“They say there is a young lady in New Haven who is loved of that Great Being, who made and rules the world, and that there are certain seasons in which this Great Being, in some way or other invisible, comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight; and that she hardly cares for anything, except to meditate on Him…You could not persuade her to do any thing wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this Great Being. She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness, and universal benevolence of mind; especially after this Great God has manifested himself to her mind. She will sometimes go about from place to place, singing sweetly; and seems to be always full of joy and pleasure…She loves to be alone, walking in the fields and groves, and seems to have some one invisible always conversing with her.” Jonathan Edwards
This was what Jonathan Edwards wrote about Sarah Edwards years before they were married. What a compliment! This is the kind of woman that I want to be, going from place to place, sweetly singing, full of joy and pleasure.
“Lord help me to have this kind of relationship with you. Lord help me to be so in love with you that I truly am a breath of life to those around me, thus showing you glory!”
Young Ladies! There are men out there that are still looking for this in a mate. Strive to be closer with Him and when the time is right, He will reveal this young man to you. I think of a song a dear friend wrote. Below you can listen to it. Note this was written by a 21st century man. God is still on the thrown, raising up Godly leaders and young men that have a heart for Him.
Carolyn Mahaney and here daughters wrote this in their book, Girl Talk. With spring just around the corner, I though this would be a good time to bring this topic up. I know for many years, I fought this issue of modesty. God has continued to work on this area of my life. This is about the best thing that I has seen written on the topic which does not seem legalistic in it’s nature, but points to our own hearts and diserning why we wear what we wear.
Sometimes our outward appearance is a reflection of who we are on the inside as well. I desperately what my outside to be a reflection of what God is doing in my life on the inside.
May this article help you to seek God on this issue. I know it is a sensitive issue, but it does not have to be. Simply test where your heart is on the matter
Modesty Heart Check
By Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore and Janelle Bradshaw
“…Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness-with good works.”1 Timothy 2:9-10
Start with a Heart Check…
“How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.” John MacArthur [emphasis added]
What statement do my clothes make about my heart?
In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?
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?
Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?
Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?
Does my clothing reveal an 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. (What are some things you’ll look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)
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.
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.
The same check is needed if I am wearing a sleeveless shirt. When I move aound, can I see my bra? If I do, I need the pins again.
Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter, or sheer blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It’s time to go back to the closet.
Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option.
More key questions: 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 anyone of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit.
Moving on down…
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.
I also have to turn around to see if what I’m 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!
And as for shorts – I can’t just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair.
The “sit-down” check applies to my skirt or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I’m seated.
And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? Pins are also helpful here.
Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a sunlight check. Is it see- through? If so, I need a slip.
Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter.And don’t forget, this applies toformal wear as well.
A note on swimwear: It’s not easy but you can still strive to be modest at the pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren’t cut high on the leg and don’t have low necklines.
Modesty Check@ 2002 Sovereign Grace Ministries
Republished in Girl Talk: Mother-Daughter Conversations on Biblical Womanhood by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre (Crossway Books)
Question: 31. What was the sin of our first parents? Answer: Eating the forbidden fruit.
Question: 32. Who tempted them to this sin? Answer: The devil tempted Eve, and she gave the fruit to Adam. Question: 33. What befell our first parents when they had sinned? Answer: Instead of being holy and happy, they became sinful and miserable. Question: 34. Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works? Answer: No; he represented all his posterity. Question: 35. What effect had the sin of Adam on all mankind? Answer: All mankind are born in a state of sin and misery.
I have always enjoyed dressing my girls like little girls and not like teenagers. Eric and I have sometimes sacrificed on other things so that we could dress our girls modestly and like little girls. It can get rather pricey to do so. Today, I found this wonderful Christian lady who values feminity in her girls as well. She is the mother of 8 children, I believe.
Anyway, what a ministry to offer modest feminine clothing at a reasonable cost. Lovely sweet clothing The great thing is they are custom, so you can change fabrics to your liking I wanted to pass on her website to you
As I was doing my regular Blog surfing, I can upon Covenant Life’s Family Room Blog. They were recommending the book The Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle. While researching this. I found a FREE copy online. I read most of it and it is an easy read. Very good
Question: 26. What did God threaten in the covenant of works? Answer: To punish Adam with death if he disobeyed.
Question: 27. Did Adam keep the covenant of works? Answer: No; he sinned against God. Question: 28. What is Sin? Answer: Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the law of God. Question: 29. What is meant by want of conformity? Answer: Not being or doing what God requires. Question: 30. What is meant by transgression? Answer: Doing what God forbids.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This week, God reminded me, that I am never to play the victim, when things do not go as I think they should, or when someone does not treat me as I think they should. It is tough and I know my flesh can very easily go there. Playing the victim feels good at times, especially when I have people feel sorry for me. I need to constantly preach to myself, that even my worst day, God intends for good and for His glory. I always have the choice to embrace this truth or to feel sorry for myself.
Now I am not saying that life is easy. Sin does abound and people will continue to do and say things they believe are right in their own minds, and thus feelings will get hurt and pain may come, but this verse is a reminder to go God, when times are tough and seek Him for that inner joy and thankfulness, which will draw us back to the cross.
I am thankful to God of this reminder and for my brothers and sisters in Christ who love me when times are tough and when I struggle. I truly am blessed!
“Lord, help us to have joy in tribulation, help us not to play the victim but come boldly to the throne, when we are scared, angry, or hurt. Your love is everlasting and enough for us. Thank you for being who you are and making us more in the image of your own son.”
“How great to work all day for God and in the evening lay down under His smiling eyes” Sarah Edwards
Before Christmas, Sarah, my niece, and I were in DC and went into a Bed Bath and Beyond. OK, I watch little TV, so Sarah mentions this Trash Bowl thing they were selling ( a high priced plastic bowl with the name Trash Bowl ) I am like, What in the world is that?
Sarah enlightens me that it is from TV Cook on the Food Network and that she uses it to put all her trash in, while she is cooking. I was like, huh! that is a great idea, but I do not need to spend $25.00, I have plenty of bowls already in my kitchen that would work
I am a Messy Cook. I always have been. When I cook, the kitchen looks like a tornado hit it. I like to cook, I just do not pay much attention to the trash around me. This has been an irritation to my husband, who has so gracefully put in the chunk of things about me, he would not try to change
The trash bowl has been revolutionary for me. I am able to keep for the most part a clean kitchen as I go. I have to say, it is a stress reliever. i like to cook even more now, because clean up is much quicker. When I am finished with my mess, I just dump the bowl. It feels so good to get rid of the trash so quickly and with ease It also makes my hubby happy, which is a plus too
It caused me to think of the trash that I sometimes keep in my life. I may throw it on the floor and know it is there, but the cleaning up part is not so easy. I am so thankful for Savior that became my trash bowl, so that I could walk in freedom and joy. I need to remember to cast my anxioties and my sin on Him. and not just put it out and not deal with it. Thank you Jesus, for being available at all time to take the mess that is in me. Your recipe for my life is the best when the trash is dealt with quickly.
For years this woman has intrigued me. I found a message on her on Sovereign Grace and wow, what and encouragement. Years ago I listened to Noel Pipers teaching on her, so I have included that as well. Sarah and I listened to this message yesterday as we worked. Listening to sermons and teachings has been one of the things Sarah and I have both been implementing into our days to encourage us in Godliness. I cannot speak for Sarah, but I personally cannot tell you what a blessing this has been to me to listen to Gospel centered teaching throughout the day. It is a way to preach the Gospel to yourself daily.
For those of you who have never heard of Sarah Edwards, I encourage you to to take the time to get to know her, we have so much we can learn from her.
Sarah Edwards was a lady of the 1700’s. She was the wife of the well known theologian Jonathan Edwards, who would many times be locked in his study for many hours of the day, sometime not even coming for dinner. Sarah was responsible for the the care of 11 children, she was an overseer of all areas of caring for and managing their home. She was indeed the Proverbs 31 woman. I think in the age of self indulgence and a society who desires to seek what feels good in his own mind, I think the life of Sarah has much to teach us as we pursuit God and learn to be more like Him.
Every Wednesday Railway Market in Easton, MD has a 10% off sale on everything in the store. This is the time to stock up on vitamins, rice and organic foods.
Part of that keeping yourself healthy thing From what I can tell Railway is the cheapest and best place to get bananas.
a clean kitchen as I go. I have to say, it is a stress reliever. i like to cook even more now, because clean up is much quicker. When I am finished with my mess, I just dump the bowl. It feels so good to get rid of the trash so quickly and with ease 
