Project 31- In search of beauty

I have been struggling each night to do this blog. I set it up to learn from it and start to get my emotions and feelings out. I feel like the last few weeks all I have written is puff pieces. I know that I hurt a few people with my words and that they didn't like reading what I could not say, but I feel like I am censoring myself to a point that this isn't communication anymore, with myself or others. I am still struggling to find that fine line between what I need to say and what my lurkers wont get mad at. I am going to start this project, borrowed from my friend Fiona's Blog (who got it from a friends blog...) and use it to express the thoughts for awhile. Maybe as I work through it I will find a happy medium- expression without a ton of pain around me. I am going to mix them in with other posts, so the questions and answers will come in the right order, but not every single day. If you also blog or journal consider doing the questions with me, I would love to see other people's ideas, opinions and feelings too!
The project is titled 'Project 31" and is a way for women to reflect on the subject of beauty. It was originally described as "you celebrating your god given beauty, and celebrating the beautiful women around you." We all have such skewed versions of what beauty really is and find it hard to find it in ourselves and others. These questions, when really pondered and answered truthfully will help to light the way to finding beauty everywhere.

The project is taken from Proverbs 31, which talks about a woman of noble character and true beauty:

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is worth more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her husband and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, as he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. 

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

The Question List:
Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Post a picture of you in your favourite outfit
Day 5. Write a blog or a note thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded Beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog or a note to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Share a beauty secret (hair tip, makeup tip)
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a woman (sister, daughter, wife, mom or friend)?
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or, if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out.
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Post a photo you love of yourself.
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food.
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 25. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Post a pic of your favourite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence.
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me."
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?