A Real Woman

Written by Philip Hainline, Heidi Reimer, and Maria Reimer at the respective ages of 16, 19, and 17.

A real woman . . .
…is glad she’s a woman and rejoices in her femininity, expressing it through her attitude, appearance and bearing. (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

…does not compete for equality with men or chafe at God’s design for male and female, but delights in and understands the importance of her calling to complement man’s role. (1 Timothy 2:11-12, Ephesians 5:22-24)

…values the cultivation of her mind and diligently seeks after wisdom and knowledge. (Proverbs 22:17-21, 2:2-6)

…realizes her imperative need to allow the Holy Spirit to control her emotions and expressions of them. (James 1:19-20)

…does not wallow in self-pity or make a habit of voicing complaints, but radiates cheerfulness and joy. (Proverbs 15:15, Proverbs 17:22)

A real woman . . .
…appreciates her father’s protection, and respects and submits to his authority. In so doing, she is preparing herself to exercise the Biblical role in her relationship with a possible future husband. (Ephesians 5:33-6:3, 1 Peter 3:1-2)

…is trustworthy and gains the respect of those around her. (Proverbs 31:11)

…restrains herself from listening to, or participating in gossip, but instead speaks with wisdom and discretion. (Proverbs 11:12-13, 22, 20:19, 3:11)

…encourages and builds up those around her instead of criticizing and tearing them down. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:29)

…does not have a nagging, contentious or manipulative manner in which she deals with others. (Judges 16:16, Proverbs 21:9, 19, 26:21)

…is not boisterous or loud in her speech or actions but is characterized by a gentle and quiet spirit. (Proverbs 9:13, 1 Peter 3:4)

A real woman . . .
…portrays chastity, modesty and reverence in her manner, and wears the ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is her true beauty. (1 Peter 3:3-4, Titus 2:4-5)

…is not offended by respect shown her through gentlemanly courtesies (opening doors, etc.) but cultivates the differences between the sexes that make her worthy of this deference. (1 Peter 3:7, Mark 10:6)

…seeks to make God her number one desire and the Lover of her soul, knowing that only He can fully satisfy. (Psalm 73:25, Psalm 63:1)

…uses her years of singleness to seek and serve God without distraction, and is content to leave the details of her future to Him. (Psalm 73:25, Philippians 4:11)

A real woman . . .
…does not relate to members of the opposite sex in a flirtatious or forward manner, but instead saves all her passion for her future husband. (Thessalonians 4:3-8, Proverbs 6:25, 1 Corinthians 7:1)

…holds her virginity before marriage sacred and will not compromise it for anything. (This one goes for guys too)
(1 Timothy 5:22)

(taken from The Rebelution: www.therebelution.com)

This Song of my Life

My life is a song that my Lord is writing,

Through every choice which I make

And each trial that comes my way.

This music that God is composing

Is distinctly unique and beautiful--

Created just for me and perfect in every facet!

This Song of my Life.

My part is not to direct the instruments

Or add my own melody to the piece,

Nor skip from place to place in the song.

But to sing, to live, to savor each note

As it echoes from the will of my Father--

Receiving with joy and thanks His gift:

This Song of my Life.

At times the music will be sad and low

As through tears and pain I tread;

But my hope is in the Composer of this movement.

Breathless, gay, merry notes skip about in joy

When happy times come to me,

And I thank my Composer for the cheerful music--

This Song of my Life.

But oh! Often I am brought from melody

To a measure in my song that has a rest,

And it is hard to allow it the full time.

I long to skip past it and continue the song

Not willing to simply…rest and thus

Make the music that God has chosen for me.

This Song of my Life.

I must not look at other’s songs and grow discontent.

Their music is different for a purpose unknown to me;

But the King of Kings crafts each measure, each line.

Our notes may create a harmony for a time,

Or join in friendship for a lifetime--

Urging upward into new heights

This Song of my Life.

Sometimes I grow lonely singing alone

And I yearn for another to complement my melody--

To sing with me in beauty and unity.

Then my Father tells me that for today

The most perfect music I can make

Is that which is a solo sung for Him.

This Song of my Life.

The days fly by on wings of silk--

This harmony will continue on

As long as God grants me breath to praise Him.

Years pass by in beauty and peace

And until my Savior calls me home

I will sing wholly for Him…

This Song of my Life.

by Natalie Nyquist