The Spiritual Workout

Anything but Marriage? (Not Alone Series: Discernment)

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Late to the game, as usual. But I get there, so that counts, right? I missed the "Getting to Know You" portion of this all, so I'll be quick.

I'm Liesl. No longer 16 going on 17. You can read all about me, if you wish. I also like chocolate, sarcasm, and chocolate covered sarcasm. In that order.

Oh, and you should probably know that I really dislike being single - more than when all the chocolate is gone - and I'm also really really terrible at being single, so of course, I love to write about it.

Onward!

Discernment. Way to start us off with a light and easy topic... I'll try to keep it as hot and heavy as possible.

(Although I really think that I'm the last person in the entire world who should be writing about any kind of discernment. If there's one thing I've learned from my spiritual life the past two years, it's that I am completely terrible at discerning God's will. Like fail-tacular. I will pray about something a lot for a long time, do the whole "Thy will be done!" thing, sense that my prayer and certain signs are leading me in a certain direction, jump in wholeheartedly because I'm following God's will, y'all!, and then...

CRASH AND BURN!

To be fair, I haven't completely given up on the latest excursions into God's will-land... but all of that is a not-yet-completed-story for a yet-to-be-determined time.)

Did I just go off on a tangent? That tends to happen. Ever so sorry.

So, discerning my vocation. I suppose it really all started a few years ago, when I began to meet regularly with my spiritual director.

There's one thing you need to know. My spiritual director loves vocations... especially religious vocations. Are you a man? He will ask you every day of your life if you've thought about being a priest. Are you a lady? He may not ask you every day of your life, but he will ask... a lot.

And that was the first time I encountered the "Liesl, have you ever thought about being a nun?" question.

I laughed. Really really hard.

Me?! A nun?! Are you serious?!

When I realized he was serious, I got a little bit defensive.

But I've always wanted to get married and be a mother. Always.

His response: Yea, I always wanted to get married, and see where that got me? It's not a sacrifice if you give up something you don't want.

That's when I pulled out the big guns.

What, so I'm not good enough for a man? I haven't found a guy yet so I should just give up on marriage and run for the religious life?

He assured me that's not what he meant, but he let it go. For then.

After I left that spiritual direction session, I couldn't help but thinking about what he said, and laughing some more. I mean, I'm pretty sure that if I were a nun, I'd be like Maria...

Oh, I'm supposed to be at morning prayer right now? Whoops...

I also have confidence in rain, that spring will come again, and in my complete inability to heel click.

Along with impatience, laziness, sarcasm, mimicking British accents, et al, etc, la dee dah!

You get the idea?

I later told a couple of my very Catholic friends that my priest had dared to suggest that I think about the religious life. I asked them, Me as a nun?! Can you see that at all?

They all said, "Well, yea..."

That shut me up right quick.

After a little bit of thought and a lot of singing The Sound of Music in my head, I realized that I had always assumed that I would get married because that's what I wanted, but I had never really discerned what God wanted for me. I realized that whatever God was calling me to do would make me as happy as I could possibly be here on earth. Why would He call me to something that wouldn't bring me the happiness He created me for?

So I decided I was going to be open to it, whatever "it" was. I kind of informed my spiritual director that I wasn't going to actively pursue any particular vocation for a bit, but I was going to open my heart to be open to any vocation - marriage, single life, or religious life - and let my prayer be that God would place the desire in my heart for what He wanted for me. And for many months, my prayer wholeheartedly became, Thy will be done.

During this time, I met lots of people. Guys. Gals. Married people. Single people. Priests. And nuns. We had some nuns come by our Newman Center every couple of weeks to go to lunch, lead discussions, and just generally hang out. They were young. They were hip. And they were joyful.

I mean, they smiled ALL THE TIME! If they weren't smiling, it was because they were laughing! Which was also a lot! I quickly realized that I enjoyed being around them because they were so happy!

It also didn't take me long to realize that I felt no inclination towards their life. I loved their joy, but I didn't see their joy as someday being my joy. I prayed about it a lot, and asked God to please place a desire for their joy in my heart, if that's where He wanted me to go. But that desire never came, and it still hasn't.

Wuv! Twue wuv!

My prayer during this time especially drew me closer to God, but it also drew me closer to that desire for a husband and children.

Have I had any profound visions of my wedding day during my prayer? No, but God knows that would just be waaaaay too easy for me (right, God? I mean, I could take easy right now...).

Have I met that special man who will someday wait for me at the altar? I don't really know, but if we have met, we definitely haven't fully realized that we've been placed in each others' lives for the very specific purpose of marriage.

Since that time when I was really-super-duper-whatever-you-want-God! open to any vocation, I've had a few moments of very clear consolation towards marriage. You know, no fireworks or neon signs (boy, would that be nice...), but deep senses of peace that could only be from God. And, well, confirmation from my spiritual director, of course.

Like that time where I went on a 5 day silent retreat that was... well, let's just say, quite an experience for me... and my spiritual director and I agreed that we still haven't figured out what God wants for me but we could definitely cross "cloistered nun" off the list.

Or like another time when I very casually mentioned to my spiritual director that I didn't really feel any calling to the religious life, and his response surprised me quite a bit. His words:

Oh, yea, I agree... with your sense of humor, you couldn't be called to anything but marriage.

Um, thanks Father? I'm going to take that as a compliment... and as another little sign among many that I'm discerning the correct-ish vocational path.

So I continue to discern, and I continue to wait - very impatiently, because that's how I roll - and sometimes, I even continue to try to pray "Thy will be done" even when spiritual dry spells or heartbreak stand in my way. I may not be very good at placing complete trust in God, but I know deep down that He won't let me stray too far from the happiness He has planned for me.

The Beholder

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:05:00 +0000

This post was originally published on June 17, 2012 as a guest post for Christina's You are Beautiful series.

~*~

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When I first heard this saying as a child, I thought that it meant that beauty was relative. You know, how some people think the sunrise is one of the most beautiful things in the world, whereas I hold the belief that something that happens that early in the morning can only have so much beauty.

Other things that aren't too beautiful in the morning include my unkempt hair and sleepy eyes.

The trap we fall into with relativism though is that it leads us to believe that lies are the truth - yes, even with beauty! I can't count the number of times I've heard over the years, "You look pretty!" or "That dress looks beautiful on you!" but I can tell you that there have only been a few times I've heard the words we all long to hear: "You are beautiful."

Yet, when I started thinking about the theme for this post and the above adage popped into my head, another thought came to light that made it all start to make sense in a way I'd never realized before. What was the thought that entered my mind with this saying, you ask?

What if I think of God as The Beholder?

Beauty is in the eye of The Beholder.

It doesn't change much, but it changes everything.

The sunrise is beautiful, because God made it. My morning unkempt hair and sleepy eyes are beautiful, because God made them. I am beautiful, because God made me. You and I, though, we hold a different kind of beauty than the sunrise because our beauty comes directly from God, who is Beauty.

Then God said: Let us make human beings in our image, after our likeness... God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them... God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good. (Gen. 1: 26-27, 31)

The sunrise was created by God, but only us human beings were created by God in His likeness. We were not just created beautifully, but we were created to be beauty.

Just like everything else in the world, the fall into original sin skewed our perception of beauty. We forget that our very creation is beauty. We forget that because we were created by God, we are beautiful. We forget that in God's eyes, we are beautiful.

So, what can we do when we forget that God sees as beautiful? Imagine God singing something like this to you:

We'll ignore the fact that these kids are about 12 years old for now and just enjoy being told we're beautiful.

Oh, wait. My bad. God already has written us a song or two:

Ah, you are beautiful, my beloved,
ah, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves! (Song of Songs 1:15)

You are all-beautiful, my beloved,
and there is no blemish in you. (Song 4:7)

You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride;
you have ravished my heart with one glance of your eyes,
with one bead of your necklace.
How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride,
how much more delightful is your love than wine. (Song 4:9-10)

How beautiful you are, how pleasing, my love, my delight! (Song 7:7)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Just don't forget that God is the only Beholder that matters. Remember that in His eyes, you are loved and you are beautiful.

The Myth, The Legend, “The One” (Being Single Series)

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 21:35:00 +0000

Some single Catholic ladies and I were discussing the idea of "The One" a while back, and there were so many differing ideas and opinions on what that means that I asked if any of the ladies wanted to write about it for the Being Single Series. Here is the first of what I hope to be many guest posts about "The One", written by the lovely and oh-so-wise Amanda!

~*~

We’ve all been there. We start talking to one of our friends about a certain guy and the inevitable question comes up:

Is he “The One”?

I used to wait for this question. There was a time in my life where I was dating the man I firmly believed to be “The One”. In fact, at the time, I would have probably bet my life on it. We had the next five years of our lives planned out, the engagement ring, the wedding, where we were going to live, and what we were going to name our kids. You name it and we’d probably had some sort of a plan about it. We started dating and were very serious very fast. Our friends were incredibly supportive and many of them pestered us about when they would get an invitation to our wedding.

Then it ended.

Our fairytale romance had come to an end when he told me that he didn’t think I was “The One” anymore. That’s not my only relationship that has ended with something along the lines of, “I just don’t think you’re ‘The One’.”

The Myth

“The One” sounds like a fairytale, you meet your Prince Charming, you fall in love, and everything is hearts and rainbows. It sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? On some level I think we all long for that fairytale romance, that epic story that we’ll tell our children and our grandchildren. We’ll tell them of a perfect love, unstained by bitter fights, and a relationship that was written in the stars.

However, that fairytale isn’t reality. Relationships take work. Whenever you put two people together there are bound to be disagreements, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get through them together. My parents have been happily married for 28 years and they still disagree from time to time, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t supposed to be together anymore. What matters is that they choose to love each other and they commit to working through the tough times. I think that one of the biggest dangers of buying into the concept of “The One” is that we think that relationships should be effortless and easy, and that we’ll never disagree. We think that we will find that perfect someone and we will instantly click with a powerful and intoxicating chemistry. Then, once we hit a snag in the road or have a disagreement, or get busy with other things, we no longer think the one we are with is “The One” and end the relationship.

The Legend

I’m not saying that clicking and powerful chemistry are bad things. I’m not saying that it isn’t possible to find someone that you feel was made for you. The danger comes in when we pass on good relationships because there is a snag or because we find that relationships actually do take time and effort.

We probably know a story or two of someone close to us who seems to have that fairytale romance. I know a few couples whose love stories put Nicholas Sparks books to shame. Their stories are wonderful, but I know that if l cling to them too closely I’ll assume that my story has to be just like theirs or else I’m a failure in the love department. Those legendary love stories should give us hope: hope that love is real, that people are still willing to commit to one another, and hope that love can triumph.

“The One”

The fact of the matter is that at this very moment God is writing your love story. GOD. Your love story might be one that is legendary, one that Jane Austen could only dream of writing about. Your love story will be unique to you and your future spouse alone. As much as I know and believe that God is writing your love story (and mine), I also know this to be true: relationships take work and commitment. Don’t use the idea of “The One” as a cop-out when you don’t feel like putting in the effort or working through the tough stuff. Entering a relationship with an eye towards marriage, and more importantly toward Heaven, will naturally place your heart in God’s hands. Decide for yourself that relationships are worth the effort. Choose to love. Love is about more than emotions and mushy-gushy feelings – Christ showed us that on the cross.

Is there only one person God made for you? I don’t know. He does. I do know that He will guide you if you let Him, but we have to be willing to put in the effort too.

~*~

And the Winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 23:12:00 +0000

Y'all remember my #LentPlaylist challenge?

It's time to announce the winner!

Drum roll please...

I said drum roll, not rick roll... geesh.

That's better-ish. But kinda lame.

Yes. Just yes. That's what I'm talking about.

Aaaaaand back to announcing the winner...

The "Most Listened To Song During Lent" is...

I especially like the part at 4:31!

Desert Soul by Rend Collective Experiment!

This song is especially perfect for Lent. As we all know, Lent can be an especially... trying time. Spiritually. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally.

But it is also a great time to find our center and remind ourselves that we are just a dry, barren, desert soul without God. It's a time to remember that we should always be running towards God.

I love You Lord

But I want to love You more

I need You God

But I want to need You more

I'm lost without

Your creative spark in me

I'm dead inside

Unless Your resurrection sings

I'm desperate for a desperate heart

I'm reaching out, I'm reaching

All that I am is dry bones

Without You Lord, a desert soul

I am broken but running

Towards You God, You make me whole

You are exactly what we need

Only You can satisfy

That being said, we should always be running towards God, not just during Lent. So put on your running shoes, blast this song on your iPod, and let's get going.

You may be wondering, Yes, this is great, I like this song too... BUT WHO SUGGESTED THIS SONG TO YOU AND IS THE OH-SO-LUCKY WINNER OF THE DELICIOUS BAKED GOODS?!?

Well, I heard about Rend Collective Experiment just before Lent started, when the extremely talented Audrey Assad posted about them on Facebook and Twitter. Because Audrey and I are BFF+Ever, I trusted her and gave them a listen and was hooked like a fish. I bought their album right away, and haven't looked back since.

So, congratulations Audrey, you win delicious homemade baked goods!

Think she'd mind sending me her address so I can ship them to her?

Too creepy?

Some other great songs that were close in the running...

Here With Me by MercyMe

I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons

Blessed Are the Ones by Audrey Assad

Meant to Live by Switchfoot

The Spirit and the Bride by Matt Maher

OK, now it's your turn again. What should have made the list, but didn't this time around?

Feel free to make your case if you think you should have been the lucky ducky winner.

The Look

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:24:00 +0000

Peter's Denial by Carl Bloch

After arresting him they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest; Peter was following at a distance. They lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter sat down with them. When a maid saw him seated in the light, she looked intently at him and said, “This man too was with him.” But he denied it saying, “Woman, I do not know him.” A short while later someone else saw him and said, “You too are one of them”; but Peter answered, “My friend, I am not.” About an hour later, still another insisted, “Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.” Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went out and began to weep bitterly. (Luke 22: 54-62)

How did Jesus look at Peter? What was on his face that made Peter realize that he had denied Christ? What did Jesus' expression say that made Peter go out and weep bitterly?

Jesus could have looked at Peter with a smug face that said, "I told you so!"

He could have looked at Peter with anger. "How could you deny me, after everything I've taught you, everything I've done for you!?!?"

Christ could have looked at Peter with hurt and sadness, where his eyes said it all: "All I ever asked from you was to follow me, and you can't even do that when I need you the most..."

Jesus could have looked at Peter in any of those ways, and I'm sure any of these would have made Peter shed some tears.

But these looks don't belong on the face of Jesus that Peter knew, that we all know.

I think Jesus looked at Peter with love. His eyes said, "I forgive you. I am with you to the end. I still love you, no matter what you do."

And that kind of expression - that look of love, even when we feel unworthy of being loved - is what made Peter weep.

Wouldn't you?

We found Love in a hopeless place...

What I Wore Sunday: 1950's Flashback Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:49:00 +0000

I decided to bring back the 1950's this Sunday, because sometimes I wish I could dress like that every day.

Mostly I just wish we could bring the classy 1950's bathing suits back.

I'm actually considering a second career of being an "I Love Lucy" double... but I suppose I'd have to dye my hair red.

Navy dress with white polka dots - Ann Taylor via The Salvation Army thrift store
Pink cardi - Macy's
Brown boots - Merona via Target (not pictured today, but pictured pretty much every other WIWS...)
Hairdids - courtesy of HairCuttery... where they apparently don't understand the "Please do not cut the upper layers of my hair *this short*" ... bobby pins it is until the man bowl cut grows out a bit...

Happy Palm Sunday! Cannot believe Lent is almost over... but I'm so ready ~~to have chocolate again~~ for Easter!

Trot on over to FLAP for more!

Ode to St. Joe

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:57:00 +0000

Today is the Solemnity of St. Joseph, which is my favorite feast day in the Church.

Jesus says, "I like your beard."

And no, it’s not just because his feast day always falls during the Lenten season and I get to go all...

Alright, maybe just a wee bit.

But really...

It's because St. Joe,
As you may well know,
Is my very favorite beau.

(I call that little ditty “Ode to St. Joe” and yes, I know it’s a masterpiece. Copyright, TM, patent pending, etc. No stealing, I spent a lot of time writing that rhyme.)

Why is he my favorite beau?

Well, he's helped me get a job - twice! - including the one where I just celebrated my one year anniversary.

He helps me out with vocational and relationship advice. It's like girl talk, but I'm on earth, and he's in Heaven. So we don't get to paint each other's nails, but whatevs. Maybe in Heaven someday?

He's pretty much the most powerful intercessor ever, because he's Jesus' foster daddy. I mean, you never say no to your foster daddy, right?

And he is just otherwise pretty much the best saint ever. The bomb dot com. Awesome sauce. Cooler than the flip side of my pillow. A bada** saint.

St. Joe spent his daily life living with Jesus and Mary. Jesus. and Mary. Can you just stop for a minute and think about how EPIC that would be? He got to live with GOD and the Mother of God.

That just blows my mind.

And also, can you imagine how difficult that would be? I mean, you're living with two perfect people. I think I would feel so completely unworthy and imperfect and just... dumb. All the time! But then again, I don't have the humility and patience that St. Joe had.

St. Joe also is known for the most epic line ever in Scripture:

" "

With this beautiful line, he shows us the importance of ~~shutting up and~~ just listening to God. I mean, he completely trusted God, 100%. Even when trusting God was difficult, when it led him to being ridiculed and shunned by society, when he was forced to flee to Egypt and all over the place... St. Joe risked his life over and over again to do what God was calling him to do. If only we all had the trust and resolve to just let go and follow God's call like St. Joe did.

I could go on and on and on about St. Joe, and how he is such a great example to all of us - to me - but instead I will leave you with another one of my epic poems. I know that's why y'all are really here.

(Yep, stiiiiiiiiiill working on that humility thing. Can you help me out, St. Joe?)

St. Joe, St. Joe,
He doesn't want to be your foe.
He wants you to love God mo' and mo',
And to His call never say "No!"
Even if it means you'll be po'.
So hop in the boat and row,
Pick up your plow and sow,
Get in your truck and tow,
Jump on your horse and... "Whoa!"
Whatever it is, just go,
Giving glory to God high and low,
And trust God just like St. Joe!
St. Joe, St. Joe,
All he wants is to be your beau!

Who is your favorite saint? What do you love about him or her? Please write me an epic poem, in iambic pentameter, about your favorite saint.

(I would appreciate a Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet format, but I will let you have creative license.)

What I Wore Sunday: Back in Action Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Well... long time, no see! Is it accurate to say "see" when talking about blogging, since you never technically "see" me? Thought to ponder.

I have reasons for taking an unexpected hiatus, and some of them are good and some of them are poor excuses, but trust me when I say that I am missing you all and hope to have some fantabulous blogging ideas again soon.

Til then...

CLOTHES.

Huzzah!

The Clothes:

Hair - courtesy of "I laid in bed too long to do anything more than throw on some clothes and run out the door"

Black cardigan - Macy's, a couple years ago

Purple tee - Target clearance rack, awhile back (I love rhyming, yes I do, I love rhyming, how 'bout you?)
Skirt - Target clearance rack, same awhile back as the purple tee
Boots - Bare Traps via DSW

Mass:

How many of you heard the Prodigal Son today and how many heard the Blind Man passage?

We heard the Prodigal Son, which is a great reading. The priest brought up a great point - that we almost always focus on the sons in this parable, but the Scripture is really all about the Father and how merciful He is. All we have to do is come home, and we are welcomed with open arms, joy, and lots of celebration! How beautiful is that?

Linking up with Fine Linen and Purple, as always!

What I Wore Sunday: Classy(ish?) Librarian Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 02:23:00 +0000

I got dressed in my warmer clothes for this cold and blustery evening, and realized when I looked in the mirror that I kind of looked like a librarian. Too lazy to change? Eh. C'est la vie.

Awkward fuzzy hair tuck.

15 points to Gryffindor if you can spot the package of Oreos in that picture that came out of hiding for Sunday's chocolate feast.

Modeling my ear(rings).

Zee details:
Let's got from bottom up, today, just to be fun!

Black suede shoes - Macy's via my favorite clearance rack
Black tights - Tarjeta or Ross... who knows, I just keep buying tights!
Black and gray skirt - Jones New York via le thrift store
Purple blouse-ish - Macy's via not-the-clearance-rack (but on sale, of course!)
Earrings - Kohl's via the clearance rack... probably

Now that I think about it... the librarian look is missing something...

Every librarian needs teeny reading glasses, right?

Ah... there it is!

Gallop on over to Fine Linen and Purple for the rest!

If I eat all the chocolate in the world today...

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:42:00 +0000

Happy Fat Tuesday!

Who else is excited for Lent?

Offer It Up

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 18:51:00 +0000

The Bright Maidens are back to Live Lent!

Welcome back ladies, we've missed writing with you!

Our Heavenly Father... longs to convince us of his passionate love for each one of us, that relentless mercy which calls - and enables - us to share his own divine life, that fiery outpouring of love... Let's face it, we humans really don't want God to love us that much. It's simply too demanding. Obedience is one thing, but this sort of love clearly calls for more than keeping commandments. It calls for nothing less than total self-donation. That might not be a difficult job for the three infinite Persons of the Trinity, but for creatures like us, such love is a summons to martyrdom. This invitation requires much more suffering and self-denial than simply giving up chocolate for Lent. It demands nothing less than a constant dying to self.

-Scott Hahn, A Father Who Keeps His Promises, page 18

When I was "growing up" (as in, through college!), I never really took the "Give up something for Lent" thing very seriously.

That wasn't completely honest. I never really took Lent seriously.

That wasn't completely honest either. I never really took the whole "Living the Catholic Faith" thing seriously.

Anyway, I thought Lent was just another part of the Church year where you just chug-chug-chugged along until you got to wear your brand new dress at Easter.

I would sometimes "give up" something for Lent, but I hardly ever stuck to it. Or if I did, I found ways to master my way around it.

Like that time I gave up dessert... I started eating my cake before dinner. Appetizers, anyone? I get points for creativity, right?

Christ of St. John of the Cross
by Salvador Dali

Thankfully, I've grown to learn that Lent is not just another part of the Church year. It is the Church year.

It is through Lent that we truly live out the Christian life. Suffering and sacrifice and wandering in the spiritual desert with Christ? Yes. We are all called to walk the way of the Cross.

But like at the end of Lent, we are also told that through our suffering and sacrifice and spiritual dryness, we will encounter joy and love through the Cross and ultimately with the Resurrection.

We aren't called to just chug through Lent for 40 days. We are called to live it... each and every day. Yes, the entire year!

Since I started taking Lent - and, well, this whole living Catholic thing - seriously, sacrifice and suffering for me has been focused on giving up attachments that are in some way keeping me from giving a complete gift of self to God and others. It's about giving up things that distract me and get in the way of being who I am called to be.

Here's my Lenten routine...

Give up chocolate. Chocolate and I have a very... special relationship.

... and that's putting it mildly! All I can say is, Bless the poor souls who get to put up with me when I go all cold turkey without my chocolate.

Chocolate is an addiction for me. I crave it. I need it. I have torn apart my kitchen looking for it before. I don't know what it is, but there are times that it controls me. And after I give into the craving, I always feel a little bit sad, because I didn't have the self-control to say no!

So by giving it up for Lent, I am working on my self-control, which Lord knows is something I need... desperately. And not just with chocolate.

Give up the drinks. I love milk. I enjoy juice. I like a beer every now and then. I hate water. Hate it. It's so... boring! Seriously, something that is that good for you should at least have a taste!

So, for Lent I'm giving up all drinks except for water (and I make an exception for milk on my cereal... girl needs her multi-grain Cheerios, mkay?!).

In addition to giving up chocolate, only drinking water helps me put some focus on not just my spiritual health, but also my physical health. My body is a temple for the Holy Spirit! After I receive the Eucharist, I am physically carrying Christ to the world! I know that I sometimes put so much effort into my spiritual workout that I just put my body to the side, but I have to remember that this body is a gift from God, and needs nurtured just like everything else.

Listen only to Christian music. I wrote about how I love my little musical guilty pleasures. I actually don't really find anything wrong with non-Christian music, but I do find something wrong with how I let it affect me sometimes.

I love love love music and how it speaks to me, but there are times when my guilty pleasures feed into my state of life - I'm talking loneliness, impatience, and lack of trust. Listening to a lot of this music (ahem, maybe mostly TSwizzle Diggity Dawg) brings all of these emotions to the forefront - even when I was feeling perfectly fine before! - and just lets that longing for wanting to be loved and cared for by another surface and bubble over. And this is when the emotional chastity goes out the door and the pity party begins.

By listening only to Christian music (or music that reminds me of God), it helps me shift that desire for another to my longing for The Other, as in God. It leads my heart and mind to be more focused in prayer, and I have to say that of all the things I've ever sacrificed, this has been the most fruitful for me in building a stronger spiritual life. It also reminds me why I struggle so much with loneliness, impatience, and lack of trust - because the desire I have for loving another is a good thing! But it also reminds me that I have to have patience, which again, Lord knows I need!

~*~

Some of you might be thinking, "Uh Liesl, did you not read your own book excerpt that you put at the beginning? Lent is more than just giving up chocolate!" And you would be right!

So, what do we do with all these little sufferings and sacrifices? OFFER IT UP!

This is a concept that evaded me until a couple of years ago, but think about it... What did Christ do? Whine that he had to die on the Cross? H--- to the NO!

He offered it up for each and every one of us, in atonement for our sins. We are invited to join with his sacrifice by offering up our sacrificial splinters to be a part of his cross.

I offer up each of my sacrifices and sufferings for something very close to my heart, each and every time. But you can offer it up for anyone or anything you want - just don't waste your suffering!

... Even if you are just suffering over not being able to chomp on a piece of chocolate!

It's Coming...

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 12:57:00 +0000

I know that most of us aren't ready for this discussion, but we can’t go on ignoring the elephant in the room.

Not really sure how you could ignore this cute wittle itty bitty baby ewephant!
Wook at him pwaying wif the baby birds!
What you can ignore is how annoying it was to type that baby waby voice. Please never again.

Lent begins in two weeks.

I know, I know! We’re in denial.

“We just took down the Christmas decor!” we all say!

“We also enjoy using the royal 'we'” we all also say!

But we need to bring it up because I need your help. Here cometh my plea.

One of the things I do for Lent is listen only to Christian music. In the car. Working out. While I bake. When I should be attempting to get out of bed in the morning. Those kinds of things.

This means I give up my guilty pleasures that include but are not limited to: Yellowcard and Maroon 5 and Sara B and TSwizzle Dawg and Key-$-ha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaaa-ha-ha-ha-ha and all that rap music I listen to on a daily basis. I’ve gained a lot spiritually from doing this in the past (which I then sometimes tend to lose when I pick up the Queen of Emotional Chastity’s music again [TSwizzle, in case you were confuzzled {I think I lost my parenthesis}]).

As much as I love my Christian mix of Audrey Assad (you should click on each one of these here, do it!), Matt Maher (well hello look at that, there's more), MercyMe (how can I come up with more words for you to click), Relient K (make them up laaaa deeee daaaa because I clearly love Relient K), Switchfoot (running out of words wooooooo weeeeeee), and even a dash of Chris Tomlin (and by "dash", I mostly just mean this one on repeat), it gets old after - oh... a week. And we all know all too well that Lent lasts for six looooooooooooong weeks. We know. Royally and collectively.

By the way, if you actually clicked and listened to all those music links... well, you win the coveted award for "Liesl's Favorite Person of the Day!" And now that you all have your eyes on the prize, I hear you all say...

Anyway, so I’m asking for your help. I need song recommendations! Songs that are great for morning car rides or getting pumped up for a workout or waking up in the morning or diving deeper into prayer. I need some great Christian music to listen to during Lent and beyond!

If my playlist of choice helps you understand a bit of what I like, steer that-a way. I can be kind of picky when it comes to music, especially Christian music. I like good and complex-ish lyrics (i.e. I look for a bit more than “God, You are so awesome!!!!!!”), intricate harmonies, and cool instrumental things happening in the background. I don’t usually listen to most of the “Praise and Worship” music out there, so Christian radio is usually a no-go for me.

I’m even willing to allow songs on my playlist that remind me of God or make me want to pray, even if they aren’t actually about God (or are they secretly about God, hmmmmmm...?).

Example: We Found Love by Rihanna
Counter-Example: State of Grace by Taylor Swift (I'm kind of in a relationship with this song right now... buuuuuuut, contrary to what the title suggests, this song is not about the state of your soul if you plan on receiving communion, or how awesome your life is after you go to confession. I know! I was shocked too!)

So, sendeth forth your ideas. Please make sure that your email address is linked to your comment (here’s how to do it) in case I need to follow up with you... which would happen if a) I love your suggestion and want more or b) I hate your suggestion and want to heckle you every day.

In exchange, I’m offering a little prize. Yes, before you ask, it is more than the coveted award of "Liesl's Favorite Person of the Day!", although I think that should be enough incentive...

If one of the songs that you suggest becomes my #1 favorite song of this Lenten season, then I will send you a box of personally made by me baked goods. Yummity yum yum. To be kind of scientific, I will go by the number of plays a song gets on my iPod (fair, right?). And if a song that I picked is the most listened to... well, then I will bake myself some chocolate deliciousness... after Easter.

Let the games begin. And may the iPod odds be ever in your favor.

What I Wore Sunday: Everybody Loves Pockets Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:47:00 +0000

Yes, you read that right.

POCKETS.

I don't know about you all, but I love skirts with pockets. Love them. Maybe even agape love them.

(Kidding.)

Whoever took the pocket out of skirts was seriously disturbed. Like whoever said that orange is the new pink.

Because what lady doesn't need a pocket? I mean, I might need to carry a dainty hankie to wipe the tears from eyes because the homily was so beautiful, or a tissue because I have the sniffles, or a bag of Cheerios in case the baby in front of me is just too darn cute and loudly distracting, or some chapstick in case there's a handsome lad sitting next to me and I want to give him the Judas version of the sign of peace.

(Definitely kidding with that last one, winkity wink.)

You just never know when you'll need a pocket!!!!

So I thought this skirt was cute when I found it at the thrift store, and then when I saw that it had pockets?!

Sold. To the lady in the second row. She's an 8, she's a 9, she's a 10, I know.

The pockets in all their beauty!

The whole ensemble, awkward poses and all.

Oh, you want to know more than just about the pockets? Alright, then...
Hair - courtesy of my mother's genetic code and old lady bun
Blouse - Fashion Bug, via Unique Thrift Store, a steal with the tags still on it for $2
Skirt with POCKETS - Ann Taylor, via Unique Thrift Store, another steal for $3
Tights - Merona, via Target
Boots - Bare Traps, via DSW, which were not a steal, but good boots come at a price.

Rocking the purple today, just for all you Fine Linen and Purple ladies. You're welcome.

40 Years of "Choice"?

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:30:00 +0000

I originally posted this one year ago today. I have a new post planned for the March for Life on Friday, but as today is the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I think it's important to ask ourselves, "What kind of 'choices' are we celebrating today?" Today, and every day, we need to remember the 55 million children who have never had the chance to make their own choices, who never had the chance to live, because of the 'choices' our society has made.

Hosted by Jill Stanek

Unfortunately, evil has been present in our world since the Lucifer and his angels chose to turn away from God, and it will be present until the end of the world.

Because we have been given free will, we will always have the option to choose evil over good.

That doesn't mean evil is ever the right choice.

Society choosing evil over what is right has led to wars, genocides, the spreading of disease and famine, and a general stomping on the little guy all over the world.

No matter how you try to spin it, abortion is evil to the core. The Devil likes to disguise evil in appealing forms, but let's face it - abortion really isn't a very good disguise.

Just because we can choose evil doesn't mean we should. We have been given a choice so that we can choose to do the right thing.

So I ask, what does "pro-choice" actually mean? Is it promoting choosing good over evil, or is it just another disguise that the Devil hides behind?

I am for choice... the right choice. I choose to always fight for life.

Don't Wait for the Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:20:00 +0000

It happened one Friday night.

The anticipation had been building for awhile, at least for me. I couldn't ignore the hunger any more. It felt like I had been waiting an eternity, and I just couldn't hold off any longer.

Screw waiting for the wedding!!! I thought.

So I gave in to the urge.

Wait, wait, wait... you all know what I'm talking about, right?

Be honest - how many of you are thinking that this post is about - are the kids out of the room? no? ok, I'll spell it instead - s-e-x?

I know my most read post is about porn, but c'mon y'all! Getchyour mind out of the gutter!

...I'm talking about my brand new KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

My precious.

I know. It's beautiful. It's alright if you tear up. I totally did.

Let me backtrack a bit...

I'm sure many of you know that I love to bake. Partly because I love sugar and partly because it's one of those ways that I show people that I care. Like really care.

Some of you also might know that this KitchenAid stand mixer is a baker's dream. Like heaven. On your countertop. You can make an entire batch of cookies at once!!!!!

So, it probably comes at no surprise that I've always wanted a KitchenAid stand mixer for my very own. I have great memories making batches of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with my family growing up, and ever since I became an adult, my wrist has always longed for the relief of not having to mix cookie batter with a hand mixer.

But something has always been holding me back, and that something is the idea of waiting for the wedding.

KitchenAid stand mixers do not come cheap. This one runs for a retail price of $299.99, and that's the cheapest one! So, while I've always wanted one, I've never taken the leap to buying one.

It's soooo expensive! I think.

Can I really justify spending that kind of money on something for just me? I wonder.

Because only married people
use kitchen appliances.

This is the kind of thing you put on your wedding registry, is the thought that always cinched the "Not gonna give in and buy it" mindset.

You see, for years, I've been living with the idea that there are things that I would want - things that I would use - but I haven't bought them for myself because they are the kinds of things that you register for when you get engaged.

The kinds of things that your girlfriends all chip in to buy you for your bridal shower.

Or that really expensive item that your dad's co-worker has shipped to your parents' house before the wedding all gift-wrapped in special Macy's ribbons and bows.

Or the gift that your great Aunt Ruth (who had a beard... and it felt weird...) splurges on for you because you are her favoritest great niece in the whole wide world.

It's one of those expensive gifts like nice crystal or china that you wait to buy so you can put something on your wedding registry... and if you buy it before the man comes along, then what are you supposed to register for?!

Waiting for the wedding was holding me back. It was keeping me from living my dreams... my baker's dream, that is.

And then it happened. Everything just lined up too perfectly. It's like it was God's will! All KitchenAid appliances went on sale at Kohl's. Then they had a special Ebates deal on top of that. Then there was the extra 30% off. Then there was the Kohl's cash. Then there was the mail-in rebate. You get the idea. When it all came down to it, the final price was going to be down from $299.99 to under $100. I even had some muscle who carried it to my apartment and set it up for me! How could I say not give in?

Obviously, I have a hard time saying "No!" to any great deal, but it was more than that. It was finally time for me. It was a change in my mindset.

I'm done waiting for the wedding. I have a life that's worth living now, not just someday when I get married.

So, it did happen that one Friday night, where I didn't wait for the wedding. I had some chivalrous muscle come over to carry it up from the lobby for me, pull it out of the box, and place it ever so gently on the countertop.

It was a beautiful moment. It was everything I had hoped it would be. And it was mine. A gift for myself.

And then we made mashed potatoes.

What I Wore Sunday: Exciting Debut Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:47:00 +0000

Well, the weather here has been... interesting. It fogged over last night and hasn't cleared since. With this lovely fog has come an even lovelier dewy drizzle everywhere.

What does this have to do with what I wore to Mass, you say?

Well, it means me putting on a skirt and heels was not going to happen today. Helloooooooo pantalones!

But this is an exciting debut.

I bought my very first pair of skinny pants!

I know. I am pretty shocked too. I've always thought that the skinny cut was for... well, skinny people! but I thought I would give them a try and I don't think they look too bad! I decided to go all out too. They are dark purple cords (I went with a dark color as darker colors are more slimming to the figure) and they have a light paisley pattern on them.

So I need you all to be honest. And by honest, I mean lie in the comments and then privately e-mail me your honesty if you think I should never ever ever EVAH!!!! wear the skinny pants again. Because that's how Jesus would do it.

Channeling my inner Audrey Hepburn.
In poor lighting. Sorry.

Close up of the print... which is still bad lighting.

More deets:

White v-neck sweater: Old Navy (clearance for $7)

Green scarf: Old Navy (on sale for $10)

Elle patterned skinny cords: Kohl's (originally $48, on clearance for $10, plus 30% off = $7 pants!)

Purple flats: Macy's (clearance $19)

Random thoughts from Mass:

- Who is not ready for the Christmas decorations to come down off the altar yet? This girl!
- I went to Mass at the parish where I teach catechism today, and the woman in front of me turned around and said I sing so beautifully and I should be in the choir. Aw shucks!
- I just really love simple music at Mass sometimes. Just a guitar and husband and wife duo led the music, and it was really beautiful.
- Does anyone else have a major problem focusing their thoughts on the actual Mass during Mass? Sometimes I feel like my mind is everywhere but what's actually happening. Thoughts for how to squash the wandering mind?
- Jesus is baptized! Holla! (That's how you say "Hallelujah!" in half the number of syllables) Even though Jesus did not need baptism whatsoever, I think it's awesome that he chose to "debut" himself to the community through baptism, just as we are all debuted to the Christian community at our baptisms!
- Did y'all know that Lent starts in one month?!? Yes, that's right. I'm already starting to ween myself off of chocolate.

Trot on over to Fine Linen and Purple to gander at all the other lovelies.

Even One Step

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:51:00 +0000

"If there's even one step we can take to save another child

then truly we have an obligation to try." - President Barack Obama, 2012

How about half a million people, each taking thousands of steps?

Are you listening, Mr. President?

March for Life.

January 25, 2013.

I'll be there. Will you?

What I Wore Sunday: Designer Dress Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 16:55:00 +0000

So I realized while choosing my post for the month of December for the New Evangelists Monthly that my posting lately has been a bit skewed... three posts were about clothes, one was a quick takes (that also mentioned clothes), one was a wonderful guest post from Mary, one was a compilation of quotations that I didn't actually have to do anything to write... and one was a bunch of pictures about how I see Jesus in a Rihanna song.

So I think maybe my new year's resolution should be to write about something of substance - you know, with actual words - perhaps at least once a month?

Glad I'm starting off on the right foot.

I actually went to Mass at the Saturday vigil, but calling this post "What I Wore Saturday Night Which Is Really Sunday in the Eyes of the Church" was too long.

Más details:

Dress - Elie Tahari designer dress (he was on Project Runway a couple of weeks ago!) originally priced at $200 that I got on clearance at TJMaxx for $10

Black tank - Sonoma from Kohl's (because modest is hottest, of course)

Black tights - Merona from Tarjeta

Black boots - Bare Traps from DSW (and probably the only thing I paid full price for in this ensemble)

I felt it was time to whip out my crazy print dress once again. Because I love it but sometimes feel like it's crazier than me (I know, that means really crazy, right?) so I have to be in the right mood to rock it.

I think the print could be best described as a leopard that fell into vats of red, pink, purple, and orange dye.

Mass details:
I once again sat in the old lady section, although there were some old men there this time, too! Moving up in the world.

The priest gave a great homily on the Epiphany, tying in the gifts the Magi brought to what it said about Christ, and teaching us that if we follow the light (of the star) as the Magi did, we too can encounter Christ!

Be sure to check out everyone else's party attire at Fine Linen and Purple!

Happy Feast of the Epiphany!

The Single Life: Right vs. Good (Being Single Series)

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +0000

I was extremely excited when Amanda agreed to write a guest post, because I couldn't wait to hear from the perspective of another single single lady! She definitely went above and beyond, and I especially relate to cringing at the idea of being good at being single. This post is so packed full of goodness, you just might have to read it a few times... which is totally what I did too!

~*~

Alright, here is the God’s honest truth: whenever I’m asked to write, or speak, or I feel God calling me to talk about the single life I cringe a little. Sometimes, I cringe a lot. Why is He calling me to write about this or speak about it? Does He think I’m an expert at it? I don’t want to be an expert on the single life! If I somehow became an expert on the single life or got really good at being single, there would be a very real danger of me wanting to stay single and happy forever. Besides, why would I want to change my way of life if I became an expert at being single? God calls us to relationship, both romantic and non-romantic in nature. Does that mean you are a failure if you aren’t in a romantic relationship? Not for a second. It means that God is preparing your heart for the exact purpose He created you for.

Suffice it to say that I get it. Being single isn’t always easy. Some days (especially around the holidays) it can be difficult, lonely, and tiring. More than once I’ve found myself asking God why I’m single and why He has called me here. I can clearly remember asking God that question when I was in college. The conversation between me and God went something like this…

Me: God. I’m in the prime of my youth. I’m in college. I’m even at a Catholic college. Where are all the good guys? Why am I not dating anyone? Why won’t you send me a boyfriend? I want someone to love. I demand someone to love and someone who will love me. Get on it.

Sounds like a pretty one-sided conversation, right? I wish I could say that I gave God a chance to answer. I did, for about five seconds, but when His answer was anything different than what I was asking for (which it was) then I stopped listening. When I stopped listening, I started trying to make things happen for myself. I went out. I partied. I hung out with the not-so-Catholic-boys (and I do mean boys). In the end, I was nowhere near where I wanted to be. I was settling for cheap imitations of love, and deep, deep, deep down, I knew it.

Eventually, I turned back to God and opened my ears and my heart to hear His answer, “Not yet my child, not yet.”

Did that answer break my heart? Not at all. I knew I wasn’t ready.

Since then I’ve been in exactly two serious relationships. Neither of them was perfect and they both ended in heartbreak. With the last relationship, I became so convinced that we were going to get married that I stopped praying about it. I stopped praying about the relationship, instead I only ever prayed for the relationship. There is a difference, and that is a lesson I’ve taken to heart. Since that relationship ended I’ve learned to pray both for and about a relationship before I enter into and once I’m in it. If I feel that He isn’t calling me somewhere then I don’t go there, period. I know that it only leads to heartache.

Today, His answer is still the same, “Not yet my child, not yet.” His answer isn’t a flat-out no, it is a simple but loving “not yet.” I’ve learned to wait on Him, to wait for His lead. By learning to wait for Him, I’m learning to love Him more deeply. By loving Him, who is Love, I learn how to love. I’ve also committed myself to a few things:

Prayer. This takes many different forms. I’ve committed myself to being a prayer warrior for my future husband. I offer up Rosaries for him, Mass for him, and my daily struggles. Whenever I feel lonely or wish he would just show up already, I offer a prayer for him. I write to him. I pray for him specifically and intentionally. I pray for his purity, for his heart, for his openness to the Lord, I pray for him to imitate Jesus and St. Joseph. I can’t tell you how strong I feel as a woman to be able to pray for my future husband now.

More prayer. When my last serious relationship ended I decided that I had to stop being lazy in my spiritual life. I had to stop waiting on a man to be the spiritual leader in my life because the truth is that I already have a Man in my life who is the greatest spiritual leader I could hope for. I decided to go to daily Mass twice a week. Then it was three times a week. Then four. Then five. For months now I’ve been going to Mass every day of the week, with the occasional exception of Saturdays. It keeps me close to His heart, close to Love, grounded and focused on my purpose in life: to serve Him, receive His love and share it with the world.

I find comfort and strength in Jesus. It sounds cheesy and cliché, but it couldn’t be truer. I do my best to fall more deeply in love with Him, and in so doing, I pray that He would soften my heart and teach me to love as He loves: unconditionally and without reserve, regardless of whether I’m single or not.

“Let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.” – St. Augustine

~*~

Amanda is a single, Catholic woman who lives out in Denver, CO. She works as a youth minister, blogs over at worthy of Agape, writes for Ignitum Today and The Papist, oh, and she wrote a book (which she should hear about any day now...)! If she manages to find any free time, she likes to hike, explore the mountains, play golf, and plan out her Sunday attire so she can show the world what she wore on Sunday! She also wants to come clean with everyone, and admit that she doesn't eat green foods except cucumbers, pickles, honeydew, and kiwi. Someone brought green jello to the party? Nope, she will not be having any of that! (Don't worry, I'll bit the bullet and eat the green jello...) Can't get enough of Amanda? Check out her other writings, and come back for more guest posts coming soon!

2012 Recap: Music Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:26:00 +0000

Here's to 2012 through the ears of my most played songs!

This past year was spent...

...wandering in and out and all over the spiritual desert...

...finally finding a job with some help from my favorite saintly beau, feeling like I'm where I'm supposed to be, and having a great work schedule where I can still enjoy those days where all I want to do is just have a pajama day...

... healing from the rejections of life with a dash of prayer, humor, TSwizzle, and sarcasm...

... some fruitful experiences leading a couple of retreats for young adults...

... trying to better prepare myself for the lad...

... and whether we've already met or if we're still wandering around looking for each other, just stop putzing around and call me, maybe?

(I had to fit in the bestest song of 2012 somehow!)

... having way.too.much.FUN...

alright... maybe not that kind of fun!

... and being reminded over and over again that even in the struggles and sufferings present in life, that I am still known intimately, loved deeply, and so blessed by God!

Here's to 2013!

We Found Love

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Do you ever listen to a song on pop radio and just instantly think, "This song is totally talking about my man, Jesus!"

Nope? Just me?

Well, I know this song is actually about drugs and sex and unhealthy relationships, but from pretty much the first time I heard it, all I could picture in my mind was Jesus on the cross.

The more I've listened to it, the more and more I picture the whole song talking about the life of Christ, and how we are just searching and yearning for his love.

So, what follows is as close as I can get to show you all what I picture in my mind when I listen to this song, which - crazy as it seems - I use to pray.

We Found Love

Yellow diamonds in the light

(Matthew 2:1-12)
Source

Now we’re standing side by side,
As your shadow crosses mine

(Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56, Matthew 9:18-26)
Source

What it takes to come alive

(John 11:1-46)
The Raising of Lazarus by George Cattermole

~*~

Shine a light through an open door

(John 1:4-9, John 8:12)

Love a life I will divide

(John 6, Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26,
Luke 22:7-39, John 13:1-17:26)
Source

Turn away 'cause I need you more

(Romans 6-8)
Source

Feel the heartbeat in my mind

(John 1:14, Luke 24:32)
Sacred Heart of Jesus

It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny

(Matthew 12:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, John 6:16-21)
Peter Walks on Water by Philip Otto Runge (1806)

But I’ve gotta let it go

(John 20:20-23 and more)
Source

We found Love in a hopeless place,
We found Love in a hopeless place,
We found Love in a hopeless place,
We found Love in a hopeless place...

(Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:16-37)

Christ of St. John of the Cross by Salvador Dali

**I've been working on this post for awhile to find all the right images, and now in light of the school shootings that happened last week, it seems even more fitting. Despite how tragic our world can be, we have to always remember that there is no tragedy where we cannot still find Love, there is no place that is completely hopeless because God is always there in our suffering. May those who suffer and cry out for hope feel God's presence, and may we all come to know and experience Christ's undying love that he has shown to each of us on the Cross.**

What I Wore Sunday: Clearance Rack Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Well, this is embarrassing.

I had two - that's right two - posts not about clothes planned for this past week, and as we can see... that just didn't happen. Don't worry, they're coming soon!

But off to talk about more important things. Like what I wore today. Obviously.

Today is Gaudete Sunday, which means REJOICE! I especially love the readings today because they are definitely what I have been needing to hear - to not be discouraged and to not be anxious, but to rejoice and trust in the Lord. His will is what will bring each of us the greatest happiness here on earth... even if we have to be patient and wait for God's timing.

But, I have to say that I like this Sunday mostly because I love to see the priests rocking the ~~pink~~ rose vestments.

Black dress - Gap super duper clearance rack, bought many moons ago
Cardigan - TJMaxx clearance rack
Deep berry (aka "rose") scarf - Unique Thrift Store, brand new!
Black velvet pumps - Macy's how-is-it-possible-these-shoes-are-so-cheap clearance rack

As you can see, I am a clearance rack shopper!

Be sure to head over to Fine Linen and Purple to check out everyone else rocking the pink... I mean, rose.

What I Wore Sunday: Emo Pose Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Another week, another Sunday!

Which means, of course, another reason to ogle at everyone's clothes!

You mean everyone doesn't take emo looking photos in their kitchen?

My kitchen gets the best light, ok? I'm just thankful that the stove top is actually clean.

I feel like I ended up channeling a bit of Grace in that photo... Thanks for letting me steal your signature pose!

My attempt at looking more normal...

I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!

...ends up just looking kind of creepy.

You mean everyone doesn't have a creepy finger pose?

Guess it's just me.

And a close up of the boots, because they just don't like to photograph well.

Más details:
Green dress - Old Navy
Jean jacket - Old Navy, courtesy of Unique Thrift Store
Brown opaque tights - from the "I have no idea where I bought these" store
Brown boots - Merona, from Tarjet

As I am a walking ad for Old Navy today, it seems, I welcome them to send me free clothing and accessories to model. I'd willingly do that.

Mass details:
We got a homily on confession and a walk through of an examination of conscience, which I think is a homily that should be given more often.

I also got to see the transubstantiation and say hi to Jesus.

My overall Mass grade for myself is a C, because I got there early and prayed and hard core prayed before and after communion and stayed after Mass and prayed, but I was distracted by other thoughts most of the rest of Mass - unfortunately, said distraction did not involve a cute baby sitting in front of me that I was trying to plot how to steal. I guess I can't always win.

Make sure you trot on over to Fine Linen and Purple to sneak a peek at everyone else's Sunday best!

7 Quick Takes (#36)

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 04:32:00 +0000

The past couple of weeks, I've actually posted about more than just my clothes! I know this is shocking because this is obviously a fashion blog...

You'll be seeing this on the runway next season... but remember, you saw it here first!

Anyway, check out the latest non-clothed linkies - the one I wrote for the lads and the one that I just copied and pasted into an organized-ish list.

I also hope you all got a chance to read the guest post I had this week from the B-E-A-Uuuutiful Mary with her reflections on the single life from her view as a happily married woman! I just love her insight!

Speaking of guest posts, Amanda and I were talking a bit about how we never want to actually be good at living the single vocation... so I know that I am totally excited to read her thoughts coming soon!

Changing gears. Eeeeeep eeeeeeerrrrrrr eeeeeeerrrrrrrr squeak stop.

Have any of you tried the Crackle overcoat nail polish? I have been wanting to try it out, and I saw it at TJMaxx today for a fashionista steal, so I snagged a couple of bottles... and I am kind of disappointed. It looks more like a glitter polish than a crackle effect - so my question for all of you nail experts - WHAT DID I DO WRONG?!?! Help a gal out, because I will feel so lame if I have to return my $2 nail polish.

I have to say that St. Nick's Day is probably one of my favorite Catholic celebrations. Not only do we find little surprises in our stockings in the morning, but it's also fun to see all the Catholics come out on Facebook with pictures and posts about their stocking traditions!

Since I've always celebrated this tradition with my family, I thought it would be fun to share this tradition with my work family! I was lame and couldn't find my stocking while I was home, so thankfully, St. Nick was selfless and let me borrow his sock so I could still get some fun treats. It was fun being able to laugh at and ogle all the fun things we all got... and eat lots of candy. Mmmm candy.

So I've been trying to eat healthier and work out more... trying being the operative word that is currently failing. Do you all have any great tricks to help motivate yourself to eat better and get active?

Throwing away all the chocolate? (Not even an option for me!)

Getting new cute work out clothes? (Could work, right?!)

Carrying around bags of frozen vegetables in your purse so that you have to eat them? (I currently use my frozen peas as an ice pack so...)

Really, how do you all get motivated to be healthy?

I love making mixtapes... yes I actually still burn it onto a cassette tape. No, I'm totally kidding.

I have a very methodical way of making mixtapes for people, and each one I make is a personalized playlist for that specific person. I'm often telling a story with the music - whether it's a story of friendship or love or prayer or just geeking out over some awesome music that I know that specific person will enjoy - I just love going through all my music to find exactly what I want to evoke that meaning.

Making a mixtape is one of my tasks for this weekend. Do any of you ever make mixtapes for those you care about? Do you have a special method when you compile your playlist?

This is the song that is currently playing on repeat on my playlist...

Tis a love letter to my future husband.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks to Jen as always for hosting!

Reflections on the Single Life... from a Happily Married Woman (Being Single Series)

noreply@blogger.com (Liesl) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:57:00 +0000

I've asked Mary to write a guest post for me more times than I can count... because I always value her insight into faith and relationships! I loved reading her thoughts on the single life because I know that she has been there and done that (note the “Ugh.” in the first paragraph!), but by prayerfully living her vocation as a single woman, she and her husband eventually found their way to each other. I hope you all value her insight as much as I do!

~*~

I think one of the things I hated most about being single, especially after college, was the staggering amount of cliches hurled in my direction at a fairly intense velocity. Of course, in a way, I sought out the cliches since I read Catholic blogs and books on being a Catholic single woman, but did they all have to say the same thing? They all exhorted me to “live your life now” and, “God’s calling you to follow Him now, not just after you meet your future husband.” Ugh. Unfortunately, the worst part about most cliches is that they’re usually correct. God does want you to love Him totally and completely now. Original sin will be there before and after marriage and we always want to be vigilant against that.

Still, telling a person who is craving to meet their soul mate to just distract themselves and keep pursuing the good in the present seems a tad harsh. Desiring to meet the man God has for you seems to me to be a perfectly natural, ordered good. The problem only comes when you let that desire overcome your entire life.

As my husband, John, and I celebrate our one year anniversary, I can’t help but thoroughly praise God for bringing him into my life. John is everything I hoped for, everything I always wanted. In a temporal way, John completes me. We go to Mass together, we pray the rosary together, and we challenge each other. We get into spats, anxieties and sin together, but I love having someone to face all of that icky, ugly stuff with in solidarity. We always eventually come to the conclusion that it’s our purpose to serve God together... sin gets in our way and so, as a couple, we need to fight that with all of our being.

Since I’m a blogger (and a woman), I naturally like lists. Here is a list of the things I wish I’d kept in mind before I met my husband

There is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you’re into your twenties or thirties (or forties) and have never had a serious boyfriend. A dating history is an incredibly poor indicator of happiness in the future. Hanging out with friends or pursuing a fun hobby is a much more purposeful and excellent way to spend free time than dating a loser who you’d never see yourself marrying. Also, just because you haven’t dated anyone before does NOT mean you are not beautiful, fun, smart and a great catch. Having dated a lot is in no way correlated with your meeting an amazing man and living happily ever after.

Standing up for what you believe in and what you want from the beginning is a really good idea. Not having sex before marriage, babies after marriage, etc. are good things that should be put on the table and pursued!! Don’t be afraid of the beauty of your faith and the purity of your dreams! Faith and purity are worthy goals to strive for... not aspects about yourself to hide! A good man finds these qualities attractive, so communicating these aspects about yourself helps you find out what kind of guy he really is.

Know where to draw the line when it comes to unsolicited advice. Only seek advice from those who absolutely want the best for you. Dating is about discerning which man is going to lead you to heaven. Other friends and family will find it extremely easy to cut that down and distract you with shallower concerns. My sister thought John was geeky and some of my girlfriends thought he was awkward. I stressed out about those observations until one day I realized...I love those aspects about him!

Avoid getting caught up in the 21st century “relationship trends”. By this I mean, worrying about being “Facebook official”, planning your future wedding on Pinterest, or spending a ton of time going out in groups and making everyone think you’re in a great relationship when you might not be. Dating is a time of serious discernment. Focus on the time you’re spending with this man. Do you enjoy the time spent together doing absolutely nothing? Does he make you laugh? Does he encourage you to pursue things that you know to be good (faith, acts of charity, relationships with your family, chastity, etc.)? It does not matter what the rest of the world thinks. You know the difference between right and wrong. You know how to tell when a guy is a good man and when he’s really just a boy. Trust your instincts!

Spend time around people who help mold you into the person you want to be. Set high goals for yourself. Always be seeking ways to make yourself better, to accomplish things you set your mind to. Yes, dating is fun and it’s always nice to feel desired and wanted... but that’s really not what life is all about. Pray for your future husband (after I had a particularly ugly break up, I prayed that God give me a man like John Walker, the cutest, smartest guy I’d ever met but with whom I was stuck in the “friends zone”. God answered that prayer in the most incredible way!).

Be wary of the “friendlationship zone”. I think this is one of the trickiest things girls face today when it comes to dating. They’ll start to be friends with a guy, fall for him and then be anxious about why he’s not moving things to the next level. I would say that if a guy has gotten to know you and is still not pursuing a dating relationship with you, it’s completely fair to ask him what his intentions are. You don’t have to reveal that you like him, but it’s unfair for him to drag you along and enjoy your company and send mixed messages about his feelings for you. A man who wants to pursue a relationship with you generally will without too much help!

Keep in mind that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being a single, beautiful, faithful woman... take pride in that!! You show the world that fulfillment comes not from another person, but from God Himself. When you get right down to it, that is one of the most important witnesses our society needs right now. We turn everywhere but God for fulfillment and it’s easy to think that people can only be fulfilled when they’re married. Insane rates of divorce, domestic violence and “open marriages” tell a completely different story. God is all you really need, let Him help you.

Please pray for me, as I will for sure pray for you!

~*~

Mary, once a single gal, is married to John Walker, a wonderful Catholic man and captain in the U.S. Air Force! Mary studied political science at the George Washington University and received a master's degree in politics from the University of Dallas. She loves being a military spouse, playing the violin, and the talking/writing about the U.S. Supreme Court, among other things. She is a regular contributor at Truth and Charity, so go check her out!

Mary and Liesl met through a mutual friend and are lucky enough to be friends in real, real life! They share a love of Yellowcard and Switchfoot, cooking, writing lists that end up being normal numbers (like five, not the above six), and lighting candles (which was discovered as they were the candle-lighters in said mutual friend's wedding!).