A Pinch of Classy: December 2013

Monday, December 30, 2013

The Joy of Motherhood

With my nephew

It seems to me that there is a problem with girls these days. In fact, I am sure of it. And if you look deep within you can see that problem, shining out. And it makes me sad. Of course there are many problems. But this problem has been one I've been dwelling on lately. What is this problem, you ask?

Children.

Actually, children aren't the problem. But they are what many girls claim as the root of the problem. Girls these days don't want kids. Some say, "I want a boy and a girl, maybe, but no others," but I find myself a little surprised at the amount of young people who don't want children... at all. When I hear this I feel a little sad inside, but rarely say anything because I don't want to upset anyone... or I don't know how to phrase it. Avoiding conflict is much easier than starting something that could jeopardize a friendship sometimes.

But truthfully, I am deeply disturbed by this recent trend in a single... or married without children life. It seems that people have lost sight of a truth that is revealed everywhere. The truth that shows that there is joy in motherhood. There is joy in being a parent.

Psalm 127:3

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Genesis 33:5

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.

Matthew 18:10

Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Psalm 113:9

He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

My niece kissing my nephew

As you can see by these scriptures, children are a great blessing. In the first scripture they are called a heritage of the Lord. They are part of His heritage. And they are also called His reward. Children are not a punishment, but a reward in the sight of the Lord!

In the second verse, Jacob refers to his children as gracious gifts from God.

In the third verse, Jesus warns not to despise children.

And in the final verse I listed, God shows that children will make a barren woman joyful.

Because children are a joy!

Since I was a young girl I've wanted to be a mother someday. And now that I have a niece and nephew to shower with hugs and kisses I realize how wonderful it would be. Of course, there is the responsibility. And children can be mischievous, and are hard work. But just as everything worthwhile in life, hard work is required. And it shouldn't be any other way.

There are many reasons girls don't want to have kids. I'll discuss a few. Many of these reasons come back to the root of selfishness, or what society has told our young people.

They don't want a child because of their body. Either they think it will hurt to have a baby, and so don't want to experience it, or they don't want to have to deal with their post baby body. But from what I've witnessed, and spoken with women who have given birth, it isn't half as bad as they make it out to be in movies.

They don't want a child to damage their chance at a career. But child rearing was the original career, wasn't it? It was what God designed women for. Not that you can't have a job and be a mother. Because lots of people do it.

They don't want a child because of the responsibility involved. See my earlier statement of work making things worthwhile.

And there are many other things people will say for their reason they don't want a child. But there is joy in motherhood. There's the joy of first kisses, snuggles, those drawings you can put on the fridge, and when they look at you and tell you they love you. The love of a child is one of the most extraordinary things God created. And if the Lord blesses me, I would love to experience the love of my own son or daughter one day.

But what do you think?

Thursday, December 26, 2013

What are you advertising?

Everyday you wake up, you walk to your closet and pull out some clothes, you put them on, you brush your teeth, you fix your hair and put on make-up. Everyday you prepare yourself to see others, but do you ever stop to think about how others see you?
Because the truth is this, "what you wear is your billboard". What do billboards do? They advertise. The people you pass by, the ones you meet briefly, and even the ones you see everyday will take note of what you wear and what they say about you.

Look in the mirror. What are you wearing and how are you wearing it? Is it flashy and flirty or is it flattering? Does your outfit simply follow a trend or is it tasteful? Does it look like the world or is it modest? And most importantly...what does it advertise?

My dad pointed out the other day that guys are visually driven. If too much skin is showing in certain places what does that advertise to the young men out there? My dad recently asked a similar question of a group of boys at school. He asked, "if you see a girl wearing pants with holes above the knee will you look?" The boys all said yes. He continued on, "when you look what will you see?" The obvious answer would be "skin", but most boys commented back with "more than she's actually showing." So my dad pressed on, "and if you saw the girl in the hallway would you look again?" The boys nodded yes. "Will you be looking at her face?" They shook their head no. "And what are your thoughts when you see a girl dressed immodestly?"...the answers were along the lines of "she's easy to get...she doesn't care."
After class a girl came forward and thanked my dad for pointing out that what you wear often determines what boys think of you. She then asked for a piece of tape so she could cover a hole in her jeans that showed the top of her thigh. She'd never thought about the popular style of ripped jeans as being immodest. She never thought that what she was wearing would advertise her as 'cheep'.

On another note I often see people coming in for work looking sloppy and rumpled. I'm not even their boss and the first thing I think is "this person isn't serious about their work." They're not advertising professionalism or responsibility.

What about when you see a young woman in Walmart dressed well? I'm not saying fancy or expensive, but modest and tastefully. Her hairs well kept and her makeup isn't over the top. The first thing I think is "well that's a respectable person." She advertises conservative idea's and demands respect.

The list goes on because it's true. What you wear determines how others look at you and it creates an advertisement. So what is it that your billboard is advertising?

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Shoes {Alyson's Thrift Corner}

I love shoes.

I will not deny it. You can get a lot of great deals. But, it is something you have to be careful of. Look at the shoes very carefully. If they look worn out, don’t get them. My family buys soccer shoes so we have to remember to buy certain sizes larger so they will fit when they are needed. If you have odd feet, I suggest you think twice about buying shoes from garage sales. Those shoes may already be shaped to their feet. In my case, I don’t really have to beware of this, but others might.

You can find a lot of different kinds of shoes. I have found high heels, sneakers, flats, and water shoes.

Friday, December 13, 2013

Fall Weather {Classy Garb}

Well I was supposed to post yesterday, but God has blessed up with the visit of very close friends that we haven't seen in several years. I think I was about to have a heart-attack all day and drove everyone crazy until we got to see them. It's just so nice to be around friends who are like minded. I think that was the first time in ages not having to explain why I was wearing a skirt. Anyhow, I managed to get pictures of what I wore yesterday. It's more of a fall outfit, but the weather has been beautiful.

In the background you can tell there's a thin layer of ice on the creek....and I almost fell in...twice.

This skirt is probably my favorite part this outfit. It's such a fun pattern with all the different greens and browns.

And sorry this isn't an in-depth post, but now I'm off to go spend more time with out friends!

Turtleneck: A hand-me-down.
Skirt: Another hand-me-down.
Jacket: Another, another hand-me-down.
Boots: Payless.

Monday, December 9, 2013

And It Came to Pass...

Hello everyone! I'm so sorry about my absence. Life has been crazy for this high school senior. I hope that all of you have been well! To kick off my first post in a long time, I've decided to do another Scripture Encouragement Monday!

With the day most Christians celebrate the birth of Christ quickly approaching, I think it would be nice to reflect on a verse or more talking about this momentous occasion.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ~ Luke 2:1-7

In these verses we learn about Jesus' earthly parents, Joseph and Mary. We see pretty quickly that Mary is heavy with child, but still they have to travel to Joseph's hometown, which is a pretty long journey for someone who is about to give birth, to pay taxes. They make it to the town, but soon after Mary goes into labor. The Inn keeper has no room for them, so they find themselves in a stable, where Mary gives birth, her baby's cradle turning out to be a manger.

What a thought! Jesus all through His ministry on earth showed great humbleness, and it was shown from the beginning when he was born in a humble stable, surrounded by animals. Jesus was the meekest man ever while he was on earth, and we should follow His example!

This is pretty short, but I hope it gives you a bit to think about. Next week, we'll continue further. Also, is there any sort of topic you would like to see discussed on APOC? Post it below, and we'll do what we can to cover it!!! :)

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Khloe Grace's Polyvore Creations

Hello:) I wanted to share with you all of the polyvore creations that I've made. Hopefully you can get some inspiration from these when you are making your own outfits.:)