These are subscriber recommendations. These have not been "screened". Some things that are acceptable to certain individuals are not acceptable to others. If you would like to check out how a movie rates, go to Screen It. The site offers you a thorough review of language, nudity, family values, etc.

"A Farewell To Arms" is a 1950's Rock Hudson movie. I'll warn you that it's a tear jerker! Also, she wasn't a ~perfect~ example of a Fascinating Woman. She lacked a little in the morals department. Otherwise, I thought she was a great example. She captivated his heart in a very enchanting way. I'd watch it again so I could observe her mannerisms but I don't think I'd watch it for the story line. Didn't care for the ending at all!!

I had suggested the Angelic-Human example to be viewed in the most delightful oldie movie, called "I Married an Angel", with the beautiful Jeannette MacDonald as the angel who learns to put on her human side, while she is married, to the delight of her husband. (Really, almost anything starring this lady is worth seeing. Try Maytime, Rose Marie, and my own favorite, Sweethearts.) She may seem a little reserved and frosty, but we know her heart will melt in the end.

I watched It's A Wonderful Life the other day, and was impressed with the fact that a large part of the reason the Jimmy Stewart character was so unhappy was that his manly dreams and ambitions were never taken seriously by the people around him, and he felt that everything he did was because he *had* to do it, not because he chose to.

Someone asked about literature showing FW concepts; may I recommend the old movie "High Noon", with Gary Cooper, for showing how a man needs his wife's support.

I've been watching "My Fair Lady" on TV. Think about her behavior as Eliza Doolittle and then think about her later as the transformed Eliza , SLOWLY walking down the stairs of Prof. Higgins' home to attend the Ball, SLOWLY entering the Ballroom, moving and interacting with others... she is mesmerizing. Think about Grace Kelly in "To Catch a Thief" - that cool reserve, WOW!!!

Snow White (1937) I know she's animated, but what a girl. Watch her fearfulness, childlikeness, domestic ability, the way she walks and talks. Her voice is soft and feminine and she moves with ultimate grace and lightness. She was animated by men - think about this, they put their thoughts into making Snow White the perfect princess. The wicked step-mother shows how not to act. She was the "fairest in the land", but who wants mere beauty without the accompanying character?

Cinderella and Snow White must be sisters or at least cousins. Cinderella is another example of femininity and wonderful character all rolled into one delightful package. The hardships she endured with such sweetness built her character into one the Prince could see beyond her beauty. She was happy with her life even when there was little to smile about.

Calamity Jane (1955) Tomboy, Doris Day, learns that "A Woman's Touch" can win her the man of her dreams, with some tranforming help from a city girl.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - Spunky frontier bride turns her brothers-in-law into gentlemen and wins the love of her groom of convenience. Good example of worthy character combined with feminine charm.

The Women (1939) Some excellent examples of how NOT to behave - copy Mary instead. Mrs. Luce was not very kind to most of her sex. The Adrian costumes (especially the Technicolor fashion show) are a must-see.

Try The Barrets of Wimpole Street, starring both Norma Shearer and Maureen O'Sullivan. The cousin, though something of a ninny, is a good example of a few behaviors - remember, men like things we might not!

All This and Heaven, Too (1940) A sympathetic Bette Davis (!) portrays a governess, who is loved by her charges's father for her sympathetic kindness to his children. Based on a true story. Bring a hanky. (Yes, that *is* Scarlett O'Hara's mother as the jealous wife.)

Gone With the Wind (1939) Okay - Scarlett O'Hara doesn't have the greatest character in the world, but she knows how to captivate men. Watch her bend the Tarleton twins to her will. Watch her at the Twelve Oaks barbecue, winding every single bachelor around her lace-mitted little finger. Watch her put her Paris bonnet on backwards, to get his attention. All right, you get the idea. Melanie for sweetness and light, Scarlett for sassy pertness.

Last night we watched "Miss Congeniality". Sandra Bullock doesn't have the grace and poise of many of those actresses you all have mentioned, but she was really good at showing how unattractive a masculine woman is (even one who is physically attractive like Sandra Bullock). Anyway, the message of the movie was that a woman cannot have love and happiness if she denies her feminine side. Not the best movie made, but it was enjoyable.

"While You Were Sleeping" is another movie starting Sandra Bullock. She does a good job of being childlike and cute. It's a fun one to watch.

I only let my children watch 2 shows each day and one of them is Mister Rogers neighborhood. There is a character on there in the Neighborhood of Make Believe (this is the segment where the famous trolly leaves Mr. Rogers home and goes to this ficticious land-hence the "Neighborhood of Make Believe"). Anyway, this character's name is Lady Aberline. She is such a feminine person! She is caring and loving and loves to dance and sing! She always wears dresses and has pretty long hair. She never gets mad and yells -she always talks in the most gentle way. So, if any of you are ever surfing and see Mr. Rogers on PBS kids(it comes on at 8 AM in my time zone-central)watch for the make believe segment and take notes-she is a real FW!

Last night dh and I watched the movie "The Wedding Singer," starring Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler. I believe it's rated PG-13, and has a few off-color moments. However, Drew Barrymore's character exhibits wonderful childlike qualities!! She's kind, trusting, vivacious, bright-eyed, and cute.

In one scene, when she's trying to pursuade Adam's character to help prepare for her upcoming wedding, he at first declines. She silently looks at him with imploring eyes, and he finally gives in. Delighted, she laughs, quickly claps her hands, and says, "Yeah!" I also noticed that throughout most of the movie she wears dresses.

Another feminine qualities she has are she is very sweet and interested in what he is interested in! And she accepted him for who he was-not who she thought he should be!

Books

"To Train Up a Child" written by Michael Pearl, is an excellent book for training your child. It follows biblical principles.

They have a newsletter they send free of charge (they request donations to cover expenses). 1 - 7 books are $4.00 each. If you get 8 - 99 books they are only $2.50 each. I ordered 12, I think, and a bunch of us shared them. It is so practical. The address for the books or newsletter is:

The Church at Cane Creek
1000Pearl Road
Pleasantville, TN 37033

S&H on orders of $10.01 - $25.00 is $3.00. Worth every penny.

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"The Rules", "The Rules 2", and "The Rules For Marriage" by Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider are excellent reading. Some of the advice is secular, but ignore that and get some valuable advice from these 2 women.

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This book ("The Total Woman") covers most of the same topics as FW. It deals with how to be a great homemaker, wife and mother. Part two of the book is titled "Man Alive" with the chapters titled 4. Accept Him, 5 .Admire Him, 6. Adapt to him, and 7. Appreciate Him. Sound familiar? The book really doesn't tell us anything new, but it describes these traits with new examples which I found helpful and inspiring. I think this book got a bad rap when it came out in the 70's because it was so opposed to the women's lib movement.

Additional comment by S.K.: One controversial aspect of "The Total Woman" is its emphasis of keeping the sizzle in married sexuality. The author suggests some very sophisticated "dressup" games to re-ignite the husband's interest in sexual relations with his wife. The way that Grace Chavis presents this idea in her lectures is by suggesting something like "every husband wants a harem of women to romance...make sure that every one of the women in his harem is YOU."

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Alexandra Stoddard states in her first chapter of Living a Beautiful Life, that she has observed in her dealings with people all over world that we have a tendency to put 95% of our energies into 5% of our living time. We focus on special occasions, special events, and some other upcoming date, instead of focusing on the here and now, leaving 95 percent, or most of our lives uncared for.

I believe this is the focus of her book. It is enhancing the biggest share of our lives, the 95%, with beautiful things...simplifying, and adorning our everyday existence. We can apply this principle as FW. Think of the little things we can do on a daily basis to enrich our and other's lives. I'd like to hear some of them.

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From L.C. in response to above: I use my "good" dishes every day. I prepare the table for each meal as if it was a special event. Somehow, the preparation makes the meal into an event. Does that make sense? Even a sandwich eaten with pretty dishes, shiny silverware and napkins feels "dressed up".

I keep a list of people to call each week. Today I called a newly widowed lady that lives around the section from me (about a mile). She is so lonely for someone to talk to. I don't have to say much, mostly just listen. It brightens my day to do the "small" stuff.

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"Why Should I Be the First to Change?" is the story of Chuck and Nancy Missler's marriage and how it grew into something beautiful. You can read the entire book online here.

Tapes

Here is an address for some tapes that will assist you in your study of Fascinating Womanhood. These were recorded in a class given by Grace Chavis. Mrs. Chavis has several success stories in the book. The price is $33.00 which already includes postage. Make your check payable to the church and ask for the Fascinating Womanhood tapes by Grace Chavis.

First Baptist Church
Women's Ministries
301 Broward Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-527-6800

FW Lessons Index
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