The Power of Feminine Dress (copied from Generation Cedar: http://www.generationcedar.com/main/)

The topic of dress is so fascinating to me! There are debates about what is modest, what is unacceptable, what is too masculine, etc. Feminine dress seems often to be regarded as an outdated fashion that we got to "throw off" thanks to the feminist movement, left only for the ultra-conservative, jumper-wearing crowd.

Too often we get caught up in the "pants versus dress" argument which I think is just a distraction. This article is not about that.

In a culture where grunge is in, gender lines are grossly confused, and women have finally achieved the "freedom" to dress as they please, I think a fun look at "the power of feminine dress" is in order.

What if women realized that their real power lay in what God had already given them...their femininity? What if we considered it a privilege to be a woman and we weren't afraid to show it?

A few years back I received this letter from a college professor sharing his "two cents" about the power of feminine dress.

"Here's a man's view on women and skirts.I'm a college lecturer, ok? So I'm "smart". Big deal!

Costume is powerful. It's more than just something to wear.A woman in a skirt or dress looks feminine. There's something almost mystical about that. Skirts make me stop and think. "She's a lady, not just a female clone trying to act like a man, or imitating a man.

"Oh" some women say, "pants are more practical". Sure they are. But you lose something.

"But", some women will say. "My job requires body positions that skirts interfere with."Really? Pioneer women WALKED (not rode) alongside covered wagons going out west. And they wore skirts. They had identity as women (distinct from men)

Queen Elizabeth (the first) wore gowns....not pants. She was powerful.And if skirts make your job more difficult there's a feminine alternative: Long pants sewn with wide legs....in silky fabrics and soft colors....and almost as feminine as a skirt.

Of course, if you're a woman who only cares about the masculine value of "efficiency at all costs", if you don't cherish your feminine power,as a woman; not a clone of men.....then by all means, keep wearing those pant suits." -Fred Bear

A Feminine Challenge

I challenge you to an experiment by which you dress femininely for a week, even at home. Pay close attention to how you feel, how your family members treat you and how strangers treat you.

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

God created glorious womanhood and a mysterious power--an appropriate power--for women who embrace their design.

This was originally sent to me by Generation Cedar: http://www.generationcedar.com/main/

God is Our Sunrise and Our Sunset

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord," (Revelation 1:8a)

If God is the Alpha and Omega and the Beginning and the End - if He is these things - then He is our sunrise and sunset as well. He is what wakes us up in the morning of our lives and gets us moving. He warms our cold bodies and gives us comfort. He shines His light so we can see the Truth. If we have just been in the dark, the light actually hurts our eyes for a time. Darkness hates the light.

God is sweet gentle breeze that touches our cheeks, and on that breeze He whispers his direction, guidance and love.

Sometimes we don't listen to that breeze, and so He sends a storm. In that storm is still the Love of Christ. He is still there, even if we can't see Him directly.

At the end of our lives, He is that beautiful sunset. He is still alive, still glorious, still vibrant.

We get our perfect rest and peace from Him.

"I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." (Revelation 1:8)

Food Dehydrator Giveaway

I'm entered to win a $220 Deluxe 9-Tray Excalibur Food Dehydrator from keeperofthehome.org and savingnaturally.com. Get entered here.

Another Skirt Giveaway!

Marie Madeline Studio is giving away a Free Street Skirt Pattern and Fabric Of Your Choice! These are so pretty, fun, feminine and sweet! As Mrs. Regan points out, "There is no extra bulk around the waist...who needs that???" Go to the Regan Family Farm blog to enter. You will find the instructions on how, there. There are three easy ways to enter and win!

Hurry and enter! The giveaway ends June 8, Tuesday night.

RaisingHomemakers.com

There is a new website devoted to raising up godly young women to be homemakers, as is the Lord's design. Check it out here!

Unashamed Fellowship

I got this from a dear, young sister's blog, who lives in Georgia. The name of her blog is Aspiring Homemaker. Every time I hear this it makes my heart beat faster. It pumps me up and spurs me on. I love it! Read on:

I took this picture earlier this year in Tyler, Texas.

"I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The dye has been cast. The decision has been made. I have stepped over the line. I won't look back, let up, slow down, or back away.

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My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I'm finished with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap giving and dwarfed goals.

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I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognised, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk with patience, live by prayer and labor with power.

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My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I can not be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed.

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I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

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I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, spoken for the case of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

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My banner is clear. I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed."

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--A final testimony by an African Christian just before he was martyred for his faith.

Beautiful You: 10 Simple Tips for a More Beautiful You

Taken from the Feelin' Feminine Blog:

1. Spread good cheer by smiling often.
2. Instead of adorning your outer person with excessive jewels, adorn your inner person with the priceless gems of a gentle and quiet spirit.
3. Don’t mask the beauty that God has gifted you with by painting your face.
4. Resist the temptation to show off every curve and cranny; dress modestly.
5. A neat and tidy image is far superior to the latest fads and trends. Seek functionality more than fashion.
6. Often a woman seems comely until she opens her mouth. Keep your speech pure and limited.
7. Walk like an heir of grace and not of death. Ditch the cocky carriage for a stride of confidence and humility.
8. You are what you eat. Fill up on nutritious fuel and it will show on the outside.
9. Treat others with kindness and consideration. Do not look down on others but consider them more important than yourself.
10. Spend adequate time in prayer and Scripture before the start of each new day. The time you spend in the presence of Yeshua is never wasted, but flows from within you to touch the lives of each person you meet on your way.

National Day of Prayer

What an awesome night of prayer and thanksgiving. We went to a different church tonight, to join fellow believers in the National Day of Prayer. There were fire fighters, police, and other law enforcement officers outside before the whole thing began.

Nicholas, Emily and Daniel with Skip Tinagero, our fire fighter neighbor.

Daniel and Emily in the SWAT armored vehicle.

Silas presented the colors at the beginning of the service with some other CAP cadets.

Presenting the colors.

Silas

The Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard.

Silas saluting the flag.

It was really neat being able to thank the different law enforcement people for their services, and then to go in and thank God for all HE does in our lives! The worship was amazing, and the prayers were full of the Holy Spirit.

I got reminded tonight, that whether I agree with my government officials in office or not, I am not to talk badly about them. I am to lift them up, encourage them and pray for them. Lord willing, they will one day put their hearts in HIS hands!

I am so thankful we live in a country that still allows us to gather publically and pray to our God freely! Praise HIM!

Flower Photo Contest

I adore flowers! I think they are here to give us a glimpse of the beauty of heaven! Johanna at An Old Fashioned Girl, is hosting a flower photo contest on her blog. You can enter up to five pictures. Below are my entries. Go ahead and enter yours!

Maellen

1. Multicolored Irises

2. Pink Clematis on a trellis

3. A beautiful tee blooming at the zoo a couple of weeks ago

4. The sweetest smelling rose in my yard.

5. This rose starts off a brilliant pink, and fades to a light pink.

Our Trip to the Zoo

As a follow-up to my last post, we did go to the zoo, and had a wonderful time! (I was able to find something to wear that was very comfortable, feminine and modest.) :-)

The flamingos

Nicholas, Daniel and Emily

It was Nich's turn for a camel ride. All the other kids have had a ride - next is Mom and Dad??

Oh my!

Pretty bird!

Looking at the giraffe

Dan the movie man (and photographer)

The flowers were in bloom!

Sweet little baby "Reece", born October 2, 2009.

Here we are using the timer on the camera....

In the Rainforest

Nich being pensive.

Emily, feeding the ducks.

The ducks have such incredible colors!

His royal majesty graced us with his presence! I loved how this guy's crown and robe were so regal!

To be Feminine, or Not to be Feminine? That is the Question!

Here is Emily in one of her "feminine" outfits

I am so encouraged by the Feelin' Feminine Challenge my daughter, Emily, is doing. She and I follow a blog called Feminine Farmgirl. Jenna, the writer of that blog, is facilitating this challenge. You wear a skirt or dress everyday for one week, and do your hair in pretty styles each day. The challenge is to live like you usually do, and to do everything in your skirt or dress. Emily has been officially taking the challenge, and posting pictures on her blog every day, of her different outfits. I have been doing it unofficially, with her. It has been quite fun, seeing what new outfits we can put together. It has also been fun, going to the blogs of the other girls taking the challenge, and seeing what they are doing and wearing.

God has made women to be different from men. We are to be feminine. We don't have to be dumpy or dowdy to do this, either. We can make ourselves pretty, without being overly done up. I think this can be accomplished with pants, but not so easily. We should always remain modest, that is why I don't wear skirts higher than my knees, or low-cut shirts. I am trying to dress like a lady - pretty and simple - not too showy - modest. I must admit though, I still like my comfy, loose fitting jeans! :-) God is not done with me yet!

Tomorrow we go to the zoo. Em already has several choices sitting out. Let's see what I can find to wear for that!

Family

I just have to say, I love my family! I love to hear my sweet, little wunkle, Emily, singing her worship songs throughout the day. I crave to see my son Daniel's eyes twinkle as he laughs and giggles over his jokes. I live to feel my son, Nicholas, put his arms around me and give me hugs... and then lift me up almost over his head...! I adore to laugh with my oldest son, Silas, as he sees things the same way I do, and we both end up crying from laughing so hard. I so look forward to hearing the keys in the door, and running to give Monty a hug when he comes home from work.

I have the best family in the world!

http://www.visionforumministries.org/rescuehaiti/

http://www.visionforumministries.org/rescuehaiti/

BARABBAS

I guess I never really thought about it before - the fact that Jesus took Barabbas’ place on the cross. Not in this way, anyway. In church on Sunday, our pastor spoke a little about this. It made me think about it as if it were I in Barabbas’ place.

Barabbas was in jail because he was a terrible criminal. He was a robber. He deserved the punishment he was about to receive. Now Pilate didn’t believe Jesus was a criminal, but he was afraid of the people. He decided to let them choose which man should go free. Of course, he assumed, it would be Jesus! He didn’t DO anything bad!

Imagine Barabbas sitting in his jail cell, hearing what was going on outside. He hears his name, and Jesus’ name. He hears that, according to custom, someone will be set free. He also assumes it will be Jesus. He knows what he did and that he deserves to die. He hears them yelling, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” and knows they are asking for his own blood.

Then the guard comes into his cell, and he figures his time is up. He is going to be crucified. But instead, the guard tells him he is free to go. Jesus is dying in his place.

Can you imagine his shock? Can you imagine his relief? Can you imagine his feeling of thankfulness mixed with confusion? Well, that Barabbas is me. Jesus died in my place, when I should be the one to die! I GET TO LIVE!

I am incredibly thankful and dumbfounded! What an amazing God!

A beautiful song on abortion by a great group called Take No Glory - listen here -

1950's Reagan Commerical on Socialized Medicine - from Vision Forum

Reagan on Socialized Medicine from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

No More Sorrow in Heaven

No More Sorrow in Heaven

My Family in Christ

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ." 1 Cor. 12:12

I love it that Christians are called "one body" in Christ. I LOVE it that I can meet a fellow believer somewhere else in the country, a total stranger, and feel like such a part of their family! We ARE family! I love the fact that we have this one goal, this one calling.

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Eph. 4:4-6

I was just traveling in Texas this past week, and visited a beautiful little area there. The lakes were gorgeous, the trees were fantastic, the fields were incredible! But what was even better were the people there! They were so welcoming. So loving. So familiar! We all had the same love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We all had the same calling on our lives to train up our children in biblical doctrine and in the love of the Lord. I just adore meeting other Christians, who are like-minded, and who share in the grace of God with me.

Praise God for His amazing grace, and for the people He puts in my life to share that with!

J.C. Ryle on Affliction

Affliction is one of God’s medicines. By it He often teaches lessons which would be learned in no other way. By it He often draws souls away from sin and the world, which would otherwise have perished everlastingly. Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is a greater. Prosperity and worldly comfort, are what all naturally desire; but losses and crosses are far better for us, if they lead us to Christ. Thousands at the last day, will testify with David, and the nobleman before us, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted.” (Psalm. 119:71.)

~ J.C. Ryle

The Good Samaritan movie

Click here to see the video portraying Daniel's modern-day version of, "The Good Samaritan".

Thoughts...

What if…? A Challenge.

What if everyone who was able, would take care of five neighbors? What if they gave meals when their neighbors were sick, baby-sat when they had appointments, brought cards on their birthdays, shopped for them when they were incapacitated, shoveled their driveways when it snowed? What if we taught our children to be a little less selfish? To settle for those $12 sneakers at the discount store and use the rest of that money you just saved from not buying those expensive name brand shoes, to buy some groceries for the neighbor who just lost his job? What would it look like if we gave our nice clothes that hang in the closet but we don’t wear any more as we wait for those inches to drop off, to our neighbor who has very little?

No, the government should not mandate or organize our giving. They should not tell us we HAVE to be generous. We should WANT to! It would cause bitterness and resentment if we were forced to give. Plus, it is a simple fact that it is not the role of the government to do that, according to our Constitution. That would be stealing. The government would be putting their hands in our pockets and taking what they want. The government is not Robin Hood. We are each responsible for our own actions. Not only that, but it would rob people of the JOY of giving. Sure, there will always be that stingy person who won’t give up a cent for another. But I think the Haiti tragedy has shown us that there are plenty of people who would love to give.

If each family decided to get to know the people on their block and try to bless just five of them regularly, what would our world look like?

What if…? I challenge you.

Goat Kidding

This is so neat. I have never seen a goat kid before. Check out this blog with a video of the birth! http://femininefarmgirl.blogspot.com/2010/03/triumph-kidded.html

New Mexico

By Maellen Blodgett

Summer is filled with hot, sweltering days and cool, breezy evenings. The scent of flowers and evergreens fill my nostrils as I watch the white, puffy clouds turn dark and foreboding in just a matter of minutes. In an instant, I have gone from feeling the sun scorching my skin, to being drenched in the life-giving water of a typical New Mexico downpour. I love to watch the lizards scamper away, as the roadrunner looks high and low for her food.

Autumn is when you will find me hiking in the Jemez Mountains, or camping in the Pecos. The golden, almost sparkling leaves, dance on the aspen trees. The familiar crunch underfoot, of fallen, dry leaves, melds with the soft tinkling of the stream nearby. The musky, sultry smell of chili wafts through the air, as I drive down the street toward home. Brown adobe walls surrounding casitas with red chili ristras hanging on the bright blue, wooden doors call out a welcome to all. I love to watch the multi-colored balloons float gracefully and silently through the air, and hear the soft blowing of the propane tanks filling the envelopes and helping them to travel higher into the heavens. This is the season with the best smells of all - making me feel warm, cozy and like there is nothing wrong with the world.

Winter brings the cold crisp air, with the smell of pinon burning in fireplaces. The desert covered with a sprinkling of powdered sugar across its vast expanse, makes everything feel fresh and clean. The cool, blue skies are a peaceful backdrop for the purple, majestic Sandia Mountains that I am sure the song, America the Beautiful was written about. The birds that decided to stay, flutter around, hunting for berries and foraging for insects. The icy chill in the air in the early mornings stings my cheeks and wakes me up, as I scrape the thin layer of frost off of my windshield.

Spring carries the hope of new life, as daffodils shoot up and crab apple trees sprout their sweet, pink blossoms making clouds of profuse, pink haze around each branch. The pungent smell of the brilliant yellow forsythia fills the air, as well as the puffs of cotton floating gently down to earth, from the giant cottonwood trees along the Bosque.

When I think of New Mexico, I think of bright, fiery sunsets! Hot, sweltering days! Cool, breezy evenings. Cultures and colors galore! I love New Mexico! The mountains stand guard as they watch over the many different peoples of this desert land. It is indeed, enchanting!

Skirt Pattern Giveaway

Feminine Farmgirl is giving away a pattern for a Route 66 skirt that you can make in three different lengths. Go HERE to enter.

Are Gay Rights Civil Rights?

All human beings deserve equal rights. All human beings HAVE equal rights! We need to define marriage as between one man and one woman, (as it is already understood), and not give extra privileges to the fringe.

Homosexual rights are not the same thing as civil rights. Gay rights are special rights for the minority. Civil rights affect those who are educationally hurt, (gays get the same education as heterosexuals), who are financially hurt, (homosexuals on average make more than the average heterosexual), or who have no political power, (everyone knows they have incredible political influence and can vote just like the rest of us). A person deserves civil rights for something they are born with that cannot be changed. You cannot change the color of your skin, for instance, but there are many people who have left the homosexual lifestyle. They can change. They HAVE changed! For those who would argue that the gay person is born with those tendencies, think about the fact that we are all born with certain tendencies. Some might have addictive personalities. So then, should we give the alcoholic special rights to drink and drive because they are born with that tendency or that desire, and therefore they couldn’t help it? How absurd! Of course not! They have a CHOICE to act on that desire or not. We are all born with the predisposition to sin. Could we argue that Hitler couldn’t help himself because he was born with this mental illness or this predisposition to control or kill? So then, what he did was okay? That is ridiculous! He had a choice to ACT on his desires or NOT to act! Domestic Partnership is nothing to do with civil rights. We should not be making laws that cater to mans’ desires, whims or tendencies. We are not ruled by our desires. We are not defined by our desires. We choose to follow them or not – that is our choice. And then we reap whatever consequences naturally follow those choices. If you choose to live with someone without marrying him or her, you are free to do so. But don’t ask for special provisions for yourself, because you don’t choose to follow the norm.

Marriage is between one man and one woman. How do we procreate? It takes one man and one woman. We should not be making special legislation based on who people choose to make their bed with. That is a private matter. Everyone has the same right to marry as everyone else. You can choose to marry someone of the opposite sex or not. That is what marriage is. If we start making laws for those who want to marry a same-sex partner, why not make laws for those who want to marry their own children? Why not make laws for those who want to marry their dog? Why not make laws for those who want to marry two or three people? Because someone is bi-sexual, do we say you can marry both a man and a woman and then give all the healthcare rights to the spouses as well? We would go bankrupt as well as being morally corrupt! I have heard it said that we never lose when we give more people more rights. Where do we draw the line? Where does this end?

"Snow" Sledding with the Blodgett's

This is how we spent some of our Saturday afternoon. We had rain, snow, hail, wind, and sun - all in one day! Crazy! You will see the hail and wind pick up while we were taping some of this video. Fun! Fun! Weeeeeeeeeeeee!

Skirt Giveaway!

Here is a link to a great skirt giveaway! You have to put in a comment before Saturday. Enjoy! http://onjustacoupleacres.blogspot.com/