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."