Cre8ted 2 Share: Modesty

Showing posts with label Modesty. Show all posts

Thursday, May 20, 2010

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 20

WEHOO... 2nd set of double digits are getting accomplished... only 10 days left, I am 2/3 of the way there... and yet still a LIFETIME to go! I'm excited... Are you enjoying my 'journey'? Are you on your own 'journey' too? Leave me a comment to let me know your thoughts... <3 Mitz

DAY#20

Today's topic - RESPONSES FROM LISTENERS
Today's verse is Proverbs 31:20 - "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

Anyway, so today's talk is continuing from yesterday, and the last few thoughts on modesty. She had listeners/readers respond to her with comments and questions regarding her lessons on modesty. One thing that I ended saying yesterday (see devotional here), was that we don't need to be the ones who are ashamed. Sometimes the world makes us feel 'prude' or 'square' for teaching & training our 'girls' to dress modestly and Godly... yet it should be they who are ashamed of themselves for what they are wearing or yet allow their 'girls' to wear.

Sometimes as 'young girls' we feel silly if our Mom or Dad is telling us what to wear, and when our friends are around, we get a little embarrassed or angry. Yet they are doing it again, to PROTECT us. We are also PROTECTING and GUARDING the hearts of the 'younger & older men' that we come in contact with. They need the words to that old Sunday School song... "Oh be careful little eyes what you see..." to play in their minds too, and if we dress inappropriately or immodestly, then we are seen as a hindrance to their walk. NOT ALL GUYS ARE JERKS or ARE OUT TO GET SEX... but we shouldn't give them a chance to even think about it by what we are wearing...

I know that as a youth, when we went to a BIG convention in Texas, at CFNI, for YFN... we had talks with our youth pastor and his wife, and we had to do the "Praise the Lord" and raise our hands/arms, and if anything else went up with them and showed off 'more than necessary', then it was inappropriate to wear. We also had to stand straight, with our arms to the side, and our shorts, dresses, skirts could not be shorter than where our finger tips ended... (I guess it was the middle finger, seeing as it is the longest.) That was a rule on the campus of CFNI... which I believe is a good rule... I use the same rules for the 'girls' in my care. When my husband was a Youth Pastor (and I was a Youth Leader), we used these 2 for a basis for 'clothing' rules. At youth camp now, we like to share these with the girls, as they want to dress 'cute' but when they start worshipping God, and things hang out, or fly up, or are too revealing, then the guys minds start wandering away from the things of God, to the things of 'this world'... and they no longer can focus on God. We as women of God, do not want to be a hindrance in the way of the 'men of God' getting closer to Him, and the desires of His heart.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NIV

These verses in 1 Corinthians show us the reason for modesty... it is to bring glory to God. Everything that we do or say should bring glory to God. If we are dressing 'cute' and 'revealing' to bring attention to ourselves, then God is not getting glory, we are! We are CALLED to not cause anyone to stumble... ANYONE! We do not seek our own good, but the good of many that they might be saved. As much as it might be a way to bring more 'unbelievers' into the fold, sexy dress, talk and actions are not the way to BRING THE FATHER GLORY!

We all know that this all doesn't happen at once... it is a SLOW FADE (as the song by Casting Crowns says). There is one line in there that always hits me hard... "Oh be careful little feet where you go, well its the little feet behind you, that are sure to follow..." There are ALWAYS eyes watching you... and our thoughts and choices are easily followed by those around us. As a teacher, and a 'mentor/big sister' to many young girls, I want my feet to always go to Jesus... so the girls that follow, will always find their way to Him! All glory to the Father!

Here's the YOUTUBE version of the song SLOW FADE by Casting Crowns...

To go with today's verse, "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." This is an exciting verse where our 'virtuous woman' is being like JESUS. She is following the example set before her, and living it out in her own life, so that others around her may follow her example. She isn't extending her hands to get noticed, or to receive human praise. She is modestly and humbly setting her own priorities and tasks aside to love on another, who is 'poor... and needy'. Here in Canada, you look around, and sometimes see the 'poor' and 'needy' lying on park benches, standing at street corners with signs, and sometimes we get frustrated about helping them. We usually think they are going to use the money for drugs or something else, if we are wanting to share money with them. If we give money to them, will they actually be 'thankful' and respond accordingly, or will they just move on to the next 'sucker' to get more money... It's always a tough spot. A small prayer will help you discern where people's motives lie. Jesus didn't worry about that, he even went against rules of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, and helped, healed, touched, listened to the poor and the needy. How many of these 'needy' people just need a HUG?? Sometimes I think that... who cares how smelly or dirty they are? If they were our own children or family we would still hug them... we are to show we are followers of Christ by our LOVE. Is it LOVE to walk on by the 'lame' man lying on the side of the road with a sign??? Is it LOVE to pass by on the other side of the road? Is it LOVE to just turn away from a co-worker who's husband has lost their job? What was JESUS' example???

Some people from the 80's/90's will remember WWJD bracelets... they are still out there today, yet not as 'powerful', as the world, and we as Christians have even made those to be silly, and have no point. WWJD stands for WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? This is a statement that IS STILL VERY POWERFUL today... especially in the eyes of children. They respect JESUS, they believe in JESUS without many questions! When they do something wrong, it is good to say, "hmm... what do you think Jesus would say about that?" or something like "Would Jesus hit his friends and laugh?" We need to honestly step back and think what Jesus would do, and then try to follow His example to the best of our ability. He was a human... you cannot say, 'but He's God'.... He made Himself a human form, so that He could endure ALL (and more) that we endure as humans. He however was filled with the Holy Spirit, and was in deep intimate communion with His Father. We need to follow THAT example FIRST AND FOREMOST if we want to get anywhere...

Our 'virtuous woman' was said to have eager hands, and strong arms (in previous verses)... she has strength to perform her tasks, and to help out her family. However, this verse also gives the woman a 'gentleness' to her. Although her arms are strong, and her hands are eager & busy... she has the TIME and the GENTLE TOUCH to allow herself to help those who are around her, in her circle of influence (or around her community & world). WOW! What an eye-opener!! I know I personally LOVE hugs... and I think I would give a hug to almost anyone (if they needed one)... I give HUGS all day long... I get paid to give out & receive HUGS! What a blessing!! Unfortunately, a HUG today is not really acceptable as it was back in Jesus' time (or even in our parents era)... today school teachers can get charged, fired (and never again be teachers) for a simple HUG. Thankfully, we don't have that problem in daycare, and the children in our care are receiving the affection and love that they desire. Unfortunately for these same children, when they move up to 'BIG SCHOOL', and get hurt, or are sad, or just want a hug because they miss Mommy and Daddy, they WILL NOT be able to receive these 'needed' HUGS. This makes me sad... because I know that some of these children (like me) have a love language of "PHYSICAL TOUCH". (Click here to read more about the FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES by Gary Chapman) So I know that my arms are soft & gentle for hugs... because I love giving them as much as I do receiving them, because usually when you give, you automatically receive!!

Going back to the 'poor' and 'needy', most people think 'third-world' when you say this... and I can officially say now that I have been across the ocean into Kigali, Rwanda, Africa! It was only 2 weeks, but it was certainly a life-changing 2 weeks... there are so many needy people there, and just to see their faces light up at the sight of a 'muzungu' (white person) is humbling... they have such a simple 'joy'... sometimes you can't tell by the perma-frown on their faces. Their simple lives and simple way of living, is amazing when looked at from the eyes of a 'middle class Canadian white woman'... To touch the lives of those people and their children, was beyond a blessing to me. You just NEED to stretch out your arms, and extend your hands to them... you just WANT to do it too! A 'little' taste of living like JESUS...

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING... anonymously if you can... and reach out to those 'poor' and 'needy'...

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 19

... Day #19...

Today's topic is -- TOUGH QUESTIONS ON MODESTY

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:19 - "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers."

Well, honestly I have never had real problems personally with modesty, because (like the family in the devotional) I was brought up in a home of respect and they taught me regarding this. However, I personally never liked to 'follow the crowd' and wear trendy, tight or revealing clothing anyway. I do get 'offended' sometimes at what some girls wear today... and well boys too... These pants/shorts that hang down below their bums, showing off their tightie-whiteys or boxers to the world is not exciting to me.

Just today I found myself commenting on the 'short shorts' that 2 girls were wearing standing outside our 'local' highschool (the one closest to my home). WOW, so short, and not appealing at all really. I joked 'could you wear them any shorter?' My husband said, 'well they could paint them on'. Obviously we would never want our 'daughter' or her friends to dress in this way. Thankfully we do not have a daughter yet, but we have many 'young girls' who are in our circle of influence. These girls love to dress cutesy, and sometimes 'sexy' in their eyes... unfortunately the world wants that, and allows for that. People who have taught modesty and are living that way in their home are looked at as 'prudes', and it makes me sick. Who wants to see the 'whole package'? Not me! (Whether or not it's a sexy guy or girl doesn't matter...)

But I don't always remember to pray for those girls or guys that I see... I need to do that more. I need to pray that SOMEONE (if not me) will come into their lives and impart the Godly wisdom that they need. For the girls in my 'circle of influence', I need to pray for them more, and to share why it is important to remain humble, modest and pure! I also need to MODEL the acceptable behaviour, speech and dress as well. (along with other role models)

One of the quotes from today's devotional that stuck out to me is this... "So you're responsible to live up to the truth that you know, and then you're also responsible to pray that God will teach their hearts those same truths that you know. If God brings you into relationship with them, then you may have the privilege of being one of the people that helps share truth with them." which basically goes with my above comment. Sometimes I do take time to pray for them, yet sometimes I just am disgusted that parents would let their kids outside the house wearing some of the things they wear... but then I have to remember that some parents aren't always there for their kids, some kids tell their parents how they want to dress, etc. Some parents think it is a cute outfit too... SO I need to pray for them AND their families... and that they will have an open spirit, mind and heart to listen to what is being said. You can still dress 'cute' and not 'loose'!

Our verse today, says... "In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." -- Well, I am assuming she likes to sew, as it spoke of wool and flax earlier, and she does alot of things with her hands, but I personally had to look up the word 'distaff'... it has to do with a spinning wheel I am assuming, but really the only spinning wheel and spindle I have heard of is found in the story of 'Rumplestiltskin'. LOL! So according to my friend dictionary.com, 'distaff' means:

–noun

1.a staff with a cleft end for holding wool, flax, etc., from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.

2.a similar attachment on a spinning wheel.

3.Archaic.

a.a woman or women collectively.

b.woman's work.

A 'spindle' likewise is:

–noun

1.a rounded rod, usually of wood, tapering toward each end, used in hand-spinning to twist into thread the fibers drawn from the mass on the distaff, and on which the thread is wound as it is spun.

2.the rod on a spinning wheel by which the thread is twisted and on which it is wound.

3.one of the rods of a spinning machine that bear the bobbins on which the spun thread is wound.

4.any rod or pin suggestive of a spindle used in spinning, as one that turns around or on which something turns; an axle, axis, or shaft.

So this woman is pretty 'handy'... she does things with her hands and her arms (as told in verse 13 'eager hands' and verse 17 'arms are strong'). Each day possibly she is at the spinning wheel creating things to clothe her family and possibly to sell. She works day and night, doing this and other household chores. Now how does this coincide with 'questions on modesty'? Modesty by definition (again) is...

–noun,plural-ties.

1.the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
2.regard for decency of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
3.simplicity; moderation.

So this woman, who is busy at work, is not spinning out in front of everyone, she is modestly and simply doing this 'chore' because it needs to be done. She is not vainly boasting about the work she does, she just does what needs to be done. She takes the initiative to provide for her family. Because she can spin the wool and flax herself, she is able to take that and create clothing that is appropriate for her family to wear. I don't believe any of that would be low-cut/revealing, high-cut/short or immodest in any way. This woman is also seen as the 'virtuous woman' (not the 'virtual woman'), who is modest in thought, word & deed (& dress). WOW! What a blessing to be able to say that about yourself. This is why I pray that God will bless me, and I ask Him to forgive me in all the sins that I may have committed in 1. Thought 2. Word & 3. Deed... 4. Intentionally & 5. Unintentionally!

See ALL blog devotionals (on Cre8ted 2 Share) with the label MODESTY here... IT IS NOT A BAD THING TO SHOW MODESTY...

May you be blessed and be a blessing!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 18

Today's topic is -- MORE THAN A LIST

Today's verse is -- Proverbs 31:18 -- "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night."

"IF WE DON'T TEACH THEM, WHO WILL?" This motto in my own life, leads us into our devotional for today. Training and teaching our children regarding 'Modesty'. These thoughts continue from Day #16 (which can be found here).

Some women find it helpful to make 'checklists' to go about their daily routines, and I do like lists, but sometimes I forget them, or I forget to check things off of my list, or I get frustrated because I cannot check some things off my list. LOL! Others make lists, to list rules, 'do's & don't's', etc. Modesty, and other items are not just something we can write a 'list' of rules for... it's something that has to be lived out in our own lives, if we want others to follow.

To go along with today's verse, "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night", I realize that one has to take seriously their giftings & talents (in this sense, 'trading') and how they fit into the Kingdom. We are ALWAYS being observed by others, day and night. The way we live, our reactions, our words, our dress, our witness is constantly under watch, and we think we are living one way, but sometimes the things we get stuck in push us to say or do things that aren't really what we want others to see of us. (Like the TV Show, 'True Beauty', which I have also written about here.)

The TV show 'TRUE BEAUTY' was on before, and is now on again, with a twist of course (or else the contestants would know what to do). For those of you who have never watched, or never heard of it, it's a reality-based show where contestants compete to see who was the most beautiful. However, they thought they were only being tested on outer beauty. The first show was hosted by three judges: Nolé Marin, Cheryl Tiegs, and Vanessa Minnillo who judged the contestants on their inner beauty as well. The show that is on now is secretly hosted by Vanessa Minnillo and on-screen by Carson Kressley and Beth Ostrosky. (see here for more info too) It was funny to see them competing with each other, and actually judging each other in the house. There were usually tests/secret challenges during the photo shoots, or activities that they were involved in; simple things like helping a girl who is really upset, to helping an older man who fell and dropped his groceries. Others this season were like not cheating, or sharing a magician's secret. Most of the contestants didn’t help in the first season we watched, this season was 'a little' better. Sometimes they even got irritated at the person, and it was really disheartening to see that they were so consumed in their own outer appearance and life, than to take time to help others. Most of them were more interested in themselves and the mirror, then others around them. Some of the 'secret challenges' are technically un-fair, because even if you are caring and 'beautiful on the inside', you may not stop to do because of repurcussions or consequences in today's world. For example, the contestants {this past week} [editor note: I edited this devo on July 17th incase you are wondering how I knew this show so early] were 'BlackJack Dealers', and they had to take training of course. Now the people involved are all in on it, and are told to 'act' either like the mean, overbearing Pit Boss or the insignificant, quiet trainer. The boss obviously acted his part, and was quite rude and disheartening, I wanted to punch him out. The trainer did there job and sat there like a petty, helpless kitten. The boss was told to 'down-talk' or 'complain' about the trainer. The contestants were judged on whether they helped or stuck up for the trainer. In some cases a person would be afraid to speak up to a Las Vegas Pit Boss, but still able to console a quiet trainer (someone who would be considered a peer). I know I would want to help, and I would want to 'punch the guy out' (as I said above), or at least put him in his place, but I don't know what I actually would have done in the situation, as this was supposed to be 'my job' for the day. So I need to submit and show respect to the Boss, even if he is disrespecting me or fellow employees. Only ONE contestant spoke up to the Pit Boss directly, the others (who passed) spoke kindly to the trainer. Funny part was, the contestant that spoke up, was in full mind capability as he was intoxicated (in midst of a hangover). I was super proud of him. {THIS IS NOT A SPOILER - sorry if you are watching the show. We watch it on ON DEMAND.} Anyway, the Boss (a different one) picks the bottom 2, and they go into the elimination room with Carson and Beth. The bottom two (which I will not name, incase someone out there hasn't seen this episode yet) both give little speeches saying why they should be 'the face of Vegas'. Carson and Beth (& Vanessa) all judge who should stay and who should go. The one that was eliminated (again not mentioning names) had said in {their} speech that they love people and have a heart for people, etc... which was funny because {they} had JUST failed the secret challenge, which was to help a mother who had a baby and lots of luggage, and needed help getting things into the car. Seriously, {they} even stopped to look at the mother who was obviously having trouble (acting of course), and then went on their way. The other contestant surprisingly stopped to help. When it came time for Vanessa to come out, and surprise the contestant going home, she asked of course 'Do you think you are a TRUE BEAUTY?' and then they show a video clip of different scenes from the show depicting the 'no so beautiful' parts of the person during the show. This contestant was hurt... you could sincerely see that {they} (and the contestant that left previously) were truly hurt by their actions and words that were spoken. They both commented that 'that's not me'... I knew that I would be hurt by different actions and words that I have spoken, and it shows the contestants and even we as the viewers that we need to be more careful in what we say and do, and portray about ourselves.

Going back to the verse, as I side-tracked a little... "She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night". As I started saying above, I realize that one has to take seriously their giftings & talents (in this sense, 'trading') and how they fit into the Kingdom. We have to realize that God made us exactly who we are to help out others in the Kingdom. Some of us may only have one measly gift, whereas others around us seem to have lots. We have ALL been given ALL of the gifts, but some of them we choose not to utilize. Some of us are only meant to use some of the gifts when absolutely necessary... God will grant us the use of a gift for only a time. Others are gifts we can use everyday. This is something that I am learning. I am much more 'gifted' than I thought, which is kind of cool and crazy all at the same time, because I myself have gifts in many areas. God is bringing more of the 'GREATER' ones to light in my life which is exciting for me. But it all takes you back to 'IF YOU DON'T USE IT, YOU LOSE IT' which basically comes from the "PARABLE OF THE TALENTS" in the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

Here it is in the MESSAGE translation;
""It's also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master's investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master's money.

19-21"After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
22-23"The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master's investment. His master commended him: 'Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.'
24-25"The servant given one thousand said, 'Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.'
26-27"The master was furious. 'That's a terrible way to live! It's criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
28-30"'Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this "play-it-safe" who won't go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.'"

We need to utilize our gifts, or 'see that our trading is profitable', so that we can be fully used in the Kingdom. Some of us may be gifted with 'smaller-sized' or 'behind-the-scenes' gifts, but they are still important. Those of us with 'in-your-face' gifts cannot fully do the job which we've been called to, without the work being done by those with 'behind-the-scenes' gifts. Nevertheless, there are those who have 'in-your-face' gifts, and they are not walking in humility, and it sometimes takes the character of the 'behind-the-scenes' one to bring them out. Take for example the story of "The Millionaire and the Scrub Lady" by William E. Barton. (Found in the book 'Stories for the Heart' Compiled by Alice Gray (page 79-80))

"There is a certain Millionaire, who hath his Office on the Second Floor of the First National Bank Building. Andn when he goeth up to his Offices he rideth in the Elevator, but when he goeth down, then he walketh. And he is an Haughty man, who once was poor, and hath risen in the World. He is a Self-made man who worshipeth his maker. And he payeth his Rent regularly on the first day of the month, and he considereth not that there are Human Beings who run the Elevators, and who Clean the Windows, hanging at a great height above the sidewalk, and who shovel Coal into the furnaces under the Boilers. Neither doth he at Christmas time remember any of them with a Tip or a Turkey. And there is in that Building a Poor woman who Scrubbeth the Stairs and the Halls. And he hath walked past her often but hath never seen her until Recently. For his head was high in the air, and he was thinking of More Millions. Now it came to pass on a day that he left his Office, and started to walk down the Stairs. And the Scrub lady was halfway down; for she had begun at the top and was giving the stairs their First Onceover. And upon the topmost Stair, in a wet and soapy spot, there was a Large Cake of Soap. And the Millionaire stepped on it. Now the foot which he set upon the Soap flew eastward toward the sunrise, and the other foot started on an expedition of its own toward the going down of the Sun. And the Millionaire sat down on the Topmost Step, but he did not remain there. As it had been his intention to Descend, so he Descended, but not in the manner of his Original Design. And as he descended he struck each step with a sound as if it had been a Drum. And the Scrub Lady stood aside courteously, and let him go. And at the bottom he arose, and considered whether he should rush into tthe Office of the Building and demand that the Scrub lady should be fired; but he considered that if he should tell the reason there would be great mirth amonth the occupants of the Building. And so he held his peace. But since that day he taketh notice of the Scrub lady, and passeth her with Circumspection. For there is no one so high or might that he can afford to ignore any of his fellow human beings. For a very Humble Scrub Lady and a very common bar of Yellow Soap can take the mind of a Great Business Man off his Business Troubles with surprising rapidity.

Wherefore, consider these things, and count not theyself too high above even the humblest of the children of God. Lest thou come down from thy place of pride and walk off with thy bruises aching a little more by reason of thy suspicion that the Scrub Lady is Smiling in her Suds, and facing the day's work the more cheerfully by reason of the fun thou hast afforded her. For these are solemn days, and he that bringeth a smile to the face of a Scrub lady hath not lived in vain."

We can always use our gifts, day and night... and we need to SHINE our lights/lamps to the world. Be sure that the LIGHT/LAMP inside of you does not go out at night! Even as we sleep, God and Holy Spirit can reveal great things to us regarding our 'trading'.

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!

Monday, May 17, 2010

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 17

Today's topic is: MODELING MODESTY

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:17 -- "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

...to be continued...

To see ALL posts labelled MODESTY, click here. (in this Cre8ted 2 Share blog)

Don't let the WORLD look down on you, walk in MODESTY, do not be ashamed for 'covering up'!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

30-Day TRUE WOMAN Make-Over Day 16

Day #16... a day set apart for God... a day where I can corporately join other believers in worship, prayer and the Word... another day to live out all that I learn here in these devotionals, and all that I teach to the next generations!

Today's topic is: TRAINING OUR DAUGHTERS

Today's verse is Proverbs 31:16 -- "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." (In the Amplified it reads, 'She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]')

"In Titus 2:3-5, we are told to 'Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.' Older women, is a term used loosely here, and in most cases we don't want to see ourselves as the 'older women' in this verse. However, we all have a generation behind us, which we are 'older' than, so we all fit into this category. The 'younger women' category most of us fit into as well, although in seldom cases those 'older' than us may no longer be living to share the truths they have learned (but hopefully you gleaned something from them before they left the earth spiritually.) Therefore we are all 'teachers' and 'learners'." (Taken from DAY #1's devotion found here)

Some of us are not 'mothers' by name, meaning we have no children of our own (yet), but we have the role of teaching and training the young women of the next generations... I am blessed beyond belief to be a part of imparting the truth into the lives of the next generation. I love children, t'weens & youth, and love to impart into their lives and watch them 'blossom' into who God has designed them to be. I also however love the 'older', mature women in my church, who are imparting into my life as well. I know that some of them don't know how or that they have an impact in my life, so that I why I always want to be 'real' and 'practice what I preach', so that the young women watching me may be blessed as well.

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it." Early education (school or church) is important. We need to reach them before the world reaches them, and takes their innocent faith-filled hearts trying to conform them to the image of the world. We need to help God transform their young pure hearts, and minds to the knowledge of Him. ("Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 NIV)

Our 'daughters' need to learn exactly what we are learning through this 30-day Make-over. Each of these life principles and Spiritual principles need to be lived out, so that they may see and experience the JOY of knowing Jesus as King. If we do not live out our faith joyfully, they will not want any part of it. Nancy worded it like this in today's devotional... "One of the killers of the faith of Christian young people is that they do not see that their parents’ faith has joy in it. Your kids will most likely reject your religion if it is a joyless religion." To me, it's not religion, it's a relationship! But that's another topic of discussion...

This teaching/training/living out the truths is important at ANY age. It does not matter that your 8 year old is not worried about having kids, but if they have a dream/vision from the Lord about their future children, we cannot laugh it off, and not train them NOW, we need to take our responsibility serious, and show them now how to treat their husband, how to train their own children, and how to make life and Biblical principles real in their own lives. They learn by our example... There is an old poem that was written regarding how children learn what they live.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.

If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves

and in those about them.

If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.

If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to live.

If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.

If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with fairness, they learn justice.

If children live with friendliness,

they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.

by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.

We have to show them the example, we cannot let the world teach our daughters about modesty, honesty, purity, etc... because the world does not believe in it. They allow our 'girls' to wear tight clothes (tighter than a school bag full of books); short dresses, skirts & shorts (shorter than a english paper); and low, revealing shirts or dresses (lower than the Grand Canyon)! (examples taken from today's devotional) The movies, tv shows and magazine ads all portray these 'awful' images to our young ladies, and they begin to think they have to dress like this, or act like that to be accepted in the world today. WE HAVE TO STOP THIS BEHAVIOUR, DRESS & ATTITUDES NOW! We must lead by example... especially if the young ladies in our 'circle of influence' do not have a mother, or a mother-figure who is a Christian/true woman of God.

The 'virtuous woman' in Proverbs 31 is just that... she is leading by example (for all of us who read about her). In verse 16 today, we see that "She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." This woman 'considers' a field... she doesn't just take and spend her earnings on something the world offers, she inspects, closely examines and weighs her options before buying this land.

The word 'consider' by definition means:
–verb (used with object)

1.to think carefully about, esp. in order to make a decision; contemplate; reflect on: He considered the cost before buying the new car.
2.to regard as or deem to be: I consider the story improbable.
3.to think, believe, or suppose: We consider his reply unsatisfactory.
4.to bear in mind; make allowance for: The arrest was justified if you consider his disorderly behavior.
5.to pay attention to; regard: He considered the man for some time before speaking to him.
6.to regard with respect, thoughtfulness, honor, etc.; esteem.
7.to think about (something that one might do, accept, buy, etc.): to consider a job in Guatemala.
8.Obsolete. to view attentively; scrutinize.
9.Obsolete. to recompense or remunerate.

–verb (used without object)
10.to think deliberately or carefully; reflect.
11.to view carefully or thoughtfully.

She thought carefully, deliberately, and with attention before purchasing this land. Now this land purchase was not for herself, but for the betterment of her family. She didn't just rush into the decision, she carefully and thoughtfully planned out every detail. After she purchased the land, she went on to use her earnings and plant a vineyard as well. This vineyard would provide for her family and herself. She would gain more out of what she reaped and sowed, than the cost of the property to begin with.

This example shows us that we need to be deliberate, careful and attentive in our thought processes, our purchases, etc. If we are so, then the ones watching us will learn from us and continue the process. For example, I don't tell Bible stories/Historical events just for the joy of telling them, I tell them so that I can also help those listening to apply it to their own lives as well. I carefully and deliberately study the story, so that I can get out of it what I believe (through Holy Spirit's wisdom and guidance) they need to hear. (Even if it is for JUST ONE!) This also proves the same with 'special occasion art' that I like to do with the children I teach. (Special occasion meaning, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc...) I try to have the thing we are making be useful, to be something the parents will not just hang for the moment (like a picture), but something they can keep or cherish for a lifetime. It is sad to me when I see children working really hard on paintings, or crayon pictures, only to show their parents, and then watch or know their parents throw them in the trash. Now I do know that you can't keep EVERYTHING that your child makes, or WOW what a mess of papers you would have... but sometimes I know the art gets left in their cubby, only for us to throw it out later. That child sees that their parent is not really interested in their work, and therefore may stop trying, or continuing to make pictures, or whatever the case may be.

They (the younger generation) are also ALWAYS watching us. Sometimes we think they may not be 'looking', but they are. (Like I said above, some women do not know that they have impacted my life, because I see or hear things from them just in passing sometimes that have meant a lot to me, or that I have taken to heart to pass on to the next generation as well.) There is also another poem regarding this... "When You Thought I Wasn't Looking".