Being Joyful in the Mundane

Here's an excerpt from Passionate Housewives Desperate for God by Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald that I found particularly encouraging. This is for the married and unmarried alike, such an inspiration to be joyful in the tasks that seem boring in life:

"We can all be Mary, even if we don't have an hour to sit down for 'quiet time.' It's all in our attitude toward the things that need to be done and the people we are serving. If we view our husbands, families, and guests as so many leeches crying, 'Give, give!' then we are not going to develop a godly joy as we serve them. If we resent the fact that our husbands sit down to read with the children while we are preparing supper, we are being harpies, just like Martha. Choose the better part. Be Mary in the kitchen. Sing praises while you sweep up those never-ending crumbs. Whistle hyms while you wipe down the bathroom.  Meditate on Scripture while you are folding the third pile of laundry.
"I feel so greatly blessed to have been brought up in a home where our father urged excellence in our work as a way of glorifying God and where my mother joyfully tackled the tasks that lay before her. Whether organizing cabinets, planning school projects, upholstering furniture, planting a garden, or welcoming strangers, Mom always made every job seem like an adventure. When we complained, she just sang louder or turned up the music so we could march around in time as we did our chores. As a result, my parents' home was fragrant with the aroma of servant-hearted, life-giving hospitality.
"And let me just say it again: it wasn't because we had beautiful furniture, just-right curtains, or spotless rooms. It was because Christ was Lord of that house, and our job was to serve Him without being bitter or acting put-upon. Be a Mary! When the laundry piles rise up in rebellion, the children don't do their chores right, or the kitchen sink never seems to quite empty itself, rejoice! Choose the better part, crank up the music, and lay down your life."

--pgs 152&153
--The Mary and Martha mentioned in the passage are from Luke 10:38-41.

((For more from Jennie Chancey, Stacy McDonald, and other women like them, check out Ladies Against Feminism for some fantastic reads!))

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God Review

Passionate Housewives Desperate for God is a book I've heard buzzing around in the 'blogosphere' for a while now. After so many good reviews and after seeing Jennie Chancey in Return of the Daughters (which I should probably make a review of soon, as well :), I had to check it out for myself.
After buying this amazing book for a great price on Amazon, I was ready to dive into it. Let me tell you, it didn't disappoint. Though it was written for married women, I think it's great for stay-at-home daughters like myself. Giving great points on what godly marriage looks like, these two authors, Jennie Chancey and Stacy McDonald, give clear biblical pointers on the place of the woman in the home and the lies feminism has blasted us with since infancy (or since the 70's).
I love how, throughout the book, these women point to the infallibility of Scripture. Instead of taking God's word and twisting it around to their own benefit, they take God's word and twist their own lives to fit into it's principles.
Passionate Housewives covers the woman's place in the home, the lies of self-fulfillment, and Christian feminists. It's not afraid to tackle the rough topics as long as you're not afraid to listen.
Taking from passages like Proverbs 31, Titus 2, and 1 Peter 3, we are reminded of the importance of a stable home with the husband as the head and the woman as the helpmate she was called to be. We are reminded that this is not oppression, but a beautiful picture that represents the relationship between Christ and the Church.
I definitely recommend this to the married and unmarried alike. It was worth reading and reading again.
There were many quotes that I highlighted and many more that I probably missed, but here are two that I'll share with you now (even if you're likely to see more quotes from this book in future posts).

"Being keepers at home is about focusing upon the Lord in all the everydayness so that our houses become centers of hospitality, forgiveness, training, business, welfare, charity, shared mourning and celebration, and-oh, yes- lots of tracked-in mud, crumbs under the chairs, and everything else that goes with human beings."

"Remember that godly femininity complements masculinity- it brings wholeness to humanity. It doesn't compete. It doesn't seek its own glory but delights to see others succeed and earn praise."

Have a blessed day!

Dressing Feminine vs. Masculine

There were and are distinctions in dress that do more than reveal our different genders; they also reveal our God-ordained roles. The woamn who wears a man's clothing is, in essence, declaring herself to be a man and able to do whatever a man does (enlist as a soldier, defend cities from attackers, and take an arrow like a man). The man who wears a woman's clothing declares that he has shunned his maleness as God defines it and prefers not to protect, fight, defend, or even fully provide for those under his care. Pagan societies repudiated God-given male-female differences and roles, as reflected in their idolatrous practices. So we must take care to see that our clothing is a correct portrayal of who we are-whether male or female. As women, our clothing should tell the truth or our position in God's economy. We are the "weaker vessel," softer and gentler than the man and in submission rather than in leadership. When we dress for the day, does our clothing declare that we are feminine and precious- people to be protected and cared for? Or does it proclaim that we can earn our own way in the world and slay our own dragons? The woman clomping around in "tank pants" and combat boots doesn't bespeak maidenly virtues or na need to be treasured or cared for.
In fact, she invites others to treat her as "one of the guys," slapping her on the back, slamming doors in her face and leaving her to fend for herself in a dark parking lot. But the woman of gentle, discreet femininity invites honor and distinction. Men hush their rough talk when she enters the room. Men think twice before letting a door closei n her face. No one would dream of slapping her on the back or sharing a coarse jest with her. The clothing she chooses to wear partially explains the preferential treatmen she receives, but it goes deeper than what is on the outside. Her feminine beatuy grows from within-from her obedience to God's commands for womanly behavior. As our culture continues to toss aside male-female distinctions in favor of "gender neutrality," we must strive even more to be womanly and make modesty look as wonderful as it really is.

From So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin (pgs 88&89)

Skirting Around the Issue: Why I Wear Skirts

It looks like I've finally made myself sit down and write this. I'm not quite sure why it took me so long. I suppose it was the culmination of preparing to go to France (more about this in a later post), my sister coming to visit for a week, and just overall busy-ness. All of that aside, I'm now ready to present my case. :D

Modesty is a very important subject to me. If you know me very well at all, you know that already. I think it's an issue that far too often gets pushed under the rug and neglected because girls would rather look cute than go against what their culture says beauty is.

The Bible exhorts women to be modest (see 1 Tim 2). This is an important command for Christian women to adhere to. Why? Because we profess godliness. We profess Christ and we are called to be accurate representation of Him.

Men are visual by nature, while women are predominantly emotional. Though we don't see anything wrong with wearing a little bit less or a little bit tighter, it can be a huge stumbling block for our brothers in Christ. If we're truly adhering to God's standards, then we wouldn't wish to cause anyone to sin by lusting. We don't even want to tempt them to do so.

Mark 9:42

"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.

If we're dressing immodestly, how are we protecting our brothers in Christ? Are we protecting their thought life and helping them strive toward a deeper relationship with Christ. No, we're tearing them down. (See a related article I wrote: The Effect Immodesty Has On Men)

Now, before I get myself on a long spiel about modesty, let me get to the point.

I believe that skirst are more modest than pants for two main reasons.

1) Pants follow a woman's curves much closer than skirts. I know from previous experience that it can be quite hard to find jeans that fit right and still be modest. Usually they have to be quite loose and end up looking like you're wearing gangster pants. It's not exactly a feminine look for women.

2) Jeans often end up being too low for modesty. How many times have you seen a girl bend over and half of her back (and lower) is exposed? It can be quite awkward at times. I know I was guilty of that more often than not before I switched to skirts because high-waisted jeans are quite uncomfortable, and frankly they're hard to find in smaller sizes- like during your pre-teen years.

-Now, I know with skirts you can have a similar issue with skirts flying up and revealing undergarments. I'm no expert, and I'm still figuring this all out. I only switched to skirts full-time at the beginning of last year. I suggest longer and heftier skirts. Lighter materials are more likely to flair up, shorter skirts are more likely to reveal things. Some skirts made of lighter material will have a skirt underneath that will stay down while the outside billows, but sometime that can make situations feel awkward, even if nothing is shown.

I also suggest wearing shorts underneath at all times. Things are just safer that way.

My last 'argument' for skirts isn't so much on the basis of modesty as it is for feminity.

Skirts and dresses have long been the norm for women. In today's culture, they are still considered femine dress and a definitive destinction between the sexes. The fact that it's still used on our restroom doors shows that people still identify women and skirts as going together.

In a culture where unisex clothing is becoming the norm, I think it's very important to have a significant distinction between men and women. We are not the same. That doesn't mean one is less significant than the other. Different doesn't change one's value. We should celebrate that men and women are different- life wouldn't be as wonderful if we were all the same. It would be quite boring, actually.

My point is that there have been far too many instances where I encounter a person at a store or movie theatre and afterward am not sure whether they are a boy or a girl. I'd like to have less encounters of that nature. It's quite unsettling.

The Lord said in Genesis that it was not good for Man to be by himself, so He created Woman. Wearing skirts and dresses is a celebration of the fact that men and women are not the same. It's an indication that God made us different and expects us to fulfill different roles. I want to be a woman of God, not a man of God (that's my brother's job :).

Search for yourselves what the Lord says on modesty and feminity. Seek his heart and please him with your submission to His call. Prayerfully consider what I've said here and see what the Lord places on your heart! :D

I'll close out this post with a quote taken from the book So Much More by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin (pg 83) about the message a Christian woman's clothing should send:

Like all clothing, the clothes that we don't see these girls wearing make a very obvious statement: I am a shameless hussy...I am not worth much...I just want to get attention...I live for myself...I need to be noticed...I need to look like everyone
else.
We need our own messages to declare exactly the opposite-- I am loved, I am cherished, I am protected, I am a woman of virtue, I am submitted to God, I am part of a civilized society, I am worth more than rubies, there is a part of me that is not to be stared at by strangers because it belongs to my future husband.
Unspoken statements like these can help us be salt and light in the earth.

Have a blessed day!

On Women and Submission

Well, I was going to make my next post on the reason that I wear skirts. However, since I got so much feedback on my previous post "Should Christian Women Wear Headcoverings??" I decided that I should address some of the questions and issues raised within the comment section.
Some of them just made me laugh with the absurdity of their remarks. Many were made with a false recognition of what Biblical standards are or what their purposes are. I was told that I'm "under the thumb" of my parents and that I think I'm inferior to men.
Far from it.
Men and women are of equal value, yet they have different God-ordained roles. Neither is somehow more worthy of God's love or of far more worth than the other. In fact, when God saw that Adam was alone in the Garden, he said it was not good. Man needed woman before it was good.
However, there are still roles that God set into place even before the Fall. Man is the head. This doesn't mean that his inherent worth is much more than that of woman. It just means that he has a different job. Men were designated to be the head, the providers, and the protectors. Women were designated to be the helpmeets, the nurturers, and the educators.
The Lord made us uniquely gifted in motherly care, tenderness, and a fierceness to protect those we love. When we support our husbands (or for we unmarried folk, our fathers), we further their vision and therefore work alongside them in raising the next generation for Christ.
While women are called to submit, men are called to love with a sacrificial love- willing to lay down their lives for the ones they love. They are called to be Christlike, leading their Bride into holiness and loving her with a passion while protecting her from the snares of the Enemy.
I'll be proud to one day submit to my husband as he leads our family into righteousness. Until then, the Lord is my husband and he has set my father as my head until I am under the covering of my husband.
Have a blessed day!

A Truly Strong Woman

The following is an excerpt taken from page 100 of the book, So Much More, by Anna Sofia Botkin and Elizabeth Botkin:

A truly strong woman is not masculine or mannish, but is firm in decision,
character, beliefs, and action; she has all the softness that does not imply
weakness in the wrong way; she is possessive of a firmness that is not harsh or
domineering or exclusive of delicacy. She has the ability to provide for
herself, but in restraint does not. Instead she channels that ability by
supporting and building up her father or husband, enabling him to fulfill his
God-ordained role. The strong woman is loving toward family, helpful whenever
she can be; she is competent, capable, and intelligent, yet dependent on,
trustful of, and submissive to the Lord and her father or husband. I had never
before understood the harmony that existed between being strong and being
feminine. Yet a feminine woman is a strong woman, because her strength comes
from embracing and fulfilling the role that God has given to women.

Have a blessed day!

Blogoversary Afterparty!

Alright, here are my picks for the Afterparty- these are blog posts that I found especially interesting and thought I'd share with y'all. These are blogs that I regularly follow and very much enjoy!

From Feelin' Feminine:
Fortunate to Be Women
The Return of Femininity and Respect

From A Pondering Heart:
The Lie: A Life of Singleness

From Empowered Traditionalist:
How Do You Catch His Attention Series (this is a link to pt 1)
Question From an ET
10 Things Guys Love About Girls Series (this is a link to pt 1)
Brothers to the Rescue

From Virtuous Living:
Impacting the World Through Homemaking
Being His Crown
Tend and Befriend

From Like A Warm Cup of Coffee:
You are Prepared for Battle... Are You Fighting or Turning Your Back?

And From The Stay-At-Home Missionary:
The Holiness of Our Daily Activities

Well, those oughta keep you busy for a while. They really are great posts and I hope you find the time to read them. I'd also encourage you to follow these blogs because these women are so inspirational and have helped teach me so much about God's Word and growing in my understanding of it through their writings. Thanks girls!
Have a blessed day!

Feelin' Feminine Challenge Day 3

See Day 2: here

Haha! I think I'm going to have a different name for the challenge thing each day. It's fun that way!

Here's today's ensemble:

Outfit- Knee-length Denim dress (from Target), black leggings, a white tank top for underneath, my pink and black glasses, and my choker that says 'Kirsten' on it. I was excited when I found that necklace because they NEVER have my name on anything! [Thanks again to Mitchell for snapping this pic!]

Makeup- Powder, light cream colored eyeshadow, and mascara.

Hair- I did it in a side ponytail with a butterfly clip to hide the ponytail holder. I left my bangs loose. You can tell they're getting pretty long, can't you? Good thing I'm getting a haircut soon so those'll get trimmed a bit.

I've really been enjoying this challenge, making sure you look a bit nicer rather than just throwing your hair up and walking out the door as is just makes my day a little brighter. And the lovely comments on here are much appreciated. I also love seeing all the other girls' cute outfits and different ways of styling her hair. And Joy from SAHMissionary definitely gets major props for the awesome ways she's been doing her daughter's hair for it! You should check those out.

Anyway, this challenge has rocked and it's not too late to join in the fun! Check it out!

Have a blessed day!

Feminine Attire Day 2

See Day 1: here

Here's today's outfit and hairstyle! :D

Outfit: I'm wearing a white shirt that Bridgette made for our Small Group. We're the Mafia, so she put an 'M' and two guns on the side. It's simple, but rockin'. I used a high necked purple tank top from Dots to wear under it. The skirt is brown (it looks weird in the picture) and I love it because it has pockets! I'm also once again wearing my pink and black glasses.

[Thanks for taking my picture, Mitchie!]

Hair: I scrunched it with two curl booster things, blow-dried it with a diffuser, and used a hair spray that is made to help keep your curls from falling.

I love it when my hair is curly. Straight hair is just kinda boring most of the time... :P

Makeup: Nada.

Have a blessed day!

The Favorite Things Event & Straight Pride

It appears that this will be a very picture-y post. Kristin (props to you for having a similar name to me!) over at The Faithful Fashionista is hosting a week of feminine dress. It started yesterday, but you're free to join any time of the week- so I'm fine.
The challenge is to wear skirts every day (that's right, pants are off-limits. Skirts only.) and do your hair differently each day as well. The challenge that originated at the Feelin' Feminine site and is intended to inspire women to dress femininely and beautifully.
Though I already wear skirts 'full-time', I'm still taking the challenge. I often just throw my hair up and put on some powder on my face and walk out the door as is. I'm going to do my hair differently each day and do the same with my makeup.
And if you don't have many skirts? You don't need a ton, just a few that you can mix up. You could also get them super cheap at Goodwill or Helping Hands or borrow a few from a friend.
Each day, post pictures of yourself in your feminine attire on your blog, or email them to Kristin (she gives contact info on her blog) if you don't have a blog of your own. Feel free to add commentary. You can post your picture and tell about the outfit- whatever you want to do.
The point is to enjoy it.

[Click the icon above to see Kristin's instructions on this week's Challenge. To see the details from the original Challenge on the Feelin' Feminine website, click here.

So here are my pics for day 1:

My outfit- Long jean skirt, blue polo, tank top with stars and stripes, and pink/light pink/black glasses. Yes, I know my face looks rather odd in this one...


Hair- French Braid with four twist-in rhinestones on left side.

Makeup- I added this pic because it shows my eyeliner, which is blue!



Also, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share with you the shirt I made last night and this morning. It's my "Straight Pride" T-shirt (as opposed to Gay Pride). I saw a 'bumper sticker' on myspace that had the Straight Pride idea, so I used the idea in making this shirt.


Let me know what you think!




* Important to Note: My shirt is not 'gay bashing' as some would likely say. It is simply defending the sanctity of marriage and showing that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
I do not hate homosexuals, I just believe that they're in the wrong and I don't condone it.

Have a blessed day!

Swimsuit Modesty

Modesty Series Pt. 4

"I'm tired of being modest. I want to look pretty for once!"
I've heard this a thousand or more times from Christian girls I hang out with.
But there's a difference between looking trashy and looking pretty.
All girls want to look gorgeous. We see the bikini's at JCPenney and think, Man, those patterns are so cute!
That may be what we see, but that's not what our brother's in Christ are seeing. What they're seeing is ALOT of skin. Skin that they don't need to be seeing.
Every girl wants to look pretty, but when 'prettiness' takes presidence over modesty, it's wrong. Plain and simple.
If it's immodest outside of the pool, it's not automatically modest when you're in the pool. If it's not appropriate at church, it's not appropriate at the pool.
Most of my friends, including myself, usually wear long shorts and a t-shirt over our bathing suits to keep from revealing anything. But I know alot of peope who think it's totally appropriate to wear low-cut, skin-flashing swimsuits that bare their midriffs, thighs, and cleavage.
I decided I would take some of the written responses from the Modesty Survey hosted by The Rebelution, written by guys to girls on what's modest and what's not concerning swimsuits. The actual survey covers a variety of topics- but I'm only using those comments from the swimsuit category.

Concerning Cleavage:

This is another question that comes from the cultural idea that when one is swimming, standards of modesty change. This is a lie! Standards of modesty do not change with the activity we are doing. We should be just as careful as at other times to obey the commands of God, be modest, and be careful not to cause a brother to stumble. There is modest swim wear out there. Swimming is no excuse to disobey our LORD. -Age 16

Why is a swimming situation any different? If you cause a brother to stumble when you're dry, what's going to stop it from happening when you're not? -Age 21

No! Do guys suddenly become less apt to stumble or think lustful thoughts in the water? If so, let's all join the Navy/Marines. -Age 18

Showing cleavage, no matter the situation, is a temptation for guys. It being cute is no reason to cause a guy to sin, and pull yourself into that sin by wearing the outfit in the first place. Let's face it- immodesty is a sin.
And I know that sometimes, with both shirts and swim tops, cleavage shows more than you originally thought. Like wearing a camisole underneath to cover or choosing a top that stops just above where things would show- well, both of those in the end tend not to work. Either your camisole continually slips down, or when you bend over there's more to see than what you thought at first.
Don't take a chance, ladies! Try bending over in the dressing room and account for what getting it wet will cause the suit to do. Move around with things you normally do during the day. Especially if you have younger siblings or just kids you hang out with or babysit, when you pick them up they're likely to grab onto your shirt so make sure nothing will be revealed in those instances.
Account for different situations and it'll help you in the long run.


Concerning Bare Stomachs

I'm going to say this over and over. Why do Christians think that the situation changes the rules? If it would be immodest in church, it would be immodest at the pool. God didn't say we can be modest most of the time and then strip down when it's convenient or popular. -Age 22

Generally, that is a very hard temptation for a guy to overcome. Girls, please stick to one-piece suits that cover the stomach, if at all possible. -Age 18

I find that the stomach being exposed makes it easier for the eyes to wander. -Age 20

What is our reasoning behind showing our stomachs besides drawing attention to our body? There are plenty of available bathing suits that cover your stomach satisfactorily, so there's not really a good excuse to be exposing it.

Concerning Bikini Bottoms

Very immodest. If it's immodest anywhere else, it's immodest at the pool, too.
Wearing that would be like going to the store in your underwear. -Age 22

You're walking around in underwear made of spandex, not good. -Age 13

As with a bikini, much more skin than necessary is shown. Try to stay away from these types of swim suits. -Age 17

This kind of temptation is easily avoided by simply wearing board shorts or bermuda shorts over your bottoms. It's really not that hard and a cute trend.

I just thought I'd use the text responses on the Modesty Survey, because I know I got feedback from some of the readers saying that it really helped to have a guy's perspective on the modesty posts.
I know I appreciate it when other girls dress modestly, because I have a younger brother who wants to protect his eyes. If you have a younger brother, you likely understand. I often feel ashamed of the trends of my generation when I see how hard my brother and his friends have to work just to keep themselves pure in their thoughts. So I strive all the harder to keep from being like that.
And a helpful tip: If you're planning to have a swim party at your house- let the girls know that they need to dress modestly and if they choose to come in something your home deems inappropriate, t-shirts and/or shorts will be provided.
I hope this helps with the modest swimsuit issue. It's a big problem and I hope this'll get you thinking about glorifying God with what you choose to wear this summer.
Don't forget to check out the rest of the Modesty survey. And guys can still sign the petition, so check that out as well!

[Picture is of my little brother a few years back. My mom caught this awesome pic and I thought it would be cool for the header. He was pretty good at surfing on that boogey board, but I'm glad he didn't crack his head doing it!]

Have a blessed day!

A Modest Attitude

Modesty Series Pt 3
Many have said, "Modesty begins with the heart" and I support them in saying that. But the way we see that it's in someone's heart is by it coming out of them and changing them. If it's not affecting you, it's not in your heart.
There are two parts to modesty- Attire and Attitude. We've already spoken about Attire (and aren't entirely done yet!), so for this post I'll be talking about attitude aspect of the matter.
We all know the type of girl who boldly flirts with nearly every guy she knows or is loud, bossy, and boisterous. She likes to be the center of attention and is appalled when you disagree with what she thinks.
This is not the kind of girl God wants us to be.
He gives us plenty of examples of the type of girl He really wants us to be.
He wants us to be Quiet, yet Strong.
1 Timothy 2:9-11
9in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.
We as women like to talk. I'm not gonna lie. I love talking. Girls talk while doing anything, and usually will. You can even keep us occupied for hours by just sitting us down and giving us a topic.
We like to talk.
There's nothing wrong with talking. I'm not saying that every woman should suddenly become mute, except for saying, "Of course I'll do that for you."
What Paul is saying here is that, as women, we need to teach ourselves when it is appropriate to speak and when it's appropriate not to.
We're not supposed to boss and nag and be Miss Everyone-Listen-to-Me, but with a quiet and gentle spirit lead when it's required of us.
Proverbs 31: 17&25
17She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
25She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
In order to be the woman He's called us to be, we have to do everything with excellence "as if unto the Lord". We need to be strong- strong in our convictions, strong for our families, and strong in doing everything the Lord's called us to do. We're not to be slackers. We're to do everything to the best of our abilities.
He wants us to do everything with Excellence and to Glorify His name.
Proverbs 31:30-31
30Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. 31Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
In the end, everything adds up to how you served God. Did you do it to the best of your ability? Or did you do the minimum required? That determines alot about you and your faith.
As women of God, we should do everything in excellence and to glorify Him.
Our attitudes should portray who we serve. In each situation, we should handle them the way Christ would in that same situation, or at least strive to do such to the best of our ability.
Now there are many more things God wants us to be. You can find them in Proverbs 31, the books of Esther or Ruth, or nearly any other book of the Bible.
My point is this- As women of modesty, our attitude should portray our reason for being modest. The reason is that we want to glorify the King. If our attitudes betray that reasoning, it's just talk and no one will take your faith seriously.
Just some food for thought.

[Picture compliment of Google Images]
Have a blessed day!

Modest Apparel

Modesty Series Pt 2

1 Timothy 2:9-11

9in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.

Modest, according to Webster's Dictionary, means:

1a: placing a moderate estimate on one's abilities or worth b: neither bold nor self-assertive: tending toward diffidence

2: arising from or characteristic of a modest nature

3: observing the proprieties of dress and behavior: Decent

4a: limited in size, amount, or scope b: unpretentious

So modesty, in and of itself is not just a clothing thing, but an attitude thing as well.
But we'll start first with clothing.

Attire

This is the 'hottest' issue of debate when it comes to modesty. What is modest? Why isn't this modest? Why do I have to be modest? So many questions, so little room in which to answer them. :D

All throughout God's Word, he reminds us that morality and righteousness are virtues to be praised. We are told countless times of the virtues of Biblical women whose examples were that of beauty as well as purity.

Modesty is a tricky subject. Alot of girls tend to tune out when the word comes up, thinking, "Great. They're telling me to be frumpy again!" Well, I'm not telling you that. I want you to wear beautiful clothing if that's what you want to wear.

What I am telling you is that some of it is innappropriate. Clothing such as short shorts and skirts, clingy tops, and cleavage are items that should not be worn in public- no matter how often the world tells us it's okay. Since when did Christians start listening to everything the world says? We're known for stirring up controversy by doing what's right. So when did we all become shy?

Beyond these things, modesty standards vary from person to person. That's why we have the Holy Spirit. He helps us and guides us, reminding us of what God's plans are for us and what He deems appropriate for us to wear. It's not my place to tell you- It's His. Open your ears and listen to what He's saying to you.

Alot of what Christ says on this issue and others can be found in His word though. In the 2 Timothy verse I used at the beginning of this post, Paul helps us with how to dress. We shouldn't be wearing clothes that do nothing but draw attention to ourselves and our bodies. We want our appearance to remind people of our Father.

Luke 17:1-2
1One day Jesus said to his disciples, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting! 2It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin.

If what we're wearing is causing the men in our lives to stumble, or has the potential to- He's made it clear that it's off-limits. He doesn't care how cute that skirt is or how popular that cut of a shirt is if it's causing His children to fall. He doesn't care that it's "too hard to find modest clothing" or that "you're tired of being modest" if you're hurting His sheep.

John 21:16

16Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."

The Lord also mentions multiple times that if we love Him we'll obey Him. Here He tells Simon Peter that if he loves Him, he'll take care of His sheep. It's the same for us. If we love God, we'll take care of His sheep and dress in a way that will keep them from stumbling.

I encourage you to pray about what God is saying to you concerning modesty. You may have some things you need to change about your wardrobe. Or maybe God wants to congradulate you on your willingness to become the woman He's called you to be. Maybe it's both.

Whatever He has to say to you, I encourage you to be listening. He's speaking- you just have to be still and hear Him.

[Picture compliment of Google Images]

Have a blessed day!

Modest Fashion Week Giveaway

Over at The Stay-at-Home Missionary Blog, Mrs. Joy is having an awesome giveaway in promotion of the "Modest Fashion Week" she's been hosting. I found it through L.H.'s blog Virtuous Living, and thought since I'm in the middle of a Modesty series as well- Why not enter it?
Hope y'all do the same! The prizes are pretty rockin'!
Have a blessed day!

The Effect Immodesty has on Men

Modesty Series Pt 1

Men are naturally visual beings, just as women are predominantly emotional beings. There's nothing wrong with either of these, unless you use them to glorify yourself instead of glorifying God.
One way we as women do this is by dressing immodestly. You know what I mean- low cut shirts, tight jeans, 'bootie' shorts, and bikinis. We show off the parts of our bodies that should remain hidden to everyone except our husbands. Why do we do this?
Like I said, women are predominantly emotional beings and men are visual. Over time, we've learned that the more of our body we show off, the more attention we get from the men around us. By appealing to their visual nature, we fill up our 'love tank' - at least we think we're filling it.
This isn't love. We're filling our tanks with lust and in the end it hurts us so much worse.
Only perfect love can truly fill your 'love tank', and Christ offers it freely to us. Only after we've accepted this gift can we truly love others and accept love in the right way.
Immodesty may even drive away Prince Charming. Why? Because it's attracting the type of guy who wants your body, not the one who wants your heart.
Don't believe me? Here's a guy's perspective on immodesty. This is an excerpt from what an anonymous guy wrote in to Brio Magazine a while back:

Non-Christian guys love it when girls show off their bodies. You know what I mean: short shorts and skirts, bare stomachs, skimpy tops. Some fashions might not show skin, but they're so tight they might as well be painted on.
They reveal evry curve and encourage superficial jerks to think lustful thoughts about the girls wearing them.
I don't write this to complain. I just want to encourage you to set a higher standard. It would kill me to finally find you- and then see you wearing stuff designed to glue other guys' eyes to your body.
Sure, I know what some girls say: "To catch a guy these days, this is the kind of bait we need." Garbage. tell your friends that any guy who can be caught by flashing skin isn't worth having. That's not the kind of guy who's going to stick by you and be faithful after you've gotten married, had a baby and gained a few pounds. That kind of guy will always be lured to other shapely bodies.

Letters like these always help to remind you to put your priorities in perspective. First of all, we should be dressing to glorify God. He should be our number one priority when deciding what is appropriate to wear. The second, is that it will attract the right kind of guys in your life.
We can become very dangerous stumbling blocks to men. Like Uncle Ben says in Spiderman, "With great power comes great responsibility." We have a responsibility to the men around us to dress in a way that will keep them from stumbling in their hearts.
Romans 14: 13b
Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
We have to make sure our clothing and attitude is sending the message that you are a woman of purity and seek to follow God no matter what the world says is right or wrong. The way we dress should be a testimony to our faith.
In his book, The Truth about Guys, Chad Eastham puts it this way:

Guys are interested in buying what we think you are advertising... not what you think you're advertising. There's a huge difference.

When guys get the message "I'm telling you with my body that I'm available, but I'm telling you with my words that I'm not!" it is very confusing.

It's not old fashioned to respect your body. And when did being modest become a bad thing? Modesty is all about confidence and understanding that a little bit of mystery goes a long way. It means that you understand the messages you're sending and why. It shouldn't mean that you're "afraid to express yourself." It's feeling confident about who you are and not needing others to affirm your importance.

Immodesty not only affects men, but women as well. It hurts us both, and we don't even realize it half of the time.
So do yourself and the men in your life a favor. Show them the love and appreciation you have for them as their sister in Christ and dress in a way that will cause them to see your heart instead of just your body.

[Image compliment of Google Images and Disney, I guess]

Have a blessed day!

Things have changed...

Well, I was reading in Roe v. Wade by N.E.H. Hull and Peter Charles Hoffer, a book I got from the local library.
It was really interesting because it was getting into the period around the feminist movement and about the role of women.
Here's an excerpt that caught my attention:

Love of their husbands and their country dictated that they bear as many children as they could.
All manner of social institutions, including the church, the schools, and the print media pressed home the same point. Women should remain the mothers of the race. The law rewarded fecundity and penalized birth control and abortion.

Back then, the goal was for a woman to give birth to as many children as possible.
Now, people often think you're crazy if you want more than three kids.
Isn't it crazy how the world has changed...
Just some food for thought.
I also found out that the early feminists (the "domestic feminists") actually protested abortion. It was their successors that supported it.
By the way, my modesty series should start within the next few days. I was planning on doing it today, but I didn't have time. Tomorrow, I'll be gone most of the day, but I might have it up later in the day.
Stay tuned!

[Images compliment of Google Images]

Have a blessed day!

Modesty Series (?)

I was talking to my mom today about how at church you see such a variety of clothing- including some girls dressed very modestly while others are pretty immodest. We discussed it for a while and I had a rockin' idea-

Why not do a series of posts (or just one, depending on how much I have to say :P) all about modesty.

*dances around excitedly*

So I would totally appreciate it if you would leave me comments letting me know what you'd like included or questions or anything at all. I'm looking forward to the responses and trying to answer them.

Get ready! The posts will start to flow in a few days.

[Picture compliment of Google Images]

Have a blessed day!

Birthday Wishes

So I've pretty much decided what I want for my birthday! How exciting.
Not that my birthday's coming incredibly soon.
It's in May, but at least I'm planning ahead! :P
I want to get a sewing machine! I'm very excited about it. There's one at Target I want and I hope to get it for my birthday.
And who knows- I might be able to get it sooner and use my birthday money on material instead! I have already decided that the first thing I'll make is an apron. I've been wanting one terribly for the past few weeks.
Beyond that, I will be making some dresses and skirts for myself, since that'll be easier and cheaper than trying to find ones of a good length at the store. Plus, Kerri's already got me enlisted to make her some pajama pants. :P And I'll be able to make my mom an apron as well, since she was complaining about not having one today- the food she made for dinner kept getting on her clothes.
I know this post has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but this has been on my mind all day. I can't wait!

[Picture compliment of Google Images]
Have a blessed day!

10 Good Reasons to Wear a {Modest} Skirt

10 Good Reasons to Wear a {Modest} Skirt

1. Skirts are so much more comfortable (to me).
-I just recently started wearing pretty much only skirts and I love it. It's a lot more comfortable than jeans. I guess it depends on different tastes.

2. It's not very glamorous to twirl in jeans.
- Come on, I mean, how fun is it to twirl in skirts? I absolutely adore it and even taught my 18 month old neice how to twirl in her skirt! :D It was fun. It's a sure way to make you feel like a princess.

3.If all women wore skirts, we'd never have those awkward moments when you aren't sure whether to adress someone as "Sir" or "Ma'am".
- As weird as this reason is, you have to admit it's true. Those moments come quite frequently. Wouldn't it be so much simpler if there were some universal distinction? :P

4.It's easier to decide whether or not a skirt is modest than jeans.
-Honestly, I have a really hard time figuring out whether jeans are modest or immodest because of tightness and such... well, because I'm not a guy and I don't think like a guy. It's a lot easier for me to figure it out when it comes to skirts- though I still sometimes have trouble deciding.

5.Skirts are generally more attractive on a woman.
-Because they are made for women. It just makes you look more all around lovely when you wear a skirt that looks good on you.

6. It's a way to be different. Everyone else is wearing jeans.
-It's a nice change of scenery. When I go places every single person is wearing jeans! It gets kind of redundant after a while.

7.Skirts are more feminine and ladylike.
-Like I said at number 5, because they're made for women. They just promote her femininity.

8. When people ask you what religion you are because you're wearing a long skirt- There's an opportunity to share your faith! (Even if you don't wear them for that reason)
-Why not take every opportunity to share your faith?

9. You never have to worry about butt-crack.
-Let's face it, we've had an epidemic on this one. In a skirt, you just don't have to worry about it. Let's give the butt-crack 'fashion statement' back to the plumbers.

10.It inspires men to be more chivalrous and masculine.
-When we as women accept our femininity, we inspire men to embrace their masculinity.

[Picture compliment of Google Images]

Have a blessed day!

Related "Skirt" Posts:

• 10 Reasons Why Skirts Are Better... by Christa Taylor


• Why I Wear Skirts by Hanna L.


• The Practicality of a Skirt by Miss Jocelyn


• Why Don't Women Wear Skirts by Christa Taylor (more serious than the first :D )

Eliza Magazine Giveaway

Over at the Christa-Taylor fashion blog, Christa is giving away a free subscription to Eliza magazine. It's a magazine for women who want a good fasion magazine without all the trash we find in alot of today's fashion magazines.

Go check it and also her other blog Empowered Traditionalist. It's worth the effort. :D

[Image compliment of Christa Taylor]

Have a blessed day!