NAS: Encouraging Men

We seem to always have something to say about guys treating us right! ...or, not right! But, what does that mean? Have you ever thought to share those insights so guys have a better idea on what to say/how to act? Well, let's do it! What are some good habits guys can take up when dealing with us ladies?

Linking up with Morgan, Jen and the lovely ladies of the Not Alone Series.

Hmm well when I first read the title to this topic I thought it was about how to encourage men. Which if I may take the soap box for a moment and diverge from the actual topic, I have significant opinions.  We as women are sensitive and easily hurt or built up.  While men aren't women, they aren't rocks either.  We need to be sensitive to men's feelings and confidence.  If a guy ask you out if you don't have serious misgivings like safety or their is absolutely no way it will go to a second date, give the guy a chance and say yes.  Even if it doesn't work out between the two of you, the confidence he gets from you saying yes might give him the confidence to ask his wife out.

I am now stepping off my soapbox and to the actual topic at hand.  

So what must men do to treat us right?  How can we help them out a bit and let them into our head a little?

Above all, men must pursue.  Be the knight and fight for the princess.  Don't let us always text you first.  Message us on dating sites.  If we flirt with you at an event, be confident and ask us out on a date.  This is essential throughout an entire relationship but initiating the relationship sets the path for the rest of it.  Men, pursue and lead the relationship because alot of us ladies won't stand for anything else. 

That is above all the biggest thing, however if I were to throw in a few more bonuses--tell us we are beautiful, have a real raw devotion to your Heavenly Mother, be a gentleman and love what you do for a living.  But still, most importantly, be a man and pursue us.   

I am exciting to see what you ladies think is important!

NAS: Dating Fast

We've all likely heard about them, but have you ever done one? If so, what was your experience? If you haven't, would you consider doing one? Why or why not?

Hey Ladies! Back for another week with the Not Alone Series.  Linking up with Morgan, Jen and the other NAS gals!

This week we are talking about dating fasts.  As an alumni of Franciscan University, passionately Catholic and possessing a very unique culture, I am by no means foreign to the concept of a dating fast.  It always seemed like girls would declare a year long dating fast and about six months into it some guy would start to pursue them and they would have to date without dating or "not become official" until said dating fast was over.

Seeing as it seems like I have always been in an unchosen dating fast, declaring a real dating fast just was never really my jam.  However, emotional dating is a whole another story.  Of course I have and still sometimes do struggle with emotional chastity.  So a few years back beginning on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and ending the following Christmas I attempted a emotional dating fast.

Easier said then done seeing as emotional dating isn't as black and white as traditional dating and the line between emotional chastity and unchastity is very blurred.  When thoughts of dating or marrying a guy from the first hello entered my mind I would try to stop it and when I would have perpetual thoughts about past or current crushes I just had to say no.

Did it help me?  Yes and no.  I think it was a purposeful way to lessen emotional unchastity especially at the time but it wasn't like it kept me always emotional chaste to this day in the same way that traditional dating fasts don't mean you never are in less than steller dating situations again.

So that is my story with dating fasts but I will make one more comment.  I have seen girls often think, especially because of that typical story I talked about earlier of girl declares dating fasts, boy pursues, girl gets boy at end of year, ladies think that a dating fast is part of the secret formula to dating.  "If only I go on a dating fast than Mr. Future Husband will enter into my life with a dozen roses and a devotion to St. Joseph. "  Don't fall into that trap.  Whether you go on a dating fast or not, the Lord's will still needs to be done in your dating and vocational life.  Don't ever forget that, it is always His will.  However, if you do find yourself jumping from mediocre guy to well he is cute guy maybe a dating fast is good for you.  To stop and really think about why you are dating, what kind of guy you want and who you are as God's.

Well ladies, I can't wait to hear all that you are saying about dating fasts and please comment below  whether you are a new or old reader so that we can keep the discussion going.  

NAS: Spiritual Writings

What are some of your favorite or go-to books, devotionals or even blogs that help encourage you in your spiritual life?

Once again linking up with the lovely ladies of the Not Alone Series with Jen and Morgan.

So this week we are talking about spiritual writing that inspires, enriches and encourages us.  So now that college is far enough behind me that required reading assignments don't make me sigh so audibly I am trying to find my stride when it comes to spiritual reading.  I actually had a friend recently remind me how important spiritual reading is as Catholics and it isn't an optional devotion.  That hit me and really inspired me to step up my game when it comes to spiritual reading.  

Over the years I have read a variety of spiritual readings, along with fiction.  You can find my book lists here, here, and here from 2013, 2014, and the running list for 2015 respectively.

However, if I had to pick from all these books the book that has most enriched and changed my spiritual life it would have to be Consoling the Heart of Jesus.  In this book Fr. Gaitley posed how thirsty Christ crucified is for us and by how praying, sacrificing, the sacraments, loving, serving, trusting and being His we are able to care for his wounds.  In particular, he emphasizes how much lack of trusting pains the Lord and how trusting in Him and His will can console His aching heart.  Something that has always in particular stood out from his book was his discussion of sacrifice.  Too often we only sacrifice big things forgetting about the small daily consequences not recognizing their worth.  However, compared to the sacrifice of the cross all of our sacrifices are small and insignificant so how much more important the small sacrifices.  Please, read my original review and more importantly pick this book up.  In particular this Lent, and this soon to come Holy Week read this book and comfort His heart. 

Consoling the Heart of Jesus is a great book but it isn't one I read everyday.  For my daily reading I first and foremost read the bible and a Mary devotional each morning.  I hope to read whatever spiritual reading I am reading at the moment, currently a Mother Theresa book and rereading Rediscovering Catholicism for a book club of sorts.  However, what is most often the most manageable is YOUR blogs and the articles YOU recommend.  All you ladies are so inspiration and steer me towards other writers who write real, honest, raw, and passionate words that make me want to be better.  Please don't doubt that what you write isn't read and isn't taken to heart.

I look forward to getting some recommendations from all of your posts and don't forget to check out the book lists to get other spiritual reading recommendations.  

NAS: Qualities in Your Husband

What are the qualities and characteristics that you are looking for in your future husband? We have talked about what we don't want, but it's good to have an idea of those things that are important to us. Discerning religious life? This applies to communities, as well!

Linking up with Jen and Morgan for another week of the not alone series.  

So when we wrote about Deal Breakers, a very similar topic, back in March I think I basically answered this question instead of that one.  And honestly I still agree with (almost) everything I said.  I think I hit the nail on the head when it comes to spiritual things.   I still want my husband's actions to reflect an authentic sacramental love and a man who will lead me to heaven.  I don't see any that changing anytime soon.  No need to rewrite something that is already well written so please go back, read that post.

However, since I was a little bit more serious in that post I want to turn this one a wee bit more fun and superficial.  While those deal breakers are what it really boils down to I also know that the Lord has this way of answering our quirky desires.  So without further ado I present to you my top ten list of (a bit quirky and not so serious) qualities I look for in a husband.

1. The ability to not snore, because who wants to not sleep for the rest of their life.

2. The perfect height.  I have for a long time had this idea that I need to "fit" next to him when he has his arm around me.  I am guessing around 6 foot. 

3. Who am I kidding I also want him to be gooood looking.  No one else has to think he is cute but I know I want to think he is the cat's meow. 

4.  Please, please be able to change a diaper.  I change alot of diapers and I just really want a guy who knows how to do some basic child care because I do not want to teach you everything.  

5.  Likes to grill because I like me a smokey hamburger. 

6. Be silly.  There is something so fun and romantic about laughing and being silly with a guy.

7.  Like to drive because I hate to and am counting down the days until I have a handsome man to do some of the driving for me. 

8.  Please for the love of all that is good be a man and put the toilet seat down. 

9.  Be passionate in everything you do.  This one is a bit more serious but I just want my husband to be intentional about his job, his vocation, his life.  I want him to enjoy what he does for a living so that he never works a day in his life.   

10.  Don't love cats.  You can like them but don't love them.  That is just weird and I do not find it attractive.  (And yes I have had a bad experience with this.)

Well there you go.  10 Qualities that I seek in a husband.  The Lord does say ask and you say receive ;). 

NAS: Children and Babies

Do you have children in your life? What is your relationship with them like? Do you have godchildren, and how do you form a relationship with them? Does having children in (or not in) your day-to-day life make you feel happy, wistful, or wary (of having your own someday)? 

Thanks to Lindsay!

Once again linking up with the lovely ladies of the Not Alone Series hosted by Jen and Morgan.  Hop on over to Jen's blog to read all the posts. 

My life pretty much is babies (read by Day in the Life post).  The funny thing is I thought when I moved to Pittsburgh I would have less children and babies in my life.  How foolish I was because really I have even more.  But the babies at work aren't the same as children I really have relationships with.

At home, I have a family that I have grown super close to since they were my CORE members in youth group in high school.  They have three kids and one cooking in mommy's belly.  They are basically my niece and nephews.  The funny thing is the other day someone at Church thought the dad was my parents' son so apparently they are like my niece and nephews even to bystanders.  The little girl is also my Goddaughter and she is just the able of my eye.  She calls me NaNa as soon as I walk in the door and she could be rotten and I would still steal some sugar.  When I am at home I do basically everything with them-grocery shopping, school pick-up, zoo trips.  I actually know more of the preschool moms at our parish then the young adults.  That was a bit of a red flag for me when considering where to settle in when I was job searching.  It is beautiful to spend so much time with them and if I lived at home right now I probably would spend all my free time with them.  But I can't do that because their life isn't my state in life.  I can't be a mom without kids, I need to be a single young adult.  When I am living life with them I do want kids of my own because I would love my kids to grow up with them (which could still happen) but for the most part I just love loving on them and handing them off when they are particularly rotten. Perks of not being a mom.

I also nannyed when I lived at home. 

So they say that when you work in obstetrics you get baby fever.  I can honestly say that most days this isn't true for me.  However when I have particularly great or particularly awful patients I want to be having my own baby.  Normally it is just a quick tug on my heart that quickly leaves as I change out of my scrubs but I can't deny that some days I really want to be the one with the big belly anxiously waiting for the first breath of my little one.

So yes, I have a lot of kids and babies in my life.  And yes, somedays it really makes my heart yearn to have little heads of my own to kiss but I know that the Lord's timing is perfect and in His perfect will little hands and feet will come.  Until then all I can do is learn and love the kids I already have around me.  

NAS: Looking Ahead to 2015

How are we going to make 2015 different than last year? What goals are you planning/making to be more YOU this year? These can be goals can be personal growth, spiritual life, physical/health, or even your love life! Maybe you don't have concrete ones yet, but it helps to talk them out and get motivated!

Another Tuesday, another round of the Not Alone Series.  Linking up with Morgan and Jen for a post about 2015. 

So I already hosted a link-up answering questions about looking ahead to 2015 (I extended the link up if any of you ladies who haven't already linked up want to) and chatted a bit about my word for 2015 but the NAS challanges me to dive even deeper. 

2015 is the very first year I will be a big kid for the whole year--a year of independence and pacychecks, a year of responsibility and bills.  I don't even know where this year will take me!  My goals really haven't changed much ever-pray more, exercise more, make time with people more intentional, be a more Christ like nurse, date :), etc, etc but I am not going to pretend like they are all magically going to happen just because I said they should.  I am going to continue to challenge myself to make small concrete goals to become the best version of myself.  There are going to be days that I feel like I am on top of the world and days that I feel like I am falling face forward.  No saint ever became a saint in a day but by intentionally living each day becoming more and more Christ like.  In short, my goal is to be one year closer to heaven by the end of 2015.  

Ladies, I pray that we are all able to achieve, or at least get closer to our goals and to become more like the saints we were created to be. 

NAS: Day in the Life

After a winter break NAS is back!!  Excited to get the new year going and linking up with @Jumping in Puddles for a Day in the Life post.  Now I have done a week in the life post and another day in the life post from the summer as a nanny but I have yet to do one as an RN.

So a little disclaimer.  This day is still in my temporary job so this isn't what I will be doing everyday but just yesterday I accepted my full time permanent job in the WomanCare Birth Center aka the Labor and Delivery unit (eeek!!).  Right now I will just be orienting to Labor and Delivery but will gradually also orient to Triage, OB ICU and learn how to circulate in the OR. Also, I can't go into much detail about my work day because of HIPPA but I will give you what I can.

With out further ado....

(I wrote most of this in live time....)

5 am.....Alarm goes off.  Is anybodies else first thought when their alarms go off is when is the next time I can sleep in our is that just me?

Shower, coffee, dressed, make-up, hair, breakfast, Bible time.

6:00am.....Leave the apartment and drive to my parking lot.  Normally I can push it to 6:10 but we had snow overnight and I want to leave time for the rights to be bad.  Thankfully they weren't too bad and people were driving appropriately-not so slow, not like a maniac.

6:25....Park and take the shuttle to the hospital.

Get my scrubs out of the scrub machine. Change into my scrubs.

6:55 Clock in.  Today I am working in PMU, Prenatel Monitoring Unit.  I head downstairs and get situated.  Yesterday, our OB charting switched over to a new system so today should be interesting actually getting my hands dirty with it.

9:30-11:55....6 NST, non-stress test, including two sets of twins.  Simply put a NST reassures us that a baby is happy and healthy in utero by looking at the babies heart rate for at least 20 minutes.

12:45....Lunch time!  Ceasar salad and leftover chicken from Chinese with my parents.  Also chips, given to all the nurses to help soften the blow of switching OB charting. 

1:15-3:41.....Three more NSTs including talking to the cutest big brother and a twins mom who got sent upstairs to the birth center to be induced because we were not reassured by one of the twins.  

Quickly change out of my scrubs so that I can make the shuttle.  I will return them tomorrow because tick, tock.

4:05 Make the shuttle, get to my car, drink a protein shake and Swiss cheese for dinner while I drive over to the house I nanny at. 

4:25 Arrive at the twins house. 

Load the bottles in the dishwasher.  Play with and keep entertained any twin who is awake.  Around 6 their mom starts giving them baths and I get them dressed .  Start feeding them at 7 and they eat and fall asleep quickly.  I guess I did a good job at keeping them entertained.  

9:30.....Leave their house and head home.

And here I am sitting at my apartment putting the final touches on this post so I can get to bed.  I did my best at showing you a typical day but honestly my days are never really typical. 

Sorry I didn't include any pictures.  I should have atleast gotten a selfie but alas I did not.

Now the "required" questions.   

What is your favorite part of the day? On this day, I love being with moms especially the great ones that exude joy.  But I also love my days off or the days I don't work my other job and have some down time.  

What is your least favorite part of the day? I think a lot of people would agree with me that the worst part of the day is when your alarm goes off and you realize you have to get up.  After I get going I am very chipper but at first I just think about when is the next time I can sleep in.  

Are you making any changes to your daily routine now that the new year has started?  Honestly no.  I wish I could say I would would be working out more but honestly when I get up at 5 and don't normally get home until 9:30 working out most days just isn't going to happen .  The biggest change to my schedule will involve starting my job and working two 12 and two 8 hour shifts rather than five 8 hour shifts.

Don't forget to link-up with the other NAS ladies @ Jumping in Puddles.

NAS: Thankful

It is late November and many a turkeys are defrosting.  What more could you expect than a little thankful post. I realize I am really bad at verbalizing, and honestly realizing what I am thankful for.  That needs to change.  Let it begin with a classic thankful post Thanksgiving week hosted @

I am thankful that I am basically living my dream.  I earn a paycheck working in OB services.  Just last week I got to watch four babies take their first breath.  Some days I literally stand in the middle of the newborn nursery with 15 or so babies around me and I realize how much I have what so many people want.

I am thankful that I have second job helping take care of 3 month old twin boys.  I sit for 5 hours three days a week feeding, changing, and holding these boys.  It may mean for some late nights but I am very blessed.

I am so thankful for the authentic friendships that fill my life.  People who I can enjoy being around.  Individuals who are joining me on my journey to heaven.

I am thankful during these cold months for cozy blankets, warm pajamas and radiators.

I am thankful for days off when I can relax and rejuvinate.

Coffee.  Always thankful.

I am thankful for the scripture that begins my day.  The very Word of God that sets me on the right track and grounds me.

I am thankful for yummy food, fresh laundry, a drink after a long day(s), texts from friends, Netflix and all the little delights that make life sweeter.

I am thankful for hope and joy.  Virtues that keep me going.  Virtues that cause me to rejoice and to also seek more.

Above all I am thankful for my personal relationship with Jesus.  Call me cheesy but I am thankful for that I know a God who loves me.

NAS: Still have those deal breakers?

We have chatted about our deal breakers/non-negotiables before, but how do you keep from letting your standards fall? What prevents you from just dating any guy out there? What keeps you going?

It is interesting to look at my old post about deal breakers because I wouldn't write it just like that now howeve my desire for heaven has never changed  

So I chatted about my very recent trip to New York City and from that stems my answer to today's prompt.  It is so easy to consider letting your standards fall and dating mediocre guys.  Even guys who are "good Catholic guys" but you just aren't attracted to.  Because sometimes our deep good desire to be desired just wants to be satisfied.  This weekend however I was able to spend time with three of my household brothers.  These are good men striving to grow in their manhood and intimacy with the Lord.  These are guys who already love their wives immensely.  And when I spend time with genuinely good men, I remember just how high my bar is.  I keep seeking and waiting for the man that the Lord desires me to call my husband because I want a man who loves Our Lady, one who longs for the Eucharist, a guy who already hopes for his wife, one who desires to lay down his life for his bride.  That is the man I will marry.  Knowing that those men do in fact exist keep me going.  Knowing that it is that sort of man that will walk hand in hand with me towards heaven keeps my standards high.  

Ladies, keep fighting the good fight of faith.  Stay patient for the man who will love in such a way that reflects the love of Christ for the Church.  Keep seeking for the man who will walk hand in hand with you on your journey toward heaven,  

NAS: Makeup Routine

What are your thoughts on wearing make-up? Do you see a tension between a pressure from society and a God-given desire to be and make life beautiful? Is your use of makeup compatible with the idea that God sees you as naturally beautiful?

This past Sunday I was sitting in the car after Mass and I thought to myself "yeah I should have at least put some mascara on today."  

So my make-up "story".  I wear foundation, bronzer, concealer when needed, mascara and subtle eyeshadow most days that aren't summer.  (Because summer is sweaty and makeup is a waste in my book).  I love lipstick and when I start working I plan on wearing it everyday, secretly hoping it will become "my thing".  If I forget to put any makeup on I am fine.  I absolutely do not need it. However, I do enjoy putting it on and wearing it, feeling like it accentuates my femininity.  Because of all of these, I obviously have no problem wearing it and don't feel takes away from knowing that my beauty is deeper and God-given.  

But, I do think ladies have to be careful to not become obsessed with makeup, use it as a mask, or have an anxiety attack when they don't wear it.  I think that stems from poor self-esteem and/or making make up into a God, pick your poison.  And it really is a posion.  Letting make-up have a control in your life is a worse poison than cheap crappy make-up.  Satan wants you to think you need make-up.  The only antidote to this poison is through prayer coming to realize that God sees you as naturally beautiful.  

Now if you want to see exactly what make-up I wear, because I know you all do, you can check out my post from my make-up link up.  And that Arbonne bronzer and mascara are still the bomb diggity. I still wear those eyeshadows from that post however more often I reach for my Naked3 palate-so much pretty!  

NAS: Sex

Our culture is obsessed with sex. With anyone! At anytime! If you want to, just do it! But, the Church teaches that sex was created for the context of marriage. Why do you choose to abstain? Why aren't you going around having sex with just anyone? How would you encourage others to do the same? How do you remain strong when everything in our culture is encouraging you to abandon your convictions?

Of course I had to write about this topic.  Who doesn't want to attempt at gracefully writing about such a hot topic.  And the only reason I have a job is because people continue to have sex, just sayin'.

If you look around our culture truly is obsessed with sex.  And for pretty much the first time in my life I am being thrown into a group of people (i.e. most of my coworkers) who don't strive to save it for marriage.  You ask, do I really know?  Unfortunately, people are very open and like to tell large groups of people about their...um..encounters.  I hate having to hear about other peoples choices but that doesn't change my strong conviction that sex was made to occur in the sacrament of marriage.  Not only is that what God and our faith tells us but for a hundred other social, science and emotional reasons it makes sense-children out of wedlock, attachment hormones, STDs, messy break-ups, do you want me to continue?  

Sex reflects the love of the trinity.  That is no small thing.  When I have sex I want it to be with my husband and I want sex to be part of a loving, committed marriage that is welcoming to children-the natural result of sex.  

I don't have alot of experience being the black sheep, but I think I can encourage others saving sex for marriage simply by living my life.  Not talking about the sex I had with my boyfriend this weekend or about my one night stand where the condom broke is radical.  In the little I have learned, I have realized that sometimes other people have the same convictions and it doesn't take long for them to pick up on that.  And than in that mutual conviction you can be an encouragement.  In our current sex obsessed world, waiting for marriage can be alienating.  By realizing someone else is fighting the good fight with you there is comradery and encouragement. 

Well there you have it.  Wow, I can't believe a just sprayed on the internet that much about sex.  Did I handle the s-e-x convo with enough grace and flare? And if you are married, keep having that sex, I like having a job. 

Head on over to Jen's blog @ Jumping in Puddles to read more about sex.    

NAS: Our Lady

October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, so we wanted to honor Mary and reflect on her help during this time of singleness. How have you called on her intercession before? What is your relationship with our Blessed Mother like? If you don't know much about Mary or the Rosary, is there something keeping you from getting to know her?

Hi, welcome to my blog, have you noticed I kind-of love Our Lady.  I have written a few other posts about her here but also obviously my blog is named after the words of Our Lady of the Annunciation.

It is hard for me to even describe my relationship with Our Lady because it is like describing swallowing or breathing. Spring of 2010 I consecrated myself to Our Lady and it was in fact a life changer.   Mary is my ultimate female role model and who I aspire to be more like.  She is who helps me to know and love her Son.  She shows me perfect femininity.  Her virtues give me a guide. Her gentleness and heroism inspires me. Each day I ask for my heart to become more like her most Immaculate Heart and I am never disappointed.  I am confident one day her interceding will continue when I become a wife and mother guiding me in being selfless, loving, and patient.

I wish I could say that I prayed the rosary every day but I just don't.  I want to but I don't.  I don't have any good excuse because I know that the rosary is the most powerful weapon we have.  I need to not just be disappointed in myself for my lack of rosary praying but make a change and start by getting in the habit of praying a decade everyday.

If you don't know Our Lady, get to know her.  Of course I would suggest starting with chapter one of Luke.  Read the Annunciation and also the Visitation.  Let her show you her son when it was only her, with Jesus in her womb, that knew him.  Soak up as much material about her as possible.  In college, I took a whole semester on Mariology and learned that my love was only scratching the surface of how much I should know and lover her.  Consecrate yourself to Our Lady.  As St. Louis de Mondefort said "The Blessed Mother...is the safest, easiest, shortest and most perfect way of approaching Jesus."

Please if you have any questions about consecration don't be afraid to ask me and I can guide you to the answers.

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Also FYI update for any of my regular readers, my PA RN license came through in the final half hour Monday morning so I am heading into my second day of orientation today.  Ekkk.  There is still some kinks to be worked out because I was officially hired into the system so last minute but I am an OB nurse!  So I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers because it is only because of the power of prayer that this is all happening.

NAS:Chivalry

Chivalry should not become a lost art and we, as women, ought to step up to the plate a bit more and encourage men to treat us as women, thereby respecting them as men. Do you have tips, ideas, or stories to encourage men to be... men?! Open doors for us, initiate dates, honor us as women, etc? Let's chat!

So I would be lying if I didn't say I have been completely spoiled by men being gentleman.  At Franciscan, it is the norm and from the day guys step on campus they are positive peer pressured into being chivalrous.  Doors are always held open for women and seats always given up.  I even had a friend who would always open the car door for ladies who got in his car,  he is defiantly a man among men.  

So besides being spoiled I have three points I want to make.

First of all we need to encourage men.  Men take a beating in our society-they are stepped on, weakened, and emasculated.  We as women have no idea how much power we have to encourage them.  Simply just looking a guy in the eye who is holding a door open for you and giving a genuine thank you to telling a guy in your life how much you appreciate him (whether he is your sweetie or not).  If their are men in your life who are striving in holiness and chivalry tell them you notice in whatever way works.  I know guys in my life, mostly my household brothers, I will be quick to tell thank you for caring about me, thank you for praying for me, thanking you for fighting for me and I see the glimmer in their eyes.  (I cannot even tell you how amazing my household brothers are, I know they are always interceding and fighting for my sisters and I.  Just writing this makes my heart explode for them.)      

Secondly, we need to be ladies that encourage manliness by being feminine.  I firmly believe that we can help men become strong men simply by being ladies.  Being a woman of God is powerful stuff that inspires men.  Just ask them.  Ladies, you really don't know how powerful you are.  Men are in awe of us.  They are born with a desire to serve, respect, and protect us that the devil and the world tries to rip away from them.  Be a lady that makes them want to be a man.  Often when I am praying over a guy, I simply ask the Holy Spirit to use my womanly heart to flow grace through and cause him to be on fire for His Church and overflowing with love because I know what a powerful force my womanly heart is.  You are powerful, understand that and embrace it.

Finally, straight up demand chivalry.  Up until now I have been talking about men in your life in general-friends, "potentials", boyfriends, fiances, hubbies, dads, brothers, priests.  Now this one is directed to boyfriends, fiances, and hubbies.  If you want him to open doors for you, you can tell him that and don't walk through another door without him opening it for you.  Decide what is important while you are dating and demand it because you know you deserve it.

Ladies, we are powerful.  Knowing our strength we need to encourage men.  We need to be women that give guys a reason to be a man.  Rest in prayer, ask Our Lady to make your heart more like her Immaculate Heart and meditate on Proverbs 31.      

Update: Looked what popped up on my 'gram today.  Can I get an amen!!

NAS: We're Back!!

We are back! As we get into the swing of things with NAS, what other ways can we be more involved at church or in our communities? Is there a parish ministry you have been wanting to help with or start up? What about that after school program for homeless kids? Has something been preventing you from getting involved? How do you think this will help you personally, spiritually, and emotionally?

I am so excited the NAS weekly link-up has begun again.  So excited in fact that I am going to link-up even though my answer to the topic is a little unconventional. Let me explain. 

As almost everyone reading knows, I am currently in a transition phase of my life.  I am job searching and hoping to be moving to another city but am at the moment living at my parents house.  Because of this, I am not involved in really anything besides some lingering involvement from the things I participated in during high school.  

However, once I move I do want to get involved I am just not sure yet what that will look like.  Being a nurse I know my schedule is likely to not be regular which puts a wrench in it.  I am hopeful that I will be able to find opportunities to be involved and serve in a parish.  Being passionately Catholic, I desire a community around me that shares the same convictions and passion.  I am also an extreme extrovert so being involved is very much needed in my life.  Some things I will probably check into once I am a little settled is youth group programs, Eucharistic ministry, and any young adult programs.  But who knows where I will actually land! 

I am excited to wait and see the places The Lord will take me in the very near future! I can't wait to read what everyone else has to say about this topic.  

NAS: Freebie

Apparently on this here bloggy, when it rains it pours, five posts in six days.

Today on the NAS is a freebie post about whatever.  The last post until the normal regularly scheduled NAS in September.  

 Before I do anything else let's gush a bit about Morgan and Jen's upcoming TV  appearance.  I think that is incredible that when we do the Lord's will in what seems like seemingly unimportant small ways he takes it and multiples it.  I see how much this community already supports ladies and Lord willing the women it supports will continue to increase.  I am excited to watch the show in September. 

So ever wonder what people whose blog you read actually look like?  Well it is your lucky day.  If you want to know what I look like chewing, watch this video.

I know I have talked about Imagine Sisters before but I will tell you again what a great organization they are.  I personally know the lady running the show currently and she has a beautiful heart that just wants to serve the Lord.  Although I am personally not discerning religious life at this moment it is really important for me to support Imagine Sisters because I know our Church and our world needs religious vocations.  In addition, I know as I serve the Church over my life time in the ways the Lord is asking me to, consecrated women have my back praying and interceding for me.  

The official description of Imagine Sisters,

Imagine Sisters is a web movement that aims to inspire the imaginations of young women to consider the beautiful call to consecrated life as a sister. With the guiding truth that one sister can change the world, Imagine Sisters strives to connect the world with sisters passionately embracing their call to serve the Lord. 

Currently Imagine Sisters is doing a fundraising campaign to get ready for the Year of Consecrated Life and they need your prayer and financial support.  They have big plans to reach out to even more young ladies striving to serve the Lord. Check out their website and indiegogo page. Personally I have my eye on the coffee cup.

That nun on the right, I can tell you she is great!!

So since this is a freebie and I have to take full advantage of it, I am going to point you back to some recent posts in case you haven't seen them yet.

Last week I gave you some stream of consciousness with a little bit of this and that.  Read that if you want a little look into the thoughts jumping around in my noggin'.  

This past Saturday I began my 24th year of life (or is it I am 24 but it is my 25th year) and began I little project I am calling #livingmyfiat.  More details here and follow me on my 'gram.  

On Monday, I wrote another post for my unintentional essential oil series "Let's Talk Oils".  I answered some more questions and announced that I will be doing a giveaway very soon.  

I am excited to read what you guys are writing about today.  Sorry for those who always read my blog that I haven't given you much new material but I think one stream of consciousness is enough for a week.  I promise you I do have some deep thoughts in my head but for right now, and maybe forever, they are just between me and my God. I look forward to starting the series back up in September and seeing the series on TV. 

A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Well hello.  I know, I know all of you have been anxiously awaiting an update on my life and I aim to please.

First off, the job searing continues.  Everyday I look for and apply to as many jobs as possible.  Thankfully when looking for nursing jobs, most hospitals have all your info saved and you just have to click a few buttons and remind them of  your gender and ethnicity and bada bing.  Praise the Lord I am getting somewhere, talking to people and filling out questioners.  Nothing concrete yet but at least the job train is moving and I am not just sending applications out to the clouds.  And that darn questioner put my panties in a bunch because one time I failed one.  Have no fear, I didn't this time.  During the time of "preemployment" I have gotten a new perspective on the unemployed. As I sit in my parents house with no necessary expenses currently I have some stress about finding a job.  I cannot even imagine the stress for an unemployed bread winner of a family.  My heart goes out to anyone in that situation and I am praying for you.  

Insert awkward transition to lighter topics. 

For the past few weeks I have been nannying the family I watched last summer.  The timing was actually divine, she called me the week before I took my test to see if I could come work and I told her not that week because I had to hard core study and take the test but after that week we could talk.  Well since then I have been working 2-3 days a week which is awesome because I have been putting all that money directly to student loans (a full post coming soon with a whole bunch of Dave Ramsey).

So another thought floating around in my noggin' is how excited I am for the NAS series to start back up.   Even though our community has been great on the FB page I miss having a topic to write about each week. Sorry Morgan and Jen that at the moment I am fresh out of topic ideas but I will let you know if I think of one.  

I have also noticed lately that I am not good with keeping up my MyFertilityMD app.  Thankfully I am in a season of life that it really doesn't matter but I want to stay diligent.  However anyone who has diligently charted for at least a few months I think can agree that it becomes second nature to notice your signs of fertility without much thought.  

Well that is all I have today happening and what better way to end than on fertility and such.  

NAS: One Year Anniversary and Year in Review

How has your life changed in the past year? How has this community impacted you?

Have fun with this! Fave post? What would you like to see more of? Anything, really!

I know I haven't posted everything single Tuesday for the NAS but this week I could not pass it up.  I cannot believe it has been an entire year since this community began.  And I really mean community, I feel like I have gotten to know a group of lovely ladies and shared things with you that I otherwise wouldn't have.  More importantly I have gotten to learn so much wisdom from you gals and learned, well, that I am very much not alone.  I became part of a group of women who are striving for holiness and seeking to love the Lord more fully.

There are so many things that have happened over this past year in my own life.

I had a whirlwind summer nannying four days a week and attending five weddings including watching one of my best friends get married.

I started my fifth and last year of college.

Knights and Angels Nursing Majors

I went to Florida for Spring Break and got to meet Jen from Jumping in Puddles.

I celebrated two years in Regina Angelorum.

Five of the Nine Girls in my Intent class

I graduated nursing school.  I graduated nursing school.  I graduated nursing school. (Still trying to get that one to sink in.)

Lined up and Ready to Go 

When it comes to the NAS it is hard to pick my favorite post from an entire year.  Recently it was great to talk about my discernment which was a really important thing in my life. The Single Life Bucket List was fun.  The first paragraph of this one still makes my heart go pitter patter.  And this one was very popular and well received.  Looking back it was a year of great posts. 

I know this year has so much in store.  It is the year I am really going to step out and put on my big girl panties, get a job and move into my apartment.  I am not going to try to pretend that I know all the Lord has in store for me.  I know it might become clear to me if I am going to midwife school and/or traveling abroad to become a missionary.  I also know I might meet the man who I will one day call hubby. No matter what happens I am excited for another year of adventure, of unexplored territory, of joy, of love, and of passionately following the Lord.  And I hope and pray that this NAS community will continue to grow and that you will join me here on the bloggity to celebrate all that life has to offer.

P.S.  I was just pointed to an article on the Chastity Project about Sleeping with Men (like literal zzzs) that I will defiantly be sharing and commenting on asap.