Wednesday, March 28, 2012

A Spring Bouquet

Spring has sprung early this year and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  This evening me and my sweet daughter took a walk around the yard and picked this lovely spring bouquet.  I couldn't find a vase so I took an empty salsa jar and tied it with a ribbon.  The results....spring perfection!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Modesty Heart Check

Modesty seems to be something that is lacking in today's world.  As a christian mother I desire to teach my daughter the importance of modesty.  First I need to show her what the word of God says and then I need to show her by example.  


I recently ran across a Modesty Heart Check and thought I would share it.

Heart Questions to Ask

1.  What statement do my clothes make about my heart?
2.  In choosing what to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave?  Am I seeking to please God or impress others?
3.  Is what I wear consistent with biblical values of modesty, self control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?
4.  Who am I trying to identify with through my dress?  Is the word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?
5.  Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
6.  Does my clothing reveal allegiance to the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?

Before you leave the house, do a modesty check (some things you should look for as you stand in front of the mirror).

From the top...

1.  When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over?  If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend down.
2.  If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest.  If there are, I've got to grab the sewing box and pin between the buttons or put on an undershirt.
3.  If your top is see through, put on an undershirt. 
4.  Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage?  Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head?  Is my shirt just plain too tight?  If the answer to any one of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.

Moving down...

5.  Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands?  If so, is it because my skirt or my pants are too low?  Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher.
6.  I also have to turn around to see if what I am wearing is too tight around my back side, or if the outline of my underwear shows.  If so, I know what I have to do!
7.  Do a "sit-down" check with your skirt or dress.  If you see too much leg you need a longer skirt/dress.  I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I am seated.
8.  And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits!  Does it reveal too much when I walk?  Pins are also helpful here.
9.  Before I leave I need to give my skirt a sunlight check.  Is it see through?  If so, I need a slip.
10.  Finally, I must remember to do the modesty check with my shoes on.  High-heels make dresses and skirts appear shorter.

I think this is a good list to keep taped on the closet door or by a full length mirror!

1 Timothy 2:9-10

 9In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10But which becometh women professing godliness with good works.


Monday, March 19, 2012

Three Hearts - A Review

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the DVD Three Hearts. Cissie Graham Lynch, granddaughter of Billy Graham, takes on an internship with the Children's Heart Project through Samaritan's Purse.  Through this DVD you share in Cissie's journey to help bring three Mongolian children to America for surgery to repair deadly congenital heart defects.

This is such a moving DVD that will touch the hearts of all who watch it.  I was moved to tears as I watched these families on their journey.  This is such a good cause.  Not only are they saving the lives of children who cannot receive the medical help they need in their country, they are sharing with them the wonderful news of Jesus Christ.  Lives are definitely being changed through the Children's Heart Project and this video does a great job of informing audiences of their work.

**This video was given to me by booksneeze in exchange for my honest opinion.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Homemade Toothpaste

There are so many things I want to do on my journey to a more natural lifestyle.  Little by little I am making changes.   After searching high and low and trying several recipes for homemade toothpaste I finally stumbled upon one I really like.  Actually, I love it!  I love how clean it makes my teeth feel and it is even supposed to whiten them over time.  

It is so simple to make.  All you need is some Coconut Oil, Baking Soda and some essential oil.  The essential oil is optional.  I used orange because it is what I had on hand.  Peppermint would be great for this recipe if you like the minty freshness.  I also use non-aluminum baking soda.  If you didn't know that baking soda and baking powder has aluminum in it you should check into the dangers of this.  You can get both of these staples aluminum free from Bob's Red Mill online or from your local health store.  I was able to purchase mine through our produce co-op (the Bob's Red Mill brand) at a very reasonable price.

Mix together
4 Tablespoons of Coconut Oil
5 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
8-10 drops of essential oil (optional)
Put it in a container of your choice and your all ready to start brushing. :)