A Lovely Woman - Biblical Womanhood

Hello!

I wanted to share a few thoughts that have been flowing in & out of my mind today!

Not that I know much about this topic on biblical womanhood, but boy am I so facsinated with it. I desire it greatly.

But how many can agree with me that is is hard?

Especially with the world we live in--it's tough to be a true woman of God.

One thing that I love is that Jesus calls us His children...& because He is a King (!) we are His daughters & sons, His princes & princesses. (But in the case, I'm talking to the princesses)

There's something oh so special to me about being called a Princess.

For years, to me, it meant a being a diva/girly girl/brat type princess.

 But now, I want to recognize it as an inner beauty, deep inside your soul, lovely, honorable princess.

This is sorta what I mean...

"A strong woman works out everyday to keep her body in shape;

But a woman of strength looks deep inside to keep her soul in shape.

A strong woman isn't afraid of anything;

But a woman of strength shows courage in the midst of her fear.

A strong woman won't let anyone get the best of her;

But a woman of strength gives the best of her to everyone.

A strong woman makes mistakes and avoids the same in the future;

But a woman of strength realizes life's mistakes can also be blessings and capitalizes on them.

A strong woman walks sure foodetly;

But a woman of strength knows when to ask for help.

A strong woman wears the look of confidence on her face;

But a woman of strength wears grace.

A strong woman has faith that she is strong enough for the journey;

But a woman of strength has faith that it is in the journey that she will become strong."

-Unknown-

I love being a woman! I thank the Lord that I am one, & I want to find out more how I can be a pleasing & lovely one to Him.

There are some verses that stick out to me:

"If a woman has long hair, it is her glory." ~1 Cor. 11:15~

Now, to me, this makes me think about femininity. That's a beautiful thing, I think. But I know biblical womanhood goes deeper than out word beauty.

Oh, how I long to be a woman of strength. But to be honest here, I feel like the strong woman.

I guess I have no business "preaching" to you about this stuff because I am still learning about it.

But these were my thoughts & longings thus far in my journey.

I see a woman of strength who's gentle, kind, loving. Beautiful on the inside which makes her radiate on the outside. Reliant on God & a beautiful reflection of Him!

I see her there, I picture this certain place in Israel on a mountain where there was an abundance of yellow wildflowers, and there she is sitting by that rock with water in the holes. And the breeze is blowing and it's quiet. And she's wearing a smile as she's washing her feet and she's gentle and meek and beautiful.

And it's the woman I want to be.

<3

Homemaking.

 "Homemaking is a career that

demands considerable expertise,

may encompass decades of our lives,

and has the potential to spread the gospel

to our families, churches, communities,

and future generations.

That's a career worth preparing for, wouldn't you say?"

~Carolyn Mahaney~ 

hey, it's vintage.

No matter how many people thought this was a "granny dress", I love it.
It's vintage.
Well, sorta.

A cup full of modesty.

Honesty.

This word is the word that was used when I was "forced" to process all that was coming at me. The words were put in the kindest of ways, but the meaning was just too harsh for me.

We sat there. Me. Mom. and my older sister. Discussing things. Things about me. I hadn't even started this. But still, we discussed. I was told many things that were observed about my life. I was told the concerns they had for me. Little did they know that I was totally oblivious to it all. 

Their thoughts: (which I very much appreciate now). 

I was told that I come off insecure, low self-esteemed. Now, they were not bringing me down, they were just concerned as to why. Depression was also one that was brought up. Oh, and isolation.

My thoughts: 

I assured them that I do struggle daily with my mind/thoughts. But I guess what they didn't know was that I love myself! Not loath! 

Some modesty issues were also brought up. I can totally realize why people question why I wear long skirts & little to no make up. I mean, hardly anyone does that in these days, and so its quite understandable. I hadn't really thought about the fact that people were thinking I was "afraid" to show my body off (as if it was a good thing!) or that I felt insecure about my body and that's why they think I cover up myself. My Mom & sister have always understood modesty. But they think I go to an extreme.

To some, it's an extreme to cover yourself up like "an old lady" in a skirt. To me, its beautifully modest and God honoring. And modesty doesn't necessarily mean dressing like an old lady might I add! Dressing womanly with a cup full of modesty and a tablespoon of style has nothing to do with potato sacs and nothing but cloth head to toe.

I am glad that the discussion was brought up because I know their true feelings & now they know mine. Now they know that I wear what I wear because I am happy with it, and I know God is too. They know that I love femininity and modesty and guarding my heart in that way. They know that yes, I feel insecure sometimes, and yes, I struggle with low self esteem, but that I am so comfortable with who I am. God made everyone different, I'm learning. And I love who He made me to be.

He made me to love these things. He made me enjoy certain things like, reading, writing, old fashioned things, art, etc. I really do love who I am!

I think this made me appreciate who I am more than ever. I don't want to change myself, and in some ways I know I need to for the sake of God's Word. 

My point tonight is that I am me, and I'm okay with it. I am still growing & learning. And not to mention experiencing and adventuring! But at this moment - I Amber Noella Leyba, love---me.

And I know God does too. And what He thinks of me is all that really matters, anyway. 

As long as it's pleasing Him, who you are, what you like, and what you do is the only thing that will ever matter.

Feelin' Feminine Challenge: Day 6 (?)

Is it day 6 or 5? I'm sorta confused, but anyway, here is my outfit for the day.

After the challenge is over {which by the way I am loving!} I will be taking a short break from blogger. This is due to the busyness I am overtaken by school. Lately I have to admit I have been slacking and not trying my hardest. The computer has been taking up so much of my time! I think a post a week would be better for now. And I will still be reading your awesome blogs from time to time. Other than that, have a super duper amazing day!

Feelin' Feminine Challenge: Day 5

Good Morning New York City! (not really...I don't live there.)

How's it goin'? Day 5 already.

I have to say how much more I am learning these days. In the beginning ( like a few months ago) I think I really was looking at modesty the wrong way, like it was totally for the wrong reasons.

Everyday, the Lord reveals something totally new about modesty, femininity, and our hearts. Our hearts are so important, and when we dress in a way that pleases mankind, we are giving a glimpse of our heart (read that somewhere). That doesn't have to be bad. Dressing in a way that pleases God shows that are heart belongs to Him♥. And that's where it should always be! Katie said this: 

"God told us that men look on the outward, so let the outward look different!"

That helped me know that we are supposed to look different...not like everyone we pass by in the mall. I think modesty is learning how to be different; set apart.

 "Judge this rather that no {woman} put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in {her} brothers way."

~Romans 14:13

This challenge was supposed to be how long I can go without wearing pants. To challenge modesty in every way. And it is. Although now, I'm learning about modesty in my character as well.

I can remember many many months ago when I was getting ready in the morning, and I was about to put on jeans (and they were rather tight). At school, I felt like everyone else...I felt so immodest, and like I was giving too much of myself away (know what I mean?) Because I knew God didn't want me to wear them, when I did, I knew it wasn't right. It was SO hard to slip those pairs of jeans in that trash bag to be headed for the thrift store! I think I cried, but if I'm gonna "suffer", it might as well be for God!

Okay, I cannot believe this, but it's a special day. I wonder if I should make a cake: 100 posts!

I'd like to say thanks for the followers! I honesty never thought I would get one. And now I'm close to 60!

Special thanks to the commenters: Wow! You don't understand how encouraged and blessed I get. (well, those who blog do, cuz I'm sure they feel the same way!)

And, I'd like God for allowing me to be bored on August 11, 2009. If it wasn't for that day, I'd probably not know what a blog was. It was then that the computer recommended a blog, and I turned that into something of my own.

Okay, off to the bookstore!

FFC: Day 4 -------Yahweh: ipod Quiz

 Feelin' Feminine Challenge Day 4

{at the bottom I got tagged to do a ipod quiz! So go check that out! I just decided to do them together}
{also a giveaway}

Headband: Picnic ribbon

Shirt: Old navy T-shirt

Skirt: Thrifted

Okay, now for the quiz!

Rules: Put your music player on shuffle. Then answer the following questions by using the title to each song that plays while on shuffle. Then tag 6 people.

Here' goes! (My notes are in parentheses)

Are you male or female? She will be loved (makes absolutely...no sense!)

What do people feel when they are around you? I'd lie (NOT TRUE! hehe!!)

Describe your current relationship: Standing Still (Makes perfect sense..but doesn't apply to my life!)

Where would you like to be right now? 1978 (Made me laugh. It's so true)

How do you feel about love? We are one tonight (get it? When my future husband and I become one as a married couple?!!)

Whats your life like? I dare you to move

What would you wish for if you only had one wish? Almost lover (hehe.........no.)

Say something wise? Closer

If someone says "Is this okay. . ." You say? Be near


How would you describe yourself? Apologize (sometimes I am apologetic)

How do you feel today? Breath in Breath out (YES!!)

What is your life's purpose? It's oh so quiet (not my life purpose, more like my life!)

What is your motto? You

What do your friends think of you? Flake (oh goodness... Jack Johnson, why oh why is this the title??)


What do you think of your parents? Say it right


What do you think of very often? All around me

What is 2+2? Grace like rain

What do you think of your best friend? Snow (Hey Oh) 

What is your life story? Blessed be your name

What do you want to be when you grow up? Breakdown (Again Jack Johnson...you're killing me here!)

What will you dance to at your wedding? Redemption (haha! Maybe at the reception or something)

What will they play at your funeral? Learning to breath (yeah, makes sense)

What is your hobby/interest? Gone (actually it's just arriving)

What is your biggest fear? I miss you ( I guess it would apply if my family went home with the Lord)

What is your biggest secret? Sundress (maybe the secret is that I don't own any)

What do you think of your friends? She's mine

What will you re-post this as? Yahweh

I tag:

Far From Perfect Sinner, Once Upon a Blog, Vividry, God's Daughter, Bess's Bag, Nobody416

Okay..now for the giveaway: This has to be the most awesome one ever! Go to At the Well now!

Feelin' Feminie Challenge: Day 3

 Well, actually today is day 2 for me since I wasn't able to post on Sunday.

I can't tell you how much more lady-like, & feminine I feel!

Here's what I'm wearing:

Shirt: From Koles {I think}

Skirt: Thrifted {it still had the original price tag on it too!}

Shoes: I know you can't see them, but they are brown flip flops from Old Navy

Hair: Pony!!!!!

 I was sorta laughing at these pictures because you can sorta see my unmade bed, and plugs in the wall!

At least you can see me :)

Feelin' Feminie Challenge: Delayed/ Day 1

Hello all!

Yesterday, {Sunday}, I wasn't quite able to take pictures of my outfit for the Feelin' Feminine Challenge. {I did participate though!!}

I've decided I will start today. Except I'm only going to post pictures of yesterdays outfit. Unfortunaley, I had to wear pants today {long story}, so I will have to extend the challenge until the 12th of April.

 So, peeps, what am I wearing?

Shirt: Bloom

Skirt: Thrift store find

Shoes: gray flip flopp{ers} from Old Navy

Hair: Plain bun

There you have it! So excited for the rest of the week.

Oh, and Happy {late, very late} Resurrection Day!

Feelin' Feminine Challenge

Another giveaway! 

{Go here, where Amanda Beth will be having her giveaway!}

-----------------------------------

I decided to participate in the Feelin' Feminine Challenge.

{You can go here to enter this thing}

It starts April 4th---April 11th.

I am SO excited that I can be part of this experience!

 I was so encouraged when Jenna, who will be leading this challenge, wrote "..Your outward appearance does show a glimpse of your heart"

Isn't that so true? 

Quotes from a lovely blog.

"Your clothing should make you feel beautiful--it should represent that you are a special, unique girl--someone that shows respect for herself and others by dressing decently, modestly, and beautifly. " 

"In the old days, woman dresses with gentleness, grace, cheerfulness, and meekness. Their fashions reflected their styles of beautiful feminine simplicity and elegance."

"Don't hide under clothing that displays the wrong message about you. You are not a piece of cheap costume jewelry--but a lovely, precious ruby."