a great reminder

Modesty Checklist
Carolyn Mahaney
“… 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.”
I Timothy 2:9-10
First, it’s time for 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 worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate
her wardrobe and appearance.” -- John MacArthur
\ 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 it the latest fashion?
\ Have I solicited the evaluation of other godly individuals regarding 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?
So, I’m ready to leave the house, but I still have to do a modesty check. What are some things I should look for as I stand in front of my mirror?
Starting at the top…
\ 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.
\ A word on purse straps: How could a purse possibly be a modesty concern? When you’re wearing the strap across your chest.
Regardless of the shirt you’ve got on, this accentuates your chest and creates a temptation for men.
\ 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.
\ Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter-top, or see-through blouse? Not even pins will fix this problem! Most guys find these very
unhelpful. 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.
\ One final shirt check: Does it 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 is “yes” to any one of these questions, then I need to change my outfit.
\ Are my arms or any part of my body exposed by see-thru or sheer covering?
Moving on down…
\ Does my midriff (or underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt is too low? Either my shirt
needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt that sits higher.
\ I also have to turn around to see if what I’m wearing is too tight around my derriere, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If
so, I know what I have to do!
\ 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 all applies to formal wear as well.

Gardening

My way to rest and to have fun is to create gardens. When we moved to our house( May 2009) in Shell it was pretty much an empty slate. Some plants that were originally planted have been removed and put in other places . I've bought a few roses and antheriums but mostly have just taken cuttings from other gardens. Everything readily roots here in the warm went rain forest.I could not create with out my faithful helper!!!the back porch then, now there are night blooming Jasmin, passion fruit vines and many potted plants



the begining of the rose gardenwith in a year and a half, everything grows really fast here

before the vegetable garden
the vegetable garden has produced papa chinos, squash, basil, tomatoes and zuchinni


this garden between the trees is mostly ferns and the trees have been planted with many orchids from fallen branches of other trees


this tree out front had some plants and orchids, we expanded it and have added more plants

a touch of spring

I've missed seeing seasons change. So when I was called to PA this winter to help my daughter's family , I thought I might see spring. As a thank you to me for coming , Vicky and the babies and I went to the Philadelphia flower show.
It was held at the convention center in the middle of the city. US cities are so different from the South American ones I've been in , much safer, and more diverse . I waited with the stroller on a corner while Vicky went into a store for egg rolls I was uneasy she said it's perfectly safe which it was...















The theme was spring time in Paris















The simple~

we got some great ideas and were inspired















The intricate~















the designs were amazing , who would have thought to roll ferns in to this...


all flower material


















this was a great vertical display















For me this was the best display, square "trees" filled in with many different plant material









The babies loved their first flower show!!














HAPPY SPRING

more sweetness

the rest of the story

More pictures of Feb1 and beyond!

Vicky designed and made all her baby room decor

And knit both the babies their own hats!, Edens while she was in labor...Grammy finished it up as the focus was lost on others maters.. a real P31

Ezra was first and Grammy got to see the grand entrance! 6 lb 8 oz ~20 1/2 in


we had to wait a while longer for Eden... but all was well! Even if she didn't think so...
6lb 13 oz~20 1/2 infrom the moment they were born their personalities shone through!
Daddy keeping occupied while Vicky got mended
Mommy finally gets to see and hold the babies...then the big brothers!
At home!!

Pennsylvania

We had snow my first day in PA , lots of rosy cheeks!

We celebrated Vicky's 30th birthday, with anglefood cake and Ecuadorian roses
Iwent snowshoeing for the first time in 3 years
Met a nice couple that said they were going to Florida next year!

# 10 and #11

Grandchildren number 10 and 11 arrived today. It was a busy day of many emotions. Ezra poked his head out at 3:37pm, weighing in at 6lb 8 oz , 20 1/2" long, Eden arrived at 3:52 weighing in at 6 lb13 oz and 20 1/2 " long, she took another route because her cord was out before her head. They are both very sweet ! Mom and Dad are resting tonight and doing well. No pictures yet but later some real sweet ones will be posted.