Learning more about Modesty

So much has changed since our wedding day! There were things I use to wear that I can no longer wear because my body type has changed due to pregnancy. I've been praying and seeking God's word on what style of dress for me would glorify Him the most. My convictions are growing and changing. I'm learning so much about myself, my body type and God's will revealed through His word. Before I share what my current convictions are for how I feel the Lord desires for me to dress.

What do you do when your body type completely changes and 90% of the things you use to wear are now form fitting or draw more attention to your curves rather than your face?

It's been such a long journey. I'm still learning but wanted to share the little that I've learned so far.

My husband has also been a huge blessing through this process. His feedback on the many things I tried were very helpful.

So far, I've learned that Long Skirts are the best way to go 

The issues I ran into with the knee length skirts were that sometimes the front of the skirt would be way longer than the back due to now having curves. When I wear long skirts I don't have to worry about my skirt rising in the back or anything like that.

I've always worn Jeans growing up but if I must, I have to make sure I have a cardigan long enough to cover in the back. My husband absolutely loves it when I wear skirts so my ultimate plan to Lord willing one day only wear skirts. I just need to learn how to properly wear long skirts in the winter and what combinations I can pull off.

I use to think that I NEEDED to wear pants to be functional but I've also learned that I can do so many things in a skirt! I spent this past summer wearing skirts only and I managed to play various sports with my husband and really have a good time. I didn't have to be concerned when I had to bend over and pick something up or pull down on a cardigan every now and then to make sure I'm covered. It was freeing and I absolutely loved it  :) 

I'm looking forward to next winter to attempt to put various combinations together and glorify the Lord and serve my husband and the church by the way I dress. 

Here are a few quotes and bible verses that encourage/convict me and help me on this journey.

"Dress appropriately, modestly, and not to entice or flaunt." -John Piper

1 Timothy 2:8-10

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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.

"Women should dress in such a way that they draw men's attention towards their eyes, their face, and not towards the other parts of their bodies." -John Piper

"Clothes are not meant to make people think about what is under them." -John Piper

1 Peter 3:1-4 ESV / 59 helpful votes

Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 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.

“Modesty means propriety. It means avoiding clothes and adornment that are extravagant or sexually enticing. Modesty is humility expressed in dress. It’s a desire to serve others, particularly men, by not promoting or provoking sensuality.” -C. J. Mahaney

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV / 44 helpful votes

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

May the Lord give you wisdom and keep you as you seek to glorify Him in the way you dress. 

God Bless!  

Q&A- Courtship Guidance

by Carolyn Mahaney 

She is the wife of Pastor CJ Mahaney and this is how they guided their daughters when it came to choosing a mate. It has been extremely helpful for me and so I wanted to share it with you guys =)

A“list” from Scripture of essential qualities that should characterize any man desirous of pursuing them. These qualities included:

“1. Genuine passion for God. The greatest commandment is to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’ (Matt. 22:37). A mere profession of faith is insufficient. A godly man will consistently display love, obedience, and increasing passion for the Savior.

2. Authentic humility. ‘This is the one to whom I will look,’ says the Lord, ‘he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word’ (Isa. 66:2). Your daughter will marry a sinner—that is certain. But if he is a humble and teachable sinner who is quick to repent, then he will be sure to grow in godliness. This humility will also be evident in his love for and submission to God’s Word.

3. Love for the local church. At the center of God’s plan on earth is His church. A young man must be pursuing fellowship and serving faithfully in a local church if he is to make a good candidate for a husband.

4. Biblical convictions about manhood and womanhood. A successful marriage is due in large part to a couple’s grasp of their respective roles and responsibilities. A potential husband must be committed to complementary roles found in Scripture. He must be ready to embrace his responsibility to love and lead his wife. (Eph. 5:22-25).

In addition to comparing the young man to this list of essentials, we also helped our daughters evaluate God’s commands to wives. From Scripture we asked our daughters the following questions regarding the young man each was considering:

            -Do you fully respect this man the way a wife is called to respect her husband?
            -Can you eagerly submit to him as the church submits to Christ?
            -Do you have faith to follow this man no matter where he may lead?
            -Can you love this man with a tender, affectionate love?
            (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 5:22, 33; Col. 3:8; Titus 2:4-5)

Again, this list of qualities and questions is not exhaustive. However, it provided clear, objective, and biblical criteria to assist our daughters in determining God’s will—whether or not they were meant to join their lives with a certain young man.

For the entire post go to http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/Q_A12