The modesty issue is a touchy topic. However, immodesty is still a widespread problem, probably more so than ever. Yes, it is even a problem among Christians and in churches.
I'm so glad Mr. Mahaney was bold enough to give this sermon. I think more pastors should be preaching this message to their congregation. It is very distracting and difficult for men and boys to focus on worshiping the Lord at church when they keep seeing tightly-clad or seductively dressed girls/women on stage (part of worship team) or in front of them or next to them. Unfortunately, some pastors are too afraid to confront their congregation with this issue because they don't want to offend the female members and lose them.
Sisters in Christ, if you really love and care about your brothers in Christ, you would try your best to dress modestly and not cause them to stumble. It is a real battle for them. You need to ask yourself whether what you put on brings honor to God or brings attention to yourself/your body/your body parts (that are supposed to be kept private). Modesty is beautiful. When you dress provocatively, you look cheap and leave no mystery. Godly men would not be looking for those kinds of women. What kind of man are you (single women) trying to attract? If you're already married, your husband should be the only man who sees all your curves and cleavage....not the whole world. Do everything, including how you dress, for the glory of God! Look in the mirror and imagine Jesus standing next to you...would He approve of your outfit (regarding modesty, not price or style)? He always sees you. Your beauty should shine from within; don't let your clothes prevent others from seeing that. True beauty is when through your life/living…Jesus’s light shines brightly. True beauty is when your words, attitudes, and actions please God and glorify Him. Being beautiful in God’s sight is truly beautiful!
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31: 30
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." 1 Peter 3:3-4
"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature." Romans 13:14
Parents, grandparents, husbands, youth pastors, and pastors, please do speak up and help the girls and women in your lives not become stumbling blocks to men.
P.S. Whether they are believers or non-believers, we are to love them with Christ's love. If they are believers, you may exhort them with grace and gentleness. If they are non-believers, you can't expect them to want to please & glorify God or to understand what I mentioned above. Their hearts need to be transformed first. Another thing I want to mention is modesty should be practiced by both men and women. The video addresses only women from men's perspective and my post focuses on that.
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
FIRST Wild Card Tour: 31 Days to a Younger You by Arlene Pellicane
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2011)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Arlene Pellicane is an author, speaker, and formerly served as the associate producer for Turning Point Television with Dr. David Jeremiah. Her audiobook and website Losing Weight After Baby has helped many moms achieve their physical and personal goals. Arlene and her family make their home in southern California.Please visit the author's website.
SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Arlene Pellicane offers readers a solution to looking younger and feeling younger in just 31 days. Women of all ages will benefit from Arlene’s beauty and health tips, along with her Biblical encouragement to “grow more beautiful from the inside out.”
Product Details:
List Price: $11.99
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (January 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0736929037
ISBN-13: 978-0736929035
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Back to First Grade
If you could go back in time, would you?
Most of us would pass because we remember the pain of puberty, high-school breakups, and dreadful first jobs. But what about those carefree kindergarten days when every morning brought a new chance to play?
My parents were born and raised in Indonesia, and they immigrated to New York before I was born. Shoveling snow was getting to my father, so when I was six, my family moved from New York to California. I tested out of first grade and began my new school as a second grader. Most people never knew I was younger than the other kids because I was tall.
Now that I have children, I wonder if there’s anything I missed by skipping first grade. First graders learn about addition and subtraction of whole numbers. They become masters of the alphabet, learning all the sounds and reading easy books. They are learning basic fundamentals and having lots of fun in the process.
Is it possible to learn the fundamentals of anything and have fun in the process? Sure, just look at little kids. Their eyes sparkle when shown a new object. They giggle with delight over simple stories. The word fundamental actually begins with fun. Have you ever looked at that word in that way? One definition of fundamental is “relating to the foundation or base, forming or serving as an essential component of a system or structure, or something that is an essential or necessary part of a system or object.” As you were reading that definition, you probably weren’t thinking, Wow, that sounds exciting!
Practicing fundamentals may seem tedious, boring, and laborious. But therein lies one secret to looking and feeling younger: injecting fun into the fundamentals.
Can We Read the Bible, Please?
My kindergartener, Ethan, loves to read his Bible. He comes into my room in the morning asking, “Mommy, can you read me a story from the Bible?” His Bible is written as a children’s storybook with colorful illustrations and animated characters. Whether the story is “David and Goliath” or “Jesus Feeds Thousands,” Ethan’s attention is sharply fixed on each page. After one story has ended, he wants another, then another.
I sometimes wish I had this same kind of hunger and enthusiasm when I approach my Bible. I’d like to read it with fresh eyes like my son’s. Instead of knowing how things turn out, what if I read a story about Jesus and wondered, What’s going to happen? Is Jesus really going to walk on water? How did He do that?
If you’re not careful, Bible study can become a chore, something to check off a “to-do” list and nothing more. Anyone can become numb to the miraculous stories and truths found in God’s Word. After sharing a parable in Mark 7, Jesus says to His closest followers, “Are you so dull?” (Mark 7:18). Even the disciples who walked with Jesus experienced times of spiritual blindness.
Reading the Bible is a fundamental component to living your best life, yet so many people have forgotten the fun—the life—that’s found in studying God’s Word. So how do you put the fun back into the fundamentals of Bible study?
Pray first. Before you begin reading, take a moment to ask God to help you comprehend and apply what you read, that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Personalize it. When you read an Old Testament story, put yourself in the picture. What if you instead of Daniel were thrown inside the lion’s den? How would you feel when the morning came and you were still alive? You can also insert your name into a passage: “[Mary] be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Put it into practice. If you love to play basketball, it’s enjoyable to watch a game on television but not nearly as fun as suiting up and playing yourself. Likewise, you can sit on the sidelines, observing the truths found in the Bible. But until you put what you read into practice, you’re not fully realizing the positive power of God’s Word in your life. Take a passage of Scripture and ask God how to apply it to your life.
Here’s a beauty tip that illustrates what reading the Bible will do for you. To give your makeup a firm base, splash your face with cold water before applying makeup. This helps shrink pores temporarily and helps makeup glide on seamlessly.
When you read your Bible, it’s like splashing cold, refreshing water on your face. It cleanses your life of imperfections. It shrinks not your pores but your problems. It gives you fresh energy for the day. When you apply makeup, it helps your outward appearance. But applying God’s Word dramatically improves your inward appearance where true beauty begins.
I may be too old to sit in a first-grade classroom, but I’m young enough at heart to have fun doing the fundamentals, and so are you.
Thought for Rejuvenation
Think back to a time when Bible study was especially meaningful to you. Maybe you were studying a particular book, using a study guide, or looking for answers during a difficult time of life. What were you doing that worked well?
Act of eXpression
Do something today to make your Bible study come alive. Here are a few ideas:
Read the Bible with a notepad. Write your thoughts about a few passages and how they apply to your life.
Pray a few Scriptures out loud, inserting your name when appropriate.
Listen to an audio Bible on CD or your computer.
Take your Bible to a quiet place outside and read in a different environment than usual.
If you could go back in time, would you?
Most of us would pass because we remember the pain of puberty, high-school breakups, and dreadful first jobs. But what about those carefree kindergarten days when every morning brought a new chance to play?
My parents were born and raised in Indonesia, and they immigrated to New York before I was born. Shoveling snow was getting to my father, so when I was six, my family moved from New York to California. I tested out of first grade and began my new school as a second grader. Most people never knew I was younger than the other kids because I was tall.
Now that I have children, I wonder if there’s anything I missed by skipping first grade. First graders learn about addition and subtraction of whole numbers. They become masters of the alphabet, learning all the sounds and reading easy books. They are learning basic fundamentals and having lots of fun in the process.
Is it possible to learn the fundamentals of anything and have fun in the process? Sure, just look at little kids. Their eyes sparkle when shown a new object. They giggle with delight over simple stories. The word fundamental actually begins with fun. Have you ever looked at that word in that way? One definition of fundamental is “relating to the foundation or base, forming or serving as an essential component of a system or structure, or something that is an essential or necessary part of a system or object.” As you were reading that definition, you probably weren’t thinking, Wow, that sounds exciting!
Practicing fundamentals may seem tedious, boring, and laborious. But therein lies one secret to looking and feeling younger: injecting fun into the fundamentals.
Can We Read the Bible, Please?
My kindergartener, Ethan, loves to read his Bible. He comes into my room in the morning asking, “Mommy, can you read me a story from the Bible?” His Bible is written as a children’s storybook with colorful illustrations and animated characters. Whether the story is “David and Goliath” or “Jesus Feeds Thousands,” Ethan’s attention is sharply fixed on each page. After one story has ended, he wants another, then another.
I sometimes wish I had this same kind of hunger and enthusiasm when I approach my Bible. I’d like to read it with fresh eyes like my son’s. Instead of knowing how things turn out, what if I read a story about Jesus and wondered, What’s going to happen? Is Jesus really going to walk on water? How did He do that?
If you’re not careful, Bible study can become a chore, something to check off a “to-do” list and nothing more. Anyone can become numb to the miraculous stories and truths found in God’s Word. After sharing a parable in Mark 7, Jesus says to His closest followers, “Are you so dull?” (Mark 7:18). Even the disciples who walked with Jesus experienced times of spiritual blindness.
Reading the Bible is a fundamental component to living your best life, yet so many people have forgotten the fun—the life—that’s found in studying God’s Word. So how do you put the fun back into the fundamentals of Bible study?
Pray first. Before you begin reading, take a moment to ask God to help you comprehend and apply what you read, that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Personalize it. When you read an Old Testament story, put yourself in the picture. What if you instead of Daniel were thrown inside the lion’s den? How would you feel when the morning came and you were still alive? You can also insert your name into a passage: “[Mary] be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Put it into practice. If you love to play basketball, it’s enjoyable to watch a game on television but not nearly as fun as suiting up and playing yourself. Likewise, you can sit on the sidelines, observing the truths found in the Bible. But until you put what you read into practice, you’re not fully realizing the positive power of God’s Word in your life. Take a passage of Scripture and ask God how to apply it to your life.
Here’s a beauty tip that illustrates what reading the Bible will do for you. To give your makeup a firm base, splash your face with cold water before applying makeup. This helps shrink pores temporarily and helps makeup glide on seamlessly.
When you read your Bible, it’s like splashing cold, refreshing water on your face. It cleanses your life of imperfections. It shrinks not your pores but your problems. It gives you fresh energy for the day. When you apply makeup, it helps your outward appearance. But applying God’s Word dramatically improves your inward appearance where true beauty begins.
I may be too old to sit in a first-grade classroom, but I’m young enough at heart to have fun doing the fundamentals, and so are you.
Thought for Rejuvenation
Think back to a time when Bible study was especially meaningful to you. Maybe you were studying a particular book, using a study guide, or looking for answers during a difficult time of life. What were you doing that worked well?
Act of eXpression
Do something today to make your Bible study come alive. Here are a few ideas:
Read the Bible with a notepad. Write your thoughts about a few passages and how they apply to your life.
Pray a few Scriptures out loud, inserting your name when appropriate.
Listen to an audio Bible on CD or your computer.
Take your Bible to a quiet place outside and read in a different environment than usual.
Review: Don't most people (adults) like to look younger and feel younger :)? Arlene Pellicane's book, 31 Days to a Younger You, aims to help women accomplish that goal without surgery or diets. She offers practical advice, health & beauty tips, and encouragement to help readers embrace a younger, healthier lifestyle. I was somewhat surprised to see her still talk about plastic surgery and Botox as options, though discouraged. The book is divided in three sections: Your Personal Rx for the Heart, Your Personal Rx for the Mind, and Your Personal Rx for the Body. The author reminds us not to just take care of our body and outside appearance, but also our mind and heart (spirit). The beauty within is always more important. Looking younger shouldn't be our main goal in life. Remember: "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." (Proverbs 31:30) Are you ready to take a 31-day journey to improve yourself and boost your energy? By the way, Arlene is pro-dark chocolate...my kind of woman :).
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
FIRST Wild Card Tour: The Skin You're In: Discovering True Beauty
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
Today's Wild Card author is:
and the book:
The Skin You’re In: Discovering True Beauty
Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Nancy Rue has written over 100 books for girls, is the editor of the Faithgirlz Bible, and is a popular speaker and radio guest with her expertise in tween and teen issues. She and husband Jim have raised a daughter of their own and now live in Tennessee.
Visit the author's website.
Product Details:
List Price: $7.99
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 9, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310719992
ISBN-13: 978-0310719991
Press the browse button to view the first chapter:
Review:
This book is written for girls who are becoming women. Girls (10 and up) will probably enjoy this book and find it useful. It covers beauty tips for the outside and inside. It talks about taking care of our skin, hair (wherever it grows), and nails. More topics such as clothes and what some see as “beauty bummers” (glasses, braces, etc.) are also included. It ties quite a few things in with the Bible and shares verses. Thankfully, the author acknowledges that true beauty is impossible unless we’re beautiful on the inside. My word of caution would be: don’t become overwhelmed. Personally, I felt there was a bit too much focus on this list of things to do to keep yourself beautiful. Washing your hands and face is great, of course. But don’t become obsessed with keeping your nails nicely filed :). Focus more on your character and blessing others. I think there is a tendency for girls (and women) to spend too much time in front of a mirror that could be spent in more fruitful ways. The quizzes are cool and there are places at the end of each chapter to write down your thoughts and what you've learned.
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