Captivating - Chapter 1 / Introduction

Thanks to everyone for letting me jump into this cyber-Bible study a few weeks late. Captivating is one of the books that I've had patrons ask for, and have been meaning to read and have never taken the time to. When someone turned it in last week, and it didn't have any holds on the title, I checked it out.

Like every other book I check out, it sat around for a few days on the shelf at home, but I kept getting that nagging feeling to get started on it! (God sure can bug you to death sometimes can't He?) So I read Chapter 1 the other night - and immediately wanted the feedback of other Christian women. I'm so glad I found you all!

I too was a little skeptical of Ch. 1 - sure, I want to be captivating, and thankfully I am in my husband's eyes.... But it took me so long to see it. Developing strength, integrity & grades were the most important things when I was growing up. Not a lot of emphasis on physical beauty - not a lot of money for that either. College started out the same way, but opened my eyes to a whole new world.

I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. Who knew that talking until the wee hours of the morning could enliven the soul so much! Boy did I spread my wings and let my seeking soul try to fly! But my parents had other ideas -and it wasn't until I took a big leap of faith and signed up for grad school & then moved out there that I really had to find out where I stood, what was my own belief - what was my rebellion - what did God will for me?

God has taken me down many paths that weren't exactly enjoyable, but necessary. He's given me things that I didn't understand - only to later learn what treasures they were. But I digress....

So Stasi believes that being made in God's image, distinctly different from our male counterparts, we should rejoice in our desires:

1. To be romanced - I've always been a "hopeless romantic" - thank goodness my hubby can be one too at times! But stress is such a killer to this desire!
2. To play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure - But isn't that just daily life? I know there are SO many more exciting things to come in raising a family - but sometimes I feel like these days are already behind me: when we'd go spelunking, repelling, and on awesome but exhausting mission trips. How often do we have time (and more importantly energy) to do these things?
3. And to unveil beauty - Which is SO hard as a full-time librarian and mommy. I've always been so hard on myself with the way I feel about my appearance. And God knows that - that's my hubby thinks I'm so gorgeous! But the last time I really felt that gorgeous were on our wedding day when he saw me turn the corner to start walking down the aisle, and those first moments when we held our newborn daughter. He was so proud of me -so amazed at my endurance and strength. How honored I felt!

I'll keep reading - to see if I can find ways to feel more captivated on my own (instead of through outside sources). And I'll keep praying for God to show me more of what He needs me to do for him that will bring its own intrinsic rewards.

Thanks for reading. I'll catch up with Chapter 2 tomorrow. <><