throughout the day in order to provide relief for sore or scratchy throats.  Honey also contains a high amount of antioxidants helping you fight the infection.  Honey can also be mixed with lemon juice or teas for a more tasty concoction.

§  GINGER TEA: Ginger tea (often mixed with honey) is known as a highly effective combatant against viruses.

§  VICK’S VAPOR RUB: Rub Vick’s Vapor Rub on the feet, back, and chest in order to help relieve congestion.

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Diet

§  ORANGES & APPLES: Give energy and increases body resistance to infection.

§  GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: will regulate digestion and help remove toxins.

§  BROTHS: Broths are a very effective way of gaining nutrition, as well as staying hydrated.  These warmed broths will also sooth sore throats.

§  DRINK at all times.  Be sure to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses per day.  It is beneficial to drink lots of hot liquids, although the cold liquids will help keep you hydrated just as much. 

§  AVOID: ALL oily and spicy food, along with all sweets/sugar/caffeine and ALL dairy.

Other

§  REST as much as possible.

§  WARMTH: keep your body warm, as this will help keep your energy up (instead of your body having to fight to keep you warm!).

§  MEDICATION: Medicines are appropriate to use to bring relief if all natural remedies seem to be ineffective.  Just be careful to follow allow appropriate directions.

PLEASE NOTE: These are only natural home remedies that no professional has reviewed or written.  This is not to take the place of professional medical advice, it is merely to aid you at home.  If you are concerned, it is best to call your doctor and follow instructions given by him/her.

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Bath Salts Recipe!

We hope you enjoy this bath salts recipe from our guest writer, Leah B! 

Bath Salts - from Leah B.

Epsom Salts

Food Coloring

Scents (Soap scents can be found very reasonably at craft stores, but essential or fragrance oils work as well)

By combining these three simple ingredients, this is one of the sweetest things you can make for someone for Christmas.  Simply mix scents, food coloring, and epsom salts to the desired smell and color and quantity.  Allow it to dry on a paper towel for several hours and then package as desired. 

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Natural Remedies: Fevers

FEVERS

Symptoms

§  A fever is any body temperature over 99 degrees Fahrenheit

When to be Concerned and Call the Doctor

§  Newborns: Anytime there is a fever over 99 degrees Fahrenheit

§  Infants: Anytime there is a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (anything lower than 97 degrees is a concern as well

§  Children & Adults: anything over 103 degrees Fahrenheit

§  If the fever lasts for more than two days straight, is accompanied by confusion and a stiff neck

§  IF THE FEVER IS OVER 105 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, THIS IS A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY.  Call 911.

Home Remedies

§  HONEY & GINGER: Combine 1 tablespoon of honey with 2-3 drops of ginger.  Swallow this to help bring down a fever.  Honey is also effective by itself.

§  ELDERFLOWER TEA: Elderflower tea is believed to draw the fever down, especially in children.

§  VINEGAR SOCKS: Soak socks or towels in white vinegar.  Wrap around feet and wrists to bring down fever within an hour.  The socks can also be soaked in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water instead of straight white vinegar.

§  EGG WHITE SOCKS: Soak socks in egg whites.  Wrap around feet to draw the fever down.

§  BATHS: Take room-temperature baths (NOT cold) to help bring the body’s temperature down.

§  VICK’S VAPOR RUB: Rub Vick’s Vapor Rub on the feet and back to help bring down fever.

Diet

§  ORANGES & APPLES: Give energy and increases body resistance to infection.

§  GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES: will regulate digestion and help remove toxins.

§  DRINK at all times.  If accompanied with stomach ailment, sip often to keep hydrated but not fill stomach too fast.

§  AVOID: ALL oily and spicy food, along with all sweets/sugar.

Other

§  REST as much as possible

§  AVOID sudden changes in temperature

§  MEDICATION: If medication is necessary, Tylenol/Acetaminophen is preferred over aspirin and ibuprofen, especially in children.  If taking medication for longer amounts of time, alternate between Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen.

§  SWEAT: Allow your body to sweat.  This is your body’s way of naturally releasing the heat and toxins.

PLEASE NOTE: These are only natural home remedies that no professional has reviewed or written.  This is not to take the place of professional medical advice, it is merely to aid you at home.  If you are concerned, it is best to call your doctor and follow instructions given by him/her.

Home Remedies Notebook

I know we've all been there at some point in time.  That time where you have the chills, a fever, and some sort of virus is plaguing you.  It's a miserable place to be...but oftentimes there are natural home remedies to make you feel so much better WITHOUT taking medicine.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-medicine.  I'm just anti-too-much medicine!  I've had times where I've  been really sick and needed to go on antibiotics and they've helped.  I also have had times where the antibiotics have helped one thing and made my life miserable for months in other ways.  It's all a balance.

There are times when you'll need to go to the doctor...and when

Organization: Family Management Notebook

I've been working on getting my life organized before the baby comes and one of the things I have been working on is a family management notebook for our household.  I first thought it was a good idea when I ran across this post while surfing through some blogs: http://www.thebettermom.com/2011/08/family-management-in-emergency-situations-legos-optional/

To put it lightly, I LOVED her idea.  Now, there are some parts where I thought this very ingenious lady was a wee bit crazy.  For instance, no thanks, but I am NOT keeping important information such as bank account numbers, driver's license numbers, and social security cards in one notebook so that anyone could just snatch it.  Sorry, but that just sounds like identity theft in the making.  I suppose that if you are very careful with the information (as I am sure Amy Bayliss is) you could do it safely, but I want this notebook to be available and easy to find.  I don't want to be worried about where I place it, who sees it, etc.  So I will not be putting any sort of HIGHLY sensitive information in it.

This is what I HAVE put in it thus far, however.  I currently took her front cover template and changed it just

Baby Clothing Ideas

So, I have been perusing the price of clothes for babies...and can we just say ridiculous?!  I am not spending $40 on some outfits that my child is going to wear for 3 months.  ::Shakes head::  So....I started thinking.  A lot.  Here is my thought process.

It started with "THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS."  And then I went to Joann.com for something totally different.  While there I found out that I can get McCall's patterns on sale this week for $1.29.  Then I realized I can get fleece and flannels on sale for 50% off.  Then I realized I had a 25% off coupon for the 4th-6th on sale and full-price items.  I was originally going to use all of these discounts (minus the patterns) on different items for other Christmas presents (which I still plan on doing)....  But....I then started thinking about baby clothes.

So I started looking up McCall's patterns for infants.  And I found some that I REALLY want to try.  These are some of my ideas:

McCall's Patterns: 6426

This is the first pattern I am going to work on.  I am definitely going to make these sacks, as EVERYONE tells me

Recent Finds!

Here are a few of my 2nd hand recent finds!

This is a really neat picture frame that I found while shopping at Value Village!  At first I planned to replace the pictures in it with my own pictures... But the more I looked at it, the more I like the ones that are already in it!  This frame cost about $2 and if you know the coast of frames like this, you will know that this was a good buy!  Plus, it fits my style perfectly. 

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Here is a nice throw blanket blanket that I found for $0.99! It had originally been $3 but it was a 99 cent special!  

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Next, I found a desk organizer!  I don't remember exactly how much this cost, but it wasn't much!  This is much more my own personal style then the most of the modern desk organizers that I have seen like it.

So you see? Once again, you can uniquely decorate your home (or stash stuff in the attic for your future home) and do it with your own personal style - with just a bit of pocket change.

~ Missy

Me, Me, Me?

Me, Me, Me?

Posted by Lisa

I have noticed the concept of “me, me, me” a lot since I have gotten married….not only in myself, but also in my friends who are married.  Marriage is about giving – on both sides.  Despite that knowledge I sometimes pay more attention to what my husband is giving as opposed to what I am giving.  It is an interesting situation to be in!  

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While I work on that and try not to be selfish, I also see it in the world around me.  I have many Christian friends who

Emotions

Emotions

September 17, 2011

Emotions.  They can be a beautiful thing, but they often are a girl’s worst enemy.  I am sure that almost all of you have had a 30 minutes period where you have gone from happy, to frustrated, to furious, to sobbing, back to laughing again – probably for no real particular reason.  Sound familiar?

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But oftentimes it is not because of the actual emotions; it is instead because of how we, as girls, handle

Praise in Prison

Ever since I was a very little girl, I remember listening with wide eyes to the stories of missionaries who suffered in horrible circumstances for the name of Jesus Christ.  The stories that inspired me the most were that of people who, when thrown into prison, would choose to sing praises to God through it all.   Stories like Paul, in the Bible, who sang praises to God while chained to a dark, dismal, prison wall.  Excitement and passion would fill my heart when I heard these stories and I would think, “Yes, Lord! If I am ever thrown in a prison or am being tortured for your name, I am going to be singing praises all the way!”  
No doubt, if I was chained to a prison wall, I would choose to praise God because that is what I have set in my mind to do ever since I was so young.   But what if there is another kind of prison and I am chained to a different kind of wall?  Perhaps a wall that’s not so recognizable?

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Over the summer I had the opportunity to spend two months

Be a Chimney

Be a Chimney

Posted by Lisa

Written September 17, 2011

My friend and I were talking a few days ago about listening.  A couple of my friends and I seem to have this knack for people (and I mean anyone) coming up and telling us their burdens and life story.  Don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining; but sometimes my heart breaks when I hear their stories and troubles.  Sometimes I also feel like telling these people to look around them and just see how their lives are really not that bad.  Let me tell you though – it not easy to tell someone that.  And sometimes it just isn’t the right time or place or thing to do at a given particular moment.

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My friend texted me the other day asking me if it was normal to feel so burdened down by other people’s

Your Body - a Temple of the Holy Spirit

Your Body – a Temple of the Holy Spirit

Posted by Lisa

Written September 17, 2011

In the teenage and early twenty years, I’ve seen so many girls lose their health.  They push themselves to be “like the guys,” go to college, work hard, volunteering, help with the family, and all around just take on too much for themselves.  Now, please don’t get me wrong – aside from the “be like the guys” part, ALL of those activities are excellent activities that are actually extremely important.  But there is a point when you have to say no and when you have to take a break.  Ultimately, we forget to take care of ourselves.

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Now you may think I am preaching to the

Ideas????

Hello Ladies!

So with life calming down (hahaha!) one of our goals is to get this website back up and hopping.  However, that is alllllll subject to be a little iffy, as we still have a lot going on -- families to take care of, babies on the way, housework, school, projects, etc.

But we would LOVE to hear what you would like to see more of!  What would you like to see on Pure Femininity?  Is there anything you would like changed?  What would like to see more of?  What are your favorite parts? 

Even if you are not subject to commenting, we would love to know that you read this blog and what your favorite parts are!

Please lend us your feedback.  Just leave us a comment and hopefully we can get this website running a bit more again!  Articles will be posted soon!!!

God bless,

The Pure Femininity Team

Institute for Creation Resource

Does anyone like to start out their day with neat thoughts about our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ?  I know I do!  And the Institute for Creation Resource (ICR) has a very neat daily mailing that comes straight to your inbox with incredibly neat thoughts.  I know I have been very encouraged by them for nearly a month now, and always look forward to seeing what they have to say in the morning!  True, it is still written by a fallible man, but their thoughts are very insightful and full of Scripture -- but always check what they say with what your whole Bible says!

If you are interested, feel free to sign up -- it is free!  Just go to this link here: http://www.icr.org/subscriptions/ and enter the required information. The next morning, you will begin receiving their very encouraging daily email updates!  I hope you will be blessed as I have! 

Peace

Peace

By Lisa

A lot has been going on in my life.  Things that overwhelm me…a lot of changes…  It’s made me tired and it’s made me question a lot of things going on in my life.  Through it all I’ve discovered that peace is not something easily acquired, and I have no idea how I could do it without Him.  Jesus is my peace.  He is my Solid Rock, who I know will never change and always remain constant.

He is a peace that the world does not give.  John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”  With all the changes going on, I have often wanted to be afraid and troubled, yet with Christ as my Solid Rock and unchanging facet in life, I can have His peace.  

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When things get a little out of hand in this world, my mind tends to race a bit.  Ever since I was a

There Are Just No Real Men Left!

“There are Just No Real Men Left!”

Posted by Missy on August 4, 2011

Over the past several years, I have heard countless women complain that there are no men left!  There are men, yes, but they aren’t real men, and they certainly aren’t the type of men most girls really want to marry. 

May I be so bold as to say, if more girls would take a stand

Happiness

Happiness

By Lisa

I was thinking about joy and happiness the other day and realizing that I hear so many people complaining that life is hard and that life is unhappy.  Well, yes, life is hard…but that’s to be expected.  But we don’t have to let a hard, fascinating life make us unhappy.  I get caught in the trap, as well, at times so I am not without fault.  When life gets overwhelming and difficult I start feeling

Green Smoothie Anyone???

Green Smoothie Anyone???

Posted by Lisa

July 14, 2011

Now some of you might think this is nuts -- others might think it is completely normal -- but, every morning, my family and I drink green smoothies for breakfast!  Yes, this means we put vegetables in our smoothies.  Primarily spinach.  And, no, it is not disgusting.

This morning, I made a smoothie for myself for breakfast

"Respect Me"

“Respect Me”

Posted by Missy on July 14, 2011
Written on May 15, 2011

Everyone wants to be respected, and everyone wants to be loved.  But more often then not, we as women let ourselves be trampled down and used.  We can find ourselves in a far removed place from the respect that we would like to be shown by those around us.


On the other hand, I have seen many women who demand respect.  They will do anything to get it, even if it means

Facebook

Facebook

by Lisa

I’ve had lots of people ask me what I think about Facebook and it always leads to an interesting conversation.

As I’ve watch Facebook, Twitter, and many other websites, I have become more and more disgusted with the actions on Facebook and other such sites.  While Facebook makes me wary because of the amount of information people put online, that is nothing

Trust

Trust

By Lisa

Written May 19, 2011

Published June 13, 2011

Trust is one of those little words that really have a huge impact on our lives. I know for a fact it has made every difference in my life. When I’m worrying a problem in circles, or trying to get my mind straight, or struggling with changes in my life, it all comes down to that little word: trust.

Oftentimes I find minor answers to problems, but it always comes back to “Do I trust my Jesus?” While I am getting

Update From Pure Femininity Editors

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all for your patience as we get Pure Femininity back together and running smoothly. 

We are planning on keeping it running as smoothly and continuous as possible, but please be patient with us this summer as we are all very busy with our lives.  With my marriage and move to another state, Missy's mission trip out of state, and other various odds and ends, things may be a little more sparse than usual.

Please continue to contact us as you wish, and please keep checking the website!  We will do our best to keep Pure Femininity up and running as much as possible, and come August we do believe it will be completely back to normal!

God bless!

Missy, Corrie, and Lisa

The Week Before the Wedding

The Week Before the Wedding

By Lisa, May 23, 2011

So, it is the week before my wedding and you can imagine the craziness ensuing before this big event! Something I have to keep reminding myself to stop and breathe…that everything is going to be okay…that this is for the biggest event in my life; that it’s fun…and worth every single moment.

A while ago I wrote about enjoying everything you do.  Sure – there have been

Attention Miss Grace

Attention Miss Grace,


You have won a prize in our Grand Opening Giveaway.  To claim it, please send us your mailing information so we can send it to you.  This must be done by Monday, May 30th, or another winner will be selected.


Please email us at:  purefemininity@gmail.com


Thank you!

True Friendship

True Friendship

by Lisa

A thought recently on my mind has been what is true friendship?  The Bible tells us that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)  A friend loves all times…  Thinking about most of today’s friendships in this day and age, I can’t think of many friendships where a friend loves at all times.  Oftentimes we make friends and call them our best friends for about

Checker Magnets

Checker Magnets

Posted by Missy on May 13, 2011

A few months ago, we were going through our house getting rid of a bunch of stuff when I found these old wooden checker pieces that used to belong to my dad.  I didn't want to throw them away but I also don't like to keep anything unless I can turn it into something useful.  After thinking it over awhile I decided to make refrigerator magnets out of them!  I simply picked up some magnets and stuck them to the back! It was easy and now I have unique and special magnets!

Announcing the Winners!

Thank you all for entering our Grand Opening Givaways!

The winners were all selected using Random.org - the pick a number, any number system. Once the number is generated, I just count down the comments until I reach that number and . . . voila! a winner!

Drum roll, if you please. . .

Our first winner - the new owner of this lovely bracelet and earring set is. . .

Miss Grace

The winner of our second givaway - the hand crocheted, cotton dishcloths . . .and the wire wrapped ring is. . .

(by the way, if you've never tried using handcrafted dishcloths, you don't know what you're missing!) 

Leah

And. . . last but not least. . . the winner of the wire wrapped ring is. . . 

DenimCowgirl

Congrats to all of you and thanks to everyone who entered!

A Note to the winners:  Please contact me at cowgirl_creations (at) hotmail (dot) com.  I will need your mailing addresses - and the ring size for you, DenimCowgirl.  If I don't hear from you by May 24, we will choose another winner for that item.

Once again. . . thanks to everyone!

Submission, Respect, and Obedience

Submission, Respect, and Obedience

by Lisa

Originally Posted May 10, 2011

In this day and age, women work for a living, gain money, and are more or less financially independent.  While there is nothing wrong with a woman working in and of itself, it is important that these newly found financial independence does not lead to a rebellion. 

The Bible clearly says “Wives, submit to your husbands, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22) and “Nevertheless, let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33).  Similarly, as daughters, we must be sure to respect, honor, and obey our parents, and in particular our fathers who are the head of the households.  This is found in Ephesians 6:1-3 which states “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’”  While gaining independence and helping with the bills is fine, it is important that “financial independence” does not carry further.

Some women these days even make more than their husbands.  Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with this; but it is still important that a woman respect her husband (or if she is unmarried, her father) and not let financial independence take over in a woman and make her become less submissive and respectful of her husband or obedient to her father. 

How can a woman make sure she is within the bounds of a submissive and respectful wife or a submissive and obedient daughter?  While it is hard to practice because of sinful nature at times, there are ways to make sure that even if you are financially or otherwise independent, that you still fulfill your Biblical roles as a woman.  Asking questions and following in their guidance is mainly the important part.  A woman can ask her husband or father if they mind her working and follow their lead and guidance by what they say.  If they agree that a woman should work, it is still important that a father’s or husband’s opinion and guidance is respected and honored, such as how they use and invest the money.  

Respect of the husband’s or father’s lead and guidance should also be shown given how a family is run and what decisions are made.  While a woman can lend her opinion, the ultimate decisions should be left to the man.  And the woman must not cross the God-made boundaries for herself. 

However, even though a woman must follow the lead, this does not mean she should also forsake the God-made position of a helpmate to her husband or a helpful daughter to her father.  A woman must take into balance the two different aspects of a submissive, respectful, obedient wife or daughter, as well as model after the Proverbs 31 woman who “seeks wool and flax, and willingly works with her hands.  She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar.  She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants.  She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.  She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms.  She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night.  She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle.  She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid of snow for her household for all her household is clothed with scarlet” (13-21).  It is important that a woman find the proper balance between submission and wisdom, honor and respect, and obedience and independence.  It is a hard balance, but in the end it yields large rewards.

Deadline!

Today is the deadline for our Grand Opening Giveaway!  If you would like to enter, please view our contest rules.  http://pure-femininity.blogspot.com/2011/04/grand-opening-giveaway_23.html#comments   Hope you win!

Grand Opening Giveaway Announcement

Hello PF Fans! The deadline to our Grand Opening Giveaway is this Monday! I noticed that a few of you have posted about us on your blogs or joined our Facebook page but have not commented under any of our prizes.  If you would like to enter to win, please 

comment under the item(s) that you would like to win!  Have fun!

A Coffee Can Surprise!

A Coffee Can Surprise!

Posted by Missy on May 6th

Recently, my mom was taking the label off a coffee can in preparation to recycle it when she had an interesting discovery!  Beneath the label was this old label printed right on the can that they had tried to brush off giving it a rather antique look!  The label looked nothing like the printed can underneath! I thought the can look so neat that I decided to keep it and use it to keep my wooden spoons in on top of the kitchen counter.

"True Love ... Waits?" - By Guest Writer, Leah B.

Introducing our FIRST guest writer on Pure Femininity - Leah B!

          'True Love Waits'. It graces our jewelry, clothes, books, and hearts. When we hear it, we are reminded of commitments we have made to staying pure.
And for the record, I agree with it. I have made a commitment to purity, and to wait for my future husband. But the more I think on it, the more I have a problem with the word "wait". The word "wait" usually brings into our mind daydreaming, or perhaps not doing anything. And that is what I disagree with.
Picture this: A Princess has been waiting for her Prince Charming for years. Finally, one day he comes. 
"Princess! I am here!" he joyfully tells her.
"I'm so glad. I've been waiting for you." 
"I know." The Prince said. "Now tell me, what have you been doing while I have been gone?" 
"Waiting." The princess replied.
"Yes, but what else?" The Prince questioned.
"Well, I was waiting so hard that I did not do much else. I was to serve some elderly ladies in the village, but I told them I did not  have time because I was waiting. Oh! And I entered a college, but because I was daydreaming I failed all my courses. I haven't read my Bible much, I've just been so busy. Mother has been asking me to help her in the kitchen, so of course I said no, and..."
I hope I speak for all of us that we never ever want THAT conversation to take place. 
Waiting is not waiting. Waiting is preparing. 
We need to grow, or when our "Prince" comes we simply will not be ready. Grow as a person, learn new things, serve others, study hard. I don't mean prepare ONLY for our Prince... don't go to your local library and check out all the books "How to have a romantic dinner", "romantic sayings", and so on. 
Prepare for life. Live life. Don't just wait. Grow. 

~  Leah B.

(Saddle leather of course ;)

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