Merry Christmas from The Girl Inside!

May you all rejoice in the birth of our Lord.

Introducing Myself

Hi there! For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sara. I've had my own blog, In Christ Alone, for a little over a year now, so that might be where you've seen me. I am so excited to help Bev out as much as I can on this blog. So many issues Bev has spoken on are close to my heart, and I hope that my writings will be a reflection not only of my thoughts, but of my dear Lord and Savior. He is truly the reason for the change I have experienced in my life. I was saved at a young age (most likely around the ages of 11-12), but the Lord really started working in me when I turned 16. I am currently a sophomore in college, and I'm trying to get into a dental hygiene program at my school. If you want to know more about my life, please give me a visit at my other blog, In Christ Alone.

I am still learning many things along the way, and I am so grateful for my family and the friends God has placed in my life. They have helped me so much in my walk with Him. I pray that my words will mirror Philippians 4:8~ "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things."

Once again, I'm looking forward sharing my thoughts with you here. Now it's your turn to introduce yourself--if this is your first time visiting, please leave a comment so Bev and I can get to know you better. A blessed Christmas season to you all!

In Christ Alone,

Sara

Happy Birthday Neesie!!

My beautiful sister is turning 16 today!! Please join me in wishing her a happy birthday. Neesie is 12 years younger then me, but we have always been very close. We never had to worry about the whole "sibling rivalry" thing because she was the answer to a prayer I had for years. I always wanted a sister, and God blessed me with a wonderful one!

Neesie is always willing to help - with a smile! She tolerates the constant demands of her two nieces, and the incessant teasing of her brother-in-law. ;-) All because they love you, right Neesie?

We (E, Lena, Shana and myself) are so thankful for you, and we love you very much. Happy 16th birthday. Mwah!

Welcome, Sara!

Join me in welcoming my sweet friend Sara, who will now be coauthoring this blog with me!

Sara will be helping me with posting as well as coming up with new ideas for this blog. I know she will be a positive addition to The Girl Inside.

I appreciate Sara's spirit and willingness to help, as well as her commitment to our standard of Philippians 4:8.

Welcome, Sara!!

A Great Giveaway

click on the button above to enter yourself to win $25 to buy something from

Christa-Taylor

There is a great interview to read too!

Oh, and if you go, please mention that I sent you ...

Congratulations to Josh and Anna!

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Duggar family, but I just found out that their oldest son, Josh, is engaged! Here is the wedding website which is very glorifying to God. It looks like it is still being developed so I can't wait to check in periodically to see what they've added!

A sermon on the subject of modesty ...

Here is a link to a sermon on the subject of modesty in dress! This was preached at one of our sister churches.

I just want to mention that this is a very direct and pointed message and is definitely more appropriate for older teens and up.

This is for Kristin - on the subject of courtship :-)

Kristin is a sweet online friend that I have the honor of knowing. You can go here to read a post that she just wrote recently. I told her that I would post a few tips on courtship for her, as she is going through that season of life right now! Her sister, Jaime, another online friend, wrote this post for her sister.

I've already posted our courtship story, so I won't rehash that :-) I like lists, so maybe I'll just do this by listing a few things that helped us through our courtship. I hope this helps you Kristin!! I also want to say that I was really blessed by reading your sweet story.

1. This is such an exciting time of life, but it is also filled with many temptations - physical and spiritual. Make a habit of committing every decision to prayer. Pray alone, and pray together. I know you two are already doing this!!

2. Talk, talk, talk!! We had a sort of long distance relationship, and we used our weeks to talk about anything and everything we could think of. We only saw each other on the weekends. This was such a blessing because we still talk about anything and everything.

3. We read a Christian book together - actually we read it simultaneously and discussed it on the weekends.

4. This one you've already done: become best friends. I can truly say that my husband is my very best friend. He's the one that I can "let my hair down with." I covet time with him - I just love being with him!!

5. Here's one I wish we had done: minister to others together. We occasionally helped out with church functions etc, but I wish we could have found a ministry to participate in together. I've seen other courting couples do this, and it is a wonderful foundation to build a relationship on.

6. Be mindful of others. I taught Sunday School for many years before I met my husband to be! I knew that all my former students were watching to see how we handled ourselves. You can be such a blessing in this way.

7. Courtship is a wonderful preparation for marriage. We had focused on knowing each other's hearts. The honeymoon I shared with my husband was so unbelievably amazing. Everything was fresh and new. We had just spent a wonderful day in the presence of all of our friends and family. We had waited. We had hoped. And now we were together!! I can't describe how "right" it was.

And now I must go and spend some time with this man I've been talking about. I wish you the best, Kristin. I'm sure I could think of more to say if I sat here longer, but maybe there will be other opportunities!!

Girls, I'm still here!!

Oh dear. I have sadly neglected this blog - something I really didn't want to do!! All I can do is apologize. I must admit, I don't have too much free time right now. After caring for my home, husband, daughter, and NAPPING ;-), there is little time left. We are doing well, and we found out that we're having another little girl. God has been very good to us indeed.

I'll be trying to find some material for this blog in the very near future. Just wanted to check in with you all.

A Good Read

I'd just like to say that it is very unusual for me to recommend a book without first reading it myself. That being said, a book has come to my attention that I may not be able to read for some time, and I didn't want to let it go without attention.

My mom just purchased this book, and she and my sister are reading it simultaneously. You can read her review here.

Gabrielle also has purchased and read the book, and has reviewed it here. If you would like to visit Ella's blog (check out my sidebar), she has already followed up with a related post as well!

You can purchase the book here.
I plan on reading this book as soon as I finish a couple others that I am currently devouring, so I will weigh in as well at a later date. Have you done a review or a post related to this book? If so, there is a Mr. Linky below where you can let us know where to find your words!

Modesty

Today I went out looking for something to wear to a work function I am going to with my husband. I already knew I'd have a hard time because my belly is starting to pooch out, but I'm not quite big enough for my maternity dresses.


I was so saddened! I guess I haven't gone clothes shopping in a while. Sigh. Everything was low, short, strapless, and otherwise unacceptable.


I really like this website. There are a passel of websites with modest clothing, or patterns, if you are a sewer. There are articles about modesty as well.


Before I was married, I used to model my outfits for my dad before leaving the house in them. He was very frank about what was acceptable to wear. I am thankful for a husband who does the same for me now. Sometimes he'll make me bend over or reach up in the air to test a top before we leave the house!


How do you find modest clothing? Do you sew your own clothes?

Go Here To Read Our News

There is some news on my other blog! You can read it here.

Integrity

This is an excerpt from a bookette entitled From My Heart to Yours that I wrote when I was still in college.

This is on the subject of integrity. I start with an excerpt from Jane Eyre.

"Jane, you understand what I want of you? Just this promise - 'I will be yours, Mr. Rochester,'"

"Mr Rochester, I will not be yours."

"Jane! Jane, do you mean to go one way in the world, and let me go another?"

"I do."

"Jane" (bending down and embracing me), "do you mean it now?"

"I do." -- extricating myself from restraint rapidly and completely.

"O Jane, this is bitter! This - this is wicked. It would not be wicked to love me."

"It would to obey you."

A wild look raised his brows -- crossed his features: he rose, but he forbore yet. I laid my hand on the back of a chair for support: I shook, I feared -- but I resolved."

"One instant, Jane. Give one glance to my horrible life when you are gone. All happiness will be torn away with you. What then is left? For a wife I have but the maniac upstairs: as well might you refer me to some corpse in yonder churchyard. What shall I do Jane? Where turn for a companion, and for some hope?"

"Do as I do: trust in God ... Believe in heaven. Hope to meet again there."

From Jane Eyre
Charolotte Bronte

From My Heart To Yours:

You may not know the story of Jane Eyre. If you do not, I would encourage you to read it. How many of us have the integrity that Jane had? She had a very unhappy life, but when she had one opportunity for happiness she chose to do what was right rather than to do what she wished.

You see, friend, sometimes when we are faced with difficult situations, the right thing is often the hardest! We must have the integrity to do what is right even in these cases. Only then can we have true joy. How far are we willing to go to follow the commands of the Lord?

Oftentimes,doing so will mean loneliness and ridicule. Are we still willing then, or just when it is easy? We have no choice as Christians. We MUST obey in all circumstances that occur in our lives. True Christian joy and peace will follow.

Proverbs 10:9 tells us:
"He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known."

And Galatians 6:9 says:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."

I'm back with pictures!

We had a wonderful vacation, and last week I wanted to post, but found myself disorganized and needing to get myself back into the swing of things. Then Lena got pretty sick and needed a lot of extra attention.

Here are some pictures of our time ... sorry if you've already seen my other blog ... there's an overlap.

The first night, Lena slept with us because we hadn't borrowed our friend's crib yet. Hubby and I barely slept because we have a very wild sleeper for a daughter!

Lena's first carousel ride was at the zoo. She loved it - and I actually did too!

Lena got a chance to feed the ducks at the zoo.

Lena "read" the whole week long - wherever we went - she had a book or five!

Lena and my husband - she is about to get kissed!

Going Away for a While ...

Hello girls,
We are going away soon on a family vacation, and so I'll be back in a couple of weeks with some pictures!

lots of love!!!!

Sit Still

Girls, I know that you have the righteous desire to be godly wives one day. I remember, because as I got into my late teens and early twenties, that very desire grew and grew within me. At times like Valentine's Day, or if I attended a wedding, or saw a romantic movie etc. it was so easy to lose focus. A reminder to guard our eyes, minds and hearts!

My mom sent me this wonderful devotional, thinking it might benefit you girls, and I agree. The poem is beautiful - and true.

This devotional is taken from Streams in the Desert by Mrs. Charles E Cowman.

Sit Still
"Ye shall not go out with haste" (Isa. 52:12).
I do not believe that we have begun to understand the marvelous power there is in stillness. We are in such a hurry--we must be doing--so that we are in danger of not giving God a chance to work. You may depend upon it, God never says to us, "Stand still," or "Sit still," or "Be still," unless He is going to do something.

This is our trouble in regard to our Christian life; we want to do something to be Christians when we need to let Him work in us. Do you know how still you have to be when your likeness is being taken?

Now God has one eternal purpose concerning us, and that is that we should be like His Son; and in order that this may be so, we must be passive. We hear so much about activity, may be we need to know what it is to be quiet. --Crumbs

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor deem these days--these waiting days--as ill!

The One who loves thee best, who plans thy way,

Hath not forgotten thy great need today!

And, if He waits, 'tis sure He waits to prove

To thee, His tender child, His heart's deep love.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Thou longest much to know thy dear Lord's will!

While anxious thoughts would almost steal their way

Corrodingly within, because of His delay

Persuade thyself in simple faith to rest

That He, who knows and loves, will do the best.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

Nor move one step, not even one, until His way hath opened.

Then, ah then, how sweet!

How glad thy heart, and then how swift thy feet

Thy inner being then, ah then, how strong!

And waiting days not counted then too long.

Sit still, my daughter! Just sit calmly still!

What higher service could'st thou for Him fill?

'Tis hard! ah yes! But choicest things must cost!

For lack of losing all how much is lost!

'Tis hard, 'tis true! But then--He giveth grace

To count the hardest spot the sweetest place.--J. D. Smith

Thank You

I was humbled to see that sweet Ella had passed this award on to the Girl Inside Blog. To God be the glory! I was very happy because this gives me a chance to let you girls know how much I appreciate your blogs and your hearts for the Lord. I wish I could pass the award back to Ella, but the rules say that it has to be given to someone who hasn't received it before! I hope I'm not breaking the rules too much, but I would like to pass this on to four special ladies ;-)

1. My sister Neesie has a new Blogger blog, and I have been very blessed by her compassion for others, and her needed reminders ... like this post! Love you, Sis!!

2. Sara is another dear sister in Christ. I've appreciated her posts on Hinds Feet on High Places, and also her thoughful posts like this one!

3. Beth has such a peaceful blog. She takes beautiful pictures and she always reminds us to love the hymns of the faith. Here is one of my favorites!

4. Laura is such a sweet girl. Her blog is so honest and sincere. This post about her Grandpa really touched me.

So there you have it -- and enjoy reading the four posts I picked out too. Have a wonderful weekend, girls. I have a poem I want to post for you, but that will have to wait until next week.

Oh - I also wanted to say that I know you are all extremely busy with school and family life, so if you don't have time to pass this award on - I will not be offended at all!

The Garden of Friendship - Unto edification

Time to spruce up those gardens again! One of the things that is very important in a Christian friendship is that each individual is committed to edifying the other! The American Heritage Dictionary defines edify: To instruct especially so as to encourage intellectual, moral, or spiritual improvement.

It is wonderful to enjoy your friends, to have long conversations and to do fun things together, but our friendships as women of God should have a deeper purpose ...

...to build up and encourage in the things of the Lord.

Here are some Scriptures on that very subject. I'm using the NKJV here:

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Eph 4:29

"Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." Romans 14:19

"... Let all things be done for edification." I Cor 14:26

Of course, our favorite verse fits in here so well. Philippians 4:8 "Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things."

I think that if we are with our friends, and we are careful to speak of and focus on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy, that we will speak unto edification -- will we not? If we are consistently meditating on these things, we will surely speak of them.

Just a reminder for all of us - yes, me too - to think about.

Tidbits From my Journal

I found these quotes nestled in the pages of one of my journals. The date was February 27, 1999. I was nineteen at the time, and in the"middle of a very stressful week..." when these quotes spoke to my heart, so I thought you might benefit from them too.

"It is Saturday. I had to write down a quote from A Woman that Feareth the Lord by Emalyn Spencer. 'J.C. Ryle says that true holiness is a great reality. It is something in a man that can be seen, and known, and marked, and felt by all around him. It is light, if it exists, it will show itself. It is salt, if it exists, its savour will be perceived. It is precious ointment, if it exists, its presence cannot be hid.'"

"A godly woman knows how to listen lovingly, patiently, and attentively, and her responses will be thoughtful and concerned, demonstrating genuine interest."

"The law of kindness cannot be present in the tongue, unless the law of love exists in the heart."

Soon!

Girls,

I'll be back soon with a post, I promise! Just wanted you guys to know I am thinking of you!