Scripture Thursday ~ Our Attire

Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.  I Peter 3:3-5 (nkjv)

Free Vintage Graphic

There’s a popular television program “What Not to Wear” which takes a woman in perceived need of fashion help, ditches her wardrobe and makes her over with a new one based on her body type, profession, and personality. 

Free Vintage Graphic

I was asked recently, what the bible has to say about what women should wear.  I’ve been on a bit of a hunt this week for some scriptures as well as resources in this regard.    Some of the verses I’m using today refer to adornment/adorning.  According to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, this means an ornament or decoration, displaying beauty. 

In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 1 Timothy 2:9-10

How should we dress?  Based on these two scriptures, a woman is to dress MODESTLY and without so much bling and accessories, that it detracts from the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. 

When a woman veils her body in modest clothing, she is not hiding herself from men. On the contrary, she is revealing her dignity to them.  ~ Unknown

 
In my quest this week, I discovered Olivia at Fresh Modesty where she promotes the obvious, with the slogan – Dress Outside Your Box, but inside His Book.    Olivia has given me permission to use some of her photos in this post.  She’s a young woman on a mission, and I think she’s doing a great job.   She shows examples of dressing modestly without giving up fashion.  Visit her blog for fresh ideas for your own wardrobe or share with some of the young women in your life. 

Courtesy of Olivia at Fresh Modesty

Courtesy of Olivia at Fresh Modesty

   


 
















Another site I discovered is Modeling Christ with Rachel Lee Carter.  Rachel is a speaker, author, Bible Teacher and professional model.   I encourage you to explore her informative site for more on this subject.  Such as:  Everyone’s Opinion of Modest Swimwear or Modesty’s Top 10.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.  Romans 12:1-2 

Rachel chose not to conform to the world’s standards ~ If you got it flaunt it, but rather Godly standards ~ If you got it, protect it. 

This post isn’t about me telling if you should or shouldn’t wear pants, bling, short skirts or even a specific type of bathing suit.  The message I’m trying to convey is that God wants us to dress in such a way that honors him.  He knows our heart and the motives of our heart. 

Free Vintage Graphic

The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.  1 Samuel 16:7

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.  Colossians 3:12-14 (niv)

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,
Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;
See if there be some wicked way in me;
Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.
Hymn ~ J. Edwin Orr ~ 1936


Thank you for stopping by today.  I appreciate each and every one of you and your comments.  Although I can’t respond to all of them, be assured each one is read and treasured.

Prayers for Olivia

Update on Olivia: 
She is home from the hospital, doing better, but weak and in pain.  The family is very appreciative of your prayers on her behalf.

Confess your faults one to another, and
pray one for another, that ye may be healed.
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
James 5:16

There are so many people that come to mind that need prayer.  We all need prayer.  However in one little corner, my friend's granddaughter Olivia has been re-hospitalized with complications from surgery.  She is thirteen years old, and in desperate need of prayer today. 

I think all of us have a tender place in our hearts when it comes to children who are ill.  Olivia's family would be very grateful if you were able to take a moment today and pray for her.  Thank you.

Scripture Thursday ~ The Beauty of Holiness

free for personal use

 Have you ever actually felt the "beauty of holiness" that this verse describes?  If you haven't, you're missing something very special.   I feel this beauty when I worship the Lord in church each Sunday.

Old photo of my church ~ pre 1920

  It may come at different times of the service, such as a hymn;

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:19-20

 during a prayer,
an interaction with one of my church family,
or during the message. 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Hebrews 10:25

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.  Matthew 18:20  (that's a lot of AWESOMENESS)

For my husband and I, Sunday is set aside as a time of worship in the morning and rest in the afternoon.  For me, I can't imagine being anywhere but in church every Sunday.  My church family is very near and dear to me, and being together with them, participating in a worship service is the highlight of my week. 

Once a month, following communion, we close with the hymn Blest be the Tie That Binds and gather in the aisle holding hands while we sing.    Participating in this is one of those times I always feel the "beauty of holiness".  Here are some of the lyrics. 

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.

I'd invite you to join me in making Sunday worship a priority in your schedule.  As a pastor's wife, I can guarantee your presence is encouraging and necessary for all of your church family.  Attending church is not going to get you into heaven, but it sure is going to make this journey called life, a lot more beautiful if you do.

If you'd like to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus, Proverbs 31 ministries has an explanation of how you can do that.  Click on this link:  DO YOU KNOW JESUS?

 Thanks so much for visiting my blog today.  The photos included here were taken by me inside my church.  The scripture graphic I made for you today is free for your personal use.  It was made using WORDart from Papercraft Memories, graphics from The Graphics Fairy, and graphics from my personal collection.  

 Other places you can find me:

Facebook  ~ Little Birdie Blessings for Moms

Facebook  ~ Little Birdie Blessings

Pinterest 

This post is linked to:  Domestically Divine Tuesday, Whatever You Want Wednesday, Titus2uesdays, Think on These Things, Women in the Word Wednesdays, Hearts 4 Home Thursday, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Scripture Sunday, Proverbs 31 Thursdays, Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Scripture Sunday

 

Seeing the Creator in a Flower

 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

And there was evening, and there was morning —the sixth day.
Genesis 1:31

Free for Personal Use

I took this photo of the purple iris in the garden of my friend Diane.   I am in awe of its beauty and the ruffling of the delicate petals that are firm enough to hold their shape; the lines on some of the petals that form a pattern, the various hues of purple.  

How can we look at the beauty of a simple flower and not see our creator in it?  Take a moment today to see what your creator has put in your world for your enjoyment and awe.  Drop a comment here and share with others.

All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~ 

 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.

Father's Day

Free for personal use

Peace in the Storm

He maketh the storm a calm,
so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet;
so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psalm 107:29-30

click for larger size ~ free for personal use

Welcome to another Scripture Thursday here at Little Birdie Blessings.  With Father’s day this Sunday, I thought I’d write my post on a nautical theme.  Living in a small coastal village in Maine, many of the people around me make their living on or from the sea. 
The verses above, can be looked at two different ways.  Literally, Jesus has the power to calm the storms, quiet the waves, and guide you to safety when on the sea. 

click for larger size ~ free for personal use

In another way, we can relate it to the many different storms that come into our life, be it:  physical, spiritual, financial, emotional, relational, and more.  Whatever your “storm” may be, reach out to Jesus for your help.  He loves you more than you can comprehend and wants you to seek Him for peace amidst your storm. 

I came across this old hymn titled The Haven of Rest, written in 1890 by Henry L. Gilmour.   The old hymns have such powerful meaning and many were written out of the personal storms the hymn writers experienced.  As you go through your storms, rather than asking God WHY, ask Him HOW it can be used for good. 

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea,
So burdened with sin and distressed,
Till I heard a sweet voice, saying,
“Make Me your choice”;
And I entered the “Haven of Rest”!

I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
I’ll sail the wide seas no more;
The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep,
In Jesus I’m safe evermore.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
In faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul;
The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest,
Of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have
A home in the “Haven of Rest.”

How precious the thought that we all may recline,
Like John, the belovèd so blest,
On Jesus’ strong arm, where no tempest can harm,
Secure in the “Haven of Rest.”

O come to the Savior, He patiently waits
To save by His power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the “Haven of Rest,”
And say, “My Belovèd is mine.”

Some of This & Some of That

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me:

 thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: 

forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Psalm 138:8

I have a winner to announce for my final Scripture Thursday Linky party.  Congratulations to Jennifer from My Cubby Crafts.  You have won a set of digital scripture cards that I designed.   As I wrote in my last post, I will no longer be continuing the Linky party part of Scripture Thursday, but will continue with the devotion each week.

I have a few free vintage graphics for you today, but wanted to tell you a few things first.

I have added a new page to my blog, featuring various linky parties that you may be interested in. 

If you're a mom, grandmother, caregiver, or have a heart for moms and their children, check out my new facebook page Little Birdie Blessings for Moms.  You'll find a place that gears to moms looking for encouragement and help in matters of the family and home.  Feel free to "like" if you're interested in following it.  

Click on image to view new facebook page

 With the fourth of July coming up soon, you may be looking for some patriotic graphics.  Look no further.  Check out what Emily has to offer over at Sweetly Scrapped.  You'll be amazed.  Click on the flag below to view the rest of them.

Click on flag for more Patriotic Graphics by Sweetly Scrapped

 

Here are a couple vintage graphics for you from my collection. 
Hope you enjoy them.

Do all the good you can
By all the means you can
In all the ways you can
In all the places you can
To all the people you can
As long as ever you can.
John Wesley

 

 I hope you have a wonderful day.  Remember to count your blessings.

 

Scripture Thursday ~ Think on Pure and Lovely

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things.
Philippians 4:8

I have used Philippians 4:8 before for a Scripture Thursday post, but there is no other verse that comes to mind that so perfectly describes the content I feel passionate about writing today.   

I was sitting in my town’s public library the other day when I overhead a woman asking if they had the book Fifty Shades of Grey  (link will take you to “True Woman” blog where a Christian perspective on this is shared).    The library worker responded that they did indeed have it but it was checked out.  Her name was put on a list to be called when it became available.  I later heard some women talking about the book that is said to be on every woman’s nightstand in America.  It wasn’t on theirs, they told me.

After a little research, I found this book is a #1 bestseller at this time, the subject matter is Erotic Fiction, its fan base is mostly married women over 30, the book is dubbed “Mommy Porn”, it’s notable for its sexually explicit scenes, and its success is attributed to the discreet nature of e-reading devices.  

The information we store and read on our e-devices affects how we think.  Our thoughts affect the way we feel and act.  Society has become desensitized to information our grandparents would have been appalled to hear or see.  

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14

Compliments of Bumble Buttons

A young woman I know wrote these words below – I think they speak volumes.

Shore up the foundation of my mind,
sealing every crack, supporting every stone,
Until nothing comes in that isn’t from you.

The foundation of our minds cannot be sealed if we fill it with material that does not honor God, ourselves, or our marriage.   Please carefully consider what you absorb, and if you’re unsure – compare Philippians 4:8 (above) against what you’re watching or reading. 

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit.  Feel free to leave a comment, they are all read and appreciated.

Scripture Thursday Announcement

Last week’s post about balancing priorities had me thinking about various aspects of how I spend my time.   Jan linked up a beautiful scripture card this week with the following verse:

 To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

After prayer and careful consideration, I’ve decided not to continue the linky party each Thursday.  I will continue to have a Scripture Thursday Devotion each week; however it will be without the link ups. 

I am not leaving you hanging with no place to go with your projects and happily encourage you to participate in the following scripture linky parties shown below.  Please visit their blogs for guidelines.

I hope you won’t be disappointed and understand that seasons come and seasons go.  These three ladies below do an excellent job of hosting weekly link ups.  There are many more as well.  You might check out my pinterest board for other places.  Blog Linky Parties

I’m so pleased with all who have linked to Scripture Thursday and hope you’ll continue to visit, and continue to use scripture in your work.  I’ll be back on Thursday with a new scripture, devotion and free graphics to share with you.  Thanks so much.  I appreciate all of you and your comments.  ~ Abby

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Word Art Wednesday with Karen

Scripture Sunday with Wendy