Least in the Kingdom: Modesty

~Can you believe I almost forgot to post again today? Craziness! I've been quite busy with home improvement projects, and sewing costumes for a medieval feast we'll be attending soon, and cleaning up my messy room... These pictures were actually taken way back in February while passing through my Grandma's on our move. My sis and I raided her wardrobe for all sorts of vintage goodies (isn't the hat darling?), and this was one of the rummaged outfits I came up with! A little shorter than I would normally wear (the knee is my cut off point! this was just "at" the knee), but I didn't realize it until I went to sit down. Standing up all is fine, sitting down, well, take heed ladies! All in all once I added the tights it wasn't really too short, just a little more than I usually like.

~Hope everyone's week is starting out well!

~Somehow, somewhere, for some reason, the fact that I had a post due today slipped my mind! I just realized that today as, in fact, Monday... Luckily I did a photo shoot featuring my dear sister last week, so, here's the pictures!

~This was a purely for fun photo shoot - based on the fact that my sis is quite into the new "Alice in Wonderland" right now! I tried to set up poses and scenes that would give it a fantasy world feel...

~She put her outfit together with all sorts of odds 'n ends, in case you were wondering, we do share wardrobes (advantages of sisters who are approximately the same size!), so, you may recognize a few things!

~I like the way this one turned out, very sunshiny... It was a lot of fun being the one behind the camera! I actually do not enjoy having pictures taken of me, though I try my best to smile :) So, it was great fun being able to trot around the yard in socks (I know, ruining them!), snapping shots of someone else!

~I have the best sister in the whole world! Hands down... Do you have an inner fantasy realm that likes to come out in make-believe photo shoots?

P.S, drumroll please, I haven't forgotten about my promised Edwardian inspired photos, Narelle and I are working on the project, more information coming soon!

"The purity that counts for most in your life and mine is purity of heart... There is a rest of spirit, and a quiet confidence, a joyfulness, and a perfection of love and peace in the heart of the one given over to God that cannot be described in words... Every one who will seek God with all his heart, who will draw close, may have this experience of a pure heart." Mabel Hale, Beautiful Girlhood

~Lately I have been contemplating the relationship between knowledge and innocence. How many times have you read something on the news, which may have been quite intriguing in the moment, and later felt convicted of having allowed something trashy to enter your mind? Or watched a movie that had even more than the usual set of problems? Or perhaps allowed an acquaintance to "fill you in" on the nitty gritty details of some other friends life - which you probably didn't need to know?

~These are obvious examples of times when we step over the line of "need to know". What is much harder to discern is the fine balance between "living in the world, but not of it".

"I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." John 17:14-16

~One of the finest adornments a heart can have is purity. This is because in a world so spoiled by sin, greed, lust, hate, bloodshed, unchecked violence, and anger, the purity and innocence of Gods children is a great light. It speaks of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and points to the promise and hope of that day when all shall be made new - the day all creation groans for! God loves a pure heart and desires that we seek after it as a precious jewel when seeking adornments for our hearts.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2

~The renewing of our minds. What a term brimming with meaning. Notice that it says renewing, not renew. Its an ongoing process in our lives, a part of the sanctification process. We will need to be constantly on guard against letting impure influences enter our thoughts. We need to valiantly defend our innocence from things that are evil... At the same time we need to be wise in what is good, as well as the times we live in.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." Mathew 10:16

~It is interesting that we often only seem to focus on the negative side of things, asking ourselves the question - "Is this bad?" Instead it may be more helpful to ask ourselves - "How will this edify me? Will this strengthen my desires for Christ?" You will be amazed at how much clearer decisions can become when we look at issues in a positive light. It will cut out a lot of questions, or harmless "neutral" stuff, that we really didn't need to spend our time on anyways. Of course, I'm not saying we can never watch a movie, or read a book, or go shopping at a store for that matter, unless it is distinctly christian and definitely going to produce some positive fruit in us. But our overall focus in life should be to produce good fruit, by glorifying God in all that we do. Chances are if we let ourselves hop over to the neutral zone too much, that may be what we become, neutral in the war for godliness.

~Here's a little list I've drawn up of areas where we should be especially careful to guard our purity, and our innocence. Save your exposure for times when we really must confront evil, and overcome it with good. Why dwell unnecessarily on things that will confuse, distort, taint, and otherwise clutter up your mind, all for the sake of entertainment? We live in the world - we have to battle with impurity every day. No soldier wants to leave the battlefield, come home weary and tired, only to fight another battle on the couch with his entertainment!

Movies

Books

Magazines

News Articles/Websites

Music/Radio

TV Shows

Blogs

Friends/Acquaintances
Random Quizzes and Games on Facebook, or any website for that matter! (I know, its sort of a funny thing to add, but its true that these can sometimes be big distractions and sources of useless information!)

~Another benefit in seeking purity of spirit is that your witness will not by hindered by inconsistency or accusations of hypocrisy. The other night we were all gathered for family devotions and I watched as my mother patiently explained an important spiritual truth to my seven year old brother. He was having a very hard time concentrating, in fact, he looked like he was about to burst out the seams! All the while my mother kept talking in a very calm, patient, manner - hoping to settle him down. Finally, unable to contain it any longer, my brother politely inserted - "Excuse me mom, but, your pants are on inside out!" We all looked at her pants, which were indeed, on inside out. Needless to say, the rest of the devotions was a bit lost in hilarity!

~ In a similar way inconsistency distracts those we are witnessing to. Its like watching a very devout man give what must be a very devout sermon, but his clothes are all upside down and backwards. No one can hear what he's saying because he's just so ridiculous... At best the world finds inconsistent Christians funny, amusing, maybe a somewhat tolerable kind of pal. At worst they are affronted, justified in their opinions about "religion", and label Christians hypocrites.

~Resolve to seek out influences that will edify and build you up. Resolve to set aside influences that will destroy your innocence and purity. God will be pleased!

~Here's a list of some blogs, websites, and online ministries, that have encouraged me in thinking pure thoughts - and in doing away with unedifying influences.

The Rebelution
Issacharian Daughter
Pearls and Diamonds
Beauty From the Heart
Joyfully at Home
Young Ladies Christian Fellowship

~Resolve to follow the Lord while it is still today! In Christ,

~A loud, rather annoying, buzzing sound, penetrated the groggy edges of my semi-conscious mind. Out of pure instinct my hand went up and came down "SMACK" on the top of my little alarm clock. It was 7 AM, time to get up, time to get moving, time to start the day. A little more sleep, a little more slumber, my body groaned, and then I remembered - I had an appointment with my Doctor at NINE, just two hours away!!!! Out of the bed I leapt, stumbling over yesterdays shoes (which never seem to find there way back to the closet), dodging a stack of laundry, slipping on my sisters sheets and extra pillows which always end up on the ground before morning (she's a messy sleeper!), until I reached the door. Then I darted down the hall, around the corner, and scooted into the one kids bathroom just in front of my brother who really needed to get ready for work. Ha ha - I beat him! Then I looked in the mirror.

~Now this post could be about any number of things. It could be about laziness, oversleeping, messy room habits, considering others needs and feelings above ones own, or even the unattractive trait of developing a nasty long standing grudge against ones alarm clock. (I hate the sound of that thing...) But the focus of this post is actually about mirrors.

~As a young woman I spend a considerable amount of time looking in mirrors, whether its to decide if I like a certain color on myself, or if a shirt is too low, too tight, too blah. I casually glance in mirrors as I pass them throughout the day - checking my hairdo, tucking that stray end back into place, adjusting my clothes. And something tells me that there isn't a young lady alive who hasn't once or twice stared deeply into her reflected eyes wondering about all the deep unanswerable unspeakable questions in life. (Or maybe you have a reflection friend who lives in a glass pane like Anne of Green Gables :) In other words, mirrors are a pretty useful tool in life.

~That morning I prepared myself for my appointment (with the more than usual routine of shower, hair products, choosing an outfit after long and careful consideration - I'm picky when it comes to doctors offices, finding the perfect pair of shoes - comfortable but also smart, makeup, curlers, etc...) and actually made it to the appointment only five minutes late. But this post isn't about tardiness or vanity. Its about mirrors...

~Something I realized recently is that there is more than one kind of mirror. There is the kind that hangs on the wall in various shapes and sizes, which faithfully reflects the absolute facts about our appearance (Good and bad, sighs...). And there is the kind that can't be seen on the wall but which just as accurately reflects the inward condition of our heart.

~That mirror is called the Word of God. It shows us the condition of our souls, it convicts us when we sin, and it offers a picture of what we will be one day in our glorified bodies with Christ. In another way what is inside of you reflects you. Your heart is your own mirror as well- it shows what and who you truly are to others.

"As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19

~Sadly, we do not usually see our own reflection. And we often deny it when other people approach us with a picture of it. This is because the heart is deceitful, proud, full of its own thoughts and desires. Which is why we so desperately need to turn to Gods Word for a "heart check" to get a true understanding of ourselves, and a true reflection of where we stand in need of correction. To quote Fireproof, "You can't just follow your heart - you need to lead your heart". Where? To Gods Word. This is the mirror we need to look in daily, and that requires daily effort on our part. Its a process of developing consistency in the most fruitful habit you could ever devote yourself to.

~As I prepare to launch this series of posts on "adorning ones heart", and particularly todays post, let me confess something. I am not the christian I would like to be. I'm not even close. I've failed to remain consistent in my habits, time and again I realize I've slipped into my old ways once more; neglecting to read Gods Word every day, forgetting to pray for the growing stack of prayer requests slipped between the pages of the Bible I forgot to read, speaking in a harsh manner with my siblings, feeling resentment towards my parents when they ask me to do something I "just didn't feel like doing" at that moment. But God in His grace has been faithful to me, as I know He has to you if you are His child, setting my feet back on the path whenever I stray. These words are as much, if not more, to myself, as to any readers out there, a little journal of thoughts on the heart from a sister in Christ.

~In summary for today - I realized that before I could even think about some of the things one should adorn ones heart with, I needed to be able to see that heart. The only thorough reliable way to do that is in the Bible, with prayer, asking God to show me my weak areas. Every person will look a little different in their sin areas, and needs as far as different virtues goes, so, the next four days will just cover some basics. (You can work on specific trims and ribbons yourself :) The following verses are ones I found useful in seeing the state of my heart and my need to develop consistent habits in my reading of Gods Word - I hope they are encouraging to you as well!

The state of our hearts;

“ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?

I, the LORD, search the heart,
      I test the mind,
      Even to give every man according to his ways,
      According to the fruit of his doings." Jeremiah 17:9-10

The power of Gods Word;

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

God Knows the State of our Hearts;

"If we had forgotten the name of our God,
Or stretched out our hands to a foreign god,
Would not God search this out?
For He knows the secrets of the heart." Psalm 44:20-21

God convicts us through the Power of His Word and Spirit, He does the work of creating in us a clean heart;

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16

"Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me" Psalm 51:10-11

Our Response;

"How can a young man cleanse his way?
         By taking heed according to Your word.
With my whole heart I have sought You;
         Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Your word I have hidden in my heart,
         That I might not sin against You." Psalm 119:0-11

~Until tomorrow then, in Christ,

~I know that I must have gone to bed and smacked my head against something last night, because I'm completely loony to be putting these photos of me in my grandmothers jumpsuit online! The truth is, I love jumpsuits, rompers, overalls, and all sorts of one piece pants/shirt combinations! (Much to the chagrin of some of the members of my dear family.) But I know not everyone does, so, if this was a little too odd just disregard it as the "interesting" but truly ridiculous attire of one young lady on one blog in one corner of the blogosphere!

~I actually took these pictures awhile ago, and never got around to posting them - just so you know! And I'm sorry they don't have some sort of flower in them. (I remembered after the first post that I was supposed to do a flower! Oops...)

~Well, this is the end of Samantha's wonderful fashion week! I really enjoyed myself looking at all the other young ladies entries - which were inspiring and marvelous, and its been fun sharing a bit of my wardrobe with others too! BUT, don't go anywhere because....

I've decided to do a five day posting marathon on the subject of inward beauty next week.

~It's important to be well adorned in spirit, as well as modest feminine attire - and as I was thinking about this last week I thought, "Wouldn't it be fun and encouraging to do a week of posts on the heart now?" That way I cover both areas in my life - the outward and the inward. Its been so much fun "linking" up (literally!) with many other young ladies online through this, and I've "met" some really lovely girls, lovely in spirit and attitude, which got me contemplating the fact that I wish I knew some of you "for real". But even while thinking this I know that we have a common bond, our faith in Christ. So even if we never meet in person - we can encourage one another in our relationship with the Lord by what we say and write on our blogs. (And I have been encouraged this week as I not only looked at your outfit posts, but browsed a bit into your past posts and saw some truly lovely examples of girls in love with their Savior!)

~So, in conclusion, I'm going to try to do a series of posts next week (Lord willing, if I have time!) on "adorning the heart". I hope to include links to blogs, posts, and websites, that have encouraged me in this area, as well as some thoughts of my own, and perhaps a few "artsy" pictures to compliment the topics addressed :) If any of you want to join me, whether its by leaving a comment or doing a post of your own, I'd be delighted!

~I hope you've had a wonderful week! And that you have a wonderful weekend!

~Today's outfit is comprised of a simple sleeveless jumper I sewed myself last summer, an optional light sweater, large floppy hat (completely depending on whether or not I wanted to be more dressy!), a cameo watch (Walmart), and pearl hair clips (also Walmart). I also wore cream high heels, but, somehow neglected to get them in one of the pictures? Silly of me...

~My hair-do is actually deceptively intricate. I put my hair up in sponge rollers for the morning, and then after taking them out simply pulled back the sides and clipped in place to get a good shape from the front. (Leave a few bits out if you want, or curl under your bangs) Then I haphazardly tucked and pinned up the rest with a handful of bobby pins. The wonderful thing about curls is that it really doesn't matter if they flip about, they still look great!

~The wild wild west...Okay, so, it was only our local creek - and though we live on the West Coast, its not the wild west! (If I had taken these while in Texas now...) My Dad bought me my hat when we visited the Grand Canyon a couple months ago - and this was its first official "outing" in the sun. I love wearing button up shirts, especially tucked in with belts! The only thing that was missing to complete a true wild west ensemble was cowgirl boots, but alas, I am still on the hunt for that perfect pair...So sandals were a good summery substitute!

~Today's outfit was one of those "comfy" loose shirts and skirts combos to wear around the garden, and just relaxing at home... I found both second hand - one at a thrift store, the other at a rummage sale! So the price came up to around $3. The shoes were also second hand - I love the little heart print on the inside! Sometimes its the little surprising things that make life as a girl so much fun, I wouldn't trade those sweet girlie secrets for anything! (Something about knowing the inside of ones shoes are pink, or have hearts, makes the day more chipper...)

~Till tomorrow! (Hint: Dream of cowgirl hats.)

Photo courtesy of Kiss the Groom

"Why do women want to dress like men when they’re fortunate enough to be women? Why lose our femininity, which is one of our greatest charms? We get much more accomplished by being charming than we would by flaunting around in pants and smoking. I’m very fond of men. I think they’re wonderful creatures. I love them dearly. But I don’t want to look like one."
~Tasha Tudor

~And its Mod Modesty Monday! Today I'm taking inspiration from three sources, the highly anticipated new "Alice in Wonderland" directed by Tim Burton, an oil painting of a young lady from bygone Victorian days, and a dress that I made last year out of a vintage table cloth and wore to the beach with my dear friend. (Yes! you read that right! A tablecloth...)

~The challenge? How to incorporate these looks into something that the modern girl could wear and not feel too conspicuous in, and yet invoke the same sweet whimsical qualities of these lovely outfits.

~Personally I adore the dress I made, but it does lack certain modern sensibilities... Its not a dress to wear to the market any more for example. Although, to be completely and entirely honest, I have :) Yes, it generated the kind of looks you may be imagining!

~There is nothing wrong with standing out or making a fashion statement. Personally I would love to bring back the old vintage styles! But there are those days when you go to your closet, sigh hopelessly, and wonder, "do I really want to look like a late nineteenth century reject lost in the twenty-first century?" Its hard to be "different" all the time. So how do we fit ourselves in a less that romantic society?

~Here is a proposal~Click on the image below if you would like to view it in detail at Polyvore~

Quixotic Relapse by Least featuring Citizens of Humanity jeans

~White blouses trimmed with an abundance of lace may seem stuffy to many, but try pairing one with a pair of skinny jeans and modern accessories. The look is too quixotic to be true! A blue sash or scarf can be worn 'round the waist, letting it fall to a swinging length at the side. Blue or black converse shoes are comfortable, practical, and look whimsical with this outfit. I adore gold lockets, don't you? The large one I found at Mod Cloth looks just like something the white rabbit might carry around, only without the time :)

~Last but not least, my favorite part of this outfit is the black and white fingerless gloves~ Take a close look at Alice's hands in the next picture~

~Black and white fingerless gloves! So quaint! Alice often wears these gloves in the movie, if you go back to the first picture and look closely you will find she is wearing another version of this same glove, only with this time they are transparent!~ Below is a close up detail~

~Skinny jeans. Are they modest? I think this partly depends on the tightness of the particular pair and the body type of the young woman trying to wear them. It also depends on the shirt you are wearing with the jeans, is it shorter or longer? I've seen many people wear skinny jeans very modestly but this is, of course, a matter of personal conviction.

~Personally I love the classic look of jean/leggings or the skinny jean. It reminds me strongly of Audrey Hepburns style.

~Here is a tip that will save you time, money, and enable young ladies to be more modest while wearing skinny jeans. Alter them yourself. It is actually an extremely simple process. I recently altered some skinny jeans and, when I get a chance, I will do a tutorial of the process. The benefit of altering your own jeans is that you can control how tight they are, in, the ummm, nether region. If you take a pair of straight leg jeans in your regular size and alter them beneath the knee, it leaves the rest of the jean looser - and modester.

~And finally, here are some more pictures for inspiration!