The Dying Art of Modesty

Modesty struck me tonight.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.  -- Galatians 1:10

As I set aside my workout clothes for the morning, I stopped to think of what here would be considered "MODEST"... well this shirt is a bit tight. and this top rides up.. these shorts are um well short. Pants are tight. You get the point... a lot of my workout clothes aren't "modest" and for the longest time I've said "well everybody wears these and it's no big deal" and had a locker room mentality about it all. As a woman, I have a responsibility to be modest. God doesn't say "hey cover up when it's cold," He says...

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. -- 1 Cor 6:19-20

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. --Romans 12:1

As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.-- 1 Peter 1:14

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God -- 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. --1 Peter 3:3-4

For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.-- 1 Thessalonians 4:7

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. -- Philippians 2:3-4

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -- Galatians 2:2-20

Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. -- Galatians 5:26

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. -- Galatians 6:14

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.-- Colossians 3:1-2

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. -- Romans 14:13

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? -- 1 Corinthians 3:16

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. -- Romans 13:14

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. -- Romans 12:2

Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. -- 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. -- Galatians 5:13


We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. -- 2 Corinthians 6:3


Are we honoring God with our bodies? Standing in front of the mirror, picking out the clothes that look sexy? That compliment our best features so others can "feast" their eyes? Are we getting dressed thinking consciously that our choice can potentially lead someone to sin? That this sin is on us, for being vain and conceited? Do we stop to think if God is pleased with our appearance? Or are we purposely trying to provoke others, getting dressed out of envy to compete with other people? Are we so obsessed with fitness and outward appearance that those who are considered fit must always show off their bodies, like trophies? Why is the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" not enough?

Let us PLEASE take a little longer when we're getting dressed. Let's please ask ourselves "is this pleasing to God?" and "God, am I wearing this to please others or to please you?" and CHANGE. CHANGE CLOTHES. You may have to be that person sweating the most. You may have to purchase a larger size than the world says "fits" so clothes aren't so tight. You may have to choose a t-shirt instead of the tight top that rides up. You may have a farmer's tan! You may not get the second-glance!! But please please PLEASE think of your brothers in Christ, TRYING so hard in this filthy world to be holy men of God. COVER UP. I have a little brother, I say little but he's a grown man. It's my prayer that he trains his eyes to find beauty in discerning, modest women. It is my prayer for all my brothers in Christ.

Women, let's make a vow to God to serve others, to be submissive, even in how we dress. That we make a choice to declare MODEST = BEAUTIFUL, and no longer conform to the sad, degrading pattern of this world. That we may store up passion and honor our husbands, keeping our bodies holy, safe from prying eyes. We should desire God's attention, and God's approval. I'm going to start saying a quick prayer after I get dressed, asking God to help me be an ambassador for Him, not a stumbling block.


She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. -- Proverbs 31:25,30

Life's Not Fair

I always hear people say "life's not fair" when something doesn't go their way.
Today, I'm saying "life's not fair" because my day is going too good to be true.
I have had a smile stuck on my face for longer than I can remember, and honestly I don't feel like I deserve this much all at once. Not fair! This should be evenly distributed somehow. But alas. I'm not in charge :)
Sometimes God just pours blessings over me. It's like He's looking right into my heart and answering my repetitive prayers in bundles. My God of hope is so loving. Ahhh!! I can't stop praising Him today, nor do I want to!!
Life may not seem fair to us as it's happening, but I think it's because we can't see the end result. Our God certainly is loving and just. He's very much in control. He's always working for the good of those who love Him, and our ultimate good is to be in His presence. Redefines tragedy. Redefines sickness. Redefines death. Redefines heartache.  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil 1:21). So I won't take for granted these small answered prayers that He's thrown at me today :) I trust Him with all my heart and with all my future.

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. - Deutoronomy 32:4

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. -- Psalm 89:14

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. -- Psalm 111:7

How to Give Birthday Flowers

Most of my posts are directed toward women but this is an exception.

MEN,

As most of you know, there are expectations of you. Women expect to be remembered on their birthday. Women love flowers. Correction: ALL WOMEN love flowers. Here's my how to on giving birthday flowers.

Just Do It

If you consider yourself attached in any way, shape, or form, you should probably give the lady some flowers on her birthday. No need to confess your undying love or anything. Just some flowers to be sweet.

Choosing the Flowers/ Size of Arrangement/ Card

This gets confusing, and you never want to overdo it or not go with enough. No need to break the bank here, Don Juan, but be thoughtful please.

• if you're just "talking" - go with something cute and light. some Gerbera Daisies, Carnations, or Sunflowers would be more than appropriate. small bouquet here, nothing crazy!! Keep it short on the card. "Happy birthday" suffices, really!
  
  
• if you're "dating" or "going out" but not facebook official, no title - you can stick with the "talking" flower selections and small bouquet, but make sure the note is a little more meaningful. Call her beautiful, lovely, or gorgeous. Say something sweet. Being funny is always a great route as well.
  
  
• if you're totes offish - look into an arrangement. Go a little bit bigger. A cute combo of flowers. Throw some roses in the mix. Bright colors are great. If you're lovy dovy already, go ahead and be pretty romantic on the card.
• if you're long-terming it - you know what she loves. If you don't know her favorite flower, go by her personality. If she's more introverted, go with delicate flowers like peonies, hydrangeas, or creamy roses. If she's a firecracker, get her more exotic flowers. Fun colors. Dahlias, lillies, tulips, get creative. Don't get too crazy on the size because those are usually more expensive flowers. It's the thought that counts. Make the note meaningful.
• if you're engaged or married - ahhh. Don't mess it up!! Honestly, a bouquet of peonies is just about the most romantic thing in my book, if all fails, go with that. Roses are fool-proof. Get an arrangement if you're having trouble. Take your time on the note, dig deep buddy.

a little extravagant, but peonies are incredible

When & Where

If your woman is employed, your flowers must be delivered while she is AT WORK.  It is extremely important to women to have her birthday flowers in public at work. This is her day. She wants to feel acknowledged at work, and to be honest, she wants to show everyone at work that SOMEBODY cares enough to send flowers. It speaks volumes. Just do it.

Here's where it gets tricky....

If she's not at work on her birthday, you must ANTICIPATE and give her the flowers before her birthday, when she is at work.

• birthday on a saturday or sunday: give the flowers on friday at work
• if she works monday and tuesday, and her birthday is thursday: give the flowers on tuesday at work

If she doesn't work, give the flowers in an appropriate manner. If you're taking her out on a date, give them when you're picking her up. Basic.

Details

• Delivery is optional. You can hand deliver it to her work or have it delivered.
• Be aware that flowers wilt. And die. You don't want to buy them too far in advance!!
• Don't spend a fortune. That's not the point!
• Don't read into it too much if you're talking or dating. You're just being thoughtful.

THE END!