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?

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.

 

His Love

Hello everyone, I'd planned for today's post to be a product review, but that's not going to happen. Instead I'm going to share a song that's become a favorite over the past few weeks. Its a beautiful and soulful song sang by Phil King, who does a wonderful job of reminding us just how much Jesus loves us. His complete and unfailing love is so hard for us to comprehend because its so deep and indescribable. He loves us despite our flaws, our failures, our moments of falling out of fellowship with Him.

I knew that I was loved

Just didn't know how much

Until You came

And showed me more

I'll never know the depth

That You are capable of loving me

Oh, I'll never know

How much You love

How can I measure

How much You love

I'll never know

I knew that I had grace

Just didn't know hoe much

Until You came

And changed my heart

I'll never know the depth

That You are capable of gracing me

Oh, I'll never know

How much You love

How can I measure

How much You love

I'll never know 

I'll never know how much You love me

I'll never know how much You love me

I'll never know how much You love me

Aren't the words just beautiful? Every time I hear this song I have to pause for a moment and meditate on the love of Jesus Christ.
 

 

Praying for Your Future Husband {Part Two}

Alrighty, so here is part two of Praying for Your Future Husband. If you want to read another one of my long ramblings you can find the first part here. If not, then here's a little recap...

Several months back I began seriously praying for my future husband. I didn't pray for God to lead me to the right man (well, I do still pray that but its not what this post is about.). Instead my prayer become one specifically for my future husband. First, that God would help keep him physically, mentally, and spiritually pure. Second, that God would plant in his heart a desire to be a strong spiritual leader. And third, that he would rely on the Holy Word to guide his path. Since I've started praying daily for my future husband I've been lead through scripture to pray for more things. I've made a list of 10 prayers with scripture to share with you today.

1. A prayer that he will love and cherish me as Christ loves the church.
"Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." ~Ephesians 5:25

2. A prayer that he will search out the treasures of the Word, and meditate and carry out the Lord's commandments. 

"Blessed in the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." ~Psalms 1:1-2

3. A prayer that he will be surrounded by friends with a mutual love for and desire to serve Christ. 

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." ~ I John 1:7
Alright, this one might require a little but of explanation. I myself have struggled with not having friends who wished to follow Christ until just recently. Those previous friendships affected me in a negative way. I found myself drifting away from God and closer to the world. Having brothers and sisters in Christ to 'walk' with is a huge blessing.

4. A prayer that he will be a man of prayer.
"I will therefor that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" ~ 1 Timothy 2:8

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." ~ Ephesians 6:18  


5. A prayer that the Lord will protect his physical and spiritual purity.
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above what ye are able; but will with the temptation make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 

6. A prayer that he will be spiritually mature, a strong leader, and stand firm for the truths of God's Word.

"Finally bretheren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the full armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, be against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." ~ Ephesians 6:10-12

7. A prayer that he will have a genuine love for our Savior

"And Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." ~Matthew 22:37 

8. A prayer that the Lord will help prepare him to be a strong provider, husband, and leader. 

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." ~ 1 Timothy 5:8
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with might...." Ecclesiastes 9:10 

9. A prayer that he will walk in humility, wisdom, and righteousness with the Lord. 

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sewn in peace of them that make peace." ~James 3:17 

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accused your good conversation in Christ." ~ 1 Peter 3:15-16

"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility." ~ Proverbs 15:33  

10. A prayer of salvation.

"Do not be unequally yolked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" ~ 2 Corinthians 6:14 

As I said previously, praying for your future husband is a huge blessing. First, it brings you closer to Christ and I've found my prayer life has become stronger. If your desire is to honor, love, and serve Christ then he will bring you to the person who join you in those efforts. If you center that future relationship on Christ then later on He will be the center of that marriage and home. A relationship build on Jesus is one that will last. Start building that foundation now through prayer.



 Secondly, in the past few months I've been given a peace of mind knowing God has set aside a special person for me. Through prayer he's become more than a figment of my imagination and dreams of the future. You're future husband is alive and real. He is out there in the world, living his life right at this very second. Is he saved? Is he struggling to serve Christ? We don't know. But we do know that the Lord hears our prayers.

Dating and Princesses {Ramblings and Book Review}

Lately my mom and I have been talking more about relationships and marriage.  This is my last year being home schooled, meaning next year I'll be packing up and moving to a Christian University. I'm very excited to start taking my first steps into my adult live. Still, its a scary thought especially since these next few years will probably be the last years I spend as a single girl. (Which is also a little bit exciting, but only a little! ) Chances are in the next five years I will meet the man that will one day become my husband.  Which brings us back to the first statement.  Relationships and marriage.

Those two words have been mangled by modern society.  Relationships aren't meaningful anymore. Many marriages aren't either.  Everyone wonders why people who seemed 'perfect' together 'broke-up' or why a seemingly 'happy' couple has divorced.  These sad events aren't random they are the product of bad habits, bad choices, and ungodly attitudes.

Dating is one of the most common factors in these failed marriages and relationships. Dating opens up the door for those bad habits, bad choices, and ungodly attitudes. Lets take a look at the modern definition and meaning of 'dating'.

"The modern day battlefield of romance where hearts are won and broken, the not-quite so version of chivalry and wooing, an interview for a lover; the lay down some time-and money and see if you get some candy routine; the progressed game of cat-and-mouse;  playing baseball for a home run."Here is the top definition that came up when I began to search for how we define dating. Clearly dating is neither biblical nor a good way to build a lasting relationship. Dating often strikes up relationships with complete strangers, skipping the step of friendship. Dating doesn't typically wait for marriage before a couple enters into an intimate relationship. Dating doesn't mean long term, its a game, a way to not be 'alone' even if the person you're 'with' is only out for his/hers own personal desires. Dating doesn't require commitment or honesty. Dating doesn't work.

One thing that really gets to me is that kids 'date'.  I have had four-year-old kids tell me about their boyfriend or girlfriend and how they hold hands during recess. Even worse is that the 'relationships' are encouraged by their parents. I often hear them make comments such as, "he's such a little player, he can never decide which girl will be his girlfriend for the day, its just too cute." or "she's such a little lady, all the boys are after her, and she keeps them guessing."  Excuse me, but no that sort of attitude is not okay or even 'cute' when it comes to little kids. Children should not have any sort of romantic relationship with another child, even if it is 'cute'. When a flippant attitude on relationships is encouraged during childhood why be surprised when the same attitude is still present during adulthood?

When kids are being brought up, bouncing from one person to the next, then the same thing will happen in marriage. Dating typically doesn't take relationships seriously, and if they do than usually the relationship is far to intimate. The point of forming a relationship with someone is to find your future husband or wife. This means kids and even those in high school don't need to be dating or in a relationship. Why expose yourself to unnecessary temptations and damaging emotions when you aren't even ready to get married?  Being in a relationship at a young age is damaging to your future relationships and marriage.

On the other side of the coin we find courtship. Lets see what people are saying  about courtship.

 "Courtship is the period in a couple's relationship which precedes their engagement and marriage, or establishment of an agreed relationship of a more enduring kind. During courtship, a couple get to know each other and decide if there will be an engagement or other such agreement. A courtship may be an informal and private matter between two people or may be a public affair, or a formal arrangement with family approval. Traditionally, in the case of a formal engagement, it has been perceived that it is the role of a male to actively "court" or "woo" a female, thus encouraging her to understand him and her receptiveness to a proposal of marriage"

 Here we find relationships holding the purpose of finding the person you will marry, which is why a relationship should be formed in the first place.  A courtship is watched over carefully and often focused around the family.  It may be kept quiet among the two families or announced in public. This allows two people usually in their late teens-single adult years to know each other better.  First comes friendship, preferably two or more years, and if the attraction is mutual the young man will go to the father as ask permission to court his daughter. In doing so the two young people are showing a commitment to each other. However, courtship holds physical boundaries. If you're intimate with someone you've just volunteered to ride an emotional roller-coaster. Things such as holding hands, kissing, and hugging muddle your senses. You're worried you will do something wrong, you're wondering how to say something 'sexy', and you're driven to complement others and lavish them with sweet nothings. Save it for marriage, please. Unlike dating where everything is fair game, courtship lays out rules, helping to keep a relationship pure, just the way God intended it to be.

Okay, well that turned out a lot longer than I thought it would be. I tend to ramble and not ever stop. Anyhow, since I've mentioned kids and the way dating affects their attitudes towards relationships I've got a book here I want to share with ya'll.

The Princess and the Kiss- By Jennie Bishop 

Yes, yes, yes. I know this looks like a little kid fairy-tale. It is and that is why this is such a wonderful book!

The Princess and the Kiss is a story about a young princess who is given a very precious gift from God- her very first kiss. Her parents keep that first kiss safe until the young princess is all gown up, when they present it to her the princess decides she will save it for the one special man God intended for her. The story follows her many suitors who come to court her. Charming young men, romantic poets, not to mention brave and daring knights come to offer their riches and display their wealth to the princess. Yet the princess is not impressed by the gems and sweet words. She longs for a Man of God- a humble man who will cherish her precious gift more than anything. One day a simple farmer asks for an audience with the princess. He first comes before the King and Queen, explaining his presence.  They are greatly impressed with  his quiet and gentile manor and allow him to speak with the princess. Humbly he explains to her that he has no riches, that he is not as strong or hansom as other men, that the only thing he can offer is a gift. The gift was a special gift- his very first kiss....

The story is beautiful as are the illustrations, but best of all is the moral behind the story. Wait, pray, and follow God. He will bring you to the person he intended you to be with. This is the perfect book to share with a little sister, niece, or even a someone you babysit. In a wold full of lies and misconceptions we all  need to be reminded of how precious relationship are.

If you want to find out more about The Princess and the Kiss or Jennie Bishops other books you can find them here.

Pretty Patterns {Classy Garb}

Okay, so personally I find my denim skirts tend to fade quickly.  I also tend to get annoyed and the thwapping (that’s seriously what it sounds like, right?) noise that most all of my long jean skirts make.  Meaning if I wear denim its going to be either jeans or capris. But I LOVE my skirts. They’re so comfy and feminine, not to mention modest (as long as they’re long of course).

So, not really caring for denim skirts caused a bit of a predicament, until I started finding long skirts made out of different materials. I love the pops of color and fun prints they can add to an outfit, which is why I’ve taken pictures of four of my favorite ‘patterned’ outfits to share with you today. 

Greens and Blues

Okay first I want to say this is my favorite skirt ever. The poor thing gets worn at least twice a week.  All the colors and patters makes it so easy to mix with different shirts and styles. Plus it looks really cool when you walk because of the layers. It reminds me of waves on the ocean because it’s a sort of rippling effect. Actually, the whole shirt reminds me of the ocean with all the varying shades of greens and blues.

One of my favorite shirts to wear with it as you can see has horses on it. I'm not big on mixing patterns, but the colors and hues go too well not to pair them. The sandals add to the western feel of the shirt with their faux turquoise accents, which are rather hard to see because of the skirt. -sigh-

Skirt: Coldwater Creek (who said the store was for grandmas?!) 

Shirt: Roper’s (last time I checked they had it on their online store) 

Shoes: JC Penny’s (I got them on the summer clearance sell for $5!)  

Paisley Hues
 

This skirt is my second favorite. The pattern is fun, but conservative which makes it my top go-to dress for church. Usually I wear it with a matching blue shirt, but my kitten tore a hole in it and the things still sitting on my sewing table waiting to get stitched up. 

Also sorry there's not another picture. My sister and I were in a bit of a rush so she snapped this picture and we left. Hence my awkward posing. 

Skirt: CATO’s 

Shirt: Walmart (because I can’t seem to keep white shirts clean for long, so I don’t like paying for expensive ones) 

Shoes: Payless 

Burst of Blue:

I will admit that when a friend first gave me this skirt I thought the pattern might be to much. After awhile it grew on me though. It’s perfect for the 4th of July because the pattern reminds me a little bit like fireworks. The material is also sort of like a t-shirt (but it's not just cotton) so it's perfect for the summer when things are hot and humid. The length also makes it nice for warm weather because its higher part of my shin, but still covers my knees. Which is a must because with this Texas wind (which I think the devil uses sometimes) will try to blow your skirt up, but that can't happen when its long (take that devil)!

Okay so awkward shoe picture, but at least you can see them. The bows are so sweet and the heel is perfect size for me because I'm a bit accident prone.

Skirt: Not sure. It doesn’t have a tag. 

Shirt: Walmart (like I said white is not white with me) 

Shoes: Payless 

Mint for You

(By the why this is my Narnia light-post, just so you know) 

Definitely one of my outfits with a more vintage feel. It’s perfect for anytime of the year. In the spring it looks great with a cardigan and short sleeve. For the summer it’s light and airy. When fall comes I can layer it with sweaters. And when the snow is piling up I can slip on a pair of black boots and a warm jacket.
  

Ah, the shoes! They're what makes the whole outfit, right? These would have to be my favorite shoes in my closet though. The kitten heels are darling and they're just perfected with the lace and bows.

Here's a close up of the pattern since it's too small to see in the other pictures.

Skirt: Homemade (I think it was even a homemade pattern.)

Shirt: New York and Company. (A little low-cut, but a camisole fixes it) 

Shoes: Payless (and once again these are my favorite shoes ever) 

Well that’s it. Please ignore my awkwardness in photos. I like snapping them not being in them. Hope you enjoyed and God bless!

Beautiful Things

I was planning on doing this as a Classy Garb post.  Obviously it’s not.  Actually I just got back from a wonderful week at church camp and felt the urge to share some of what I learned with all you classy ladies.
 

                 First of all let me say the week was a huge blessing.  How nice is it to just get away from the world and all it's temptations?  I don’t know about you, but that fact alone makes it the ideal time to renew and strengthen my walk with the Lord. To top it all off we are surrounded by the awesome creation of God. 

   Isn't it beautiful? 

                Since we were ‘roughing’ it by tent camping, packing in our own food (and some even tried to attempt catching dinner while fishing…they didn’t catch much), and basically ‘living off’ the land for the week our camp ‘theme’ was Finding God through His Creation.  Pretty good theme, huh? 

                Think about it.  When I’m surrounded by the world and its influences I tend to lose sight of God and become weary in my walk with Him.  Is it the same for you?  On the other hand when I’m in the middle of mountains, camped beside a stream, getting to wake up every morning to a meadow covered in flowers the first thought that comes to mind is “Wow, God is amazing.”

 The view in front of the tent I shared with two other girls. 

                Throughout the week we were constantly reminded of the awe inspiring wonders God made for us to enjoy.  In our lessons we let God “Rock Our World” by studying David and Goliath with the emphasis on the five stones.  With God’s help we can ‘topple’ our own giants, so we each found our own special stone to remind us that God is always there for us.  Each stone was different, just like each person, but God created and loves us all.   

                

                We also experienced the might and power of God through thunderstorms, lighting, hail, and rain.  Thankfully God protected us from flash flooding, although most of the tents and quiet and bit of bedding and clothing were soaked.  

Actually, it rained more than anything.

                But to me all the rain was worth it.  Seeing a thunderstorm like that in the mountains is a completely differed view than you get in the city or on the flatlands.  The clouds hang so low and the thunder echoes through the canyon.  

  

                Most important however, was the realization that God makes beautiful things, the flowers, the creek, the mountains, the stars that shine so bright in the clear mountain air.  But greatest of all is you.  You are a beautiful creation of God. 

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17 

Well, I hope you enjoyed my ramblings and I hope that sometime today you take the time to look at God through His creation. You never know what you might find. 

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Hello everyone, let me first say how excited I am to be writing for A Pinch of Classy.  I’m Sierra Kay (or just Sierra if you wish) and I am the seventeen-year-old homeschooled daughter of a pastor, eldest of three girls, an avid reader of classics, aspiring author, amateur musician, and an addicted horseback rider. Well, that just about sums me up in one long run on sentence. 

                                           

Since this is my first post I want to go ahead and talk about modesty. I don’t want to talk about what modesty is, but instead why we find modesty to be so important. Just what is this ‘why’ about?  That’s exactly what I’m going to tell you.    

   With each new generation modesty seems to become even more and more rare.  I've even found that the older I get the more people question my choices of dress, friends, and actions. They always seem to be asking me why. 

“Why, do you dress like that?”…”do your parents make you?”…”why don’t you act like other teens?”…”are you some kind of religious nut?”…and on it goes. You’ve all been there right? If not, one day you probably will be.  

See, in our day and age modestly sticks out among the low cut shirts, short dresses, and sagging pants. People seem to take notice of the girls who wear tasteful clothing. Clothing that doesn't seem to show every inch of their body as possible. They take notice of the clean cut boys who understand what a belt was originally designed for. Our actions are often compared to the majority of teens in America who party and spend their time involved in endless high school drama. Now, some of people will look at these young adults who aren't conforming to the world and think ‘these are respectful, conservative, trust worth kids’ whereas others will look and say ‘how old fashioned and backwards!’  

  Now you might be asking where this is all going. What does this have to do with the ‘why’? 

You see, because of the fact that modesty in dress, actions, and words have become so rare in America they’re noticed more than immodesty.  Sad isn't it? However, this can be used as a way to reach people. Others are curious about why we don’t just go with the flow.  This is the reason we should ask ourselves why. Is it only because its what our parents say is right? This isn't a bad thing of course.  I’m thankful every day that my parents have set high standards for me in all aspects of life.  Is modesty only important because your pastor, religion, or Christianity says so? Once again this isn't a bad thing. Christians should challenge others to me modest.  But should either of these be your foundation for modesty?  If you think the answer is no then good thinking!

Your ‘why’ should be that you are a beloved daughter or son of the King of Kings! Jesus Christ died and shed his blood on the cross for our sins.  So shouldn't we strive to honor and glorify Him in everything that we do? 

In John 14:15 it says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 

Isn't modesty a commandment? 

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” –I Timothy 2:9 

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” –I Corinthians 6: 19-20 

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” – I Peter 3: 3-4 

These are all verses which talk about Jesus Christ being your ‘why’.  As daughters of the King we are supposed to be a mirror image.  In Christ Jesus we are made a new man.  So should you only be modest to please others or to praise the God who has fearfully and wonderfully made you? Ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly. That way the next time someone asks you the ‘why’ question you will have an answer that will show them the awesome power of Jesus.
 

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  - Psalms 139:14