Very Profound

Ok, we all know that God give certain abilities to certain people, right? A lot of times we call these abilities gifts, like "she has the gift of playing the piano." or "he is gifted in public speaking." But does God always give us these gifts fully developed? Some people are born with a genius mind. We especially think of music like the six year old that can play Beethoven's Ninth for example. (I don't know if there is one, but probably somewhere, right?) :) I wasn't born with genius-type talents. Most people aren't... but God has given each one of us certain gifts.
Sometimes the best way to discover God's will for you life, is to look at the things that you do best. (Let's say you have a gift for singing... I don't think God would want you to spend your life in underwater basketweaving!) But you may not yet be the best you can be at the things you do best! Follow me? Let me put it this way, God gives us talents, but it is up to us to use those talents, learn how to use them more effectively (like going to school/college), and put those talents into practice. Your talents are God's investment in you, like money in the bank. It is up to you to invest those talents wisely, so when you have to give an account to God, you will be able to show what you have done for Him with what He gave you. (To read Jesus's parable of the talents see Matthew 25:14-30.)

Which Way?

As a young person, I know you have many decisions that you are facing - decisions with lifelong effects. To go to college or not, which college, what to major in, what kind of job to look for, what friends to hang out with, and what to do with the rest of your life! All these decisions can be overwhelming! The most important question to ask along with all these is "What is God's will for my life?" Sometimes finding God's will seems a little allusive. So how do you know?

I'm not going to tell you what God's will is for you life... other than to say that God's will for you is to honor and serve Him in all you do! (How is that for being general?? :) But it is the answer!!) As long as you desire to please God in all areas of your life and allow Him to take control, He will guide you in the right way. Does He tell us everything for our future now? You know the answer, of course not... if we knew everything we were to face in life, it would probably scare us to death! No, the answer to finding God's will is to keep looking for it, every day seeking how God would have you spend your time.

God will lead you in each of your choices. Some of the choices you are making may not seem to be that big to you right now, but when you look back a few years later, you will see God's leadership in using these choices for the big picture.

Isaiah 30:21 says "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left." God is saying through this verse, that He is going to lead us in each step we take. God won't give you His entire plan for you life, but He will lead you in the right direction each day.

This has been a little different line of thought from what I've been commenting on in regard to modesty, but it is something I read about in one of my devos this morning and one of my friends has been making some life choices... I guess both combined has got me thinking. Anyone have any comments on how God has been leading you recently? I would love to hear about it!

Attention Please!!!!!

So why do we choose the clothing that we choose? Many times, clothing is chosen to attract attention, right? Maybe you can think of a few examples. Perhaps someone chooses clothing to get the attention of others their age, to attract friends or boyfriends. Maybe they choose certain items to get the attention of those in authority - parents or teachers. (Think of those outlandish characters you have seen roaming the mall... do you think they are trying to get attention?) Maybe some don't even know what kind of attention they want, they know they just want someone to notice them, and what they are really craving is unconditional love. (That could be an entirely different topic!)

The question is, why are you choosing the clothes that you do? Is it to get attention? If so, whose? Are you trying to attract compliments from others? If so, think about your reasons. Is it wrong to dress in a way that is attractive? No, of course not. But attracting attention should not be our primary motive when choosing/buying clothing. Who should we ultimately be trying to please with our wardrobe???? God!!! right?

Proverbs 31:30: "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised." One way of applying Scripture is to rephrase a verse in our own words. Here is my thoughts of what this verse means: What others say they think of us can be deceitful, and beauty really doesn't amount to anything lasting, but the woman that puts God first and reverences Him is promised praise.

I love reading good books! Here is a section from Little Women by Louisa Alcott, a dialogue between the oldest, Meg, and Marmee, that applies to this post today:

"I'll not be sentimental or dissatisfied, mother; I know I'm a silly little girl, and I'll stay with you till I'm fit to take care of myself. But it is nice to be praised and admired, and I can't help saying I like it," said Meg, looking half ashamed of the confession.
"That is perfectly natural, and quite harmless, if the liking does not become a passion, and lead one to do foolish or unmaidenly things. Learn to know and value the praise which is worth having, and to excite the admiration of excellent people by being modest as well as pretty, Meg."

Distinctive

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made!!!" Psalm 139 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible. It describes how much God loves each one of us and how we are all uniquely designed by God. You are wonderfully designed by God. No two people are alike.

Another of my favorite verses is Revelation 2:17, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." Have you ever had a nickname? A person might give you a nickname because she is such a good friend and knows you so well. The names don't always make sense, at least not to other people, but it is something fun between you and the other person. (just for fun, post your favorites in comments.) The last part of this verse says that God wants to give you a special name just between you and Him. It is a way of showing how much He loves you. This name is unique to you, it defines who you are according to the One who made you uniquely you!

God wants to define you... to show you who you truly are and who you are to become as you mature in Him. Are you allowing God to name you, to define who you are becoming? Or are you allowing others to do it. I don't mean just nicknames here - I mean who you are as a person, as a young woman growing in Christ. Are you letting other people put you in a box and label who you are to become, or are you asking God to give you what He has for you? Are you letting God give you the freedom to be all that he made you to be?

"So," you ask, "how does this connect with modesty?" I am soo glad you asked!! :) Who are you allowing to tell you what to wear? Is it the latest fashion magazine? What all your friends/classmates are wearing? Or will you let God make your "fashion statement?" (Through His Word, your conscience, or your parents instructions) When you are more concerned with pleasing God through your dress than fitting in with the crowd, you are free to become truly modest.

One more thought on unique, God made us all different, with different tastes. We each have our own style! For example... my sister likes all things bright and sparkley, we tease her about needing sunglasses to go in her room... crazy daisies, anyone??? I, on the other hand, tend to be more classic in my style in my home and in my wardrobe - although I do have my moments... like those hot pink, patent leather shoes I just bought.... Hey, they were only $5!! :) Ok, back to the point, don't be afraid to enjoy your style... no one else is going to do it for you! "Remember, God made you special and He loves you very much!"
Be Uniquely You!!!

What to wear?

As girls that desire God's best, we should pay attention to what people see when they look at us. Do people see a flashy chick who is trying to draw attention to herself through her clothes, or do we reflect Christ and draw others to Him?

One of my favorite verses regarding "clothing" is found in Proverbs 31:25-26: "Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." Go grab your Bible and let's look at Proverbs 31. I'll wait..... OK, the woman described in Proverbs 31 is like the ultimate woman. She works very hard to care for her family and all in her household (v. 15, 21), she is a shrewd business woman (v. 16), she is very strong physically (v. 17), she cares about those in need (v. 20), and she dresses well (v. 22). Wow! I don't know about you, but that is a lot for me to live up to. But the Bible isn't finished yet, in the verses I quoted above, she is clothed in strength and honor. How do you see this woman? I see her as someone of high moral character. She has a strength of character that people recognize this just by looking at her. Whenever she says something, it is wise and kind. (She must think a lot before she speaks... great lesson for all of us!)

So back to the question in my title: What to wear? We need to be attired with strength, honor, wisdom, and kindness. When we go out of our home, and people look at us, shouldn't they see a young lady of great moral strength and character that speaks with wisdom and kindness and truly desires God's will for her life? -and not someone who desires to look like the models in the latest magazine as much her parents will let her?