Here is a quote from my daily devotions that “spoke” to me:

“Practically speaking, light shines most effectively through joyful lives. True, lasting joy comes from hope and peace found in a rich relationship with Jesus. Joy radiates from a sincere heart and illuminates our surrounding world, often with no words spoken.”

Joy doesn’t have much to do with stuff, feelings, others. We need to remember the true meaning of Joy :-) As with any relationship, we need to work at ours with Christ. The deeper into the relationship we are, I’m guessing we will have more joy!

Changes

I had a conversation this weekend with a lady I have known for about 25 years. We were talking about my wardrobe changes and wearing a headcovering. She asked a very good question and it made me want to share it and my response.

“What are you searching for?” “I am not searching for anything; I have already found it :-) A reason for the appearance change is that I am hoping to convey what/how I am on the inside [learning daily with help from the Holy Spirit] by my appearance on the outside."

As she has known me for many years, she wasn’t surprised or in disbelief over my answer or the changes I am making.

We had another conversation on the aspect of dating/remarriage. The Bible is firm on the stance that a man or woman may remarry if their spouse has passed away. Otherwise, it is adultery. I realize that many people (Christians included) don’t take this stance. I am intent on living my life for Christ and am not ‘looking’ for a spouse. The Lord knows what is best for me; I have been washed clean of my inequities and look to Him for guidance.

Spring?



March is here and spring is just around the corner! I am ready for sunshine even though I can say that our winter here in the Pacific Northwest was mild in comparison to past winters. I wonder what that will mean for the rest of our seasons this year…
My spring list includes planting my ground-cover in the front yard and building raised garden beds (with some help) and planting a garden this year. I am hoping to can some of my garden harvest to use through the winter (a first endeavor for me).
My small group Bible study has just started a new study on The Armor of God and Ephesians. It is an 8 week study and we just did week 1. This is a study that will help us be prepared on a daily basis to be out in the world and stay steadfast in our faith. I am so blessed to have a group of Christian women to meet with weekly. They help me stay accountable and encourage me on this journey of life.
“When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” Proverbs 16:7
If we are following the Lord, our actions are loving which are pleasing to Him. As disciples, we are called to love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

Modest Dressing at work

I have changed out my jeans and pants for skirts and dresses. I found some appropriate skirts for work at a second hand store.

The 1st day, the ladies in the office asked “What’s the occasion?” To which I replied I am starting to wear dresses, and that I used to wear them a lot more often. The 2nd day, the ladies said “I like your outfit today”. The 3rd day, my carpool driver asks “What’s up with the skirts, are you Amish now?” “I see you are wearing a scarf, too.” “I figured it was for Lent or something.” I replied that I am wearing skirts for modesty reasons and that it is very freeing; and the headcovering is for prayer reasons. She mentioned she may have a couple of skirts for me (as she only wears pants).

In my immediate work area, there is one older gentleman (with all of us gals). He chatted with me for a few minutes and noticed that I was not wearing pants but a skirt. He complemented me on my feminine/modest dress and said that there are so many crazy styles out there and he wishes more women dressed in skirts or dresses as they used to when he was younger (currently 70). I thanked him and said I believed more women were beginning to dress modestly again.

I think the awkwardness at work is over (for the most part) and I don’t think there will be any other places that I will feel uncomfortable in my new mode of dressing.

Skirts (and I’m sure dresses) are definitely more freeing and comfortable than pants. I also feel more feminine in them.

I received my new headcoverings and am very happy with the finished products from www.garlandsofgrace.com – so happy that I have ordered 2 more of one style which is the discreet one for work.

Our weather is still “winter-like” but I just wear my hiking boots to and from work as needed.

The Lord leads the way and we are to follow. I know that the way we dress doesn’t make us better Christians; yet, the way we dress is an action that gets judged by others. By my modest dress and actions, I hope to convey an appropriate Christian attitude to all who see me.

Modest Dressing and Headcovering Thoughts

I have been praying about wearing a headcovering. In the Bible, Paul is speaking to the church in Corinth to set away the doings of the world and be set apart. 1Cor. 11: 3-16 is clear about prayer and head covering:


3 But I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man,[a] and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved. 6 For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.

7 A man ought not to cover his head,[b] since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not come from woman, but woman from man; 9 neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 10 It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own[c] head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 12 For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. But everything comes from God.

13 Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, 15 but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering. 16 If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God.

I wore a bandanna all last weekend, although I haven’t worn it to work. I did order a couple of headcoverings and am waiting for them to arrive. I believe I will begin wearing them to work. They are a softer material than the bandannas I currently have at home. Of course, I will wear the bandannas as well for variety. I am convicted to wearing a headcovering at all times. As I grow in my faith and try to obey the scriptures in “praying unceasingly” this seems to be a natural progression.

My other prayer has been with a concern of modest dressing. Most of my clothing I would consider as modest. However, the more I read about Christian modesty, the more I am inclined to wearing skirts and dresses. Tight shirts and jeans accentuate a person’s curves. Is it right to flaunt your form in public; is that being a modest Christian woman? Modest doesn’t have to be frumpy. Of course, I feel frumpy while I am overweight. Gee, another reason to continue exercising :-)

I am at peace with my decision to wear a headcovering.  I am still waiting about the modest dress issues.

Daylight

This year is off to a great start. I have my health, family, friends, church family and am praising the Lord for all of them!
My small group (Bible study) is beginning a short study of Forgiveness tomorrow. I have glanced at it and am eager to begin.
My mother and I (and maybe a sister) are going to start crafting together one night a week. We have been ‘talking’ about it for a good year now and are following through with action :-)
I woke this morning to a sheet of ice for my road – yikes. However, the main roads were fine. Walking from my car to work was a challenge! “Baby steps” and looking for snow to walk in helped.
As I left work the other night, I was pleasantly surprised to see the sunset ~ we are on the “upswing” for daylight. Yahoo!!

BRRRR, It's cold outside

It has been downright chilly the last few days here in the Pacific Northwest. I’m sure there are other regions with even colder temps. Our highs are in the low 20s with our lows as single digits or in the teens.

I am continuing to do my daily workouts (yay) and have some satisfaction in seeing those cute little stickers on my calendar :-)

My church has a Women’s ministry group that hosts events for the women of the church. Tomorrow is one such event – a women’s breakfast. My small group is going along with my (married) daughter. It should be a wonderful fellowship event!

I am excited to see how the year 2013 unfolds for me. I am sure there will be hardships and joyful events throughout. I do know that God is good and He will provide and care for me. Praises!!