Battling Unbelief by John Piper

This book is one of my favorites. It was so helpful and really helped me view things from the right perspective. It drove me to my knees and fueled my desire to commune with our Lord. A great read for everyone! You guys should totally read it! :)

The Modesty Issue

Written by my wonderful husband :)

Yesterday, on my way home from work I saw a young dolled up girl with a questionable looking guy at the Branch Ave subway station having sexual intimacy with their clothes on. They groped each other, sat on each others' laps, and mimicked very sexual gestures for at least 20 minutes. They were off some way in the distance from where most of the travelers were seated, but very much in view. In fact, as many walked right pass them there seemed to be no indication that they were embarrassed or even took notice of those walking by.

I immediately thought to myself, "she has no shame." Well, he has no shame either, but that wasn't as surprising. I kept thinking, "She doesn't even understand how she's degrading her self...or how she's being degraded. This guy is basically parading her around as a whore...in public...in broad daylight. At least cover your shame" I thought to myself.

God's word tells me not to marvel, not to even look on such wickedness, though I found it hard not to be captivated by such a sight.

Before I was too deep in my own self-righteousness I was reminded of myself when I was a teenager...doing the very same things...in public even. I was no stranger to this and yet I couldn't help but wonder why this young girl was so ignorant, so careless of her own dignity. I mean, I do understand of course, how sin blinds, how sin doesn't actually make any sense, how when we become so deep in sin we are oblivious to how foolish it makes us look...even as one person noted that sin is "self inflicted nonsense" Yes, I know these things but I'm always surprised.

This guy was disgracing her in public...AND SHE WOULD PREFER IT THAT WAY.

You know, it's fitting that I should talk about the modesty issues that plague the church right now. It's really no strange thing that unbelievers would be so immodest in their conduct but when we have professing Christians engaging in such conduct or "wearing" the part is an entirely different thing. This girl was merely behaving as a prostitute. Is this not what a girl does when she dresses in clothing that brings attention to her body and not her character?

We live in a culture that prizes beauty and self-esteem. We find our value in how we look and appear to others. (HOW CHEAP). If we do not fit the image of the media woman then we are not confident in who we are. Instead of finding one's confidence in what Christ has done for us, we'd rather place that confidence in how we look. Christian women are caught in a stronghold here. Where scripture tells us ""Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"(Proverbs 31:30), women would rather be praised for their good looks or their sexy clothing. And then other professing believers, some even in ministry would come along side them and praise them. THIS IS COMPLETELY BACKWARDS!

In our generation, what was considered ONLY the attire of a prostitute is now everyday wear. What was considered underclothes is now the casual bathing suit. Women find their glory in looking skinny, sexy, and showing off skin. Does not scripture tell women to find their glory in godliness?

"Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:3, 4)

Sisters, are you disgracing yourself in what you wear just like that young woman I mentioned earlier?

"likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." (1 Timothy 2:9, 10)

"And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart. She is loud and wayward; her feet do not stay at home; now in the street, now in the market, and at every corner she lies in wait. She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold face she says to him,

With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him.

Let not your heart turn aside to her ways; do not stray into her paths, for many a victim has she laid low, and all her slain are a mighty throng. Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death." (Proverbs 7:10-13, 21, 25-27)

Are you dressing like the women who lead men to Hell? Let it not be so...let this not be said of you.

HUSBANDS!!! IS THIS YOUR WIFE??? Are you loving your wives? Are you caring for her purity on facebook and Instagram? Are you protecting her honor by not allowing her to post scandalous photos of herself? Or are you standing right next to her in those photos as she flirts with your brothers through her clothing...as she leads them down to Sheol? Are you smiling and liking her photos as many men also take delight in her?

Tips for New Parents from Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar

I just bumped into this on the TLC Website.

10. Parenting brings some of the greatest joys in life, but it will also keep you on your knees in prayer.

9. Keep dating each other, even after you have children. The stronger your marriage is, the closer your family will be.

8. Don't be a perfectionist, military drill sergeant to your children. Praise your children ten times more than you correct them.

7. Your children will learn more from what you do than what you say! Lead by example.

6. Realize each one of us makes mistakes everyday and we must be willing to quickly humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness and make things right.

5. Hold everyone lovingly accountable. Gently respond when anyone speaks with sharp words, harshness or anger and make them aware of their tone.

4. Don't be self-centered or put others down. Concentrate on talking with a soft tone and showing acts of kindness to each other.

3. Turn off the computer, TV, and video games and spend time together as a family looking for opportunities to invest in the lives of others in need.

2. You will never regret spending too much time together. Make fun memories; enjoy the time you have with your children because they grow up fast!

1. True success will come as you love God and treat others as you would like to be treated.