Waiting

His steady brown eyes look into hers with so much love as he carefully pours the new wine into the cup and drinks from it before handing it to her.  She looks up at him knowing that this decision will effect the rest of her life and his.  The covenant has been read and she can choose to reject or accept his proposal.  She takes the cup, smiles and drinks.  The room erupts in applause as the covenant is now agreed to and the man and woman legally married or betrothed.

The man goes away to make a home for his new bride and she waits in anticipation, not knowing when he will return and take her away with him.

This is the way Jewish marriages began in history.  Yeshua repeatedly compared His relationship to us with that of a bridegroom and his bride.  Like the Jewish bride who had to be ready at a moment's notice when her bridegroom arrived, we must be always looking forward to the day when our

Bridegroom will return for us.  We ought to remind ourselves to never do anything that we would not be happy to be doing when He does return and we are at last united with Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, the King of kings and Lord of lords!

 

 

Introduction to Garage Sales & Hand-Me-Downs {Alyson's Thrift Corner}

Hi, my name is Alyson. I write over at www.alysonschroll.blogspot.com. Growing up in a very large family, I got very used to wearing hand-me-downs and garage sale clothes. As I have gotten older, finding clothes that fit, are modest, and are ones that I like has gotten harder and harder. I have learned many tips from my experiences.

Many people do not like the idea of wearing hand-me-downs downs or garage sale clothes. One thing that I have learned is that you cannot tell when someone wears discount clothes. When you wear clothes that you paid little or nothing for, you don’t get a label put on your back. Do not think that you have to spend top dollar for good clothes. I have found that many adults become jealous when they find out that my bag or shoes cost so little.

Through these posts that I will be doing, I will talk about tips that I have learned, how to accept/reject hand-me-downs, how to shop for an outfit, and how to mix and match for any occasion.

Top 5 tips for Garage Sale-ing:

 

1.  Ask for prices BEFORE you go through clothes.

If you think the clothes might fit you, ask how much they cost. If you are not willing to pay that much, you walk away and you don’t waste your time. Even if there is a sign, double check. It can never hurt to ask if they will work a deal if you buy a lot. (This is more of something you do if you are shopping for a large family)

2.  Hold it up.

There is no fitting room when you garage sale, so hold it up. See if the bottom and sleeves are going to be long enough. You can even get an idea for how the neck line will lie. This will not give you the best picture, but you can usually tell whether it’s worth a chance or not.

3. Give it a chance.

If you find a piece of clothing that you specifically need, be willing to buy it and then not be able to wear it. It is cheap to begin with so it is okay if you get something and then get home only to find that it doesn’t fit.

4.  Know when to walk away.

Some people have garage sales because they just want to get rid of stuff. I have even met people that just want enough money to go out to dinner that night. But, other people have garage sales because they want to get as much money back for their purchase. You will even find people in the middle. Know when people are not going to knock down their prices and when it is best to walk away.

 

5. Think: Outfits

I do a lot of my garage saleing in chunks. We go to a lot of town yard sales where there are many on a single street. You can go to a store and buy an outfit by going to different sections, and you can do the same thing when you hit different houses. Think about how different pieces of clothing can fit together with others that you have bought.

 

Be on the look-out next month for Alyson's 2nd post on garage sale finds and hand-me-downs!

 

What Is "Lady-Like"?

 

 Checking APOC mail in my inbox, I found a note from a young lady requesting help on knowing what "becoming a lady"is.  Here is what she said:

 

 

Dear A Pinch Of Classy,
After about a year of struggling with it and living on the border, I've decided it's time for me to become a lady. What do you suppose that entails? I've worn skirts for a long time, and my casual is the same as my Sunday clothes, so my dress style I don't think needs to change. For me, it has so far meant running up stairs one step at a time as opposed to two, and not wrestling with my brothers (though I still race them). I think I'm missing something, though. If you would please pray about it and post a reply, I'd be most appreciative. I'll pray about it too.
Sincerely, A New-found Lady  

 

 

Well, New-Found Lady, first of all, that is an excellent question!  I am glad to hear you want to become a lady and want to know how to carry yourself like one.

 

For centuries women have strived to be "lady-like".  Only until the last 50 years in particular has this striving deteriorated greatly from society. 

 

Whenever I hear the term lady-like, I tend to automatically associate it with being classy, and possessing a sense of modesty. I think these three go hand in hand with each other perfectly.

 

So what does it mean to be a "lady?" What does it mean to be "lady-like?"

 

The 1828 Webster's dictionary describes the word lady in this manner.

 

LA'DY, n. "A woman of distinction. Originally, the title of lady was given to the daughters of earls and others in higher rank, but by custom, the title belongs to any woman of genteel education."

 

LA'DY-LIKE, a. "Like a lady in manners; genteel; well-bred."

 

What does genteel mean? From the same 1828 Webster's dictionary:

 

GENTEE'L, a. 1. "Polite; well-bred; easy and graceful in manners or behavior..." 2., "Graceful in mein or form; elegant..." 3. "Decorous; refined; free from anything low or vulgar..."

 

I think genteel sums up "lady-like" pretty well.  A true lady is in essence, a true woman. Feminine, graceful, never given to partaking in anything crass, crude or vulgar.  Refined. Thoughtful of others.

 

You asked how one can become a lady, and what this entails.

 

I am speaking from my own personal opinion when I say that being lady-like is far more than just carrying yourself like a queen and never laughing at rude jokes.

 

You said that you have worn skirts for a long time and don't think your outfit choices are what need changing.

Quite honestly, I personally do not believe skirts automatically define you as a lady. I have seen young women who wear long skirts and act like childish little girls instead of true ladies. I have been one of those young women, myself. 

 

 If you would like to become a lady than you need not focus overly on your clothes because that is not the core of what being a lady is. Yes, your choice of apparel has everything to do with the topic, but it is not what is most important.

And for the record, I think pants (as long as they are modest) are totally fine and that you can still be a lady in pants. (Even though I have always felt classier and more lady-like in skirts and dresses, personally.)

 

 You also said that "For me, it has so far meant running up stairs one step at a time as opposed to two, and not wrestling with my brothers (though I still race them)."

 

As a sister to 4 younger brothers, I can completely relate with you here. *smiles* In fact, a couple months ago even I wrestled with the eldest one who is 13. I used to wrestle and fight him pretty frequently, but now I have generally stopped wrestling with Will because, obviously, it isn't very appropriate given the ages we are both at currently, with him going through puberty, especially.
However, we still box sometimes and chase each other around the house doing poke wars.

I don't think that being lady-like means you can't ever do anything physical. Actually I greatly detest that line of thinking because...well, honestly, it's no fun! If you are still in your childhood/teen hood/in a situation where you can still run around with your siblings, than I would highly suggest you take advantage of it while it's still there. It is a gift, and as you grow up, it will eventually be gone.

Now, when I jump on the trampoline with my brothers, I make sure that I wear something adequate. Pants and a shirt which don't fly up revealingly, or a skirt with something underneath it. When I run, I follow the same rule. (You can get other ideas for what to wear while doing these kind of activities here)

So, in conclusion to whether or not you should run two steps at a time down the stairs or wrestle with your brothers, and how this affects your being a lady; I would say that depending on you and your brothers' ages, the wrestling probably isn't very lady-like. If you are in your early teens, or your brothers are much younger than you, than it might be alright. (Depending on what you wear and how rough you get!) But if you are like me, a 17 year old girl, and your brother is like mine, entering puberty, I would advise against it.

The stairs-issue? I'll admit that I still do the double-step thing sometimes. ;) Once again it totally depends on where you are and who you're with, as well as what you're wearing.

Being a lady can range from how you sit on the couch to how you walk, and how you carry a conversation. It really goes hand in hand, as I said earlier, with being modest and classy.

Want to act like a lady? Never do anything you wouldn't think is appropriate or becoming for someone your age and gender. Hold your head highly but don't look down your nose at people.
Stand up straight, and don't slouch. I have been told that I looked regal when I did this. (Even though obviously I don't do things just to be told I looked 'regal'!)

Ladies speak with purpose and clarity.

Ladies think of others before themselves, and strive to be selfless and generous with their time, possessions and abilities.

These are just a few things which I believe come with being a lady. As I said, it is a very subjective matter. While there are certain absolutes, e.g., ladies never flirt or wear clothing which flaunts their bodies, ssometimes, what might be good for one person is totally wrong for another, and vice versa.

My mother is a true lady. I have learned so much from her, and I'm sure you can probably do the same with your own mother or even grandmother. Look around you for examples of being truly-ladylike.


If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask! I hope this helped you and was encouraging to you. I would definitely suggest to continue praying about it.

I pray constantly that God would help me to flourish into a Godly, on-fire-for-Him woman. A real woman. I think this is a very important thing to strive for, even far above being "lady-like", because lady-like is more of a surface issue and being a Godly woman is more internal, a matter of the heart.


Hope you're having a blessed day!

Judging Others

 Today, I'm going to write something that I have to be a bit careful about. I don't want to offend anyone, but this is something we were talking about today. As Christian girls, modesty is important, but so is having a good spirit. Sometimes, we might have the tendency to look down on people for what they wear.

 The Bible tells us to be modest, and there are varied opinions on what is modest. There is also something called personal convictions. This is when a person feels that the Lord is wanting them to dress a certain way. At least as far as clothing goes. Personal convictions can translate to many things. If someone is doing something, wearing something, the Bible doesn't tell us not too, that we would not do, that is our personal conviction.

 For example, some people believe skirts should go to the ankles, or mid calf. I feel comfortable if a skirt is below my knees. Some people only believe in wearing skirts, while others think jeans are okay, as long as they aren't too tight, and showing off your body. Clothing is a tricky thing. I believe everything should be modest, but we have to careful not to start viewing other people as less of a Christian then we are because their skirt is a few inches shorter or something of the sort.

 The most important thing to remember is this: No matter how a person is dressed, they are a soul in need of love. How can we show Christ to anyone if we're looking down on them all the time?

 This is a spiritual thing that I encourage every girl to pray about. It IS important that we not wear anything that would displease God, so we should pray without ceasing to see what His will is for this. But we can't let clothing become the most important thing to us, because in the end, if a person gets to the place they need to be with God, the clothing will fall in line with Him as well.

 We should seek the Lord to have good spirits, that we might be a blessing and encouragement to everyone we meet, no matter how they dress. I still believe in modesty, but some things may be modest without lining up with our personal convictions. We can't confuse conviction with commandment. So let's just be an encouragement to everyone.

 I hope you've all had a wonderful day! God bless! :)

 

Something Of An Obsession

I am rather obsessed with polka dots. Honestly, there is nearly nothing so timelessly classy as polka dots. This post is going to be more photos than text, simply because I think polka dots are so lovely and inspirational... that I want to spread that inspiration around. :-)

Every girl should have at least one polka dot gown in their closet! Mine is made of blue denim and is sort of 40s style.

Me in my polka dot dress! I love it.

So very classy!

 

I love huge polka dots!

 

Yellow polka dots.

 

Deliciously polka dotty shoes.

 

I need this hat.

 

Beautifully polka dotted shoes.

 

Lovely spotted hat!

 

The polka dots really just add to this already lovely photo.

 

Closely set dots.

 

Asymmetrical polka dots!

 

Dotted nails.

 

Polka dot hairpieces are always lovely.

 

Possibly my favorite pair of shoes that I have ever seen.

 

 

My favorite polka dot dress photo. :-D

And there you have it! Now, go get yourself some polka dots!

If you would like to follow along with my continuing obsession with polka dots, you can check out my Pinterest board here! http://pinterest.com/joannamarieart/my-polka-dot-obsession/

Tunics

Okay, so today I just remembered that today was my day to post, so I came up with this on the fly.  Forgive me if it's too blunt.

Now, my sister Anna recently got some new clothes, and they look great on her!  She's always had trouble with her shirts coming up, so we found this at the store.

 

 

 I think it's kind of hard to see her in this picture.  Here's one with her inside.

 

 

 I hope that's easier to see.  The tunic is long, so whenever she does anything it stays down.  It's a really great way to stay modest.

 

 The neck line of this shirt is really pretty.

  

 

These shoes go nicely with the outfit, being brown.

The shirt and pants she got at Wal-mart.

We've had the shoes forever, and I have no idea where we got them.

So, I got through my post.  I hope you all liked it!

 

 

A Solution To Modest & Fun Exercising

For those of you out there that are all into exercising, going to the gym, and running a thousand miles a day while trying to stay modest at the same time, you have probably felt the pressure of todays athletic culture beginning to irritate you....shorts, skin tight pants, and tank top shirts to name a few. Obviously, it is quite a feat to run a couple (OK, I’ve stopped exaggerating!) miles a day in a skirt that seems to constantly be getting in your way....but what other choice do we have.....its either conform or be courageous by dealing with it. 

 My family has had to deal with the same questions and problems, especially since some of my younger sisters are extremely into athletics. At first it was not a big problem for us since we just exercised around our house, but when we began to attend the local gym we realized that things were going to have to change. First, we started out in some stretchy capri type things that fell down every time you jumped. (Don’t worry. We found that out at home first!) Then, my creative sister found some patterns for “Gauchos”. After spending several days helping my sister sew each of us girls a pair, we were thrilled to have a modest and comfortable, not to mention pretty, solution to modest, effective exercising. On our first day of wearing them to the gym we received tons of compliments on how gorgeous and comfortable they looked....and we still continue to receive compliments on them wherever we go. 

I found a small article on the internet about Gauchos that also explains them very well. "Gaucho pants are loose-fitting pants typically worn by women and girls. They appeal to many people because of their loose fit and versatile nature. They can be casually worn for everyday wear but also dressed up with matching accessories for a more formal occasion. One of the appeals of gaucho pants is that they are a cross between pants and a skirt and, therefore, are feminine without the restrictions of wearing a skirt." 

1 Corinthians 6:20 says: “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” My family and I have realized that when we wear clothes that draw undo attention to us, this leads people away from God honoring thoughts. To us, it was worth spending the time in order to make something that would honor God and help others do the same, than to conform to the world and draw the ungodly attention to ourselves. 

So if there are any of you out there who are all into exercising, going to the gym, and running a thousand miles a day while trying to stay modest at the same time.....Our family recommends Gauchos! 

 Here are some pictures of my sisters in their Gauchos at the gym:

I hope all y'all classy girls have a amazingly blessed day today! Oh! Happy March 1st!