Saturday, July 31, 2010

Exclusive Party...Only ONE Invitation


Good afternoon ladies. As I shopped in Wal-Mart today and was grieved by the young ladies I saw walking around the store, I was reminded of this letter posted in "I Kissed Dating Goodbye." If you have daughters, I pray you will take it to heart. If you are a daughter consider it closely. I love you all. In Him who cannot fail, Michelle


Don’t Let Your Daughter Send an Invitation to Her Party ~By Trent Griffith Share

If I remember right, the year was 1985. As a pimple-faced high-school senior, I attended
a Christian youth convention along with 7,000 other bundles of exploding hormones (otherwise known as teenagers). The keynote speaker was a young and impressive black preacher who held us on the edge of our seats with his high energy, constant motion, and vivid word pictures. His assignment that day was to call us to a life of moral purity. His passion for the subject was evidenced by the fact that with each point, his voice would raise an octave. At the climax of his message, he turned his attention toward the girls among us. Unhindered by what seemed like gravel on his vocal chords and sweat beads on his forehead, his voice crescendoed with a plea I will never forget: “IF YOU DON’T WANT ME TO COME TO YOUR PARTY, THEN DON’T SEND ME AN INVITATION!” The phenomenon produced by that statement was amazing. Hundreds of young ladies began crossing their arms and tugging at their skirts to try to conceal something that was exposed by immodest clothing. Proverbs 7 introduces us to what the King James Version calls a “strange woman.” The first characteristic identified in her is that she was “dressed as a harlot.” Whatever that means, it is certainly something no parent wants his daughter to be characterized by. So why are parents so reluctant to prevent their daughters from “dressing as harlots”? 1. Many parents are using the wrong standard of comparison. Paul warns us of this when he says, “When they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding” (2 Corinthians 10:12b, ESV). Some parents honestly feel that their daughters are modest compared to what they see in the world. And compared to the immorality they could be involved in, the way they dress seems pretty innocuous. What they fail to understand is that immodest apparel now could be the door to immoral behavior down the road. 2. Moms may have seen their daughters wrongly in competition with other girls, and they may actually be encouraging their daughters not to be outdone by the external appearance of their peers. They may have fallen for the lie that external beauty is of supreme value. They have mistakenly communicated to their daughters, “Pursue all the attention you can get through the way you dress.” Proverbs contrasts the value that God places on internal beauty versus external beauty: “As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion” (11:22, NASB). 3. Dads are usually depending on their wives to regulate their daughters’ apparel. However, as sincere as a mom may be in helping her daughter dress appropriately, she simply cannot see through the eyes of a man. Dads understand in a way moms can’t how the slightest indiscretion in a woman’s dress can place impure thoughts in a man’s mind. Therefore, Dad must get involved. 4. Some dads have such a fragile relationship with their daughters that they are afraid to risk a confrontation that may widen the gap in their relationship. They don’t want to be accused of being the “fashion police” or be viewed as the “bad guy.” Many dads have neglected to invest “parental capital” they can spend when they need to speak the truth in love to their daughters. Girls whose dads who have not given them proper amounts of attention may try to seek the attention of other guys through the way they dress. Dads must recognize how this can set up a young lady for moral impurity. 5. Other dads tragically have been desensitized to the way their daughters dress because of a stronghold of pornography in their life. They simply fail to notice seductive clothing on their daughters because they have so often let their eyes feast on impure images. Now, as the father of three pre-adolescent girls, I have been convicted by God of my responsibility to prevent the invitations from going out with my return address on them. So I’m starting early! I have established the Daddy-Gets-To-See-It-First
policy. Every
time one of my girls gets a new outfit, we have a little fashion show. You should see
how they gleefully eat up the attention of their daddy as I tell them how elegant and
beautiful they are, strolling down the runway. But my purpose is not to see if they are in
fashion. That’s Mom’s expertise. I am looking to see if they are wearing anything in a
way that would cause rounds of hormones to explode in a guy as he looks at my
daughters. I ask myself, “Is it too low, too high, too tight, or otherwise too revealing?
Would what they are wearing cause the eye of a man to be drawn to any part of their
body he has no business dwelling on, thereby sending an invitation to a guy I don’t want
at their party?” If an article of clothing doesn’t pass the test, it finds a new home.
The “Why, Daddy?” questions are answered with a simple, “It’s just not best,” usually
followed by an, “Okay, Daddy.” Frankly, I have found little that would fall into the “not
best” category on my one, four, and eight year olds, but I realize that if I try to implement
my policy when they are eleven, fourteen, or eighteen, I will probably have difficulty
coaxing them down the runway. I figure starting now will ensure they still value my input
when “Okay, Daddy” is harder to get!

Recently I was asked to address the issue of modesty at a local Christian school board
meeting. Several parents had been pressing the school to enforce its dress code. In the
midst of the meeting, one man threw up his hands in frustration that the local churches
had not addressed the issue in their youth groups. That same week I had a discussion
with pastors who were appalled at how parents could allow their children to dress so
immodestly when they came to church. It was a cycle of irresponsibility. The parents
pointed their finger at the school; the school blamed the church; the church leadership
pointed their finger (and rightly so) at the parents.

Let’s break the cycle! Otherwise, Dads, don’t be surprise when unwanted guys start
showing up at your daughter’s party!

Bring Back REAL women.

Today ladies we wonder down one of life's many paths, so sit down relax, get your coffee or tea and enjoy.
This is pointed and aimed at younger girls and teenagers. but if it is useful to other ladies so be it,

This is in no way judging you, or saying you are wrong, and I hope I don't come off across as mean,
Shall we start?

Gone are the days of home-makers, a young lady wanting/waiting to be a home-maker, taking care of the home, homeschooling her children raising them, cooking, cleaning, doing house chores, having tea, talking with God,
how does that sound to you? it sounds pretty good to me! :-)

I'm not married yet ladies, so don't start in on the "well your married that's what you do" it is not on the account of which my parents want, but the account on which the Lord wants, and with my conviction I shall be doing what was said above when I become a wife to the man God has provided in his will.

If you think I'm crazy, press the X on the top right hand corner of the page, if not continue reading,:-)

Lets bring back real women,

The ones that have grace,
The ones that dress like ladies,
The ones that want to be women and know they are,
The ones that don't want to be equal to men and don't want to be head of the house,
The ones that don't usurp the mans authority,
and
The ones that Love God for real,
Then the ones that know a man should preach.

Lets bring back women of faith and femininity, not feminism, showing the world that you are not of it, or like it, sharing the word of God with other young ladies that do not know it,


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At first I wanted to write this about what home-makers should be or should strive to be, but then God led me to write about bringing back real women,

we go through those moments everyday, the moments in which sadly we walk through the store and it is filled with girls with short shorts, painted on pants, and "strange" men, but what do we do? it's disturbing and uncomfortable for sure, but do you do anything? did you show your love for God to them? maybe give them a track?

the act of kindness goes a long way with people that are lost, and do not know any better, I know several ladies that dress with short shorts and tank tops, because sadly they have nothing else to wear, and have not been taught any other way.

I know when I wore pants (long time ago) I know ladies must have looked at me weird too.
unfortunately I did not know better, I felt that it was not wrong or right,

But one thing was always for sure, I ALWAYS, wore skirts and dresses that were appropriate to church. when I used to wear pants,
I wore baggy pants, that made me look bigger then I actually was, when you go through puberty you gain wait and your body changes,
I did not like wear short shorts or shorts for that matter ever, If I did wear tank tops, I  Only wore tank tops to bed, and have never even tried on a halter top.

But still I was convicted, and I became for curious in Modesty, now I cannot wear pants or culottes, I feel that they are pants, I feel that I'm wear men's clothing.


women back in the old days always wore dresses, and white button-down shirts with skirts, you see in some ads or movies ladies from the 40's and 50's wearing dresses, that was before pants and Hollywood really got to women, and so now we are here, 2010 and women and young ladies dress as men and men even dress in dresses, When God said it is an abomination (Deut 22:5) he meant it, men and women are causing confusion upon gender,


Culottes, to me are pants, that of course is just me, Culottes were originally knee high breeches, for military wear in the 19th century, now just as the excuse of "but these aren't men's pants they are women's pants" it's "culottes?? on men??! DISGUSTING"

sadly soon, it will be "Men in pants?? that's disgusting!! pants are for women" the world is causing confusion.



So ladies lets bring back real women, put on a dress or a skirt (No minis has to go below knee) and be feminine, cook a little, sew a little, bake some cookies, feel like a women or young lady while sweeping or vacuuming.

Bring it on back to Proverbs 31 be a Virtuous woman, be a Home-maker, and if your not married, be a stay at home daughter! :-)


Thank You For reading!
In His Honor.
Katie

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Kneeling before the Lord!


How have you been this week?


Are you a Sunday Christian or a 24/7 365 days a year and 366 on a leap year Christian.

Are you a Christian Soldier marching to the beat of the Lord?


In the dark in the light?


How about when alone, with people, when faced with a peer pressure situation...when faced with the one side or the other? What kind of Christian are you?



These past few weeks and even months have been such an eye opener to what kind of christians are out there. It is amazing to see the fields of christians have treasure that shines so brightly and yet have the most horrible little lizards imaginiable scampering about. It is so hard to think in the Spirit while our flesh bodies feel in the world. I don't know about you but sometimes I am quick to judge and sometimes I am hurt by others "christian walks"!


I have to ask for forgiveness every day, and thank God, He gave us grace and mercy or I would be in a good deal of trouble. When others whom claim they love Christ and yet turn around and do what in the eyes of the Lord are an abomination are so hard for me to forgive, to look over, to not cry out in protest. Why oh Lord, Why...


Deuteronomy 23:5Nevertheless the LORD thy God would not hearken unto Balaam; but the LORD thy God turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, because the LORD thy God loved thee.


Daniel 9:9To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;


Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.


It is so easy for us women, to become so devoted in our own walk with Christ, that we forget to encourage, love, forgive, care, be a light and an example to other sisters in Christ. Did you know that each daughter of Christ is in her own walk? She may be behind yours or she may be ahead of yours. She may have little expierence and need a sister to give advice, to listen and to learn from, or she is ahead of you in her walk and you may be able to glean from her wisdom, mistakes and life long journey.


It is easy to believe our learning is done. We read our Bibles, we witness to the lost, we voluteer, we verse our children in the Lord Word and Work, we are the best homemakers we can be, dinners are hot, and ice tea's are cold.......It is easy to get entangled in life and forget about those around us. It is easy when we forget to judge, to become quick to jealousy, to become quick for bittness towards others, to be closed minded and hurtful....all because we forget that other daughters of Christ are in their own walk with Christ and it just so happens for a time they cross on your pathway and something you don't like you see and forget to forgive, forget to have mercy and grace....


Does the Lord forget you?

Does He look at what you do in the quiet unseen moments....and forget

Does He look at what you say under your breathe..........and forget

Does He look at you when you have lost your temper and yelled at your children.....and forget

Does He look at you when you are disrepectful to your husband............and forget

Does He look at you when you ignore His commands.................and forget


There are so many I will not list them....we are all guilty of these things at one point or another. We all need to remember this when we are so quick to cut down, critize and down right blast others....


Remember there are also treasures in our dear Sisters fields and we need to help eachother polish and refine those treasures.. And we need to pray when we see a lizard in our dear Sisters fields and pray that those lizards be removed for her sake...But do not run away because of the Lizard...


For in your darkest hour the Lord will lift you up in His arms and carry you...And then set you down and show you the way!


Forgiveness


Mercy


Grace


Love


Kindness


Repentence


Prayer


Look to the Lord in all and everything.


Thank you for joining me in my journey with the Lord,

With Him all is possible,

Stacey

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Are you an Abomination??


What is an abomination to God? Are you an abomination, or is it just everyone else? Let's take a closer look and see what God is talking about.

Abomination: Something detestable, unlawful or repulsive.



That is a powerful description. I don't know anyone who would say they want to be an abomination to God.
Read through the list and let's all check ourselves.

* Unclean things (Lev. 7:21)

* Customs of pagans (Lev. 18:30)

* Idols (2 Chr. 15:8; 1 Pet. 4:3)

* Sins of men (Ps. 14:1; 53:1)

* Cheating (Mic. 6:10)

* Lost souls (Rev. 21:8)

* A froward man (perverse; one who turns aside (Pro. 3:32; 11:20)

* A proud look (Pro. 6:16-17)

* A lying tongue (Pro. 6:17; 12:22)

* Hands that shed innocent blood ((Pro. 6:17)

* A wicked scheming heart (Pro. 6:18)

* Feet that are quick to sin (Pro. 6:18)

* A false witness that speaks lies (Pro. 6:19)

* A sower of discord (Pro. 6:19)

* Wickedness (Pro. 8:7)

* A false balance or scale (Pro. 11:1)

* Sacrifices of the wicked (Pro. 15:8; 21:27)

* The way of the wicked (Pro. 15:9)

* The thoughts of the wicked (Pro. 15:26)

* The proud of heart (Pro. 16:5)

* Justifying the wicked (Pro. 17:15)
* Condemning the just (Pro. 17:15)

* Divers, dishonest weights (Pro. 20:10, 23)

* Divers, dishonest measures (Pro. 20:10)

* Refusing to hear the law (Pro. 28:9)

* Prayers of the rebel (Pro. 28:9)

* Eating flesh of peace offerings on the 3rd day (Lev. 7:18)

* Homosexuality (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Dt. 23:18)

* Taking ornaments from idols when being destroyed (Dt. 7:25-26)

* Any Idolatrous practices (Dt. 12:31; 13:14; 17:4; 18:9; 20:18; 29:17)

* Offering an imperfect animal to God as a sacrifice (Dt. 17:1)

* Any traffic with demons (Dt. 18:7-12)

* Wearing clothes of the opposite sex (Dt. 22:5)

* Bringing the hire of a harlot or sodomite into God's house (Dt. 23:18)

* Re-marriage of former companions (Dt. 24:1-4)

* Cheating others (Dt. 25:13-16)

* Making images/idols (Dt. 27:15)

* Idols of Ammon (1 Ki. 11:5)

* Idols of Moab (1 Ki. 11:7; 2 Ki. 11:13)

* Idols of Zidon (2 Ki. 23:13)

* Incense offered by hypocrites (Isa. 1:13)

* Eating unclean things (Isa. 66:17)

* Offering human sacrifices (Jer. 32:35)

* Robbery (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Murder (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Adultery (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Oppression of others, particularly the poor or vulnerable (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Violence (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Breaking vows (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Lending with interest to a brother (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Lying with a menstruous woman (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Hardness of heart (Ezek. 18: 6-13)
* Injustice (Ezek. 18: 6-13)

* Worship of anti-Christ (Dan. 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15; 2 Th. 2:4; Rev. 13)

* Incest (Lev. 19: 6-30)

* Things highly esteemed by man (Lk. 16:15)

* Many other sins of the nations (Lev. 18: 26-29; Dt. 18: 9-12; 20:18; 29:17; 1 Ki. 14:24; 21:2, 11; 23:24; 2 Chr. 28:3; 33:2; 34:33; 36:14; Ezek. 7: 3-20; 8: 6-17; 16: 2-58; 20: 4-30; Rev. 17: 4-5)


WOW I don't know about you ladies, but that list is humbling. I am certain that all of us can see at least one area on that list wherein we struggle. Isn't that an interesting way to say it? "we struggle", "we fall short" We have so many ways to word it so that we don't sound as bad.

These are all SINS! All sin is an abomination to our Lord.


While we could possibly debate the severity of sins etc. IT IS AL SIN and God HATES it!!! Wherever you see yourself on this list, turn it over to our Lord. Cry out to Him for repentance, forgiveness and restoration.He promises that He WILL forgive you. Restore your fellowship if there is an area that you have been harboring. The Word is very clear that if we regard iniquity in our heart, the Lord WILL NOT hear us. To regard means that we are holding on to that area that we know to be sin.
Let us all focus on being pleasing to our Lord this week. Check yourself and recheck each day. It is so easy to slip.

Many blessings to you all.


In Him who cannot fail, Michelle

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Have you ever Just Sat and LISTENED?


God where are you? God do you Hear my prayers?


God........do you see me sitting here?

Do you ever get so low in circumstantial emotions that you forget to listen? Do you ever read your bible with nothing, no feeling, no emotion, no facial expressions, no thoughts on what you are reading? Do you ever cry out to the Lord, and feel like your pounding your fists against a brick wall? Why is that, why do you cry out to the Lord and feel nothing sometimes...?

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels......The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ~Proverbs 1:5,7~

Where is your faith when all the chips are blown up and spread out far and wide? Where is your faith when you feel like all has failed you, where is your faith and whom or what does it lie with?
Where is your heart?
It is easiest to be faithful, in tithes, offerings, time, rearing of children, church functions, friends and family functions and all of lifes wonderful days.............when you feel like God is on your side! When you feel nothing could possibly go wrong! In this time do you thank God for the little things?
We should always even in the Good times be thankful for each and everything!
  • thankful for the sunrise

  • thankful your alarm clock went off so you were able to get up at the appointed time

  • thankful that when you turned your tap on it was clean water

  • thankful that when you opened your fridge you have safe and healthy food to eat

  • thankful that your family was able to join in the breakfast fun

  • thankful that you have the roof over your head

  • thankful that you have clothes and shoes and purses and wallets

  • thankful that you have electricity

  • thankful that you have a car,truck or public transportation

  • thankful that you have the ability to go to work

  • thankful that you are able to provide

  • thankful thankful thankful and that is only what is up until the moment you leave for work......
Hmmmmmm.....
Are you letting your light shine to others? Are you a walking, talking billboard for Jesus? If you were to see yourself as a billboard what would you Say? What would be jumping from the larger than life you? Would you be eye appealing, would you be attractive, would you be for the wordly christians, would you be a beacon of Godly appeal, would you be a sign of the promises the Lord gave over and over and over, would you be a ray of Light for others to approach and hear the Lords promises?

What would your billboard say?
These are all clever and many are funny, but keep in mind as you enjoy them that they all contain some truth, maybe even a little that you need to hear...
Be Fishers of Men.... You catch 'em, He'll Clean 'em
A clean conscience makes a soft pillow.
A family altar can alter a family.
A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
Are you wrinkled with burden? Come on into Church for a faith lift!
Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.
Do your best and then sleep in peace. God is Awake.
Don't put a question mark where God put a period.
Don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.
Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord!
Fear knocked. Faith answered. No one was there.
For all you do, His blood's for you!
Forbidden fruits create many jams.
Give God what's right, not what's left!
Give Satan an inch and he'll be a ruler.
God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.
God doesn't want shares of your life; He wants controlling interest!
God grades on the cross, not the curve.
God loves everyone, but probably prefers fruits of the spirit over religious nuts!
God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage
Having truth decay? Brush up on your Bible!
He who angers you, controls you!
He who is good at making excuses is seldom good for anything else.
He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!
If God is your Co-pilot - Swap seats!
In the sentence of life the Devil may be a comma, but DO NOT let him be the PERIOD!
Kindness is difficult to give away because it keeps coming back.
Man's way leads to a hopeless end! God's way leads to an endless hope!
Most people want to serve God, but only in an advisory capacity.
Never give the devil a ride! He will always want to drive!
Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it.
Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.
Pray is a four letter word that you can say anywhere (except in a public school)
Prayer -Don't give God instructions - just report for duty!
Read The Bible...It Will Scare The Hell Out Of You!
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.
The Will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.
This Church is "Prayer Conditioned"
To be almost saved is to be totally lost.
Wal-Mart isn't the only saving place!
WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning!
Watch your step carefully! Everyone else does!
We don't change the message, the message changes us.
We set the sail; God makes the wind.
We're too blessed to be depressed.
When God ordains, He sustains.
Wisdom has two parts 1) Having a lot to say. 2) Not saying it.
Worry is the darkroom in which negatives are developed.
God answers "Knee Mail"

How is your walk with Christ? Is it:
  • obedient

  • patient

  • loving

  • caring

  • kind

  • listening

  • hearing

  • waiting on the Lord

  • following His commandments

  • following His lead

  • being unique

  • being couragous

  • being a Jesus follower even in the midst of judgements

  • being a faithful servant no matter what

We all have to from time to time have a bad situation, turmoil, loss, heartache, horrific circumstances. We all have to be taught valuable lessons, whether it be to become closer the Lord, or to just be a better friend, wife, sister,aunt, mother, child, teenager.....the Lord gives us these opportunities to grow, nurture, walk, run, crawl with Him. He loves us, He wants us to be the best that He Himself created us to be.....Are you living the way He knit you in your mothers womb for?

Have you ever just sat and Listened....God is speaking to you in each of your circumstances...good, bad, ugly, horrific, devastating you name it He is in it! In the midst of turmoil He lifted you and carried you with His own arms so as to save you from the worst of it. Believe me what we walk through it could very well be worse, it does not feel that way when your going through it but when you look back you can see where only the Lord could have got you through....

This is why it is so important how we dress, how we talk, (little or much) how our attitudes are, how are facial expressions are, how are tone is, how we drive, how we walk, how we treat our children, spouses, family, friends, enemies......
When you open your entire life for Christ you give it all to Him, you cannot keep the things you like or love (that do not follow the Lords word) and keep Him as well. You cannot serve two masters! Loving Christ, Knowing Christ, Walking in the Light of the Lamb is an honour, is a gift!

How are you keeping the gift? How are you presenting the Gift.....is your heart right? is your attitude right? is the way you dress a light of Christ?


"22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?
23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.
24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."
~Proverbs 1:22-33~

What fruit will you be eating, what fruit will you be giving, what way will you be lead or that you will lead.......

When you want to hear the Lords will for your life, first check yourself, confess your sins (we all have them, even the most devout Christian Woman) ask forgiveness and then be quiet and wait...the waiting can be minutes, hours, weeks, months, years but in the Heavenly Fathers Glorious timing, because His is made perfect you will see and hear and feel Him.....

Sit down and Listen for it is a mighty, awestruck, wonderous occasion when you hear Him!

Praying for my sisters in Christ and your growth in the Lord,
With Him all is possible!
Thanks for joining me in my journey with the Lord,
Stacey









Guest Blog Day 4!

Guest Blog Day 4, Blog from Kacy.

As I was walking around outside today I could not help but smile, though it was hot and humid, I could not help but feel overly joyed. by the beautiful scene God has provided my eyes to feast on.

when I think about all the beautiful things that my eyes look upon it brings joy to my heart. I think of this verse

Philippians 4:4 

 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

I love that song,  I love to be happy and joyous when I sing hymns or when I praise God. but sadly in our churches today we do not do that much anymore.
we sing, but not excitedly not like we are happy for our salvation and that we all are happy knowing we are going to heaven. none of that in most churches of today...


Psalm 117: 1-2

 O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.


Psalm 118

 1O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.
 2Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
 3Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
 4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
 5I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
 6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
 7The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.
 8It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
 9It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.
 10All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.
 11They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
 12They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.
 13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.
 14The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
 15The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
 16The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.
 17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
 18The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death.
 19Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:
 20This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter.
 21I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.
 22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
 23This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.
 24This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
 25Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.
 26Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.
 27God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.
 28Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.
 29O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.



v24 is one of my favorite as it is too a song. so true in words, when you wake up, this is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. :-)


yes to be glad, to rejoice, that God is in our hearts, would you too like to have that Joyous feeling?
You can, God is only a prayer away.



Blessings Through Him.
Kacy.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Guest Post Day 3!

The main reason we ought to be modest is the fact that God commands us to (I Tim. 2:9)! Modest basically means not revealing too much skin or even too much form. The best book I have found on helping to judge about clothes and being modest is the book entitled "Pattern for Living"; it can be bought from http://www.hylespublications.com/.


The book is very helpful to especially those who haven't been raised with high standards of dressing. I encourage everyone who is interested to make a Bible study out of the subject of modesty. You can see for yourself how God wants His children to dress. I pray that just this little bit will be a blessing to some one.

It is hard to go around today without hearing someone say something about dress or modesty (especially if your in a good church).


Just a little about myself. I am just a lady in my church that is trying to do right. I am from a Christian home who was privileged to go to a good Baptist church. But my parents are divorced, and have been for most of my twenty years of life. So most of what I know is from my pastor & his wife or from godly ladies in the church.


I have heard some people say that dress doesn’t matter or that God doesn’t care how we dress. But I have to strongly disagree! Let’s begin.


Does it matter how we dress?
Yes! The Bible gives us several verses about how to dress. I Timothy 2:9 says that we are to dress in modest apparel. Deuteronomy 22:5 says that women should not dress in men’s clothes and men should not dress in woman’s clothes. I have heard again and again that these are girl’s pants. But ask the bathroom door to see whose clothes are whose. You could go anywhere in the world and go to the correct bathroom. Because the stick figure that wears pants is the boys, and the stick figure with a dress is the girls!

I could go on, but I just recommend that you read a couple of books that have helped me. One is Biblical Modesty by Eddie R. Galyean (Galyean Publications 1-800-Galyean) and Pattern for Living obtained through www.hylespublications.com. But if you do have any questions I would love to try to help you. There are so many things to talk about when talking about modest dress it would take a couple of hours to do it. I hope this helps.

In Christ Always,
Anastasia
Romans 8:28, Proverbs 24:16

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Guest Post Day 2!

Guest Post by Jennifer



Some women have a misconception of what feminine means. Webster's Dictionary defines feminine as, "belonging to or characteristic of womankind; having qualities, as modesty, delicacy, tenderness, tact, etc." These are qualities what every woman should possess, so why would some believe that feeling feminine is immodest? Dressing feminine (wearing dresses or skirts) should make us feel more like a lady.




Almost all men recognize the difference between a woman wearing a dress or skirt and a woman dressed in pants or shorts. Men open doors, help lift things, and show respect to women that are actually dressed like women. Deuteronomy 22:5 says, "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God."


So why wear pants? I've heard women say they do it for comfort. Having a dress or skirt on is very comfortable. In the summertime a flowing dress is so much cooler than a pair of jeans. In the wintertime you can put tights on under the dress and be just as warm as pants. I've also heard women say they can't do all things in jeans. I can do anything in a dress or skirt that I should be doing. I can garden, ride a bike, exercise, and run.


I never want men looking at me because of what I'm wearing. I don't need attention to make me feel good. I dress to please the Lord and to please my husband. If I am pleasing to the Lord, it doesn't matter what everyone else thinks. After you surrender to the Lord and make the decision to only wear clothing that pertaineth to a woman, you will see how you will be blessed. It becomes a way of life and second nature.


Why to we need to please men, when we should be pleasing God. when your a mother, you take on a whole new role of maturity, you have responsibilities, to take care of the house, being a homemaker, and to submit and please your husband.

To bring up your children with Love and Care with strength, to love and serve the Lord, to not be like the world, to raise them up to be strong to face this world with reliance on God.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Guest Post.

Rachel Massey, Guest posts for us today.




I'm a Baptist Preacher's daughter. Born and raised in church. And I love it. Now I have had friends come and go that wore pants and tried to get me to wear them. Telling me that I looked very good in them and that I could and would turn every head. I knew at that moment that they were not the best of company to keep. Because I know in my heart that it is wrong to try to dress to "Turn Heads." Because we are not to dress to "Turn Heads" and bring glory to ourselves and cause our brethren in Christ to stumble. The Bible says that If a man lusts after a woman he has already committed adultery in his own heart.
I have heard many times "If you have it, Flaunt it" and that is not right. God gave you the body you have now for only one person and one person only, and that is your husband. The ONE that God has or is going to give you. And your body it is a special gift that He has given you to give to your husband. So wearing revealing and tight clothing is not only hurting others around you but also yourself and future husband.



I am not tearing down women that do wear jeans but I would ask you to question why you where them. I believe there is a time and a place for Jeans. Like hunting or four-wheeling or working out in the yard. But you still need to be modest and not look like you got a new paint job or something. And wear them loosely. I know Christians can be very judgemental, but I am not here to condemn anyone or tear down anyone. I'm simple to be as the Bible puts it an example of the Believer.Jesus said to be Holy for I am Holy. The Bible also says to Abstain from all appearance of evil. Which means to simple think literally what would Jesus do and how would he dress. If he were to walk into your home would he be pleased how you dress?


And how you talk? Would you be a picture of Holiness? Would you be abstaining from all appearances of evil? If you are dressed like a young lady you would be so amazed at how much respect you get and much more you look like a picture of Christ. And if you are happy and have a cheerful Constance people will ask you why you are so happy and want what you have. As a young lady you really do have so much power through Christ to lead others to Christ. And your husband will be so much more proud of you when you have kept yourself just for him. It will show that you really do love him and your God.

And if you abstain from all appearances of evil you will no longer look like the world but like of His little children. One of his little sheep. And you will be safe from all of the heart ache and trouble the world would and will cause you if you dress to "Turn Heads." God can save you from all of that if you just follow His example.


Be the light to your brothers in Christ not the stumbling block. We are to lift each other up! That is what I'm trying to do. I love you and I don't want you to fall to the world and he that is in the world and his tricks. You will feel wanted and loved if you dress to get attention from men and feel worth something. But it is only for a moment. The Bible says the is pleasure in sin for only a moment. And all of those cat calls and whistles you may get are only for a moment. And then they will only look for the next pretty girl.
How much more better it is to serve the Lord and to dress for Him! You can!

Avoid all of that heart ache and pain if you just dress to please him and serve Him!

~Your Sister in Christ
~Rachel

Thursday, July 15, 2010

GIVEAWAY!!! ENDS TOMORROW!!!!!

Hey everybody! Eldarwen is having a giveaway!! I didn't know until the day before the giveaway ends, so sorry, but make sure you all enter! shes giving away a lovely brand new, red "Love" journal, and a red pen.



go enter!!


Katie.

How is your life today? What are you trying to Change today?

As Christians; meaning as followers of Christ, as daughters of God almighty, heavenly children walking washed in the blood of the lamb, how is your day going?

How much strength do you have on your meter today?

Are you trying to Change something in your life today with frustrating results?

May I ask, "Where do you get your strength from? Do you know what kind of strength you have? Is this strength that your measuring a physical strength?"

When you walk in the pathway of Jesus Christ, you are to walk an uncompromising, unfailing, unabashed, wonderfuly loved, amazingly cared for, carried when needed, engulfed in light and required to share His love, life, everything. This is not easy............

First, it starts in your heart:
  • inside your heart must transform
  • inside your mind must reform
  • old ways of the world must slowly fade
  • the spiritual likeness of Christ must start inside and eminate through to the outside of your being

Second, it shows on yourself, outside of your body:

  • your clothing, shoes, makeup/no makeup, hair (including length, coloured or not coloured, style, accessories)
  • your accessories, neclaces, earrings, watches, buttons
  • your stature, how you hold yourself, how you walk
  • speech, how your speech is, swearing/no swearing, with/without ceasing, with/without thoughts, with/without merit,with/without the Lords guidance

Third, it shows on others:

  • how you treat your Husband
  • how you treat your children
  • how you treat you extended family
  • how you treat your coworkers
  • how you treat your teachers/classmates
  • how you treat people at the local grocery store, mall, pharmacy, parks ect.
  • how you treat people who cut you off when driving, walking
  • how you treat people who are homeless, in need, less than appealing
  • how you treat people with dissabilities
  • how you treat people who are a different race, enthniticty, colour, religion, beliefs within the same religion than yourself

Finaly, you find that you must stand up for all of this and more....

  • stand up for your beliefs
  • stand up for Jesus Christ
  • stand up for the Bible that is most accurate (my own opinion KJV)
  • stand up for the people that preach the Gospel from KJV and properly
  • stand up for the families in your church
  • stand up with or against those friends, family, communities, other churches, unbelievers, believers that try to corrupt your heart
  • stand up and fight in the spiritual fight, fighting principalities and not flesh
  • stand up for what is right, just and holy in the eyes of the Lord
  • stand up and against those trying to bring you down, trying to poision your mind and the mind of your immediate family
  • stand up for those who fearing standing
  • stand up for those who came before you and helped pave the way for you to walk with your head held high

WALK, TALK, BEHAVE LIKE THE DAUGHTER OF CHRIST THAT YOU ARE, WASHED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, A SINNER IN NEED OF FORGIVENESS.....................

When you check your strength today, first go to the source of strength, the creator of all of your strength, the wonderful, beutiful Lord whom carries you when you need it the most. Seek Him in all that you do, first, foremost and always, then the strength that you require He will supply. For, you are His child, and you have put Him first!

"Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come......she looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness........Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." ~Proverbs 31:25,27,30~

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upone eareth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the stregth of my heart, and my portion for ever....But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, tht I may declare all thy works." Psalm 73: 25, 26,28~

"For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another." ~Psalm 75: 6-7~

"I AM HERE: I WILL MAKE YOU HOLY!"

Don't look for experts to coach you in how to make your life work before you follow elders who will lead you into My presence. *1*

If even in small ways you live to "fix your life" to arrange for your own pleasures on ways that violate holiness, your love for a better life now will eventually corrupt your love for Me! *2*

Today when your strength is low in your body, in your spirit, in your deepest of deep thoughts, look first unto the Lord, ask Him for the guidance needed, ask Him to fill you overflowing with the Holy Spirit; for this is the only strength you will ever need. For this is the strength above all strengths.

With prayers for you, my sisters in Christ for a walk with the Lord that is ever learning, ever convicting, ever personal, always lasting, always loving, always chastening, always constant, always inside and evident on your outsides. I pray for you heart, mind, souls, bodies and attitudes!

With Him all is possible,

Thanks for reading,

Stacey


*1-From God to you 66 Love Letters written by Dr. Larry Crabb P66
*2-From God to you 66 Love Letters written by Dr. Larry Crabb P67
I do not believe in the Version of Bible he uses but I do agree with how he is doing what he is doing and the beautiful letters from God! Remeber sometimes you must chew up the "meat" and spit out the bones. (bones being Dr. Crabb's version of Bible he believes in that I do not agree with)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

HUGE DELIGHTFUL giveaway!!! By Johanna!!

Johanna from Old-Fashioned Girl is having a huge and wonderful giveaway here is the description of what is in the giveaway! in her writing.


First, Nancy at Roses and Teacups (My favorite online sight for tea things) donated this beautiful little night light, a pretty little decoration for any young ladies room~














Next, Mrs. Chancy from Sensibility patterns donated an e-pattern of your choice! Thank you so much Mrs. Chancy, I know we have some seamestress' out there that would LOVE to win an e-pattern from Sensibility.com!















Next, Marie Madeline Studios kindly said they would love to donate as well! Thank you ladies! You all are so kind! So, we are giving away this summer shade jumper pattern~





BONUS!!!!! get ready girls this is the most delightful part!!

You ALSO get fabric to make the jumper! (happy smile) how delightful!!

*happy smile again*

How delightful!! I'm a big fan of  Marie Madeline Studios they have such BEAUTIFUL fabrics and patterns!

Next, Oh yes ladies there is more! so keep reading! :-)

And then to conclude this wonderful giveaway, The Joy of Jewelry donated these beautiful 'Pure for Life' earrings~



















What a WONDERFUL and delightful giveaway! Thank you Miss Johanna, and sponsers!


Now get on over to the Lovely Johanna's page and enter right away! ENTER HERE


Blessings to those lucky girls who win!

Now for myself to go enter LOL! Don't forget to pick up her code and put it on your blog!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Is your Talk Louder than your Walk


Good morning ladies. Come sit a spell and have some tea with me as we continue our study in Titus. As I said last week, this is such a burden on my heart and I pray that the Lord uses it to encourage and challenge each of you.


Last week you were asked to focus on how you face and handle criticism and praise. This is important because our behavior is to be holy.


2:3 - 5 "The aged women likewise, that [they be] in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."


How did you do? Many times when we try to do the right thing we face obstacles and trials. Satan does not want us to have victory and to be pleasing to the Lord and will try to defeat us. When that happens remember that we cannot walk in our own strength. It is only through the strength of our Lord that we can walk in continual victory and please Him.

Isa 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the
right hand of my righteousness. "



The next part of our instruction is that our behavior be "a becometh holiness." What does that mean? I don't think any Christian would say "I am committed to living an unholy life. " We all would say we desire to be holy. However, do we actually hold EVERY behavior, EVERY decision up to Gods mirror and ask Him if it is holy? Or do we "follow our gut?"


Ladies, our gut is not a good guide. The Word tells us that our hearts are desperately wicked and we CANNOT know it. Many times we are not able to be honest with ourselves about our motivations and heart.

Jer 17:9 "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? "



The Hebrew word for "holiness," " kedushah"
has the connotation of "separateness." That which is holy in Judaism is set apart, and the separation is maintained by both legal and spiritual measures. This is the definition being discussed in this verse. It has the same meaning that we see in Paul's writings:

2Co 6:17 "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,"


Does this mean we live separately? Does it mean we do not come in contact with unholiness? No, ladies. It cannot mean that for we do live in this world and we must be a light to the lost people around us. However, it does mean that we should be surrendered to the Lord and allow Him to sanctify us...to set us apart for His use. That requires a willingness to make the changes necessary to be conformed into His image. We must set our goals, desires and dreams aside and allow our Lord to replace them with His goals, desires and dreams for our lives. As He conforms us, we are being transformed and set apart for His use. When we think of ourselves as tools the picture becomes so much clearer.


My husband has a garage full of tools for work.
Each tool has a place and has been set apart for a specific use. My husband keeps his tools clean and sharp and ready for him to use at any time. If the tool is dirty or dull when he picks it up to use, it is not ready for use and is not as helpful to him as it could have been.



That is what we are to the Lord; we are HIS tools. He desires for us to be holy; set apart, so that when He has a need for us we are ready. If we are needed and the Lord turns to us and we are dirty, are we any good to Him? We might be able to do part of the job, but we will not be as useful as we could have been.


There is a reason that this requirement comes before "teacher of good things." Can you be a teacher of good things if you, yourself, do not know or live those good things? Let me ask you ladies, if I stood before you in shorts and a halter top and told you of the importance of modest dressing....would you listen? Would I have any positive impact on you? The only positive impact would be the possible lesson you could learn from my negative behavior. That is not the way the Lord intends it.


Our lives should be a support of our words. We can say anything, but it is our lives that demonstrate the Truth. I heard a preacher recently say " Your talk talks; and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks. " Get it ladies? That is so appropriate as we study these verses. Last week we talked about taking criticism in a righteous manner.


This week we have seen that we are to be holy; set apart and ready for the Lord to use. Are you ready ladies? Could the Lord pick you up and use you now? Or are there some areas in your life that need cleaned up so that you can be useful? I encourage you to go to the Lord and ask Him to reveal any dross that you need to let Him remove from your life.


Ladies, please do not just ask yourself. As we have seen, our hearts are wicked and we can think we are fine when actually we may be filthy! Ask the Lord to help you and if you have someone else in your life who is an accountability partner, ask them to help you. Before you ask anyone ladies, remember that we are to accept instruction with a humble heart. If they tell you something they see, do not come back at them defensively, but thank them and then take it to the Lord.


Have a great week all and may we all strive to be set apart and fit for The Masters use.


In Him who cannot fail, Michelle

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

What Modesty has Come to.....Trying The Old-Fashioned Modesty Package!

Today ladies, I want to write to you, to encourage you, to think about the following line.



"The longer the skirt the better!"

Are you tired of not being respected? do you have problems attracting the "right" type of boys, the boys that don't just care how you dress and what you will do with them? teenage girls have problems all the time, I have a friend.


she is a good friend of mine, but she has problems. many boys as she comes to me, "use" her. for certain things. then break up with her. she ask me how she should go about fixing that? well, I went to her,
sat down, and told her as friendly as I could. "you have to dress better"
shocked she looked down at herself, and was filled with confusion,
I'm sure her mind filled with thoughts, such as "whats wrong with the way I dress?" and others like that.

she ask me what I meant. I'm sure some of you are wondering what I meant as well, some of you know already as well.

when you dress a certain way, you attract a certain crowd, for example, when you see a woman in a long dress, isn't low cut, and not form fitting, you will see she is not attracting a wrong crowd, or a worldly crowd either, you will see she is attracting a more respectable crowd.

Attract: To arouse or compel the interest, admiration, or attention of:


admiration, wouldn't you like that? many ladies would indeed like that,



ladies putting it this way, in a silly little example, when you buy Old-Fashioned Modesty Package . the description would be you dressing with more clothing on, what is not included is low cut shirts, sheer blouses, tight skirts or shirts, sheer skirts, short skirts, and most likely sleeveless shirts, depending on "what package" you get. Warning: Packages come with different convictions. Sold everywhere you can find Modest Clothing.

Special Buys come with extra goodies, such as, More respect, higher standards, feeling better about yourself, respecting yourself, feeling more feminine and lady-like, feeling like a woman! pleasing God and much more! you could say that if you did all that, you could even read into Proverbs 31 about the virtuous woman. how splendid of a feeling. the delightful-ness,

buy back what was once known to all, what was once the height of standards. what ladies now call old fashioned. what is now known to teenage girls has old lady clothing, buy back true biblical beauty, buy back honor, grace, and courage.

wouldn't you like to do that?
let us know what you think.



Thank You for Reading.
In His Honor.
Katie.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

When you think your in the belly of the Fish!

First I have to apologize that this is not the length I usually write.

When you read the wonderful story of Jonah and read how God moved, moves and is moving; although I know this story so well, I never really thought about it from the heart always from the head. Did you know that your faith is always with you, I know what a concept.....

It is easy to be faithful to the Lord when all of your circumstances are going well, when the Lord is not as convicting as sometimes, when it keeps you safe in a box, when your comfort zone is not encrouched up....Know what I mean...

Easy to Praise, Glorify, Testify, Walk and Talk about Jesus when our circumstances are Ideal....
It is equally easy to be discouraged, sluggish, depressed, low when your circumstances swallow you whole as the Whale did Jonah....

We are so quick to try to work within our own strength, in our time, frustrations, anxities, fears, lonlieness', so easy to shout "Lord why why do this, do that, I cant endure, you ask to much of me, this is not what I signed up for, Why would you call me to do this, it is impossible"

I believe for this very reason we are chastened by the Lord, we need reproof for our actions, because although we love, glorify and follow the Lord; we show distrust in Him by not allowing Him and HIm alone to guide our footsteps.

Allow Him to move in you, guiding, leading and most of all teaching, open your heart to HIs plan and not your own. It is wonderous to see, to feel, to witness, to touch, to live, to breathe in Him and His infinite wisdom!

For this Reason, I stand for Christ! For this reason, I will only wear skirts! For this reason, I will follow the Lord in all that I do. For this reason, my clothing, my attitude, my everything will be a reflection of God. For He made me anew!

I challenge each of you to hear,see, feel, talk, walk and breathe in the Lord, IN ALL THAT YOU DO! From doing the dishes to walking to the store, to fulfilling all duties as a mother, friend, sister, aunt, cousin and most of all as a WIFE for your husband. Please Remember that you are not judged on how your husband or children, immideiate, extended family, coworkers, friends, strangers, court appointed officials, the guy in the car who cut you off. BUT YOU WILL BE JUDGED ON YOUR REACTIONS, ACTIONS TOWARDS ALL OF THEM!

Praise be the Lord, Let the entire world know what you stand for, because there are no half ways with God, you either are fully immersed or not, it is better to be fully lost then to Know Christ and deny his teachings.
Thank you for Reading
God bless,

With Him all is Possible
Stacey