The next post is taking a bit longer for me to write than I thought it would. As such, I thought I’d get some blog-keeping done that I’ve put off by adding a blog to the blog roll, and also recommending a book I’m gaining a great deal from.
Finer Femininity
The author of the blog is from a wonderful family whom I haven’t been graced with meeting, but that I keep hearing about in odd places from people I hold in high esteem.
Quiet simply, this is the best Christian blog I’ve seen on femininity. It is deeply rooted in the faith, quotes outside sources regularly, and covers every topic I can think of related to feminine grace and virtues. The blog still has stories, as many female blogs do, but the stories are always revolving around and supporting the core mission of the blog – to raise young girls into beautiful women gloriously founded upon the rock of Our Lord. She has done posts on courtship in general, and has ones such as this new one with questions from young girls facing dating and courtship. Everything from developing a quiet silence in which to hear God to detailed instructions on how to dress modestly in today’s world.
Oh, and for the fashion inclined, she also runs an etsy jewelry shop from which she regularly has free give aways such as this one currently running.
I personally found this post on scruples to be great, and really hit me how unmerciful I can be at times as a man. She also had a large section quoted on fatherhood that I found healthy and enjoyable.
In short, I recommend it to everyone; men and women alike.
There can be no Godly Masculinity without a Feminine Grace to balance it.
My Meditation on the Gospel
I recently was given this book, which you can find extremely cheap on Amazon here.
It’s a small book, though somewhat thick. It could fit comfortably into a jacket pocket, and can be read one handed for a man on the go. The book is set up in small sections, usually 2 pages, focusing on a short passage of one of the Gospels. The verses chosen are not sequential from one Gospel, but (so far) work linearly through Christ’s life. I’ve seen any length from 20 verses to a single verse.
I will note, the verses aren’t in the book, or it would be far to long and unwieldy, but this also lends itself to a reader being able to chose what translation they desire to use.
However, the meditations go into great depth of considering exactly what short verses which seem straightforward to us would have meant to those living the verses. It ponders not only our savior, but also ‘minor’ people in the Gospel whom rarely receive much depth of thought even though we know them. For example, I read a section a couple days ago on the Three Wise Men that happened to fit with the next post I’m writing, so I’ll put it below for you to sample.
If you don’t have a guided book for your daily scriptural meditations, I’d recommend this one.
The Magi (2) – Ideals
Matthew 2:1-12
The appearance of the star coincided with the wonderful workings of grace in the hearts of the three great followers of Zoroaster. They had read the prophesies of Daniel and recognized the sign of the star. But their enthusiasm was chilled a bit when their friends and families heard about their plans. Some were scornful and called them outright fools. Those more kind said that they simply caught up with some religious mania and they should give themselves time to calm down and get back to reality. It was their families that placed the hardest obstacles. At first htey pleaded with the Magi not to go. Then they cried, told them that they were selfish to leave their families, that it would be so much more pleasing to God if they stayed at home. And finally they threatened. If they went chasing a star, then they’d find no one home when they returned! And through it all the Magi were brave and true. They didn’t shout back or raise a fuss. Quietly, peacefully they explained that they simply had to go, that the star was calling for them.
O my king, how I admire their courage and strength of purpose. The pressure of human respect brought against them was strong enough to bend the strongest will. They were able, however, to withstand men’s scorn and laughter. They were able to resist the pleas and emotional outbursts of loved ones, because they had the inner peace of knowing that they were right. Prayer and meditation had formed ideals, and the ideals were their steelwork and their strength. The arguments brought up by their families and friends were very good arguments. The Magi were able to resist only because they had thought out the whole thing in prayer.
My king, I am so prone to waver under pressure. Emotional stress from others, especially from loved ones, makes me so fearful that I may be wrong, so nervous about being strong. Laughter and scorn and even fear of ridicule can cause me such uneasiness also. For my will to be strong I must have a strong motivation, as did the Magi. I must have strong convictions and right ideals. These are formed by sincere and earnest thought and prayerful meditation, and forged into true steel by intelligent discussion and debate. Teach me the truth and give me the peace of respect for my ideals once I am sure that my ideals are right. Let prayer be my safeguard.