for Modest Fashion

Are you ready?? June 21 - 27, 2009 will be Fashion Week hosted by AmandaBeth Online.

It is a week for young (and old??) ladies to "get a nice fashion "pick me up" and put a bit more thought into what we wear every day." AmandaBeths says, "I know I can sometimes get stuck in a jeans & Tee rut - how about you? Outfits should be feminine and classy, but also up to date (I love trendy ensembles!). And, of course, we want the clothing to be modest. I know that everyone has different standards of modesty and so I am hesitant to lay down any rules... but for myself, skirts/pants are kept below the knee; tops have 1" or wider straps and are not low in the back or front. If I feel that any outfits or pictures are immodest or suggestive, I will not link them during fashion week."

As for our household - modesty begins on the inside. As stated in 1 Peter - Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

Our teaching is focused on bringing God glory in all things including clothing choices - and to remember the admonition in Romans - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith, and also in 1 Corinthians 10:24 - Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. In our teaching - we also focus on the impact of the girls' clothing choices as it relates to the young men in the world. We must remember that the Word tells us in Philippians - "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." This is so very important. The world tells the girls to dress in such a way that they 'look good' - but according to what standard?? If we look around, it is certainly not the standard of the Word. With summer upon us, girls (and young ladies) are running around in nothing more than undergarments. This certainly does not take the (godly) interests of the young men around them into consideration.


So, join in the fun by finding out more information at the link above. Perhaps I'll take pictures of the girls and get them involved, too. As for me, well, we'll see, but mainly I'm camera shy *smile*!!!

...for Girlhood Home Companion

From an email I received from Remembrance Press:

The new Girlhood Home Companion "Clothing Your Spirit in Beauty" is ready to ship from California. We want to give you one last opportunity to order your copy before it leaves the plant. If you order a subscription or single issue we will be able to add your name to the list tonight. This shipment will be mailed out Thursday, bulk mail, so expect it mid week - somewhere around May 26-27.

These magazines are absolutely amazing. They are filled with wonderful God-honoring articles that will encourage both mothers and daughters. The layout is gorgeous, and the pictures are spectacular. We were introduced to this magazine earlier this year and were very pleased when we received 'Becoming a Faith-filled Daughter' and 'Mothers and Daughters Holding Hands - Taking Responsibility'.

You will not be disappointed if you decide to order. A subscription to this magazine for a mother or daughter would be a wonderful gift as well!!

(This is not a paid post and I am not an affiliate for Remembrance Press. I just really like this magazine, as do our girls, and want to spread the word!)

...for giving

I want to introduce you to a wonderful ministry. You can read their statement of fatih here. For more information about their ministry you can email them and/or sign up for their newsletter here.

I was introduced to Only a Servant last year while looking for modest clothing for Marlee. As many of you know, finding modest, feminine clothing, even for your young daughters is proving to be more and more difficult every day. We have searched high and low for dresses and skirts for Marlee to wear for every day. Sure, you can get some fancy dresses for special occasions that are modest, but it seems stores just don't sell your every day play dress any more.

One branch of Only a Servant is Dorcas House. Here is the description of Dorcas House from the Only a Servant website:

These skirts are sewn by Christian sisters from the John 3:16 Church in Nava, Mexico. Your purchase provides an opportunity for the ladies to help support their families while still caring for their children. The "Dorcas House" where the ladies sew is located within walking distance of the church and many of their homes.

With all the sewing that has been going on at Dorcas House, they are in need of an industrial-strength serger. They have received donations and/or have been able to set aside approximately $600.00 of the $1800.00 needed to buy the machine they need. Would you consider giving a donation today?

To view the delightful, modest, feminine dresses and skirts they have to offer please visit Babz Girls. This is the site that has the dresses/skirts currently for sale, as well as ordering information.

If this is a ministry you would like to help with - and I so hope you do because we have purchased many an outfit for Marlee through this site, and would like to continue doing so - please send your check to the following address:

Dorcas House
PO Box 700155
San Antonio TX 78270

Many of you may be wondering what is in it for me? The answer is nothing, other than helping a ministry that is in need so that we can still have a wonderful place to keep our young daughter in pretty, modest, feminine apparrel for several more years.

Thank you in advance for seriously considering making a donation to this wonderful, wonderful ministry.

Blessings to you!!

...for birthdays

We cannot believe that we have had 10 wonderful years with our Ms. Marlee-girl!! It doesn't seem that long ago when we welcomed her into our arms!!!

As has become tradition in our family, Marlee got to pick a place to eat for her birthday dinner. She chose the China Buffet, and we were joined by Grandma Karen and Grandma Sweetie and Grandpa Ron.

It was a fun evening celebrating!!

...and now for some pictures!!!








The following picture captured what had to be my very favorite part of the evening. Marlee was opening the gift that David bought for her. She had just finished reading the card aloud. Here is what the card said:

(Outside) This birthday card can only be opened by a terrific Sister!!
(Inside) See?

...and David added the following note on the inside: "Happy Golf Day!, I mean Birthday! I will love you with all my heart forever! Love, David"

This really, really touched my heart to see, again, the bond these two share. David also drew some pictures on the inside of the card, he was explaining the pictures to Marlee in this picture.

...for trusting

We are often asked about our parenting practices - especially in regards to our daughters. Most of those we know cannot understand our desire to instruct our daughters in being keepers at home and to use these years of singleness to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord. However, we know that now is the time for the Lord to build a strong foundation in their lives while they are not directly responsible for others.

We have been blessed with two very charming daughters.

Our oldest daughter is a lovely 17-year-old young woman. Here she is having some fun at Christmas:




Our younger daughter is a beautiful young lady of 10 (tomorrow *smile*).



Our journey with the Lord started just a short eight years ago, however, He has been merciful in blessing us with two young women that seek Him daily. It is our desire to follow His plan, and to trust that He will see it to fruition for wherever the path leads.

Yes, we like our daughters to look feminine and modest. Yes, we want our daughters to feel well-equipped to manage their own homes one day. Yes, we want our daughters to see that right now is the time to serve their family. Yes, we want our daughters to remain pure in heart and flesh for the one God has chosen for them. Yes, we want our daughters to pursue the highest calling there is for women...that of wife and mother. ...and yes, we want them to do all this with the Lord Jesus at the center of their thoughts, motives, and heart.

This is contradictory to the world. This is contradictory to how both my husband and I were raised, and how we began raising our oldest two children. However, God is good. God is amazingly merciful. God has truly transformed our minds so that we can live for Him. A new pattern is being set in our family. A multi-generational pattern. We thank the Lord every day for the renewing that has been going on in our household.

We trust Him for everything. We trust Him with our daughters. We trust that by following His word and His desires that He will see our daughters through.

People may not understand. People may not agree. However, we will only answer to One.

Here is a beautiful example of raising maidens of virture. Grab a tissue, you will need it!!