Modest Wardrobe #5

~Unpopular Modesty Beliefs~

So I know this week's post may ruffle some feathers, but I wanted to share with all of you what I believe. These things are just as important to me as any of the past or future other posts on modest wardrobe.

Before I begin I want to start by saying that unlike many people may think, these beliefs are not forced upon me, nor am I convicted in these things because I was raised this way. It is simply this...I love the Lord very dearly and have prayed about this and have felt His leading in my life to follow Him in these areas (plus many more:). And whether or not it is easy I am happy to follow Christ's leading in my life and do so contentedly!

I have shared with you what I believe the inward adorning should be, but today I'm focusing more on the outward adorning. I've divided it into about 4 different areas of outward adornment but something I'd like to say of them all...no matter what our outward adorning is, it should always be in humility, glorifying to Christ and never with the desire to draw attention to one's self.

Clothing:: Just visit my Pinterest board, it about covers that :) No, in all seriousness this is a matter I've always been passionate about. As you have probably been able to gather, I do indeed wear skirts/dresses at all times.

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becomes women professing godliness with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9-10

I talked about how I believe skirts are more feminine in my Feminine on the Outside wardrobe post, but I also believe that skirts are more modest then pants. They are looser and fuller then pants allow and they don't draw the eyes to any particular parts of the body. However, this is not to condone all skirts out there, there are many that I do not consider modest.

Another thing I always try to make sure is that my tops are not to tight-fitting, figure-shaped, too low or too eye-catching. I also always where a second layer underneath any top as it gives an extra layer of modesty...plus its funner to coordinate outfits like that :)

Hair/Head-covering:: I think we often get more focused making ourselves feel more beautiful (which is natural to some degree), but to be carried away in these desires is dangerous. 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3 both state to not let the women's adorning be 'of braided the hair' or 'not with braided hair' I think it is important to not spend our time/money in fancying up our hair. God gave each women the hair she was meant to have, and we are all the more beautiful for it. His plan is always perfect, why would we want to change it?

"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man." 1 Corinthians 11:4-8

  And there you have it, why I believe in wearing the head-covering. Why I believe in wearing it all the time is because it says when praying or prophesying, and though I could put it on most of the time when I'm praying, I have found that I pray often throughout the day for guidance, prayer requests, ect. Whatever the case, I believe it is right to always stay within the spirit of prayer, praying without ceasing as it states in 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Make-Up:: To be honest, I do wear some foundation make up but I have always drawn the line there. I really believe the Lord has made everyone beautiful and adding all the different make-up almost is saying you don't think He did a good enough job. And it's bringing attention to one's self, rather then focusing it on others! This also is pretty much what I believe for jewelry, I do believe wedding rings are appropriate and are many times a good thing, but I do think there is a fine line to draw there as well.

And that about wraps that portion up! Now it's off to get some pictures of the day...you know that is the hardest part of these modest wardrobe posts, I always forget throughout the day and never feel like it at the end!
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What I wore::

This is a new favorite fall-ish outfit! As it gets closer to fall I've been putting together different pieces of clothing that make nice fall outfits. This sweater goes well with a cranberry colored skirt I have as well making another fall outfit ;)

This turtle neck I got last year on sale from FredMeyers, the sweater was a score that I pulled from the yard sale items this Spring, and the skirt was passed on to me by one of my sisters I believe! 

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

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Im sorry I've been absent with the Modest Wardrobe posts...I have alot going on right now ;)

Modest Wardrobe #4

Femininity on the Outside

I like to talk about being feminine on the outside as I enjoy wearing skirts, feeling elegant and lady-like. I do know however that not everyone would agree with me, some women find it difficult to be feminine all the time. Not to worry, I know it can be difficult but I also know that it is possible...and needed, I if I may add! 

Being  feminine does indeed have alot to do with if we dress like a lady. Deuteronomy 22:5 states that "The women shall not wear that which pertains unto a man, neither shall a man put on a women's garment; for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord your God." I know customs have changed over the many years, but in our day today men's garment is obviously pants and everyone associates a skirt/dress as a woman's garment. This is also a great way to be a light for Christ, and believe me as someone who wears skirts at all times...people will notice and ask.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16 Although it is Christ's light within us that shines, we still have the responsibility to live in a way that allows it to shine. There are many ways we can allow that light to shine that don't leave it up to our clothing alone. We can let our light shine by our words...

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29. Am I the only one who struggles with this? I think this is something alot of us could work on. Its important to be a good testimony when we are out in public and also when we are at home. Another way we can let our light shine is by our attitude...

"Do all things without murmurings and disputing: that all of you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world." Philippians 2:14-15 As women, it is our duty to live with meek and nourishing spirits and to have a contented countenance at all times. This is so important I think as we tend to be emotional and sensitive, we should try to have a polite and kind attitude all the time, no matter how we're feeling.

We should also allow our light to shine by our deeds...

"I have showed you all things, how that so laboring all of you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give then to receive."

Acts 20:35 One of the biggest things that leave an impression in people's minds is sacrifice. There are many areas in which we can give in service, we can serve our families, our churches, our community and ultimately our Saviour through it all. The giving of one's time, of one's energy or gifts, of one's wishes and dreams can be so God-glorifying and is a true testimony of our love for Someone greater then ourselves. 

Seeing a women in the grocery store who has all of the above in check and presenting herself as a true lady of God in clothing, speech, attitude, and deed is such a wonderful testimony for Him.

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What I wore...

The under shirt I have had for a little while now, got it to go with a different outfit this Spring.

And the skirt and top blouse came from my sister Heather as a pass-alongs!

Activity of the day:: Working the shop!

Please feel free to pin any of these pictures to Pinterest, just put my blog address in the caption please.

Have a blessed day!

Modest Wardrobe #3

Modesty of the Heart

As I mentioned last week, I truly believe that all modesty should start from the faith of the heart and today's study is really only a few more details for the heart's actions. It is my belief that no matter how good of a women we are, that it will bear little to no fruit if our heart's actions are not first in line with God's plan. One of my favorite verses when on the topic of modesty of the heart is 1 Peter 3:4 "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

I want to be seen in God's eyes as a ornament of great price, wouldn't you? The Lord never changes, so still today women of meek and quiet spirits are of great value to Him.

I will share next time on what I believe it means to live a meek and quiet spirit on the outward but this week I want to focus a little closer in on the meaning of a inward meek and quiet spirit and a modesty of the heart that is in all pureness holy before God. I often think of Philippians 4:8 and what it means to apply this verse in all that it states.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

I once did a study of what each of these main words mean, I wanted to look at this in a way that I could apply it to my daily life. What I discovered was that each thing goes beyond just 'true, honest or lovely', they mean more, new things I hadn't thought of when just reading this verse. Its a deeper challenge when you look around at the world and see all the wickedness...everything is opposite this verse, that's why when we think on these things we adjust our focus to be lined up wholly on God, and by following that focus we will be in line with His heart. 

I cannot share with you the definition of each word due to length of this post, but I highly recommend that you look each one up, print them out, and stick it in Philippians 4 in your Bibles as a reminder!

 And the last but certainly not the least thing I wanted to mention that I believe goes along with being modest on the inward, would be attraction...or rather, the sustaining from attraction. ouch! This can indeed be a hard one to swallow, it has been for me in the past many times. I know many of us would agree that we don't want/try to attract physically, but what about our actions, habits, words, or just over all wish to attract? It is a dangerous place to be, and certainly not one that rests within a humble and pure heart. I think that it is important to ask ourselves the question, why. Why do I want these 3" heels? Why do I think this skirt looks so nice clinging to my hips? Why do I layer the make-up so? Some of the most beautiful women I know are the ones who don't desire any approval man can give, but rather the approval of God.
My desire is to be meek and quiet, honest before God in my thoughts and actions, humble in heart and mind, and a lady of great value before my Lord and Saviour!

What I wore:

This white skirt was something I pulled out of a yard sale pile this spring,

The tank top I've had for a long time,

This top was given to me by a friend,

And these sandles were just given to me by my sister.

Activity of the day::Going to Anchorage to help Hope with her cleaning job!

A quick link--

I wanted to link up to this new ebook that has just come out by one of the authors of a blog I enjoy getting the subscription emails from...A Wise Women Builds Her House. Her book is called More than Rules: Exploring the heart of beauty and modesty, if you follow either links it will take you to her blog where you can find more information on it. I can't wait to read it myself!

Have a blessed week my friends!

Modest Wardrobe #2

Hope everyone is having a blessed week!

I will be explaining what being a Godly, feminine and modest lady means to me in the next 10 Modest Wardrobe posts! I have really been studying and praying about this and my hope is that through my sharing these next several weeks that it would be a blessing and encouragement. Please at any point feel free to leave a comment expressing your own convictions, asking questions, or giving some encouragement which is always nice for everyone ;) 

This week I'll start with what I believe is the root of all that follows...
Faith of the Heart

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his statue; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

So often when talking about modesty and femininity we quote this verse, and so often I believe we use it more as an escape to dress as we please for 'only the heart is what matters'. However since we are not speaking of the specifics of how to dress this week, we will use this verse just the way it is written!

The most important part of our walk with Christ is the secret walk that no one can see, it is easy to deceive by our actions but no one can deceive God and He knows what is within the heart. The test of all is what our life is like in secret, being a person of integrity....doing what is right even when no one is watching or listening.

"Better is the poor that walks in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool." Proverbs 19:1 

I haven't always been innocent in following Christ and having my own faith from the heart, but I have begun anew and I have found that while increasing my faith it has become my prayer to have more wisdom. I want to be close to the Lord, and I want to understand what His Will is for my life and how to follow Him in all things. I pray for the wisdom to determine what the wrongs and rights are in my everyday life, to clean out the unhealthy things within me to be holy before Him. I love the promise in James..."If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 Just while praying about writing these posts I quoted this verse and asked for wisdom, wouldn't you agree we all need more of it?

I believe it is so important to know who you are in Christ. To know where you stand before Him. To have an intimate, precious relationship with Christ. To have faith like a mustard seed and to follow the Lord with all your heart in order to keep it with all diligence.

"Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23

So though there are many more things to ponder and pray over within this "being a lady" subject, I believe this is the root of it all. The only thing I ask is that you make sure your faith of the heart is right before Christ's eyes and the rest will follow into play!

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What I wore...

sorry about the quality of these pictures...
This is one of my very favorite skirts EVER, I scored it at a black friday sale last year! Im wearing it with my purple turtle neck and a new cream top I just got from a thrift store. This is a very comfy and casual outfit that I love to wear.
Activity of the day:: Cleaning house and doing some quick errands in town with Harmony!

Please feel free to pin any of my outfit pins to Pinterest, please make sure to leave my name and blog address in the caption. 
Have a blessed evening my friends!

Modest Wardrobe #1

Welcome to this new series 'Modest Wardrobe'! Since I've been in the blogging world, modesty is one of the big subjects with the blogs I follow and it has always been interesting to me to read about different people's views on this subject. I respect it when ladies have the courage to post their convictions and beliefs with others, I don't always agree about everything but it is sadly a very controversial issue with many people and can start a huge discussion, so I do appreciate ladies that take the time to put together posts on this particular matter.
I will share with you what my beliefs are on modesty probably more on a step by step plan rather then all at once, but for this week I'll just kick off this new series with my 'Modest Wardrobe' for the day and a few quick links :)

This is what I wore yesterday...I have been baking this Summer and have had to become adjusted to wearing short sleeves, which in the past has never been an issue for me, I've normally just worn turtle necks or at least elbow length shirt all throughout the year but with our record-breaking heat this year Ive had to find some other options ;) And although yesterday was another very hot day it was very breezy out and help hugely with the temperature! So I went with a used-to-be-white tank top (now its a cream/gray :)), a light sweater and a flowy long skirt.

Activity of the day::::Attending a class on how to grow Peonies in Alaska!

A few Quick Links...

First, my Pinterest Feminine and Modest Style board! This is my most popular board with the most followers and re-pins :)
But I get these pins from other great boards and thought I'd share some with you today!
Here's a big one, Kimberly with femininity, femininity ll, femininity lll, and femininity iv! Plus she has some of the most beautiful boards with all sorts of pretty things and places!
I will share more with you in other Modest Wardrobe posts but I think those boards are enough to keep you busy for now!

Side note: You are more then welcome to pin my pictures, just please be sure to link back to me in the caption :) Thank you!