Together In Unity - Scripture Sunday...

Lake at Mount Gretna, PA

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

 Psalm 133:1

While this may sound like an easy scripture to follow... 

I recognize that it can be difficult at times.

Hopefully we are truly showing honor to one another

 and treating each other with love and respect.  

But when we interpret scripture differently and each feel that

 'our view' is the right one - that's when it can get sticky. 

May God give us grace in these times too.  Let us keep studying 

and have humble hearts to hear God's truth on any given subject.  

And may we each do whatever His Spirit and Word teach us to do.

(His Spirit will never contradict His Word.)

Always Seeking...  ~Joyce

 

Another Headcovering Testimony...

Today I discovered the sweet blog of  Nikka.  She is from the Philippines 

and she practices head covering in accordance with I Cor. 11.

She started covering for church services only. 

(actually - she is a born-again Catholic - so it is Mass for her.)

But now she wears scarves and bandanas all through out the week. 

 I just love her sweet obedience and her changed heart of being

more submissive and respectful to her husband.  

Go read all about how she grew in this area on her Why I Cover My Head post.

From Immodest Maxi Dress to Modest Maxi Skirt...

One of my finds on my recent thrifting trip was a knit fabric maxi dress.  

It was the sleeveless - elastic across the bust kind.  But the colors were wonderful.  In fact, as I walked around the store with it hanging on my shoulder - 

several people commented that those were 'good colors' for me.  

So for $5 - home it came.  I figured I could transform it into a skirt.

Step 1 - cut off the elastic top.

 Step 2 - lay another maxi skirt, that fits, on top for a length estimate... 

 chop some more off the top of the non-elastic skirt portion.

 Step 3 - sew a large running stitch all the way around the top 

of the non elastic skirt portion.  

(tip - I sewed 2 running stitches - one between each side seam.  This made it easier to work with.)  

Pull the back thread of the running stitch to gather the fabric 

till it fits into the elastic portion.  Stitch together - 

with skirt inside out and right sides together.

 Step 4 - The elastic portion was just too deep for my waist - 

so I sewed it in half.  

(folded it down and sewed it onto the seam where the elastic portion meets the bottom part.) 

A new upcycled maxi skirt for me!  In great colors!

  (Sorry - the colors in this photo are very off...

nighttime indoor photography at its finest.)

Head Covering Christian Women Hit the Streets...

I just spent 2 days with some wonderful friends and Godly ladies.  

We were on a mission - a bargain hunting mission.  In other words - 

for 2 days we hit thrift and discount stores looking for treasures.  

But we had a 2nd equal and important mission...

and that was to represent Jesus everywhere we went.  

We did find great stuff...

a lot of stuff...

 And we had sweet times of sharing and fellowship around the Word...

But when we hit the streets... I was intrigued with how folks 

were drawn to us.  (not necessarily evident in these photos.) 

People seemed to love to chat with us.  It was our prayer 

that we would shine the light of Jesus where ever we went,

through everyday living and shopping. 

It was a joy to talk with strangers and feel their excitement in encountering us.  

We were not anything special - just 17 ladies with smiles and 

joy on our faces - dressing modestly and wearing head coverings.  

But you could feel Jesus join our journey and I trust He was glorified.

Don't be afraid to be 'different'... it may be just what someone is longing for!

 

 To view more  - check out the post on my other blog.

A New Free Online Headcovering Booklet...

I recently became aware of a blogger who just made an ebook available.  

Entitled - 'Why I Started Covering My Hair' - it's all about 

her reasons and thoughts on her headcovering journey.  

She jotted them all down so that in the face of temptation 

and difficult questions - she could refer to them 

and have the words she needs.  Good idea! 

A unique aspect to this book is the comparison Renee makes between us...

and Satan.  Yes, you read that right.   Renee tells us

 that when we are unwilling to cover our heads - 

we are modeling the very acts of Satan...acts which resulted in his fall.  

Oh my - that's pretty serious stuff!

This book is jam packed with hard hitting truths and

doesn't pull any punches.

 It's definitely worth your read.
(click on the black words in this post)

Free Online Headcovering Femininity Magazine...

Did you know there is a beautiful Christian bi-monthly 

color magazine that features headcovering girls?
I didn't either and I'm in  love!

 You can subscribe to the paper version...

 or read the digital version for free.  

Head over to the Daughters of Promise website 

and see for yourself how awesome this venture is.  

The target group seems to be teens to young moms - 

but I'm 'old' - and much of it speaks to me too!
 
(You'll also find super cute modest outfits, girl-stuff and great articles about following Jesus in real life.)

Below is the 2014 March/April issue.

 

Let me know what you think!

(This is not a paid advertisement - I don't even know the gals involved.)

Scripture Sunday - Now Is the Day...

I often assume that my readers have already given their hearts and lives to Jesus.

Since my blog topics are related to obeying Jesus and his Word - the result of our salvation.  

But perhaps that is not the case for you.  

If not - I invite you today... to choose Jesus over this world.  

The result is life abundant in this life - and eternity in heaven in the next.   

It's truly a life worth living - not easy to be sure - but oh so worth it!
Won't you let this day - be your day - of salvation!

Modest Warm Spring Outfit...

It's been a while since I did a modest outfit - so why not?  

This is me from yesterday... church and an

 anniversary party for my mother-in-law in the afternoon.
The weather turned cold again - so my challenge was to 

look Springy and be warm at the same time.

 So let's see what we have here...

Brown tiered skirt - Thrifted

Pink turtleneck shirt - can't remember

Brown shoes - Thrifted (yes - really!)

Brown trouser socks - can't remember

Beige shirt worn underneath for warmth - Old Navy

Cream lace vest - Thrifted

Cream and rosy reds scarf - Cracker Barrel - (Birthday gift to myself - 60% off!)

See a common denominator there?  

I'm a thrifty gal from a way back!

 I turned a significant number over the weekend - it may show a bit. :)  

Ahh well - l'm gonna enjoy life anyway.

I highly recommend shopping Cracker Barrel's 60% off displays.  

I'm not one for tying my scarves like everyone else...
 I flip 'em and knot 'em and do all sorts of contortions
with 'em till I'm OK with the result. Weird I know.

But a new (and NOT thrifted scarf) for $7.20 works for me!

Linking to Modest Monday

Following Christ or Other Christians...

A sweet headcovering shop - Joyce's Coverings and Veils  

had this graphic posted on their facebook page today...

After a sleepless night of wrestling with varying thoughts 

along this line - I felt it was a little message from heaven just for me.  

It's not a new thought - but oh how I need reminded.  

Being like Christ means following His commands, His words 
(hint - they're in the Word), and having a mindset and attitude 
that does not spill out of our flesh.

Being like other Christians may well mean we'll miss some 
of the above... don't want that.

So today - again - I resolve to pick up and let go...
and let God lead me, guide me and not worry about what other 
Christians are doing.  It may be OK - it may not be -
but I need to be following Christ.  Period!

Praise Jesus - His mercies are new every morning ~ Joyce

Modesty Without Hypocrisy...

There was an interesting statement made in the morning's sermon...

Conduct without character = hypocrisy

Character without conduct = disobedience

Scripture puts it this way...

...Faith without works is dead.  James 2:20

You will know them by their fruits.  Matthew 7:16 & 20

We can outwardly appear righteous to men but inwardly be 

full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 

 Matthew 23:28

Dressing modestly and wearing a headcovering are things we do 

'outwardly'.  But dear sisters - anyone can do them.

  They do not make our 'faith' - nor do they mean we have good character.  

Rather - they need to be the result of our faith and be part 

of the evidence of our obedient and Christ-centered character.  

Likewise - when we have wonderful things to say for the Lord
to whomever we meet - even with much joy and grace - 
but our appearance does not at all line up with His Word - 
we cast doubt on the name of Jesus by our disobedience.
It's like saying I love Him, but not enough to obey Him.  It flaws our testimony.

It's a true challenge to juggle it all.  Most of us tend to err on 

one side or the other.  How do we keep it all in check?  

By seeking the Lord's face daily and letting Him be the Lord 

of our days & ways.  (That mean He leads.... we follow!)  

It also is critical to maintain a humble walk before God and others.  

It's hard to admit our wrongs.  But when we repent and resolve 

with Christ's help to again walk in a manner worthy of a

new life in Him - what blessed testimonies we can be.

 

Jesus has not asked anything of us that He has not faced himself...

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,

 but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrew 4:15

Lord - help our witness be true - from the inside to out.  Amen!

I struggle too! I would love to hear your stories of victory  ~Joyce

Linking to Modest Monday

Another Sweet Headcovering Testimony...

Let me introduce you to Farm School Marm and her Cowboy...

(aren't they cute?)

Her blog is full of good things - anything from recipes to 'farm'schooling'.

According to her profile - she's all about breaking out the box.  

"The box I'm breaking out of is the one in which Christians 

look very much like non-Christians in their choices about family life, 

career planning, family planning, vacation planning,

 retirement planning, and caring for their elderly parents."

She's been taking God and His Word seriously.

  Recently she posted about her somewhat new practice 

related to a particular 1 Cor. 11 passage (you know the one!).  

Her summary is pretty simple.... 

Who:  "[A]ll who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." (1 Corinthians 1:2)
"Every woman...Every man..."  (1 Corinthians 11:4 - 5)

What: Men are to uncover their heads while praying and prophesying while women are to cover their heads while engaged in those functions.

When & Where:  Any time or place that praying or prophesying are taking place.

Why:  According to Paul, these practices are part of God's plan for us because of:
The headship order designated by God.  (1 Corinthians 11:3)
The creation order enacted by God.  (1 Corinthians 11:8-9)
"The Angels."  (1 Corinthians 11:10)

Go check out her whole post and more of her conclusions here.  

I love it when Christians simply read, study and obey.  

Imagine how Jesus must love it! 

Would that were me too - more often in more areas.

Stay diligent my friends.... ~Joyce

Standing Alone - A Great Thing For God...

Many of us want to do something great for God.
  There is much concern and effort put into trying to discover God's plan 
for our lives.  But this past week it occurred to me...

...what if the great thing God has for me to do is to simply be obedient 
to His Word?  What if my wearing a headcovering and dressing modestly 
is my great testimony for Him?  I was reminded of three certain 
young men from Israel and a big firey furnace. 
You know what they did for God?   They stood up (literally)!  
Among the whole assembly- they were the only three who obeyed.  
And they were willing to do so even if it cost them their lives!!  
This 'little incident' is the only thing we read about them in scripture.  
It was how they made God famous.  

I know many of you stand alone in your family, communities and church.  
I can relate to some degree... and it hurts, terribly.
  But the Christian life is not about us - it's about Jesus.  
And if He asks us to do something - can we be ready to do it - no matter what?
I trust that with God's help - the answer is 'yes'!

Standing with you.... ~Joyce

Scripture Sunday - The Heavens Declare...

Taken on the way home from church today

We're enjoying all the snow we're getting this year.

  The Psalms tell us that nature itself declares that there is a God.  

He is a God that desires our worship.   

He wants to be involved in the most intimate details of our lives. 

Let us say with the Psalmist...

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Psalms 19:14

An Awesome Headcovering Teaching...

This morning I was blessed to have some time to listen  

to this sermon on the teaching of headcovering.  

It is the first message on the page the link will direct you to.
(If you have trouble opening it - try clicking on the download link on the right hand side.)

from WengerMinistries.org

Good stuff and answers every strong argument I have ever heard 

against headcovering - in one sense or another.

Let me know if you listen to it and still have questions.  

May the Lord give us willing hearts to obey Him this day ~Joyce

A Modest Wedding...

We attended a beautiful wedding this past weekend.

  I loved everything about it.  But I for sure wanted to show you the 

bride's modest wedding gown.  It was handmade, simple and gorgeous!

This wedding was not outrageously extravagant - 
but loveliness was everywhere (just perfect!) ...

The Lord bless you my friends...

To see more of this lovely wedding... visit the post at my other blog - Quilted Nest Antiques.

Changing For Jesus...

I am currently reading a book that you may find encouraging 

on your modesty and headcovering journey....

'From Street Lights to Stars' is the true story of Becky McGurrin.  

Raised catholic - she was greatly influenced at a

 young age by a simple but sobering poem...

If Jesus came to your House

If Jesus came to your house
To spend some time with you,
If He came unexpected,
I wonder what you’d do.

Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room
To such an honored guest
And all the food you’d give to Him
Would be the very best.

And you would keep assuring Him
You’re glad to have Him there–
That serving Him in your home
Is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming,
Would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome
To your heavenly visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes
Before you let Him in
Or hide some magazines
And put the Bible where they’d been

Would you hide your worldly music
and put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right
in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder – if the Saviour
spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing, the
things you always do?

Would you go right on saying, the
things you always say?
Or would life for you continue
as it does from day to day?

Would you take Jesus with you
everywhere you go?
Or would you maybe change your
plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him
meet your closest friends?
Or would you hope they stay away,
until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him
stay forever on and on?
Or would you sigh with great
relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know,
the things that you would do,
If Jesus came in person, to spend
some time with you.

This led to her making changes in her heart and lifestyle - 

even wardrobe changes.  She, her husband and family 

moved to Virginia to be among others who believed

 and practiced similar things.  

In 1998 - she and some friends were visiting the

 White House when a gunman opened fire.  She tells of the 

protection - related to her new headcovering - that she felt 

as she hid behind a pillar in the direct line of fire.

  (The pillar was glazed by a bullet.) 

She also talks about how she relates to her old friends - 
 a challenge for most of us at times.

You can find the book here and here and here.

  Incidentally - that 2nd link?  She and her husband

 work for that company writing 

homeschool curriculum and more.

Be Blessed ~ Joyce 

Disobedience, Sin, Headcovering and Modesty...

We can conclude many things as it relates to how we view our bibles.

  I've heard for example that 'we all sin - and sin is sin so who are you

 to judge me?'   Or 'I don't see not wearing a head covering as a 

sin issue - it's what's in my heart that counts.'   To these 

types of comments I say 'Really?  What makes something a sin?'

Isn't sin when I go against God?  Isn't sin me trying to do it my way

 instead of God's way?  Isn't 'disobedience' a sin?  

In I John 3 there are some sobering words...

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.

 For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 

that he might destroy the works of the devil.

 

Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him:

 and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

I did not say these words - God did!    Yes,  God. 

To put it another way or as I've heard already - to act

 against God's ways is to align myself with Satan.  

Ouch!   

There are only 2 ways... and my way isn't a 3rd way - it's Satan's way.  

I don't want to align myself with the devil.

I can't say for sure if these verses are referring to a

 continual practice of sin - or committing a single sin.  

To be conservative we'll say they for sure mean living in a practice 

or continuation of sin.  If we choose to not obey or 'see' a scripture 

or do it our way instead of God's - we are living in a continual state 

of sin called disobedience.  That's pretty serious.

   Friends - God has called us to some simple commands

that relate to our attire... simple - but I realize not easy.  

Neither is it easy to forgive or love our enemies - but all of the 

'the church' agrees God has commanded these hard heart things.

Let us also submit to His teachings to wear modest apparel and 

cover our heads when we pray and prophesy.  

I don't want to be 'of the devil'... and I'm sure you don't either.

And if there's any question regarding if God calls disobedience sin - see
Rom. 5:19; Eph. 2:2, 5:6; Col. 3:6; Heb. 4:6,11

Have courage - obedience is a beautiful thing!

~Joyce

 

A Just Discovered Modest Clothing Web Shop...

I know there a number of websites selling modest clothing 

now - and I say 'yeah'!   But some of them get kinda pricey.  

Today I discovered New Creation Women's Apparel.  

I must say I'm impressed.

I'm eyeing up this skirt...)

They have long skirts, long half slips and long maternity skirts!  

(A few cute jackets and tops too.)

Go check them out.  (Not a paid advertisement.) 

A 'Wow' Modesty Video...

Months ago I came across a modesty video.

   But I dismissed it because it was/is Catholic based.  

(I love all and don't wish to offend but there are some things in the
 Catholic faith that I cannot support biblically and believe to be in error.)  

A few days ago - I watched said video.  And yes, 

there are Catholic references that I cannot support - 

but the modesty stuff?  Wow!  Double Wow.  

If even a quarter of Christianity would choose to walk 

the way the folks in this video are walking - 

what a different and more God honoring world this would be.  

So have a watch and see if you're not challenged.  I was/am!

If you were challenged - I'd love to hear about it!

Skirt to Pants....

Have you seen these Macabi skirts?  They convert to 

pants or long shorts in short order.  They were created by 

an outdoor enthusiast who was wishing to be culturally 

sensitive to a region she was visiting.   

They're not as expensive as you might think for a 'specialty' 

clothing piece.  And there is a close-out section.  

I just think they're kinda fun... and a good modesty option.  

(Again - not a paid post folks - just passing it along...)

May 2014 find us pleasing our Father!  ~Joyce