Apparently, modesty is in (At least, there are quite a few folks that are concerned about ladies being modest.); that's great news for those that 1) don't want unneeded attention, 2) want to be feminine and 3) honor God (most importantly).
I'll give the Mormons some credit on this one; the majority of the online shops are run by Mormons and they stress modesty. Something that the majority of Christians need to consider and take some notes.
I did manage to find three more skirts today (Thanks, Old Navy!); two ankle-length (Taupe and gray.) and one mid-calf (black). I'm now on the hunt for tops that can be layered (So far, I've had quite a bit of luck online.) in some colors that I haven't considered (Bright turquoise? I'll try it!).
When we were still getting our bearings here at Pendleton, there was a store (That since closed; boo!) that catered to a more modest lady while still looked pretty and feminine (If anyone has a chance to shop at Romy in either Oregon or Washington state, do so; I'm really bummed that the stores in CA have closed, since their camisoles are much longer than most camisoles I used to wear.). That said, I managed to snag about four or five camisoles from that store and I adore them.
That and I'm already planning a small shopping trip to Irvine; apparently, there is a store called DownEast Basics at the Spectrum and their clothing is inexpensive and cute. Yay!
Anyway, I've starting to get a small collection of both dressy and casual skirts and I'm thrilled.
9/28/11
What to wear...and what not to wear.
As of late, I've been thinking about what I've been wearing (Work with me here, folks.).
Since I could remember, I've been a tomboy; I've worn jeans, shorts and T-shirts. I hardly wore dresses growing up (I'm rather embarrassed to admit this, but I poked fun at the girls that did wear skirts and dresses 24/7 at first; I now understand the reasoning behind their choices.) and when I did, I felt uncomfortable and girly (Remember, I was a tomboy! I hung out with boys growing up; in fact, I normally put Barbies aside for Lincoln Logs.).
Now that I'm older, hopefully a tad bit wiser (That can be debated, depending on where the wisdom's coming from.) and with a daughter of my own, I have a strong desire to teach her what it means to be female, to be feminine and to display those qualities in a Biblical manner while not attracting the wrong kind of attention. That said, I want to set a good example for her. Even more so, I want to please God.
So, I've been looking at my closet and in my drawers; most of what I have are jeans, T-shirts and shorts. Perhaps an overhaul wouldn't be a bad thing. On top of that, several of those items aren't what I'd call "modest". I'm sure that several of those things don't please God; they can easily be more modest (Layering is a good thing!). Other things (Such as jeans.) will be put away.
This should be an interesting thing; I pray that God's glorified in the entire transition.
I'm slowly starting my skirt collection with two skirts from Goodwill (An awesome place to find some neat things at a bargain!) and I have a couple of skirts that I already own that I can wear to church (The long "Gypsy" skirts.). I'll keep an eye out for more skirts and longer tops.
That said, I would love it if I can be pointed in the right direction in the way of clothing.
Since I could remember, I've been a tomboy; I've worn jeans, shorts and T-shirts. I hardly wore dresses growing up (I'm rather embarrassed to admit this, but I poked fun at the girls that did wear skirts and dresses 24/7 at first; I now understand the reasoning behind their choices.) and when I did, I felt uncomfortable and girly (Remember, I was a tomboy! I hung out with boys growing up; in fact, I normally put Barbies aside for Lincoln Logs.).
Now that I'm older, hopefully a tad bit wiser (That can be debated, depending on where the wisdom's coming from.) and with a daughter of my own, I have a strong desire to teach her what it means to be female, to be feminine and to display those qualities in a Biblical manner while not attracting the wrong kind of attention. That said, I want to set a good example for her. Even more so, I want to please God.
So, I've been looking at my closet and in my drawers; most of what I have are jeans, T-shirts and shorts. Perhaps an overhaul wouldn't be a bad thing. On top of that, several of those items aren't what I'd call "modest". I'm sure that several of those things don't please God; they can easily be more modest (Layering is a good thing!). Other things (Such as jeans.) will be put away.
This should be an interesting thing; I pray that God's glorified in the entire transition.
I'm slowly starting my skirt collection with two skirts from Goodwill (An awesome place to find some neat things at a bargain!) and I have a couple of skirts that I already own that I can wear to church (The long "Gypsy" skirts.). I'll keep an eye out for more skirts and longer tops.
That said, I would love it if I can be pointed in the right direction in the way of clothing.
9/27/11
A not-so-quiet day in this house!
Right now, I'm having my "Quiet Mommy" time; I'm catching up on Facebook, listening to the 19 Kids and Counting marathon (Yay for a new episode tonight! I may not want that many kids, but I can still learn from Michelle Duggar on what a good perspective and a good attitude will accomplish!) and trying to get better (Apparently, I have a mild cold. Oh dear.) at the same time (See, I can multitask!).
However, Bee has a different plan (She is strong-willed!) and She. Wants. Up. Now. (She also has a cold; poor baby Bee!) Right now, I'm praying that I have enough energy to get through the day!
With all that being done (As well as a second Swallowtail still on my needles!), I still crave a "time out" with God, even if that means keeping my focus on a Scripture verse or a chapter from the Word. He may be the Creator of the universe, but He still knows how many hairs are on my head and makes Himself a personal God, as opposed to all the impersonal "deities" out there.
Why shouldn't I give Him my time and my attention? He's more than worth it.
However, Bee has a different plan (She is strong-willed!) and She. Wants. Up. Now. (She also has a cold; poor baby Bee!) Right now, I'm praying that I have enough energy to get through the day!
With all that being done (As well as a second Swallowtail still on my needles!), I still crave a "time out" with God, even if that means keeping my focus on a Scripture verse or a chapter from the Word. He may be the Creator of the universe, but He still knows how many hairs are on my head and makes Himself a personal God, as opposed to all the impersonal "deities" out there.
Why shouldn't I give Him my time and my attention? He's more than worth it.
9/26/11
This week in Scripture; sniffles, sneezes and "Wake up, lady!"
My weekly Scripture verse to memorize is this:
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. - Psalm 16:5
This past weekend, my pastor had read this psalm as our call to worship and this particular verse jumped out for me. My lot was cast before the beginning of the world and it's the LORD that called me to Him. In return, I make Him my portion and my cup; everything else falls into place.
Speaking of lots: Our entire house has come down with the sniffles and sneezes (We all have sinus issues, even little Bee!); last night, my husband lovingly made a curry that had quite a kick to it (and sent our sinus issues reeling). Let's just say that we all had clear sinuses last night...for a little while.
Bee's favorite phrase in the morning? "Wake up, lady!" Apparently, she heard her daddy say that to me every morning and decided to pick up where he left off. God must have a sense of humor, otherwise I wouldn't have a mimic for a child and a husband that is popular with mimics.
Have a blessed day, everyone!
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. - Psalm 16:5
This past weekend, my pastor had read this psalm as our call to worship and this particular verse jumped out for me. My lot was cast before the beginning of the world and it's the LORD that called me to Him. In return, I make Him my portion and my cup; everything else falls into place.
Speaking of lots: Our entire house has come down with the sniffles and sneezes (We all have sinus issues, even little Bee!); last night, my husband lovingly made a curry that had quite a kick to it (and sent our sinus issues reeling). Let's just say that we all had clear sinuses last night...for a little while.
Bee's favorite phrase in the morning? "Wake up, lady!" Apparently, she heard her daddy say that to me every morning and decided to pick up where he left off. God must have a sense of humor, otherwise I wouldn't have a mimic for a child and a husband that is popular with mimics.
Have a blessed day, everyone!
9/20/11
Speaking up when necessary...
As most people in the US knows by now, the concept known as "don't ask, don't tell" was officially repealed today.
Like a lot of folks on Facebook, I spoke up about it (I disagree with the repeal.), thinking that things would be okay. Instead, I was surprised...with disappointment.
As of now, I "lost" quite a few "friends" over that disagreement, as well as the aftermath of that disagreement. While that may hurt (It does hurt, don't get me wrong.), what hurt more was that I wasn't considered a friend to them.
I was gently reminded of two verses: John 15:18 and Matthew 5:10 (Thanks to my friend Cece.) Either way, those that speak up on the Truth will be hated and will be mocked for their faith. In return, God will remember those that have suffered for His sake.
Food for thought: For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
It's things like what happened to me are what drives us to Christ and into His arms.
Don't be afraid to speak up for Truth.
Like a lot of folks on Facebook, I spoke up about it (I disagree with the repeal.), thinking that things would be okay. Instead, I was surprised...with disappointment.
As of now, I "lost" quite a few "friends" over that disagreement, as well as the aftermath of that disagreement. While that may hurt (It does hurt, don't get me wrong.), what hurt more was that I wasn't considered a friend to them.
I was gently reminded of two verses: John 15:18 and Matthew 5:10 (Thanks to my friend Cece.) Either way, those that speak up on the Truth will be hated and will be mocked for their faith. In return, God will remember those that have suffered for His sake.
Food for thought: For we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. - 2 Corinthians 1:8-9
It's things like what happened to me are what drives us to Christ and into His arms.
Don't be afraid to speak up for Truth.
This Week in Scripture; strength, sin and clarity.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. - Romans 1:18-19
It's tempting to memorize Scripture verses that don't speak of sin and judgment; yet, God constantly spoke on how holy He is and how much He hates sin! Even though he spoke on the vileness of sin and His hatred of it, He is also generous with His mercy and grace.
So, when we fall down or get tripped up in our sins, He is most gracious when we repent and helps us up when we're too weak to continue (His strength is perfect, after all!).
Now, that's a God that I can lean on!
On top of that, my church went through a three-week study on God's Word; this past Sunday, we studied 2 Peter 3:14-18 and the topic of God's Word being clear. While Scripture (Romans, especially.) can be difficult to understand, it's still the revealed Word and it can be understood (This is where we ask the Holy Spirit to clarify things for us.). I'll be the first to admit when I don't understand Scripture (Ruth 3 comes to mind!), but I can always rely on the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to help me understand.
Perhaps we all could use some clarity when it comes to the Word of God.
It's tempting to memorize Scripture verses that don't speak of sin and judgment; yet, God constantly spoke on how holy He is and how much He hates sin! Even though he spoke on the vileness of sin and His hatred of it, He is also generous with His mercy and grace.
So, when we fall down or get tripped up in our sins, He is most gracious when we repent and helps us up when we're too weak to continue (His strength is perfect, after all!).
Now, that's a God that I can lean on!
On top of that, my church went through a three-week study on God's Word; this past Sunday, we studied 2 Peter 3:14-18 and the topic of God's Word being clear. While Scripture (Romans, especially.) can be difficult to understand, it's still the revealed Word and it can be understood (This is where we ask the Holy Spirit to clarify things for us.). I'll be the first to admit when I don't understand Scripture (Ruth 3 comes to mind!), but I can always rely on the Holy Spirit and fellow believers to help me understand.
Perhaps we all could use some clarity when it comes to the Word of God.
9/17/11
No He Can't by Kevin McCullough
(This is a longer version of my review for BookSneeze.)
In No He Can't, the author proceeds to explain how our current President is not the best for the United States. Mr. McCullough goes into detail how he predicted the outcome of the 2008 and 2010 elections (The ushering in of Barack Obama in 2008, followed with the Tea Party-backed candidates for Congress in 2010, respectfully.).
While explaining himself clearly, Mr. McCullough also runs the risk of being redundant, but he uses that redundancy to further prove his points that Obama has lied to the American people, treats them with contempt and puffs himself up in the process. Mr. McCullough points to the economy, the rising unemployment rate and the various polls that have been done on various news networks as some of the reasons behind his views in regards to "Hope and Change".
He also brings up President Obama's willingness to appease "leaders" that are overwhelmingly hostile toward the US, as well as his appeasement toward Muslims.
While Mr. McCullough espouses the Christian faith, he merely glosses over it as if the reader is a believer.
Overall, this does give a Conservative or an Independent enough information to cast the vote for someone that is more willing to help the American cause, rather than to destroy it.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in order to give this my honest review.
In No He Can't, the author proceeds to explain how our current President is not the best for the United States. Mr. McCullough goes into detail how he predicted the outcome of the 2008 and 2010 elections (The ushering in of Barack Obama in 2008, followed with the Tea Party-backed candidates for Congress in 2010, respectfully.).
While explaining himself clearly, Mr. McCullough also runs the risk of being redundant, but he uses that redundancy to further prove his points that Obama has lied to the American people, treats them with contempt and puffs himself up in the process. Mr. McCullough points to the economy, the rising unemployment rate and the various polls that have been done on various news networks as some of the reasons behind his views in regards to "Hope and Change".
He also brings up President Obama's willingness to appease "leaders" that are overwhelmingly hostile toward the US, as well as his appeasement toward Muslims.
While Mr. McCullough espouses the Christian faith, he merely glosses over it as if the reader is a believer.
Overall, this does give a Conservative or an Independent enough information to cast the vote for someone that is more willing to help the American cause, rather than to destroy it.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSneeze in order to give this my honest review.
9/6/11
This Week in Scripture; give me understanding!
Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live. - Psalm 119:144
I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand a lot of things; my knowledge in some subjects is sorely lacking, while other subjects can be breezed through in minutes. Even though I have a good grasp of the subjects that I'm good at, I still get the twinge of inadequacy when I'm not able to communicate in Spanish, discuss quantum physics with friends or play a violin (I'd be lucky enough to ask where the bathroom is in Spanish, ask what "quantum" really means in terms of physics and screech out a note on that violin.).
The same can be applied to Scripture; I'm not the one that memorizes well (Unless set to music; don't ask.) and I can get bogged down with something insignificant. However, I often ask the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of what the Scripture is saying (Even though I may think I know what the Word's saying, there will always be a humdinger waiting to kick me in the pants. A really good humdinger that comes to mind is the last 4 or so chapters in Judges.).
I'll admit that the last part of the verse is somewhat confusing to me (Does the psalmist mean that he'll live longer? If he doesn't understand, does that mean that he won't live as long?), but it's something that I'll be asking the Holy Spirit (and my pastor) this week. :)
I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand a lot of things; my knowledge in some subjects is sorely lacking, while other subjects can be breezed through in minutes. Even though I have a good grasp of the subjects that I'm good at, I still get the twinge of inadequacy when I'm not able to communicate in Spanish, discuss quantum physics with friends or play a violin (I'd be lucky enough to ask where the bathroom is in Spanish, ask what "quantum" really means in terms of physics and screech out a note on that violin.).
The same can be applied to Scripture; I'm not the one that memorizes well (Unless set to music; don't ask.) and I can get bogged down with something insignificant. However, I often ask the Holy Spirit to give me understanding of what the Scripture is saying (Even though I may think I know what the Word's saying, there will always be a humdinger waiting to kick me in the pants. A really good humdinger that comes to mind is the last 4 or so chapters in Judges.).
I'll admit that the last part of the verse is somewhat confusing to me (Does the psalmist mean that he'll live longer? If he doesn't understand, does that mean that he won't live as long?), but it's something that I'll be asking the Holy Spirit (and my pastor) this week. :)
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