Emma Watson

“I find the whole concept of being ‘sexy’ embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there’s the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that’s not me. I feel uncomfortable. I’d never go out in a mini-skirt. It’s nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn’t do that. Personally, I don’t actually think it’s even that sexy. What’s sexy about saying, ‘I’m here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I’ve got?’ My idea of sexy is that less is more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder.”
― Emma Watson

I love, love, LOVE what Emma says here! I often tell young women to dress and interact with people in a way that allows them to reveal who they really are. We are more than our bodies, more than our outward appearance.  When we dress in a way that allows people to wonder, we are able to connect with them on the heart level. We have their attention; they want to know us. We can show them (slowly and deliberately) the real, living, and deep self within.

Joyful Mysteries (Random Musings)

The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation: I've often wondered about Mary's life prior to the Annunciation. I don't wonder so much about how she filled her time. Rather, I wonder about what she felt on the inside. In the depths of her heart, did she know that something great, something big - something huge, was coming? As a woman and as a person who believes that we are more aware of our purpose than we think, I think that she knew. I mean, she didn't know of course, but somewhere deep within she knew. I doubt she knew that she would bear forth the long awaited Messiah. Her confusion during the encounter with Gabriel is proof of that. But in the moments that followed that confusion, I wouldn't be at all surprised if she found herself thinking, "Oh. This is it. This is that thing I always felt was coming."

Do you trust the inclinations inside of you? Do you listen to that little voice inside of you that anticipates the greatness that you are to become?

The Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation: Why did Mary go to Elizabeth? Mary knew (because Gabriel told her) that Elizabeth was living the very power that God has to do what seems impossible. At that moment Elizabeth embodied the greatness of a truly amazing God. So did Mary. Perhaps she sought the company of someone she knew she could trust to rejoice with her in God's greatness. Perhaps Elizabeth was for Mary a place of refuge, where Mary was free to glorify God.

Who (or where) is that refuge in your life? Are you that refuge for the people around you?

The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation: There have been moments in my life when I've really wanted to be able to present God with something that is good. I get tired of approaching God imperfect and unfinished. So often I wish I could present to Him my life lived perfectly. What I'm learning to accept is that presenting myself to Him at all is a grace and a gift. I can get so caught up in not being as good or as holy as I would like to be (or should be) that I forget to be grateful for the grace He offers that leads me to His presence anyway. The fact that He allows (in fact welcomes and encourages) me to present myself before Him at all is worth far more than even my desire to present more.

Are you grateful to God for His allowing you in His presence? Do you thank Him for the evils He does lead you away from, or is it too difficult for you to see past the evils you do face?

The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple: For several years now I've loved meditating on how Mary and Joseph model in this mystery what companions should do with their relationships. They are seeking to find Christ - together. Their focus for those three days is to find the Child Jesus. They seek to find God. That is how all of our friendships should be. Recently though (as my friendships have been shifting) I often myself not visibly seeking Christ with some people. What I have to remember now is that the purpose of my life is to seek Christ anyway. I should strive to find God whether I'm searching alone or with a companion.

Is seeking to find God the most important thing in your life? Are you easily distracted by others in your life, or does the pursuit of God receive the full attention it deserves?

***I know that I skipped the Third Joyful Mystery (The Nativity). There was a lot of lane changing and distracted prayer happening during that mystery this morning, so I didn't meditate it on it very well. If I get an insight on the next Joyful Mystery day, I'll come back and add it in.***

Feast of St. Therese

“May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of us.” - St. Therese

This feast is one that I always look forward to. The novena to St. Therese has taken many forms in my life; I have never received an actual rose. I've asked for many, many things. I've wanted the answers to many, many questions. Some of my requests offered through this novena are actually embarrassing remember.

This year, I'm not expecting big answers. Oh, I want them. However, I'm learning to accept that we are not always meant to understand, and I've presented myself before God though the intercession of St. Therese over the past nine days with the hope that I am genuinely surrendered in my asking.

Happy Feast Day!