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Name:
Laurie Amanda Schuttger
Age: 20 years old
Motto: Strive for excellence, not for perfection
I actually haven't read "The Fascinating Girl." But I have read bits and pieces of Helen Andelin's book "Fascinating Womanhood" which is basically the same but for married women.
2. What did you learn from her? Do you feel more feminine after reading it?
I learned a lot about how to be feminine around men. Also, I learned a good deal about the concept of respect. Andelin was very specific that men need to be respected that we need to consider their feelings more then we might of thought.
3. Are you more of a 'princessy' type girl or a 'Tom-Boy'?
I am definitely more of the 'princessy' type girl. I love dressing up and putting on make-up. However, I was a bit of a tom-boy growing up.
4. What advice would you give girls who are not very girly but are trying to be?
Find someone or something to help you to figure out your style of clothing. Not just talking about basketball shorts and a t-shirt here okay. :) It might take several shopping trips and they might be stressful but I think finding your own style is important to feeling good about yourself in what you put on. Also, allow men to be chivalrous to you. This will help your attitude of girlishness and the men will definitely appreciate it as well.
5. What advice would you give a girl who is too girly?
Try volunteering for fire/tornado/flood relief. You will have to get dirty and it will give you a new perspective on life. I think that someone who is too girly would be caught up in themselves so doing things for others would help.
Try volunteering for fire/tornado/flood relief. You will have to get dirty and it will give you a new perspective on life. I think that someone who is too girly would be caught up in themselves so doing things for others would help.
6. What have you done to become more feminine?
Learned different things to do with my hair, wearing detailed things such as filigree earrings or a sparkly watch, and definitely having some perfumes to choose from on my shelf. Makeup and watching how to apply makeup would definitely be a big part in becoming feminine as well.
Learned different things to do with my hair, wearing detailed things such as filigree earrings or a sparkly watch, and definitely having some perfumes to choose from on my shelf. Makeup and watching how to apply makeup would definitely be a big part in becoming feminine as well.
7. What are your favourite and least favourite things about being a girl?
Favorite things would be being able to dress up and wear heels without anyone judging me. :) Least favorite would probably be having to wait for my husband to come. I am not a very patient person and having to wait till some guy expresses interest in me (correctly, that is) is very annoying.
Favorite things would be being able to dress up and wear heels without anyone judging me. :) Least favorite would probably be having to wait for my husband to come. I am not a very patient person and having to wait till some guy expresses interest in me (correctly, that is) is very annoying.
8. What are your views on girls wearing makeup, earrings and trousers, etc.?
I believe that makeup is fine as long as it enhances the face and brings attention to the face. I wear makeup on my eyes and eyebrows because it makes them really stand out and be the focus of my body. I wear foundation simply because it makes me feel better. :) Yes, I think that it is a bit deceiving for a man to be showing them only your pretty face, so, whenever you do have a significant other, be sure and show them your real face a couple of times. :)
Earrings, I don't have a problem with either and find them to be a way to show your femininity.
Trousers for me are fine as long as they are long enough and, "tight enough to show that you are a woman, but loose enough to show you are a lady." I think Marilyn Monroe said that and though I don't agree with her lifestyles, I like this quote.
I believe that makeup is fine as long as it enhances the face and brings attention to the face. I wear makeup on my eyes and eyebrows because it makes them really stand out and be the focus of my body. I wear foundation simply because it makes me feel better. :) Yes, I think that it is a bit deceiving for a man to be showing them only your pretty face, so, whenever you do have a significant other, be sure and show them your real face a couple of times. :)
Earrings, I don't have a problem with either and find them to be a way to show your femininity.
Trousers for me are fine as long as they are long enough and, "tight enough to show that you are a woman, but loose enough to show you are a lady." I think Marilyn Monroe said that and though I don't agree with her lifestyles, I like this quote.
9. Define 'Modesty'...
Modest, wow, that's a hard one, but I think that modesty is not only what you wear, but how you wear it. I tend to be a huge flirt and I have to watch that I don't become immodest in how I am conducting myself. Maybe, it would be best to describe what it's not. For one thing, modesty is not showing with either what you wear or how you act that you are available to men mentally, physically, and emotionally unless it is your husband. It is, however, perfectly possible to have a friendship with a man that can be perfectly modest. I guess if we strive to be more and more like Christ, modesty will fall in line afterwards.
Modest, wow, that's a hard one, but I think that modesty is not only what you wear, but how you wear it. I tend to be a huge flirt and I have to watch that I don't become immodest in how I am conducting myself. Maybe, it would be best to describe what it's not. For one thing, modesty is not showing with either what you wear or how you act that you are available to men mentally, physically, and emotionally unless it is your husband. It is, however, perfectly possible to have a friendship with a man that can be perfectly modest. I guess if we strive to be more and more like Christ, modesty will fall in line afterwards.
10. What do you think to wearing head coverings?
Head coverings have never really been an issue for me. I think that it is a personal conviction and if I marry a man who wants me to wear one, I will. However, I don't think that, 1. It is necessary for salvation, or 2. Something that should be an issue between Christians.
Head coverings have never really been an issue for me. I think that it is a personal conviction and if I marry a man who wants me to wear one, I will. However, I don't think that, 1. It is necessary for salvation, or 2. Something that should be an issue between Christians.
11. Would you rather," just get married" or have a big wedding? What's more important to you?
I guess that I would be fine with just getting married but I am one of those girls who has been planning her wedding for a very, very long time. :) I don't think it is wise to start off a marriage with a lot of wedding debt, though. That being said, I want a wedding, but if it is going to be too expensive I'll settle for just the husband. :)
12. When do you think the role of a helpmeet begins?
It says in Proverbs 31:12 that, "She will do him [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life." It says "all" there, so I believe just that. I strive to do good towards my husband now even though I don't know him. That could mean praying for him, learning things that will help you when you have your household, and most importantly guarding your heart and yourself for him. Technically yes, the role physically starts after the wedding I would think, but it is definitely mental up till then.
It says in Proverbs 31:12 that, "She will do him [her husband] good and not evil all the days of her life." It says "all" there, so I believe just that. I strive to do good towards my husband now even though I don't know him. That could mean praying for him, learning things that will help you when you have your household, and most importantly guarding your heart and yourself for him. Technically yes, the role physically starts after the wedding I would think, but it is definitely mental up till then.
13. What would you like to do when you're older?
I want to be a stay-at-home wife and mother who home schools and raises a lot of kids. Before I get married, though, and maybe after my kids are grown and gone, I want to teach English as a second language in either France, Africa, or Cambodia. I have a heart for teenagers who are struggling through school and especially for girls who are struggling with anorexia or self-hate issues as that is something that has been a problem for me growing up.
I want to be a stay-at-home wife and mother who home schools and raises a lot of kids. Before I get married, though, and maybe after my kids are grown and gone, I want to teach English as a second language in either France, Africa, or Cambodia. I have a heart for teenagers who are struggling through school and especially for girls who are struggling with anorexia or self-hate issues as that is something that has been a problem for me growing up.
14. Who has been a role model for you? (in a book, movie, real life?)
Role model...That is a really hard one since I tend to be pretty independent and pessimistic. That means that I when I look at someone, I look at how I don't want to be like them and how I want to do it better. That's pretty terrible I guess. It's kind of funny, but I don't remember ever having a significant role model in my life. If I were to try, I would probably say my sister right above me. Debra was always my best friend and I loved playing with her even if she didn't want to. She is a very strong woman now and has been through a lot and is always there to give me hugs and let me cry on her shoulder.
Role model...That is a really hard one since I tend to be pretty independent and pessimistic. That means that I when I look at someone, I look at how I don't want to be like them and how I want to do it better. That's pretty terrible I guess. It's kind of funny, but I don't remember ever having a significant role model in my life. If I were to try, I would probably say my sister right above me. Debra was always my best friend and I loved playing with her even if she didn't want to. She is a very strong woman now and has been through a lot and is always there to give me hugs and let me cry on her shoulder.
15. What top 5 things do you think should be on any girls priority list?
1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with family
5. Relationship with self
4. Modesty and guarding of the heart
5. Faithful and loyal friend
1. Relationship with God
2. Relationship with family
5. Relationship with self
4. Modesty and guarding of the heart
5. Faithful and loyal friend
16. What are your opinions on Courtships, Engagements, Betrothals etc?
Oh, joy. This is such a loaded question. Wow, not sure how to start. First off, I don't like either of the words 'Courtship' or 'Betrothal'. Courtship, I believe, is just Christianized dating and I think that the farther down the line we get from the creators of the so-called perfect courtship, the more impossible it gets to meet all the requirements it takes.
Betrothal: At one time, this is how I thought I was going to get married. It seemed so easy, it took all the guessing out for me, and maybe, it is the way to go. However, the way it was presented to me it made the woman in the relationship more like a piece of furniture passed over because some fathers young son needed a woman to fulfill his bodily desires when he got home from work. Wow, I guess you could say I still have a little bit of bitterness there but if someone wants to convince me that betrothal is the way to go, they need to have a better reason to show me. :\
Engagement I feel is a good thing; however, they should not be long. I think that the longest an engagement should be would be 6 months. I don't believe in long engagements. :) Engagement really should just be a time of preparation for the wedding and preparation for a lifetime together. Whether that takes a week or more is up to individual preference.
So, I really don't have an answer as to what I feel right now. All I know is that I want my parents heavily involved and that I will be praying a lot when it comes time for me. Other then that, I think it is different for every couple. I really like this quote that I found on Pinterest (yes, I know, lame) "Dance with God, and when it comes time, He will let the right man cut in." Note I didn't say perfect. :)
Betrothal: At one time, this is how I thought I was going to get married. It seemed so easy, it took all the guessing out for me, and maybe, it is the way to go. However, the way it was presented to me it made the woman in the relationship more like a piece of furniture passed over because some fathers young son needed a woman to fulfill his bodily desires when he got home from work. Wow, I guess you could say I still have a little bit of bitterness there but if someone wants to convince me that betrothal is the way to go, they need to have a better reason to show me. :\
Engagement I feel is a good thing; however, they should not be long. I think that the longest an engagement should be would be 6 months. I don't believe in long engagements. :) Engagement really should just be a time of preparation for the wedding and preparation for a lifetime together. Whether that takes a week or more is up to individual preference.
So, I really don't have an answer as to what I feel right now. All I know is that I want my parents heavily involved and that I will be praying a lot when it comes time for me. Other then that, I think it is different for every couple. I really like this quote that I found on Pinterest (yes, I know, lame) "Dance with God, and when it comes time, He will let the right man cut in." Note I didn't say perfect. :)
17. What would you like?
I guess I kind of answered it already, but I guess that I just want something and someone that protects my heart and draws me closer to God. And, I know both in my mind and personally, that it is really easy to get hurt through relationships and maybe some of that is good. Pain helps you grow, but we let ourselves into more pain then we would if we completely trusted God. That's a little bit rambly, but I hope you get my gist.
I guess I kind of answered it already, but I guess that I just want something and someone that protects my heart and draws me closer to God. And, I know both in my mind and personally, that it is really easy to get hurt through relationships and maybe some of that is good. Pain helps you grow, but we let ourselves into more pain then we would if we completely trusted God. That's a little bit rambly, but I hope you get my gist.
18. What do you think most girls do but should avoid?
Gossip. We slip into it so easily......
Gossip. We slip into it so easily......
19. What things have really impacted your life? Experiences, lessons you've learned, anything!
Experiences, lessons. Probably some of the big ones would be working through some stress in my family and then my baptism in the Holy Spirit.
With my family, about three years ago now, my family went through a really tough time with stress between my parents and oldest sister about theology being taught at my church. It involved her going to a different church and several discussions that did not seem to resolve anything. I found myself falling into bitterness against my sister and my parents wondering why they couldn't just let it be and live peacefully together. I had been fairly oblivious up to that point and they were just causing me to have to think and I didn't like it. Though those issues eventually worked themselves out with the relationship being restored between my family, even though I had let go of the bitterness, I had left God in my mind. This brings me to my second thing that really impacted my life.
This past year, God kept showing me in countless ways how much He loved me and to what extent He loved me. I was His precious daughter and nothing, nothing that anyone or anything tried to tell me was going to make that any different. Also, I needed to pursue a relationship with Him, He was there, just waiting for me to come to Him. I met Him in a very real way at a Christian Conference I went to and there, I invited the Holy Spirit to live in me, something I had never done before. That has impacted me so much. Yes, I still have days where I don't feel close to Him, but then when I come back to Him, I know He was there all the time. Because before, in my mind, coming back to Him was a process of doing the right things. Now coming back to Him is putting my trust in Him to do the things. It has given me such a confidence in my salvation and I am very, very grateful that God sent Jesus to die for me so He can have this intimate relationship with me.
Experiences, lessons. Probably some of the big ones would be working through some stress in my family and then my baptism in the Holy Spirit.
With my family, about three years ago now, my family went through a really tough time with stress between my parents and oldest sister about theology being taught at my church. It involved her going to a different church and several discussions that did not seem to resolve anything. I found myself falling into bitterness against my sister and my parents wondering why they couldn't just let it be and live peacefully together. I had been fairly oblivious up to that point and they were just causing me to have to think and I didn't like it. Though those issues eventually worked themselves out with the relationship being restored between my family, even though I had let go of the bitterness, I had left God in my mind. This brings me to my second thing that really impacted my life.
This past year, God kept showing me in countless ways how much He loved me and to what extent He loved me. I was His precious daughter and nothing, nothing that anyone or anything tried to tell me was going to make that any different. Also, I needed to pursue a relationship with Him, He was there, just waiting for me to come to Him. I met Him in a very real way at a Christian Conference I went to and there, I invited the Holy Spirit to live in me, something I had never done before. That has impacted me so much. Yes, I still have days where I don't feel close to Him, but then when I come back to Him, I know He was there all the time. Because before, in my mind, coming back to Him was a process of doing the right things. Now coming back to Him is putting my trust in Him to do the things. It has given me such a confidence in my salvation and I am very, very grateful that God sent Jesus to die for me so He can have this intimate relationship with me.
20. What are your views on the purity balls, purity rings, Daddy/daughter dates etc.?
I went to two father-daughter banquets, and my church is definitely on board with the whole purity ring idea and Daddy/daughter dates. I personally don't have a purity ring because that wasn't something my family did. I think that how my church views it is as a rebuilding of a relationship that is so easily broken between a father and his daughters. I think it's kind of cute, and also I believe that daughters should have a good relationship with their dad. I don't think, however, that a purity ring should be worn on the ring finger as our culture has marked that as married or engaged. I don't want to miss out on a wonderful guy simply because he thought that I was already taken. ;) Honestly I haven't thought about it much because we didn't do that in my family. That's a whole other story though.
I went to two father-daughter banquets, and my church is definitely on board with the whole purity ring idea and Daddy/daughter dates. I personally don't have a purity ring because that wasn't something my family did. I think that how my church views it is as a rebuilding of a relationship that is so easily broken between a father and his daughters. I think it's kind of cute, and also I believe that daughters should have a good relationship with their dad. I don't think, however, that a purity ring should be worn on the ring finger as our culture has marked that as married or engaged. I don't want to miss out on a wonderful guy simply because he thought that I was already taken. ;) Honestly I haven't thought about it much because we didn't do that in my family. That's a whole other story though.
21. When did you get saved?
I got 'saved' at around age 7 and was baptized at this time as well. However, I didn't make my salvation my own and invite the holy spirit into my life until I was 19 which really wasn't that long ago. God is good, and I have full hope and confidence in my salvation and I know that His Holy Spirit is in me which is something I did not have before then.
I got 'saved' at around age 7 and was baptized at this time as well. However, I didn't make my salvation my own and invite the holy spirit into my life until I was 19 which really wasn't that long ago. God is good, and I have full hope and confidence in my salvation and I know that His Holy Spirit is in me which is something I did not have before then.
22. How many are in your family? Would you like to have a big family one day?
I have six siblings so that makes seven kids and a nine person family. That has grown by two brother-in-laws, and, so far, only one nephew. :) I really, really want to have a big family someday. 7-12+ would definitely be acceptable. :)
I have six siblings so that makes seven kids and a nine person family. That has grown by two brother-in-laws, and, so far, only one nephew. :) I really, really want to have a big family someday. 7-12+ would definitely be acceptable. :)
23. What place are you in your family?
I am right smack dab in the middle of my family as number four and my three older siblings are girls.
24. Do you think education is more important than getting married and having a family?
No, I think education is important but I think that being a wife and mother is more important. Education can be a wonderful thing and I love it very much and I believe it has made me into the person I am today. It does have a tendency to take over people's lives, but I don't believe it is evil.
No, I think education is important but I think that being a wife and mother is more important. Education can be a wonderful thing and I love it very much and I believe it has made me into the person I am today. It does have a tendency to take over people's lives, but I don't believe it is evil.
25. Have you thought about children, even choosing names for them, before you thought about your husband?
Definitely. Actually, I think it's kind of funny when we would play house as young children. We would have everything, children, big houses, friends, and the husband was just kind of bundled neatly away at war or work. :) However, since I am a highly romantic person, I thought of my husband at a very young age and what my 'dream man' would be.
Definitely. Actually, I think it's kind of funny when we would play house as young children. We would have everything, children, big houses, friends, and the husband was just kind of bundled neatly away at war or work. :) However, since I am a highly romantic person, I thought of my husband at a very young age and what my 'dream man' would be.
26. Name a few of your favourite Bible verses and passages...
Okay, a few would be John, Jeremiah 29:11, I really like the book of James, Psalm 56, and one that I need to remember more, Galatians.1:10
Wow! Thanks so much Laurie! You're answers are fantastic and I have learned a lot from you already. Stay close to JESUS!
Charis Shepherd
Okay, a few would be John, Jeremiah 29:11, I really like the book of James, Psalm 56, and one that I need to remember more, Galatians.1:10
Wow! Thanks so much Laurie! You're answers are fantastic and I have learned a lot from you already. Stay close to JESUS!
Charis Shepherd
If you would like to share your views/opinions, lessons you've learned, stories and experiences feel free! You are welcome to send in your answers to these questions and join the fascinating girls around the world. Send in your answers and a photo of yourself and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!
