HeartThoughts – Pursue the Beauty!™
Welcome to HeartThoughts™, a ministry by and for young women pursuing beauty through the darkness. We hope you are blessed by your visit; please help us spread the word!Jaclynn’s Books
Jaclynn’s contribution to the mini-Quest on what you are reading…
My reading or just-read stack of books
My to-read stack of books
“See what I’m reading”
Here’s a miniature, fun Quest for you all. All you need is a camera. I want everyone to take two different pictures and either post them on your blog linking to this post or email them to me and I’ll post them here.
There is one rule: No “doctoring” the photos. By that I mean, show us what you are really reading, not what you think would look more spiritual or intellectual. You don’t need to show just the exact book you have most recently picked up. Show the pile or shelf where you have the stack of books you are reading here and there. I know you all have 3-10 books in that stack.
The second picture is a stack of books you want to be reading. Again, no need to be spiritual. 
Remember to take the picture in such a way so we can read the titles of the books.
“Here’s what I am reading.”
“Here’s what I want to read.”
Deadline: December 31, 2009
Click here to enter your link and view the entire list of entered links…
The Jewels of Femininity – Introduction
Quest has one to three (depending on what I draw from this series) chapters on femininity. Two paragraphs in particular from the first chapter pleaded to be expanded in ways a book did not allow. So here becomes the series “The Jewels of Femininity.” From Quest:
Some of the many facets include how we conduct ourselves (confidence, assertiveness, setting boundaries), our appearance (beautiful, modest, good hygiene), our manners and etiquette (hospitality, courtesy, graciousness), how we interact with men (supportive, protected, responsive), and what we value and pursue (truth, goodness, beauty). This is no all-encompassing list but it is a summary which I hope to leave as one step in the quest to the High Places….
While long hair and dresses are not a requirement to be feminine, they are tools that can be well-used by a lady.
Other tools might include turning modern style into modest attire without losing the trendy appeal, sensitivity to others, love of and gifting in caring for children, skill and tact in serving others, intelligence to pursue truth and challenge false thinking, skill in the arts such as music and dance, and grit to survive a tragedy or fight for what she loves. All these are the tools of the feminine woman.
We will examine facets of feminine conduct, appearance, etiquette, interactions with men, and values. Finally we will look at some tools for the feminine lady. I want this series to be interactive, so please feel free to comment, discuss, and suggest your own ideas.
Part 1 coming before week’s end…
An excerpt from the new Quest….
I’ve been pondering over femininity for some days and wanted your input on my definition below. What am I leaving out or what is unclear? Thanks for your help.
A feminine woman lives out the responsibility and freedom God gave to her. She is who she is because of the Spirit that indwells her. She does everything from a well of peace and joy which mystifies the world. This is femininity: a character and life which stem from an inner life lived in the Center.
As I ask for quotes, I decided to also share a bit from the chapter on femininity that I’m writing (totally new for this edition). Enjoy…
God created woman distinct from and equal to man. She is feminine and beautiful. She complements man with grace, courage, and insight. She is a true woman—not like the celebrities or models, but like a delicate flower, strong and virtuous. Let’s explore three responsibilities all women have in their relationships with men—whether single or married. The calls are to embrace femininity, support masculinity, and pursue beauty…
A feminine woman lives out the responsibility and freedom God gave to her. Some of its many facets include how we conduct ourselves (confidence, assertiveness, setting boundaries), our appearance (beautiful, modest, stylish), our manners and etiquette (courtesy, politeness, grace), how we interact with men (supportive, protected, responsive), and what we value and pursue (truth, goodness, beauty). This is no all-encompassing list but it is a summary which I want to leave as one step in the quest to the High Places… (Quest for the High Places, Expanded Edition, chapter on Femininity)
Wanted: Quotes on femininity
I am looking for quotes on femininity for my book. If any of you have some ones you like, or can point me to others, I’d appreciate it!
P.S. Tomorrow I’m posting an excerpt from a new chapter in Quest on femininity.
In the midst of Christmas concerts
We’re heading into Christmas concert number three in the morning. That and Christmas preparation are what’s on our plate right now. We went to Omaha for Thanksgiving and spent a wonderful few days with grandparents, cousins, brothers, and all manner of family. I’ve been feeling a little better the past few weeks and am thankful for that.
Any time for writing is being spent on revising Quest which I hope to release early next year. It’s not coming along as fast as I thought or hoped, but I will keep plugging along. The topics are tough; I feel inadequate to properly address them. But the book needs to be back in print which means I have to rewrite these chapters which means digging into the controversies (emotional purity, courtship as “the” way).
That’s all for now.
Virtuous Maid
Originally published April 21, 2008
Addressed to a Young Lady
Sweet stream that winds through yonder glade,
Apt emblem of a virtuous maid -
Silent and chaste she steals along,
Far from the world’s gay busy throng;
With gentle, yet prevailing force
Intent upon her destined course;
Graceful and useful all she does,
Blessing and bless’d where’ere she goes,
Pure-bosom’d as that wat’ry glass,
And Heav’n reflected in her face.
- Cowper
Painting by John William Waterhouse
You’d think we were a bunch of girls or something…
- Originally published June 2, 2006
GirlTalk blog posted on chivalrous manhood which is no longer available, that I can find. Carolyn Mahaney listed ways her son will strive to show honor to ladies including:
- Open her doors
- Stand when she enters the room
- Pull out her chair
- Give up your seat for her
- Carry heavy objects for her
- Retrieve dropped items for her
Such (seemingly) insignificant acts like opening doors and walking street-side are not just courteous gestures of a gentleman recognizing a lady. These things are a reflection of the God-ordained relationship between men and women. How do you respond when a man tries to do one of the above to/for you? Do you tolerate it, blushing and embarrassed? Do you tell him “No, it’s fine. I can do it myself”? Or do you accept the gesture gracefully and thank him (perhaps even call him “sir”)?
The issue here is not if we are physically capable of lifting something or opening our own door (though when we cannot, it is even more important that some men take the initiative to be gentleman!). It is not about whether we feel deserving or if the man offering is always a perfect gentleman–this is about accepting the respect of gentleman and enjoying our place as ladies. Let men open doors for you. Not only allow them, but praise them when they show you honor.
I remember a time recounted in Quest for the High Places when I was rollerblading. Somehow I tripped and crashed, scraping my leg. There was a young man with me who was apologizing and berating himself for letting me fall.
“It’s fine! It’s not your fault!” I kept assuring him. Finally I asked, “Why do you even care that I fell? I’ve been banged up lots worse than this with my brothers and such.” His reply silenced me.
“Because,” he said as he looked me straight in the eye, “you are a lady.”
Gretchen’s father and older brother also provide a great example of chivalry. After a few reprimands for hopping out of the car before one of them could open my door, I learned to wait. It didn’t matter if there were three doors to open–Sunday morning Mr. Glaser would go to all sides to let out the women in front of the church. I didn’t open doors. I didn’t carry anything heavy, not even my own bags. I barely even drove! The day we were decorating for the wedding I wanted to run back to the Glasers to pick up more reception items and a gentleman was sent along to drive me and carry all the heavy boxes.
For any men who might read this, please do not grow weary in being chivalrous. You have my appreciation and respect. (And if any of you have some tips or thoughts on the subject you want to share with our readers, please contact me!)
Don’t we all feel cherished and melt inside when a gentleman gives us flowers or helps us with our coat? Who doesn’t enjoy a door being opened or a heavy bag being carried, whether from a brother, friend, or stranger? Seek to be worthy of the honor. Enjoy it! You’d think we were girls or something.
PursuetheBeauty.com
HeartThoughts has a much nicer domain name: www.pursuethebeauty.com. Please update your links and if you have friends you want to share our website with, just tell them it’s pursuethebeauty.com.
A lyric from my grandfather
I’ve been offline for about 10 days so your comments are just now getting published. We’ve been in the fire with my health…it’s bearable now but is still the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through. God is providing. Even when I am angry at Him for not showing me what to do to get better.
My grandfather flew up from Texas this past weekend and was a huge help and support to James and me. He sent me this song when he returned home and i wanted to share it as I am sure many of you can relate. We feel weak so often. We’ve nothing left to do but beg the Lord for His merciful help.
