Weekly Whisper: Keep Your Chin Up

One of my favorite princess movies is Enchanted, starring Amy Adams and James Marsden.

 The official synopsis:

This fairytale princess is about to meet a real Prince Charming.

A classic Disney animated fairy tale meets with the modern, live-action romantic comedy in Walt Disney Pictures' Enchanted. Featuring an all-star cast, the film follows the beautiful princess Giselle (Amy Adams) as she is banished by an evil queen (Susan Sarandon) from her magical, musical animated land and finds herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day Manhattan. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) who has come to her aid -- even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince (James Marsden) back home - she has to wonder: can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world?

Basically, Giselle is searching for True Love's Kiss in a world that's very...well, worldly. And because she comes from a place that's anything but worldly -- enchanted, in fact -- it's tough to adapt.

There are so many parallels to the Christian life in this film. Living in our "home away from home," a "wicked witch" doing everything possible to prevent us from getting "home," and our search for ultimate true love. Which, of course, we know only comes from our Heavenly Father (but we try to find in many other places).

And that is this week's whisper: No matter where you are looking for love -- in material possessions, drugs, food, men, or even romance novels -- you won't find it by glancing over your shoulder. You won't find it by looking ahead and pursuing the things you "want." The only way you'll find it is by looking straight up at the One who created you. The One who loves you unconditionally. The One who IS love. The One who is preparing a place for you...in a world that will more than enchant us (utterly delight or captivate; fascinate; charm), but promises the only destination where we'll live happily ever after.

Phrase to meditate on: KEEP MY CHIN UP.

  "Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in." Hebrews 12:2

On Friday, I'll post a fun quiz for Enchanted fans, along with the answers to last week's quiz about Beauty and the Beast, which you can find HERE.

QUIZ: For Beauty and the Beast Brainiacs

In keeping with the "Beauty" theme from this week, here is a fun quiz for all of you Beauty and the Beast fans.

Paige O'Hara is the voice of Belle in the Disney movies. Which previous Disney movie princess voice-over was first considered for the role?

A. Cinderella

B. Ariel

C. Aurora

D. Snow White

In what country does the movie take place?

A. France

B. Germany

C. England

D. Italy

What is the name of the clock in the film Beauty and the Beast?

A. Lumiere

B. Gaston

C. Cogsworth

D. Phillipe

What does the beggar woman offer for a night's lodging?

A. An apple

B. A book

C. A rose

D. Ten dollars

 

Although not named in the movie, the name of the prince is given in some of the video games. What is his name?

A. David

B. Eric

C. Charles

D. Adam

Who does the voice of the Beast in the movie Beauty and the Beast?

A. Ron Howard

B. Robbie Benson

C. Rob Lowe

D. Randy Quaid

Who in town wants to marry Belle?

A. Simon

B. Lefou

C. Milan

D. Gaston

Who is Maurice?

A. The Bookstore owner

B. Gaston's sidekick

C. Belle's father

D. A townsperson

What is the name of Belle's horse?

A. Phillipe

B. Felix

C. Flash

D. Star

What does Belle's father do for a living?

A. An artist

B. An inventor

C. A bartender

D. A writer

How does Belle find out that her father is in trouble?

A. A bird delivers a message

B. A reflection in the water

C. A phone call

D. A magic mirror

Chip is one of the characters in the castle. What is he?

A. A mirror

B. A cup

C. A broom

D. A candlestick

Angela Lansbury is the voice of Mrs. Potts? Which famous actress was originally considered for the role?

A. Lynn Redgrave

B. Jessica Tandy

C. Julie Andrews

D. Helen Mirren

No Googling! Post your answers in the comments and I will reveal the answers, along with another quiz, next week!

True Beauty Defined

Unfortunately, beauty is often defined by the media, and is based on physical appearance. For me, personally, there are many days I don't feel beautiful on the outside, whether it's because of a bad hair day, gaining a few pounds, or a skin blemish. But, as I pointed out on Monday's post, isn't it awesome that God doesn't consult Vogue or People Magazine, but looks at the heart to define true beauty? 

Here are a few women who agree:


"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul." - Audrey Hepburn

"Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic." - Rosalind Russell

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." – Elisabeth Kubler-Ross



Take a moment to listen to this song by Bethany Dillon. Maybe it describes how you're feeling today. To all of you who are struggling to see yourself as beautiful, I want to remind you that who you are is enough. You were created in God's image. And you are loved.


 

Weekly Whisper: You are beautiful

Beginning today, every Monday I'm going to post a Weekly Whisper. A gentle word of encouragement that I hope will bless you and inspire you to be the woman God created you to be.

Most of all, I hope you will take some time during the week to reflect on how special you are...simply because you are His.

 There is no one like you. You are unique and hand-crafted by the One who created the universe! You are beautiful!

 

 

"Beautiful" song lyrics by MercyMe 

 Days will come when you don't have the strength
And all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart
They'd see too much

Chorus
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful, You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful

Praying that you have the heart to fight
'Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
But they are nothing in the shadow of the cross

Repeat Chorus

Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves
Enough to die!

You're beautiful, You're beautiful
In His eyes

You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful!
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His
You're beautiful! You're beautiful!
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful! You're beautiful!
You are treasured
You are sacred
You are His...

 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you..." 

 Jeremiah 1:5

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..." 

Psalm 139:14

Phrase to meditate on: I am beautiful.

Desperate Princess Housewives

I never watched Desperate Housewives, but Madi McCall, the main character in my book, Mind over Madi, could be considered "desperate." At least in regards to her desperation for a good marriage, obedient kids, some love and affection from her mother, and a sudden addiction to healthy food.

So because she is a "desperate housewife" and since a recurring theme in her story is princesses - as in, how Madi is a daughter of the King - as well as references to which Disney princess she most relates to, I couldn't resist sharing this with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :-)

Hats off to my fellow princesses! (or ON, as the case may be)

I've never been a hat girl. Not because I don't like them, but they just don't look good on me. Some girls look totally adorable in hats. I envy them -- I really do. I've always wanted to be one of those women who can rock a baseball cap. Having a bad hair day? Press a baseball hat on your head, and voila! Cuteness!

But it just doesn't work for me. The closest I've come to wearing a hat on purpose (as in, not when I had to wear one for softball, as a KFC employee, or while volunteering at football concessions) was when I wore my bridal veil. Of course, like all of the women I know, I wear several virtual hats, but that's for a different post.

According to HolidayInsights.com, today is National Hat Day. And, unfortunately, I won't be celebrating. But I recruited my beautiful daughter (who looks great in hats) to model a few for us. If you are a "hat girl," or even if you're not, which look would best suit you? And why?

    Bedazzled Mexican Sombrero                                                           Funky Cow Hat

Snap-back Gangsta style                                                                 Traditional baseball cap

I had to post a pic
of the front and
back of this adorable
Unicorn hat. These
knit animal styles are
all the rage right now!

  
    Military style                                                                            Cold-weather Beanie

So we didn't have a tiara (I know...what kind of princess am I, anyway?) so we had to webcam this crown. Personally, it's my favorite! No matter what hat you normally wear, THIS is the one you truly deserve!

I am woman...hear me snore!

My husband and kids have told me that I snore in my sleep. As much as I want to deny it, since I've woken myself up on several occasions, I can't exactly dispute their claim. The only consolation I have is that I'm not the only woman to have this embarrassing issue. Just search YouTube and you'll find many real women (and teens and kids) who have a snoring disorder.

By the way, have you ever wondered if Sleeping Beauty snored--or perhaps farted--in her sleep? I mean, Princess Aurora was asleep for a long time. Common sense says one or two snorts or bottom burps had to have slipped out at some point. Where was the catheter for goodness sake?

The things that make you go, hmmmm.... But I digress.

Anyway, although it's probably not necessary, I have the urge to prove I'm not the only woman who snores. I came across this short video of a snoring mother, as recorded by her daughter. The best part is the comment bubbles she adds throughout.

Enjoy, Princesses! And have a magical weekend!

Wishing a real princess a really happy birthday!

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS KATE!

I'll be honest. I don't follow much of the Kate Middleton gossip. Which is why I didn't even know that today is her 31st birthday until my awesome friend Joanne Sher emailed to let me know (thanks, Jo!)

As little as I know about Mrs. Prince William, one thing seems clear: Kate Middleton is as close to a "normal" person as you can get while maintaining "royal" status. In my Google search, here are a few cool facts I came across about Kate that proves she's an everyday girl like us:

*  Although she has a private chef at her disposal, Kate prefers to do most of the cooking for herself and her hubby, as well as her own shopping. She was even spotted purchasing Kellogg's Special K...the same cereal I bought just this morning!

*  Kate held a normal job, working in London as a part-time buyer for the clothing company Jigsaw Junior.

*  She used to be a Girl Scout.

 *  Her hobbies include walking, tennis, swimming, sailing, painting, and photography.

*  Kate and William dated for 5 years, split up, then reunited a few months later. ..real relationship issues!

*  Supposedly, she wanted to do her own makeup on her wedding day. ...Not sure if she actually did, but the fact that she wanted to says a lot.

 *  She works out almost every day (okay...maybe that's not quite "normal" but it's admirable!)

 *  When a friend once said she was lucky to be with Prince William she replied, "He's lucky to be with me." ...Ha! Now that's a real-woman remark!

 *  Kate's dog Otto reportedly ate a pair of earrings Wills gave Kate. ...I'm sure that dog was assigned its own bodyguard until he pooped them out!

*  Reportedly, Kate can drink Prince William under the table. Probably not something to brag about, but sort of makes me want to high-five the Princess.

 *  Another "Go, Kate!" moment was when she set a high-jump record in school.

So there you have it. A few facts that suggest Kate is just as normal as we are. But I have to say I hope she indulges in a huge slice of chocolate cake today. The girl is gorgeous, but she's too skinny!

So do you follow the Kate Middleton gossip? What do you love about her?

Join me in wishing Kate a happy 31st birthday! 

And also lift up a prayer for a healthy and uneventful pregnancy.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess blog...

Go ahead. Insert your name. 

Cheesy? Maybe. Ok...definitely. But cheesiness doesn't make the fact that you ARE a princess any less true.

You've heard it before: You are a princess simply because you are The King's daughter. Like I said, that may be cheesy or cliche', but truth is truth.

If you're like me, you can't resist a good Cinderella Story (I highly recommend the Hilary Duff version). I personally love modern day princess stories like Beastly and Sydney White. One of my favorite princess movies is Enchanted, which combines animation with real life. And then there's The Princess Diaries, starring Anne Hathaway -- classic! In fact, Princess Mia and her lack of "princess etiquette" adequately demonstrates the message of this blog. And that message, as quoted so perfectly by Princess Fiona in Shrek, is:

"But Donkey, I'm a princess! And this is not how a princess is supposed to look!"

What it comes down to is that even though we ARE princesses, we rarely look like one (and if you do, please don't tell me, or I'll have to blow you off your throne with one hefty puff of my morning breath).

And, come on. Life is certainly never a fairy tale. Especially when we're up to our elbows in dishes caked with crud from last night's dinner, laundry hampers that reek worse than a high school locker room, or diapers splattered with massive blowouts. Or when we're dealing with toddler temper tantrums and teenaged tame-less tongues. Or in the midst of a major monthly hormone attack. Or when our husband acts more like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air than Prince Charming (no offense to Will Smith).

So I'm starting this blog in honor of the non-princess princesses everywhere. You may find fun posts about Disney princesses or reviews of princess related movies or books. Maybe I'll just share one of my own non-princess moments or write a note of encouragement. And I might just throw in a giveaway now and then.

So whether you're a fan of Disney princesses or religiously follow the Kate Middleton gossip, hopefully you find something you can relate to, or at least will make you smile. My greatest hope is that every day you remember...Cheesy or not, no matter how un-princessy you look or feel, 

You ARE a princess, simply because you are a daughter of The King.