Thankful

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you" Philippians 1:3


There are certain people in my life who, whenever I think of them, I thank God for them. They are the people that have blessed me and encouraged me in my walk with Christ. I love them, and I thank God every time I remember them. This is a good thing to put into practice, as Paul did many times in his letters. He thanked God for his brothers and sisters in Christ, whenever he remembered them.


Maybe there is someone in your life, who is a blessing to you. Do you think of them? Do you thank God for them and remember them in your prayers? Perhaps the Holy Spirit has brought them to mind for a reason. Perhaps they are in need of your prayers and encouragement. Think of those people. When you do, thank God and pray for them. 

Routine

Wash on Monday, 
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday, 
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday, 
Bake on Saturday, 
Rest on Sunday.

If you're a Little House fan like me, then you probably know this is a quote from Ma in Little House in the Big Woods. She knew the importance of having a routine. There was time for every task that needed to be accomplished. Everyone knew what needed to be done, and when.

Though I am not a homemaker yet, I hope to be some day so it is good for me to put this  principle into practice right now. If I get it down now, it will be that much easier when the time comes for me to keep my own home. For young ladies like me (who are sometimes called "stay-at-home daughters"), it is important to have structure and routine in our days. That is not to say you can never be spontaneous or take a break from the routine, but it isn't good to live like that every day.

What might a routine for a stay-at-home daughter look like? Well, here's what I would like mine to be (I haven't developed a good, productive routine for myself yet, so don't be discouraged if you don't either! It takes work).

Wake up
Read Bible
Pray
Shower/Dress
Clean room
Household chores
Read
Morning walk
Lunch
Read
Free time
Practice something (sewing, crocheting, writing, etc)
Supper
Family time
Evening walk
Pray
Go to bed

This is just an example, I might not be able to get every one of these things done on any given day, and some of the things may take place in a different order. But this is basically the routine I want to establish. Right now I am done with school, and when I begin taking classes at the community college next fall, my routine will include studying and classes.

So what's your routine? Do you schedule your time, or do you just go from day to day without any set routine?

Jesus

Here's a little poem I wrote, not a very good one, but it's a reminder to me of who Jesus is and what He did for me.

Jesus was born

He lived

He died

He defeated death

He lives today.

Jesus is God

The God

The Man

God in human flesh

He is the way.

Jesus loves me

He loves

He prays

He cares for His own

He knows my name.

Jesus loves you

And you

And you

He died in your place

He took the blame.

Goal Update

So, it's only been a day since I made my new goals, but I thought I should give an update. I didn't wear a skirt yesterday, and I probably won't today, simply because I don't have any skirts to wear. I do have skirts, but they are more dressy and not really appropriate for every day. I don't know. What do you think? Is it weird to wear dressy clothes just around the house and yard? Anyway, I will be working on adding more skirts to my wardrobe. I'm watching my thrift stores for a longer (knee length) denim skirt. I have a denim skirt, but it's higher than knee length and also has a slit in it so I always wear it with leggings. I want to get a skirt that is long enough that I don't have to worry about being immodest without something underneath.

As for my Bible reading, I am on track so far! I'm not really using a plan, just reading about 4 chapters a day and working through one book at a time. I started a few days ago and so far I've read 2 & 3 John (they're short :), Hebrews, and James. Today I am going to start reading an Old Testament book to balance things out.

I haven't cut my hair at all :)

I've had a daily walk since I made my goals. I went grocery shopping yesterday, so I didn't really go on a walk, but I still walked.

I haven't finished any books yet, but I'm working on a few right now!

So there you have it. Have any goals you're making progress on?

Embracing Femininity

As a young teenager, I was a self-proclaimed tomboy. In my attempts to shun everything girly, I felt empty. I felt like I was missing out on something. Of course, what I was missing was the feeling of being feminine. What a wonderful feeling it is! I have decided to embrace my femininity. God created me to be a woman. I treasure my femininity.

So what does embracing femininity look like? For me, it was not being ashamed to wear dresses and skirts. Deep down inside, I loved wearing dresses. But I didn't want to sacrifice my tomboy image, so I acted like I hated wearing them. Embracing femininity also means growing my hair out. I wanted to look more boyish, so I cut my hair short. Now I want to be more feminine, so I am letting it grow longer. Also I am becoming more gentle and kind.

Embracing femininity may be different for you. Maybe it will mean being more gentle or sweet. Maybe you will start wearing skirts more often. Maybe you'll grow your hair out. Whatever it is, just remember that God doesn't make mistakes. He made you a woman on purpose, so be what God created you to be. Granted, some women will be a little more tough than others, while some may be super girly. That's not for everyone. You can achieve balance, being feminine without being a girly-girl. It's an art, and it will take time and work.

What are your thoughts? Are you embracing your femininity?
-Nicole

My Goals

Every spring I like to make a list of goals. Sort of like New Year's resolutions, only I do them in spring because it is a time of new life, and fresh starts. So here's a quick little list of things I want to accomplish between now and next spring.

1. Read through the entire Bible. (I've never done it before :/).
2. Let my hair grow out. NO hair cuts. Not even a trim.
3. Start wearing skirts every day. (except in a situation where pants would be more modest and safe).
4. Start going for a walk every day, when weather permits.
5. Read 30 books.

I will post updates for each of my goals as they progress. Do you like to make goals? What are some of yours?

-Nicole

My Modesty Standards

I have never taken the time to actually write down what my modesty standards are, but I thought this would be a good place to do it. I thinks it's a good exercise and it will help you think through what your modesty standards are. They may be similar to mine, or very different. But whatever they are, you should have them. Why? Because it's best to set guidelines for yourself before you start building your wardrobe, which will help you not to compromise when you are shopping and picking out new clothes.

Shirts/Tops
No sleeveless shirts without longer sleeved shirts under/over them
Neckline must be within 2 finger-widths from collar bone or higher
No underwear, cleavage, or back showing when I bend over
No tummy or back showing, and back neckline shouldn't be lower than front neckline (no backless dresses :)
Nothing uncomfortably or revealingly tight
Nothing sheer/see through without modest undershirt

Dresses/Skirts
Must touch the floor when kneeling
Anything higher or with a slit should be worn with leggings or opaque tights
Not hip hugging/too tight
Nothing sheer/see through

Pants/Shorts
Not too tight (if you can't pull the material without pinching your leg or stretching the material, it is too tight)
Not low-rise (jeans or shirt should cover any skin/underwear when you bend over)
Shorts must cover at least part of the knee when sitting and standing

Swimsuit
Swim skirt and tank/one piece - same standards as above, except swim bottoms may be shorter up to mid thigh, swimsuit may be sleeveless but straps must be two finger widths wide
Knee length cover up dress with sleeves should be worn immediately before you get in and after you leave the water

So those are my modesty standards. How about you? Do you have modesty standards similar to mine? Or are they very different? I would like to learn from you what your opinions are, to help me form my own. I'm still trying to figure this out for myself, so your comments would be much appreciated!