Finding joy in the everyday

Part 7: What am I going to wear to work? In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing (1 Timothy 2:9) Whether at home, visiting friends, going to a party or going off to work — we need to wear clothes that reflect our Christian life. This post is as relevant to a stay-at-home mum to one that works.  As Christian working women we must not ignore the fact that the clothes we wear contribute to the impression others have of us. If we wear revealing clothes, short skirts, tight outfits etc.. and at the same time call ourselves Christian, what message are we sending our workmates. Something very confusing.  We are carrying the reputation of Jesus Christ with us, so it is important that our personal appearance never hinders our witness. Whilst it is important to be smartly dressed at work   (or if we are going off to church) we need to make ...

Christian women are often shocked and surprised at the level of immodesty in society today. No one should be surprised, in fact it is completely expected and its important to understand why.  Here is one modern view: Women choose their wardrobe based off of varying factors, including but not limited to: functionality, mobility, comfort, pattern, fabric, visual appeal (in the form of cut, style, and appearance on one's body), trends, emotional state, mental state, sexual appetite, and iconic influence. All of these aspects are okay, because they are all facets of who we are has humans. To assume we are all walking around in short shorts because we are seeking your attention is absolutely absurd. I wear short shorts in spite of external attention, because I enjoy the feeling of sunshine on my legs and the flexibility that they afford me in my active lifestyle. I don't appreciate the prying eyes, and as I am polite enough to refrain from overtly ogling the bulge your bi...

What one woman sees as modest may not be modest for someone else. I think all three outfits below are modest. There is no plunging neck lines, the skirts are to the knee and each outfit is very feminine and pretty. However for some Christians, their definition of modesty is different and would only include outfits that are much longer or perhaps to the ankle.  This is far more suitable for some women (all from Shabby Apple) — each outfit is long, the shoulders are well covered, the necklines are high and once again, they are very feminine.  I like all these outfits and they are certainly very modest to wear.  Other women prefer to wear clothes that are very traditional in style and do not follow modern trends. And there are those who love to reproduce outfits that are common from the pioneer or Victoria era.  This makes women confused or uncertain about the definition of  "modesty" and what it means.  Sometimes it can feel that you haven...

Source: Hello magazine As you look through these photos from recent newspapers what is the first thing that strikes you about them ? MODESTY Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (in cream), Princess Mary of Denmark (in orange) and the Sophie, Countess of Wessex (in blue) are all out at Royal Ascot (the annual horse racing event in Britain) a few days ago and the first thing that hit me was their outfits.  Here are all three modern women in modern outfits that are ALL modest.  The lengths of the dresses are below the knee, the necklines are high and cuts of the dresses are elegant.  Don't they all look feminine and pretty. Their make up is minimal, so to their jewellery. They are all wearing their hair up and it looks  beautiful and sophisiticated.  We too can dress elegantly, modern and feminine and still remain modest in our entire. 

In modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing (1 Timothy 2:9) There is a funny idea that dressing modesty is to dress frumpy and looking unattractive, to remove any "womanly" features so to avoid any form of sexuality. Modesty has nothing to do with being dowdy.  When one dresses modestly it simply means covering up so others don't have to see plunging necklines, lots of leg and flesh — to not dress in a manner than will attract the attention of men and cause them to lust. It has nothing to do with looking ugly and plain and it doesn't mean you can't wear colour or lace, modern designs or something very pretty.  This series of photos are of the Duchess of Cambridge on her recent tour of India — she has made modest look beautiful, elegant, graceful and feminine. Her hair is beautifully (but simply) done and her jewellery is also very tasteful (not tacky).  Notice the hemline, it is now ...

Feminine and pretty . . . here are some recent photos of Australian born Princess Mary (in the long blue skirt and white blouse) and her family (including the Queen of Denmark and her husband). Each year the Royal family gather together to celebrate summer and have photos taken, this is they 2015 photos.  Princess Mary is looks so feminine and beautiful in her navy and white outfit. Whilst we aren't princesses, we can still dress like this and look modest, modern and beautiful. Her white blouse isn't see-through and the lace makes it look lovely and pretty. The jewellery really does add something to her outfit without being over-the-top or too showy. Her hair is beautiful done, simple and neat. This is the look we can all achieve and it looks great. Even her young daughters (Princesses Isabella and Josephine) are dressed in pretty dresses that are age suitable.  And I love the little dogs as well!!! ****

Source: Pinterest Below is a letter that I found in "Letters to the Editor" of a local newspaper - I thought was worth sharing. It gives insight into why many younger women dress the way they do.  " Wearing a short skirt makes me happy, excited, sensual and daring.  I don't wear a short skirt to impress you, to attract you, or to arouse you.  It is not about you.  I don't mind if you glance at me. I understand that the sight of an attractive young woman in a short skirt is a source of joy and pleasure for both males and females. If I make you happy, then yeah! But do not ever presume that it is OK to stare, call out, follow or harass me. I repeat, it is not about you. I reserve the right to dress how I choose (within the bounds of decency)."   ( LINK ) Its all about me . I consider myself very important and I don't care about anyone else. I don't care if I upset others, cause them to lust or cause discomfort or di...

Source: me I was waiting in line to purchase some items in the department store Target.  Target had kindly put up a TV on the wall so we had something to watch as we wait - that is, if you enjoy advertisements. Previous advertisements have included baby wear, Manchester, latest fashions and the like. Today's though had me thinking  . . . how times have changed. Today's advertisement involved 6 or so women (they all looked like mums) in their 30s parading around in bras and undies. That is to say, pretty much naked.  This advertisement played over and over again for the entire time I waited (on a large TV screen). It was probably the "ad of the day".  We are so use to seeing almost naked women, that this advertisement didn't raise any eyebrows as no-one really cared or even noticed.  It wasn't a tasteless ad by any means, but that still doesn't hide the fact that we are so use to see semi-naked women that these ads are now completely acceptable to...

source I know I have covered this topic before, but I am (still) staggered and amazed by what young women are wearing today (how far girls are willing to push the boundaries). Someone needs to tell them that the skin-tight miniskirts they are choosing to wear reveal everything to anyone walking behind them. I walked behind one young woman (about 20) on the way to the theatre on Saturday night and not only was I able to see the outline of her underwear, her backside was as visible as if she wasn’t wearing anything as the skirt was so skin-tight.  Her young friend was wearing a (very) short lightweight summer dress, sadly she was overweight and from the back it was also far too revealing and ill suited to her figure. I am sure these girls think they look lovely, but don’t they realise how much they are revealing to all and sundry. Only the other day there was an article in the newspaper ( link ) by Bettina Arndt (excuss the language used) : . . . so many women now feel...