Modest Is Hottest

The title says it all, really. Dressing modest is what is truly attractive. I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of clothes shopping anymore. It's such a difficult process especially when searching for a bathing suit. Having the latest fashion trends and wearing them out is a big thing. It makes you feel cooler like you belong, but these days as new fashion trends emerge, the less coverage there is. 

"Well, it's my body and I can wear what I want." FALSE. 

"Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself." 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our bodies our not our own. When we disrespect ourselves, we are disrespecting God. The fact that God gave us life is the one of the greatest gifts of all. Why would we want to turn around and disrespect Him by throwing ourselves away? That's like having someone spend all their money on you at Christmas and you disliking the gift so you threw it away. 

I'm not pretty or cool if I am not wearing the latest fashion trends. FALSE. Again.

1 Peter 3:3-4 (aka one of my favorite verses) says 3 Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. 4 You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

The way we carry ourselves and what we show on the inside is what makes us beautiful. God looks at what is on the inside. Unfourtanetly society today says if you aren't appealing on the outside, you're not pretty.. But let me tell you something YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL & GOD LOVES YOU SO MUCH. After all, who's approval are we trying to win over here? Gods approval or the worlds approval? 

One of the final and biggest reasons I choose to dress modestly is because the Bible itself says...

Romans 14:13

13 So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

Let's be real here ladies, boys struggle with lust just as everyone does. It is harder for them because of US. Because girls choose to dress immodestly. Don't you want your future husband to stay pure for you? Of course you do so why would you choose to dress in a way that is going to cause him to stumble? If we carried ourselves in a more modest way, staying pure would be easier for boys. 72% of boys said that modesty is important quality they want their future wife to have. 

You can still dress cute and own cute clothes while being modest. If you are ever unsure about an outfit, ask a parent or a friend. Most of the time, however, if you have to question yourself about a outfit, chances are it might be too immodest. 

You are beautiful and the way you carry yourself is important. :)

Now enjoy this cute video I found last night. :)

                           

Lead Me Where My Trust Is Without Borders

February has been such a hectic month. Balancing a new job, school work, and getting ready for Scholarship Day in 10 days can be quite time consuming, and overwhelming at times where I just want to say, "I quit. I'll go to a different college closer to home. No biggie." Where is the fun in that? I could be missing out on many opportunities. Some of you already know that I will not be able to attend Wesleyan in the fall unless I get the scholarship I am competing for. Throughout this whole process I have been trusting that God would open the doors He wants open and close the ones that are meant to be closed. I also pray that if He does decide to close the door that I will understand His reasoning and know that there is something better headed my way. I won't lie and say it has been easy because the closer February 22nd gets, the more stressed I get.

I wanted to share a verse I read the other day. 

Exodus 23:20 "See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you." 

When I read this verse the other day at work, I thought "Wow." I am not going through this crazy month alone. God is walking right beside me. Everything is already done. He knows how everything is going to turn out. He knows if I will get the scholarship, or if I won't. He will protect me no matter the circumstances. 

This scholarship requires a self drawn portrait. I have never picked up a pencil to draw, or have even had a art class my whole life. Imagine the shock when I started to draw and the picture turned out pretty decent. It is all God working through me. If I get this scholarship, it isn't because of my talent or because the drawing and photographs turned out beyond amazing. It will be because of God. I didn't get to where I am on my own. This is a overwhelming and exhausting process, but I am excited to see where this goes and where God is going to lead me. 

Check out this amazing song which I have had on repeat and will continue to have on repeat all month!

                        

How is God working through you? What are you trusting Him with these days? He longs for a relationship with YOU. Surrender all you have today to Him and see where it leads you. His plans for us are 10x better than the plans we make for ourselves. :)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Which seed are you?

13 Later that same day Jesus left the house and sat beside the lake. 2 A large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat there and taught as the people stood on the shore.3 He told many stories in the form of parables, such as this one: “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. 4 As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. 5 Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! 9 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

I don't know about yall, but the first time I ever read this I was confused. I didn't understand the point that Jesus was trying to get across to the crowd but I kept reading. 

18 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: 

Aha! Finally, an explanation! 

19 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. 20 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 21 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 22 The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. 23 The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” 

Which seed are you??

 Are you the one who doesn't understand it? SPEAK UP. Go to a youth pastor, or the pastor of your church. They will be more than glad to further explain and help you fully understand Gods word. I also would get a study bible too. I got one for Christmas and whenever there is a passage, I don't seem to understand there is a paragraph at the bottom that explains it for me. I read that, then read the passage again and think "Oh, I get it now." 

What if you are the seed on the rocky soil? You understand the message when you hear it, but it eventually rubs off and you forget about it. People often call it a "spiritual high." You tend to get it after a church retreat, and for a few weeks you are on fire for God, but eventually you get off the high and everything is back to normal. 

I went on a hike the other day and saw this picture of a tree. 

The tree did not last because its roots weren't deep enough. If you feel that roots aren't deep enough, spend time with God in prayer. Read your bible everyday. Last year I used the Jesus Calling devotional book, this year I am using the Duck Dynasty 365 Day Devotional. The more time you spend with God, the deeper your roots grow. Do these things now before you end up like that tree. :)

Are you the seed that fell in the thorns? When was the last time you trusted God with everything? We, even myself, tend to be little worry bugs from time to time. When I feel myself start to worry, I read this next verse over and over. 

Matthew 6:34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Worrying is a waste of all of our time. Do not let these earthly things get the best of you. God cares for you and wants us to give everything that is bothering us to Him. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares for you. :) 

If you are the seed that falls on the good soil, then good for you. Go out and share the good news with others! Witness to others. You can start a prayer group at school, a bible study with your friends where you meet once a week. Be a role model in your family, and friends lives. Make a difference in this world. We need more people like you! What are you waiting for?? :)

Don't feel discouraged if you are the seeds that fall on the wrong soil, or if your roots aren't deep enough because anyone can be the seed that falls on the good soil. We all start at the bottom. A relationship takes two people and God is waiting for you to build your relationship with Him so start today! Go go go! :)