|
Still attempting to consolidate my blogs and websites, and not sure how to get it all together, plus keep going on my regular daily routine of homeschool, which lately takes all day. Math is really a drag lately, and I have been having one of those days that you want to just surrendar...can you see my white flag at the ready??? Ok, I really won't surrender....I never do....but times like this force me to refocus, and turn my eyes back on the LORD and rely upon Him for more help and put less confidence in myself. |
|
It has been a long while since I last posted anything to this blog. Often I have trouble logging in-not sure if it is my computer or homeschool blogger-which puts a damper on trying to post here. I have another blog here that I am unable to log into at all. These troubles seem to be forcing me to make a choice that I don't particularly wish to make. Also, it is difficult to have multiple blogs on different hosts. IF I move on, I will be sure to let you know where to find these writings and others which I plan to add in the near future. |
|
Today I am thinking about masculine and feminine clothes, attitudes, gesture and body language etc. The lines of gender have been so blurred that they are almost non-existant. Where have all the LADIES gone????? Feminism and unisexism has made it almost impossible to be a lady. Besides the fact that many girls grow up being taught ERA "theology", their only picture of femininity is perverted. They think being feminine means using "feminine wiles", and dressing like a harlot. That is what the feminists say. Feminism cannot discern between feminine and sexy. They are the sexist ones, not only men. To catch a glimpse of real ladies, at least in appearance, we have to return to another time. We have to go back to the late 19th century. Even in Biblical times this was possible. The story of Ruth bears this out for us. Read it for yourself. The argument many make against, ok, I'll say it, women wearing pants and dressing like a man, is that in Bible times men and women both wore robes. They will cite scripture which talks about Aarons skirt to prove their point. Here is where I have trouble with that argument. First in Deut. God makes it clear that men and women are not to wear the apparel of the opposite sex. The question before us today is what is mens clothes and women's clothes? Pretty much we can all agree that a man in a dress/skirt is simply wrong, in our society today. Men have been wearing some for of pants for centuries. Even in Old Testament times the high priest was instructed to wear breeches under his robe. So the dispute is not about whether or not a man should wear a dress. Even a very mannish color would still look wrong. SO ladies, what does that mean to the girls? Are pants for men? If so, what does that mean to you and I?
|
|
Just a quick note to let you know that I have decide to keep this blog up and running. I will be combining several other blogs into one or 2 other places, however there are those who prefer reading here on homeschoolblogger over other blog sites. I will post links to my other blogs as well, but this blog will remain exclusively about being feminine women. My others vary in topics from post to post. Thanks for your support |
|
Does anyone ever sing that anymore??? Maybe it is because we are all programmed to see rules as restrictions instead of guidelines for life. Just look at society in general, there are NO real rules. Drive by a funeral home and check out how the mourners and those who are coming to pay their "respects" are dressed. I almost pointed my fingers at some "mourners" on more than one occassion, different people to be sure, because they emerged wearing jeans with the inseam at their knees, athletic style tank tops, cut off shorts...and the girls...oh dear! Even a MINI DRESS would have been more proper. Watch the guests leaving a wedding and you'll see the same casual attire. No one wants to dress, really. It is commonplace in our area to go to the mall and see girls in pajama bottoms, tank tops (at least 2 sizes too small), uncombed hair, and fuzzy slippers on their feet. The new one was seeing the plus size, over 50, mama strut into the mall weaing shorts with the waistband tucked under here sagging belly, and her top baring her navel. HELLO!!! Hasn't anyone ever heard of a MIRROR!!!!! Is it any wonder students fail, can't concentrate etc with all the crazy styles they wear these days. And just think, if they are dressing as I described for a solemn event, what do they wear for school???? Guys can't help but think the way they do, and the girls want the attention. Golden rules no longer apply to schools, or anything else. A friend showed us a video clip from high school, public school. The children had their desks facing each other, were talking, and horsing around, oblivious to others in the room. I thought this was BEFORE class. Total shock: this was IN CLASS. Hmmmmm Rules are not to inhibit us. They help us respect other people. They make us more pleasant to be around. They give us a framework of right and wrong. Even if you don't agree with a rule, it shouldn't be done away with. Most people don't want to go the speed limit, even with soaring gas prices, but we obey the law bcz there are consequences if we don't. And it isn't just getting a ticket, how 'bout accidents, how 'bout death...not just your own, but maybe your passengers, or a pedestrian, or someone in the car you plow into at 80MPH. The saddest part is that we also do not dress up for church anymore. I'm not advocating donning wedding attendant level clothing, but khaki and denim skirts, t shirts, polo shirts, are pushing the envelope the other way. We need to dress as daughters of the king. If you were invited to meet a Queen or King, or the President, in person, would you throw on your everyday outfits--hoping no-one will notice the pills, stains, etc OR would you buy a new dress, sew a new one, or peruse the local thrift store for something special???? If you'd go to alot of trouble, so to speak, to meet another man/woman, why wouldn't you do the same to honor the LORD? SUNDAY BEST was a "rule" for reason. When you look better, dress your best, it is reflected in your smile, your eyes shine, and you might even have a little spring in your step because you don't have to think about the stains, or fuzzy pills, dressing up takes your focus off thinking about what people are thinking about you, in a bad way. (I realize this can go the other extreme w/young girls/teens especially, but the practical mammas among us need to take stock of how we look and how we make our HUSBANDS look.) A married woman who can afford better and chooses to wear shabby/shoddy, ugly, drab, worn,....first of all makes her husband look like he doesn't manage the family finances well and therefore is unable to provide for her and any children, and second your husband should keep his eyes on YOU, so your task is to dress in manner that keeps his eyes and thoughts on your, that he can't keep his eyes off you. Forget your figure flaws, and dress in colors your man likes, put on some pretty prints, or bright colors. All those drab colors, keep them for gardening, scrubbing floors, etc, but put on your lovely clothes, BUY or MAKE some if need be. The grand old days of women dressing feminine is gone, and we need to revive it in the body of Christ. |
|
|
|
Dear Friends, I'm stil not sure what want to do with my blogging. It is difficult to diversify posts and yet make it easy to read. And not everyone has children or homeschools, some aren't even old enough to be married yet. With all my heart I want to help a many women and girls as i possibly can. Thanks for your support and all your prayers |
|
While researching another topic I was surprised to learn that ladies of by gone eras were taught to speak in a soft, high pitched voice. In another book the author noted that women who speak softly are better able to keep the attention of their husbands when they speak because the man must lean close to or be near her and purpose to listen to hear what she is saying. In a way endearing herself to him and he to her. Just the nearness of him listening is an intimate moment that will prepare both for more intimacy later on. Girls and Women of the victorian era would often train their voices to be melodic and sweet. Have you ever stopped to listen to the womens voices in your church? At the mall? In a factory? Many a woman these days speaks in tones, and uses phases and wording that many of our grandmothers would be ashamed to hear. Some would shame our granddads too. Ruth Beechick, in one of her books has documented that our voice, physically, passes is or generated through our heart. It gives much more meaning to the words of Christ "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" What does this mean to us? Well, I suppose if we have a meek and quiet spirit, and our heart is righ twith the LORD, if we have embraced who we are in Christ, and how God has made us, if we are thankful to be women-created so by the Father, them our words and tone will reflect that. Have you ever noticed how someone's voice changes when they are angry? How about a mom or dad with their new baby? Perhaps we need to practice some of the graces that were once commonplace but have lost their appeal with the rise of feminism. |
|
If you were to ask your husband, or your father, or your brother, or almost any man on the street, or in your church, what makes a woman feminine, what do you think he'd say? Aside from clothing that is, what makes a women feminine? It is how she represents and presents herself to others. By this I mean her appearance and demeanor. There is nothing feminine about a woman who doesn't take care of herself physically. Mind you I am not talking about weight, though that might very well be a factor for some (I am one of those). Aside from weight, women need to take care of their hair and skin. It tickles me when my husband comments on the softness of my skin. I don't use alot of lotions or potions, but what little I do, helps keep my husband attracted to me. On the road to modesty so many have thrown what makes us feminine out the window. Certainly there are scriptures about painted eyes, and NOT adorning the outward woman, but am I the only one who believes that the context was putting a premium on the outward was the reason. Ladies, we too are ambassadors of our Saviour Jesus Christ. While modesty is important, so is presenting ourselves to the world in a way that does not make people look at us and think we look weird. If you were an executive for a big company, I doubt that you would wear your dress all wrinkly and stained, to a board meeting. It goes without saying that you'd have every hair inplace, and every blemish covered. As representative for Jesus, we should try to look our best all the time. Yes, even when scrubbing a floor, but I think God understands that. One thing that sets women apart from men, besided biology, and dresses, is the use of makeup, fragrances, etc. I've noticed that when I wear pretty clothes, put on a little mascara, slather on some foundation to even our my skin tone, and spritz myself with some sweet smelling stuff, I FEEL MORE Feminine. And when I feel more feminine, I carry myself in a more feminine way, I am more aware of my tone of voice and mannerism. We can be modest and feminine, and that doesn't mean we have to throw away all the little things that make us feel girly, younge, and pretty.
It has taken me a long time to figure this out. I have gone the opposite extreme for a long time--no makeup or jewelry at all...and nothing pretty....just durable and modest. But my husband misses the womanlyness of makeup, perfume, and jewelry. He likes me adorned with a modest PRETTY dress, but also some cheap pearls and a little color here and there to bring out my natural highlights makes him stop and stare at ME..not the woman walking down the street in her slinky dress and overpainted eyes! I want him to keep looking at me, and being attracted to me. In fact I don't know what I wouldn't do, within reason, to keep his attention. That being said, I am putting a link to our AVON store here http://www.youravon.com/dleib You will see my sons name on the website but that is because he is helping us with this on the money side. Avon has expanded their products from cosmetics and fragrances to clothing-including lingerie, jewlery, health items, home decor, etc. Take a peek please. Please don't be offended by this post. If you are not a makeup type a gal, that is fine by me.
|
|
This posting will be brief, but I wanted to let everyone who stops by that I haven't forgotten you. Life in our family seems to be always blooming and growing and space (or time) for pursuits after daily chores are done is in short supply. Since it has been such a long time, I do want to let you know that I am praying about combining all my various blogs into one. At the moment, I am trying to keep up 4, and failing miserably. If you happen to know how this could be done with ease, let me know. Our 2 weeks away from home, and having company on our schedule at various intervals the next few weeks has turned our usual routine into a memory. Now my son is here so I must dash off. |
Posted in Feminine Appearance 1
|
My Dear Friends, Just a little thank you for those who come by faithfully to read my thoughts on womanhood and the feminine spirit. PPS: For those who are interested I will be started another blog where I can post interesting items and articles that don't relate directly to femininity. BUT I wholeheartedly believe that the problem within the body of Christ today is Women who do not realize that the way they live, act, dress, speak, etc is not feminine or at best is a feminized version of manliness. Eeek..that sounds awfully close to SIN doesn't it. That statement is not intended to be unkind. In fact, I think women today have been done a great disservice by many of their mothers and teachers, pastors, and peers. They have been convinced that the HAVE to be be tough to survive, and if they don't men will let them down. This is a HUGE misnomer. Only by women being womanly--soft, feminine, gentle and yet strong in spirit to withstand the trials of life, CAN THE MAN/MEN take up their roles and be MANLY MEN. Like many ills of society that we as christians look upon with disgust in our eyes and hearts, people don't know better, no-one has taught them this or that is really wrong, no-one has ever told them NO you can't do..... They have not idea what it means to have self control and to deny themselves immediate gratification-whether that is food, things, or pleasure.
|
Posted in Feminine Appearance 1
|
In past posts I have tried to challenge you into thinking about years gone by when women and men wore distinctly different garments all the time. 50 years ago, or less, respectable women wore dresses. The level of modesty was, from a Biblical standpoint, always challenged by the local Pastors, and the older folks of each era. But from undergarments to swimsuits, dresses to pants, all the clothing from yesteryears of not so long ago, were, generally speaking, MORE modest than what we see today. Even advertising was different. It wasn't until the 70's that LIVE models were allowed to parade their wares on TV. Catalogs which sold undergarments were usually just a picture of the necessary body area. The models were bodyless, and faceless. Many advertisers saved money using black and white photos on either a mannequin torso or chest. Mind you that men's underwear was modelled the same way. This is one thing we have to take into consideration when selecting garments. Whether we are buying them from a high end shop or the local thrift store, regardless of them being a gift, or sewn with our own two hands, we must learn to examine them from all the angles any MAN might see us. I'm sure your husband will gladly assist with this. If not, have a trusted friend join you for a day of cleaning your closets and drawers, and ask her to be brutally honest about your clothing, even if it means getting rid of 99% of your current wardrobe. The LORD will bless you for it, and provide your need, plus many a man, maybe including your husband will thank you for your desire to keep yourself chaste in attire. Aside from modesty, let us also remember that God does not expect nor require us to gad about in a drab colors, drib styles, and shapeless sacks. There is not scriptural support for us to look gawdy or gawky. In fact, in I Timothy 2:9-11, the verses that many people use to present modesty as a Biblical mandate, ok...let's look at the verses together. "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (WHICH BECOMETH WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS) with good works. "[emphasis added. ] That sure sounds like God doesn't expect us to be frumpy in our attire. Part of being modest is not drawing attention to yourself, or your "danger zones". One gal said it was "being able to go to the store, check-out while chatting with the cashier, and he/she wouldn't remember what you were wearing". I like that definition, but in todays world where almost all women wear JEANS, the most generic dresses stand out in stark contrast. Certainly God doesn't want us to present ourselves as ambassadors for Him in clothing that is unattractive to us. He had Paul say which becometh women! He wants us to look becoming. T he only color tied to anyone/anything sinful is red-connected with harlotry. Historically, the wearing of black was a sign of being in mourning over a loved ones death, and purple was only allowed to be worn by royalty. Today, while you may want to shy away from red for your own personal reasons, there is no New Testament prohibition on colors. There is a program "color me beautiful" that helps women determine what colors bring out their natural beauty and color. As "daughters of the King" we should look our best with what we have. Look quickly with me at I Cor. 7:31. Here Paul is talking to the Corinthian believers about marriage and how to treat one another, and especially virgins. But vs. 31 says, "And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away." Yes, I know that I am taking this out of context, but think about it. There are sects of Christian who believe ALL fashion except a few specific styles are sinful. But in a round about way, might Paul be saying, USE the fashion of the world, but don't abuse it. Let me restate it like this: It's ok to BUY clothes from Walmart or Bloomingdales or Macys, and even to wear stylish trendy clothes, just don't cross the line of modesty in the process. While many will differ with me, I do not believe that Paul was prohibiting women from wearing jewelry either. Look at the time in history in which Paul live, and wrote this chapter. There was no electricity, gasoline engines, or computers to assist in mining operation or refining processes. Obtaining precious metals and gems was an extremely laborious process, and only the rich or elite could afford to have gold, and pearls. A Feminine woman knows and wears the styles and colors that "becometh women professing Godliness. **Next time -- sexy vx. feminine
|
Posted in Feminine Appearance 1
|
In past posts I have tried to challenge you into thinking about years gone by when women and men wore distinctly different garments all the time. 50 years ago, or less, respectable women wore dresses. The level of modesty was, from a Biblical standpoint, always challenged by the local Pastors, and the older folks of each era. But from undergarments to swimsuits, dresses to pants, all the clothing from yesteryears of not so long ago, were, generally speaking, MORE modest than what we see today. Even advertising was different. It wasn't until the 70's that LIVE models were allowed to parade their wares on TV. Catalogs which sold undergarments were usually just a picture of the necessary body area. The models were bodyless, and faceless. Many advertisers saved money using black and white photos on either a mannequin torso or chest. Mind you that men's underwear was modelled the same way. This is one thing we have to take into consideration when selecting garments. Whether we are buying them from a high end shop or the local thrift store, regardless of them being a gift, or sewn with our own two hands, we must learn to examine them from all the angles any MAN might see us. I'm sure your husband will gladly assist with this. If not, have a trusted friend join you for a day of cleaning your closets and drawers, and ask her to be brutally honest about your clothing, even if it means getting rid of 99% of your current wardrobe. The LORD will bless you for it, and provide your need, plus many a man, maybe including your husband will thank you for your desire to keep yourself chaste in attire. Aside from modesty, let us also remember that God does not expect nor require us to gad about in a drab colors, drib styles, and shapeless sacks. There is not scriptural support for us to look gawdy or gawky. In fact, in I Timothy 2:9-11, the verses that many people use to present modesty as a Biblical mandate, ok...let's look at the verses together. "In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (WHICH BECOMETH WOMEN PROFESSING GODLINESS) with good works. "[emphasis added. ] That sure sounds like God doesn't expect us to be frumpy in our attire. Part of being modest is not drawing attention to yourself, or your "danger zones". One gal said it was "being able to go to the store, check-out while chatting with the cashier, and he/she wouldn't remember what you were wearing". I like that definition, but in todays world where almost all women wear JEANS, the most generic dresses stand out in stark contrast. Certainly God doesn't want us to present ourselves as ambassadors for Him in clothing that is unattractive to us. He had Paul say which becometh women! He wants us to look becoming. T he only color tied to anyone/anything sinful is red-connected with harlotry. Historically, the wearing of black was a sign of being in mourning over a loved ones death, and purple was only allowed to be worn by royalty. Today, while you may want to shy away from red for your own personal reasons, there is no New Testament prohibition on colors. There is a program "color me beautiful" that helps women determine what colors bring out their natural beauty and color. As "daughters of the King" we should look our best with what we have. Look quickly with me at I Cor. 7:31. Here Paul is talking to the Corinthian believers about marriage and how to treat one another, and especially virgins. But vs. 31 says, "And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away." Yes, I know that I am taking this out of context, but think about it. There are sects of Christian who believe ALL fashion except a few specific styles are sinful. But in a round about way, might Paul be saying, USE the fashion of the world, but don't abuse it. Let me restate it like this: It's ok to BUY clothes from Walmart or Bloomingdales or Macys, and even to wear stylish trendy clothes, just don't cross the line of modesty in the process. While many will differ with me, I do not believe that Paul was prohibiting women from wearing jewelry either. Look at the time in history in which Paul live, and wrote this chapter. There was no electricity, gasoline engines, or computers to assist in mining operation or refining processes. Obtaining precious metals and gems was an extremely laborious process, and only the rich or elite could afford to have gold, and pearls. A Feminine woman knows and wears the styles and colors that "becometh women professing Godliness. **Next time -- sexy vx. feminine
|
|
Unlike some women I am not softspoken. Whether this is due to a lack of training at an early age or genetics I'm not sure. Right after high school I worked in a nursing home and grew accustomed to practically shouting for my patients to hear me. Perhaps this carried over into my daily life. All I know is that it is a pain to me today. As hard as I have tried, it seems I am at an impasse with it. In earlier times, girls were taught to speak quietly, softly, in preparation for being women. The Bible tells us that we are to have a meek and quiet spirit. Our conversation is to be chaste, as is our life. We should be discreet-including our tongue. The tongue can no man tame, according to James. What are we to do? I believe, dear sisters, that we must go to the heart. What is in our heart comes out of our mouth. We cannot tame our tongue if our heart is wild. Contrary to popular thinking, speaking your mind isn't a good thing, and usually you speak you heart. There is a book I wish to get by Ruth Beechick. In this book she has documented medical proof that speech passes through the heart first. I am not sure what the details are so I will go on. Sisters, do you have trouble with saying hurtful things? You think it is unintentional, and maybe this is true, but if you can keep the hurtful thought from taking root in your heart it will not pass your lips. Prov. 31 says "in her tongue is the law of kindness". That is how a feminine woman should sound. Yes a womanly tone and manner is good. A Graciousness should be there, and if you are like me, you like to talk and your voice is loud, you may decide that you need to retrain yourself to refrain from speaking too much and when you choose to talk, control the tone and volume carefully. Our words should be gracious and kind. Have you ever thought about how one speaks to a baby? Usually we approach a baby, and do that little high pitched voice, or we whisper just loud enough to be heard. I am not saying that we need to speak to grown-ups that way, but there are few times when a woman is at the height of being feminine without thinking about it. Usually at her wedding, giving birth, and tending her newborn baby. I can attest to the FACT that as my children outgrew babyhood, my voice, directed at them, grew too-louder, LOUDER and...... So loud in fact, that some nights at bedtime my throat hurt. If you have my problem, perhaps a day of whispering, and practicing speaking only words that edify is in order. That is how a feminine woman sounds. |
|
Dear Sister, I am very glad you are here today. This brief post is to let you know that asap I will be adding more content and diversify by adding more pages or linking to other blogs. In the meantime, please remember that though we do not know one another, in Christ we are Sisters and share a kinship that the world cant' understand.
Just a little thought... have you ever wondered why society has changed their ideal of women, and what is attractive? My husband was saying just the other day that he doesn't understand how these little skinny gals survive. Our daughter, around is the same size as they are, but she is still a wee girl. His take on this is that it is all part of creating a gender neutral society. A sort of "if we all look alike, dress alike, act alike population, then what does biological gender matter". That is the way things are headed. Even in the local church you see this happening. More and more often women are being put into leadership roles over men; the taboo of wearing pants to church looks to be but a dim memory of "legalism" to many of the brethren, and the donning of masculine cut suit jackets and high and tight haircuts are becoming the norm. This will sound terribly judgmental, but it bothers me when I get invitations to attend women's conferences from prominent and large churches and all the women are in business suits and have short hair. Am I missing something? It puts me off terribly. Perhaps I am just a narrowminded hypocrite, but if they are proposing to obey Titus 2 and teach good things, shouldn't they model that by dressing as feminine as possible, letting their hair grow long (if possible) and arranging in an attractive way, if it won't grow long-perhaps tie a ribbon on or clip a flower into their hair. Honestly, I do not want to offend anyone. As much as we want to say: "I don't think anyone should be judged by what they wear" we ALL do it everyday. Don't tell me that if some large burly looking man wearing a leather jacket with a gruff voice, you wouldn't be at least a little cautious in opening the door to him. I remember when we lived in NYC. There were times when we had to drive up to Harlem, or the Lower East Side, and on occassion we ventured into Brooklyn and the Bronx. Parking in the city is horrid, and my husband would leave us in the car in case it had to be moved. There are many many times when a man or woman came walking down the block and I reached slowly for the lock,just in case. If I had been parked on Wall Street, I probably wouldn't have thought twice, even at night. But in HARLEM or the Bronx, everyone knows they are the rough areas, especially at night, right?? The poor person walking down the block was judged without a trial or a question being asked. Simply because of where we were and how they were dressed or acted, I was intimidated enough to be extra careful. There are people who truly don't see these things. They are much more heavenly minded and Godly than I. They are the type of people I need to learn from. God is still working on me, instilling more grace into my heart and mind than I ever thought I would need. At least I am honest about my judgmental attitude.
On the other hand Jesus told us by their fruit ye shall know them. I don't expect to SEE oranges on grapevines. Which is why I don't expect to see the Pastor go into a bar or exit one in a drunken state, nor do I expect to see a Christian Lady running around dressed like all the women of the world, and taking on the role of a man. It is pitiful that even in the church, many women when seated could easily be mistaken for men by the cut of their hair. She is forsaking her GLORY....cutting it off becaue it is too hard to take care of...do you know that many men see their wives as their glory, and wouldn't dream of "cutting them off" ie separating or divorcing.
I realize I am rambling, but I wanted to give you some food for thought. Our foremothers were taught that women had a place, a role to fill, and certain things were suitible for a man to do and not a woman and vice versa.
|
|
IT is with deep regret that I find myself not really saying alot in my post. Things are really behind at home and there are going to be some changes taking place that I am not very happy about, but I cannot change them. I can only try to change my mind and attitude about them. It is interesting to me that I am learning how even my attitude can be feminine or masculine. Reactions to spilled milk, broken glass, shocking news, unkind remarks; all these can be inintiators of either a godly womanly nature or ungodly manly reaction. For a MAN a MANLY reaction is not necessarily ungodly; But a MANLY reaction by a woman is ungodly. There I said it and I hope it is clear now. For instance, how do you usually react to a child spilling milk. Do you simply sop it up with a rag and pour fresh milk into a glass, or do you screech at the person who spilled the milk and rail on them loudly for 10 minutes refusing to give them more? The reason I am classifying the screeching woman as a MANLY response is because God wants us to exhibit a meek and quiet spirit. If our spirit is truly meek and quiet we wont' react in a way that is not meek and/or quiet. Men are expected to be loud and rough. Women are expected to be soft and gentle and sweet. Sort of the opposite of the man. Even in today's world, the old double standards of conduct exist. This is due to them being rooted, for the most part, in the Bible and history.
|
|
This was a project that we planned for several years. This was the yr. to do it. When we began piecing the blocks in rows I wondered if it would look good. II know I should not have doubted. As you can see it is bright but looks wonderful. The blocks were specially designed around family memories. Not all of them but the fancy ones were. |
|
Things here seem to be settling down and LORD willing I will be able to post more often. In the meantime, I wanted to thank all those who support me in your prayers and friendships, and pray God richly blesses you in the coming year. May we be ever watchful for Jesus Return. Love, Terry |
|
I apologize for my long absense from posting here.
As I was thinking about grace, being a woman of grace, 2 Scriptures come to mind.
Grace is a work in process, it grows in us, and as we grow in Christ, as our walk with the LORD becomes more faithful and stronger, as we separate ourselves from the world in our daily life we grow in grace.
Trials, triblulations, hardships, disappointments and the like stretch our faith, and somehow is makes grace grow as well. Like physical exercise strenghthens our muscles of flesh, so to does spiritual testing makes our grace grow.
Grace is a little like patience. You really don't know how much of it you have until it is tested.
Gracious is .....Characterized by kindness and warm, unaffected courtesy: affable, hospitable. See kind Characterized by elaborate but usually formal courtesy: chivalrous, courtly, gallant, knightly, stately. See attitude, courtesy
Have you ever met a Christian lady who had this aire of peace and grace about her that defies explanation? Something about her draws you to her, you want to honor her. You would climb the hightest mountain, or swim miles just to hear her, or sit in her presence, because it is as if grace and peace have come to sit on earth and you don't want to miss it. You want to bask in it near her.
And you want to honor her. What do you think it means to honor someone? Haman, in Esther's day had his idea. He wanted honor but the honor was for another. Perhaps the best way to honor someone is to consider how you would want to be treated, what would you want done for you or to you, how do you want to be remembered, and then do that for another person.
Unfortunately we live in a time where grace is seen as weakness or unnecessary.
To help us gain a better understanding of grace, lets looks at what it is not. Lacking dexterity and grace in physical movement: awkward, clumsy, gawky, inept, lumpish, maladroit, ungainly, ungraceful.
The opposite of gracious is UNgracious--Lacking good manners: discourteous, disrespectful, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, rude, uncivil, unmannerly, unpolished.
A quick reading of what grace is NOT and what UNgracious means or is like, is shocking enough and should cause any Woman who seeks to live a Godly life, and strive for, pray for God to give her the GRACE she needs to be a GRACIOUS woman for God's glory.
Dear Sister, I urge you to take the time and look up the words above. Websters 1828 is a good reference due to it being written during a time when the true meaning of words were not modernized. Copy and paste this link into your browser and it will take you to a searchable dictionary online. http://65.66.134.201/cgi-bin/webster/webster.exe
Please do not be discouraged if you fall short of what you want to be. All of us are far from where we want to be, or should be.
Like a seed planted in the earth, the seeds of GRACE, take time to germinate, and sprout, and then the growing process begins in earnest. Seasons of life, trials, blessings, difficulties and smooth travel will all effect the speed at which grace grows in us. We cannot grow in grace apart from Jesus Christ. Like a plant is affected by cold, and heat, drought and flood, the seed of grace in us are also affected. Don't measure grace by your standard, measure it next to God's Word. Look at not only where you want to go, but don't forget to look back and see how far you've come. Sometimes the road ahead looks long and hard, but the territory that has already been covered is rougher and harder. The LORD doesn't let us travel alone, His Comforter is with us to guide and assist. We have His Holy Word as a Light for the way. |
|