Women Need Women

I've had a few experiences lately where I've seen women struggling, crying out for help in their own ways. I've come across blog posts, tweets, and Facebook status updates about crushing levels of stress; series of little trials that seem to be stacking up to unbearable levels; loneliness; insecurities about motherhood, date-ability, appearances, abilities to maintain friendships, etc. Each time I see one of these posts, the thought crosses my mind, "See? Women need other women." I've finally realized that this thought has been the Spirit reminding me of this talk from the last LDS General Women's Meeting. I encourage you to read or listen to the entire talk, but below are a few of my favorite parts:

"To be sisters implies that there is an unbreakable bond between us. Sisters take care of each other, watch out for each other, comfort each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin..." 

"The adversary would have us be critical or judgmental of one another. He wants us to concentrate on our differences and compare ourselves to one another...  When we compare ourselves to one another, we will always feel inadequate or resentful of others... "

"The fact of the matter is, we really and truly need each other. Women naturally seek friendship, support, and companionship. We have so much to learn from one another, and we often let self-imposed barriers keep us from enjoying associations which could be among the greatest blessings in our lives. "

I want to testify of the truth of Sister Oscarson's words. We truly are daughters of our Heavenly Father and Mother- created in their image and destined to one day become like them. We as women can be so critical of ourselves and others. Please stop it! Be a friend to someone in need. Listen to a sister whose heart is aching. Invite a lonely sister over for a mani pedi night, eating chocolate, watching a movie, shopping, or whatever you enjoy doing. We need each other. I need you, and hopefully you need me too ;) 

I would like to extend an invitation to my fellow sisters. Take time out of your day to ponder on how you can bless the life of another sister. Step out of your comfort zone. Really make an effort to show her that you care. Stop judging others and being so hard on yourself. I promise you won't regret it!


*Disclaimer*
Obviously, women need men, too. Otherwise, why would God have created men and women? I am so blessed to have such a wonderful, supportive husband and other great men in my life. My husband is my best friend and I am eternally grateful for my relationship with him. I am not in any way trying to imply that women don't need men in their lives. Both relationships are very important. 

Life as the Wife of a College Student

Guess what, everyone! We found an apartment... a month ago. Oops! It's taken awhile for me to get around to posting more updates. We signed a contract on August 14th and finally got around to moving in on the 23rd. I've been slowly working on decorating the cute little place, hopefully I'm finished soon.

Coleman started school after Labor Day and that's kept him pretty busy. He's taking 14 credits, working, and volunteering at 3 different physical therapy clinics. Since we only have one car and I have to take it to work, he's been biking everywhere he needs to go. Unfortunately for him, we live on a hill, so he gets to power up that hill at the end of every day. At least he gets a good work out in, right?

I work full-time and have started prepping "freezer meals" so we can have dinner at a decent time after we get home. I just make the food we would normally eat and freeze it in to meal-sized portions. That way all I have to do is pop it in the oven and dinner is ready in less than an hour. It saves a lot of time, money (because we can buy in bulk), and energy for me. It's been so nice!

After dinner, Coleman usually has some homework to do. To keep myself busy while he studies, I've taken up indexing. I'd never indexed until Coleman taught me for family home evening one night. At first I got really frustrated, but this week Coleman pointed out that it might be easier to do English names. Haha! For some reason it hadn't occurred to me that it was so hard because I was doing Portuguese and Russian names. I'm happy to report that I've been much less frustrated since I started indexing names in my native language :)

More exciting news... We have a nephew! We finally became an aunt and uncle last week. Coleman's sister had a beautiful baby boy named Tommy. We're super excited about that.

Until next time :)