From Behind the Lens

Lord willing, next week I'll finish up the Summer Modesty Series. I thought I should post a little something different for the weekend. I don't post my own photography very often and today I thought I would share a little.

(click the link to listen to "Simple Praise")
“Simple Praise”by Pamela Martin & Craig Courtney
For a canvas of colors, for a concert of sound; for the unfolding seasons, the earth spinning round.
For the birth of each sunrise, for the sky set ablaze; for these simple gifts, we give simple praise.
Simple praise for the Giver, and thanks to the One who has given us breath and given His Son.
To the Giver of blessings for all of our days, for these simple gifts, we give simple praise.
For the love of a mother, for the touch of a hand; for the deeper emotions we
can’t understand.
For the lessons we learn from the trials we face; for these simple gifts, we give simple praise.
The heart of the Giver, the hand of the One from whom ev’ry blessing of living has come; for measureless mercy and
limitless grace, for these simple gifts we give simple praise.

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Summer Modesty Series: Part 2 dressing for formal occasions

During the summer, it isn't uncommon for people to be going to wedding showers, parties, and ceremonies; here are a few thing to think about before dressing for more formal events. Please don't lower your standard of modesty because you are going to a formal event, immodest attire is immodest everywhere. I do realize that it can be difficult to find a nice dress that isn't cut too low in the neckline, is strapless, or sleeveless. If you must buy a dress like that, try to see if you can remedy the problem rather than just wearing the dress as is. If the dress is too low in the neckline, try wearing a camisole or a tank top underneath it. Did you purchase a strappy or sleeveless dress? Find a cute cardigan or shrug to wear over top of the dress; I have seen some cute jackets/cardigans at various stores so it shouldn't be too difficult for you to find one. Also, always make sure a dress or skirt is long enough! Depending on the type of shoes you wear, a dress or skirt that you tried on barefoot may or may not be long enough if you wear heels or other dress shoes. Those are just a few things to consider before heading out to a formal event. There is no reason to lower our standards for an event even though others may be lowering theirs. Enjoy getting dressed up!=)

P.S. If you're looking for a nice dress to wear to a fancier dress occasion, visit here.

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Summer Modesty Series: part 1 swimwear

This is my first post in the that I will be doing here on my blog.

The pools are open and school is out, what better way to spend and afternoon than poolside? Before you head out the door with your beach bag and towel under your arm, look in the mirror. Is what you are wearing modest and pleasing to the Lord or have you let down your standards and purchased a swimsuit that would hardly pass as being modest? As young women, it is easy to see how "everyone else" attires themselves when going swimming and rationalize that "If they're wearing that, so can I". Don't do it. Don't compromise. What we wear when swimming can have either a positive or a negative impact on those around us. If for no other reason than this, dress modestly for the sake of guys. Girls, we should never dress in a way that would cause our brothers in Christ, or other men in general, to stumble. I am not saying that you have to wear a swim dress like ladies in 1909 would have worn, but I am urging you to dress in swim attire that is decent and doesn't expose you. Below are a few pointers that may be helpful in selecting swimwear/swimsuits.

1. Be absolutely certain that the swimsuit won't become translucent when wet! Make sure that the suit is lined and isn't clingy.

2. Watch the neckline! If it's too low-don't buy it!

3. I suggest you wear swim shorts if your going to be wearing a one piece swimsuit. One piece suits are often cut high in the leg and don't leave much to the imagination.

4.If you wear a modest tankini, be sure that the top is long enough and won't reveal anything when you bend over.

Note: I know the subject of swimwear is somewhat difficult to address in appropriate terms but please consider everything before you buy or wear a swimsuit. I believe that dressing in appropriate swim attire is essential for all Christian young ladies. Dress in a manner that pleases God and won't bring shame to his name.

I suggest you visit the Rebelution and view the Modesty Survey which has excellent resources on dressing modestly for every occasion.

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Modest swimsuits

It's that time of year again, the time when you search high and low looking for a swimsuit that is decent and modest. I've quite shopping for swimsuits at department stores because the stores mainly have "swimsuits" that I would hardly consider to be undergarments. A few years ago ordered a tankini (don't let the word "tankini" scare you, it's very modest) from Land's End and have continued to purchase swimsuits from the company ever since. While modest swimsuits cost a bit more than immodest and flimsy suits, the cost is worth it. Modesty is always worth a little extra money and I am hoping that none of you will compromise price for modesty. Below are a few companies that sell modest swimsuits. Please note that I wouldn't personally wear each swimsuit offered by each company, I am simply listing a few sites where there are some swimsuits I would feel comfortable wearing.

Lands End: The swimsuits are very good quality and have excellent support, I also like the fact that they sell mix and match swim bottoms which includes shorts and skirts.
Note: Lands End frequently has free shipping and if you don't like the item, you can return it to any Sears store for free!

Lime Ricki- for the latest hip and fun (modest) swimwear
Note: the prices on this site seem reasonable

Divinita Sole
Note: they have lots of mix and match options


P.S. Check back later this week for the beginning of a summer modesty series I am doing.

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Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, and before you start munching on way too much food-think about why today is called Memorial Day. It's not called Memorial Day so that you can remember your brothers hamburger-eating record or remember eating way too much ice cream. Today is a day to remember all the men and women of have given their lives for the United State of America. Without these heroes, America wouldn't be the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave". Before you become busy with everything else that you have to do, pause and thank the Lord for those who have died in freedoms cause and those who have yet to die for it.

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More than just wearing a dress or pants

Several days ago I posted the answers to blog readers questions, among them was the answer to what I believe about women wearing skirts/dresses versus wearing pants/slacks. I had a concerned comment from a blog reader and they were concerned about the whole issue. I've decided to write a bit more in-depth article about the whole issue. I have no intention to twist the scripture in any way and I believe that if I am wrong in my stance on this subject, God will convict me and lead me differently. Please do whatever God has lead you to do in the wearing of dresses or pants. I am not God and I do not condemn or think you are weird just because we may have apposing views on the matter of dress. Please leave a comment if you have any questions.

The idea came up that people may more quickly think I am a Christian if I wear skirts, while that could be true; in some cases it is not. You can wear a dress or skirt and act worldly and rude and no one will even think you're a Christian and if they do, they'll think you are no different than they are. Honoring God isn't just about the apparel we wear-it is certainly about that-but it is also about they way we conduct and handle ourselves as children of Jesus Christ. I can be the most modestly dressed teenage girl on the planet and have a horrible testimony and be displeasing to God. This isn't an excuse for dressing poorly or immodestly but it is true that our Lord care more about what is going on inside of us than how amazing we may look on the outside. Attitude and attire matter, please make sure your godliness truly matches up with they way you are dressed.

Am I twisting the Holy Bible just so I can wear what I want to wear?
The truth of the matter is this: God didn't declare that we should or should wear pants or skirts. What the Bible states is that women aren't to wear anything that pertains to a man, the same is true for men. Have you ever seen a man playing the bagpipes and wearing a kilt? Would you call a kilt a skirt or pants? Clearly I'm not going to be wearing a kilt even thought it resembles a skirt. If you see a guy wearing these capris what are you going to think about him? He's weird. In the matter of clothing for women and men, I believe style has a lot to do with not dressing as a man would dress if you're a woman or not dressing as a women would dress if you're a man. I don't only wear pants so please do not think that. In fact, I just bought a new dress yesterday.
I think that wraps it up-I am hoping none of you are not my enemies because I didn't mean to offend any of you. Life is short and I think the most important thing is that Christians agree that people need to be saved from hell before it's too late- in eternity it won't matter whether an unbeliever wore pants or skirts everyday of their life.

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Emma 2009

I am a self-professed Jane Austen fan. You say "Jane Austen" or anything pertaining to anything Jane Austen and immediately my ears are alerted. A few months back I found out that BBC is filming a new adaptation of my favorite Jane Austen novel, Emma. Today I came across a blog and it had behind the scenes pictures from the 2009 Emma, I was elated. I guess this post has no other purpose than to let any Jane Austen fans in on these pictures. Since I copied the pictures from another person's blog, I thought I should post a link to the blog I got them from. Click here to go to the blog. Enough randomness-enjoy the pictures! I would be grateful if you would vote on the sidebar poll. Thank you to all of you who have been voting on the polls, I have enjoyed knowing more about my readers.

What do you all think about the pictures?

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The answers to your questions

I'm going to attempt to answer each of your questions in the best possible way. I think I'll start with the shorter questions first.

I have been a Christian since I was 10. I can't remember the exact date when I came to a saving faith in Christ but there is no doubt in my mind that at that moment I became a Child of God.

In the middle of February I began cutting the pieces for the Shoo Fly Twist -N- Turns quilt. There was a lot of intricate cutting which took several weeks. Sewing the quilt together only took 4 Friday's (I am in a homeschool sewing class which only meets on Friday's).

What do I think about wearing dresses and skirts apposed to pants etc.?
First of all, I don't wear skirts everyday but I have nothing against anyone who does wear skirts and dresses everyday. The reason I don't wear dresses and skirts each day is because I do not feel that the Bible commands me to do this. The Bible tells us that women shouldn't dress like men and men shouldn't dress like women. If you consider the fact that both men and women in Bible times wore robs/tunics, I don't think we could rightly justify woman not wearing pants. However, I don't think ladies should be wearing the same style of pants/jeans etc. that men wear. If you wear pants, try to find pants or jeans that look feminine (and I don't mean skin tight) but look like something only a lady would wear. Wearing pants or skirts everyday is your decision and you should do what you feel lead by the Lord to do or not do. Please check out this article which was posted on Christa Taylor's ET blog. The post is entitled The Secret to Looking Feminine in Jeans.

What do I think about certain types of music?
I'll tell you straight out-I don't listen to CCM. Music is very important to me and I happen to be conservative in the types of music I listen to or purchase. I do not think that because a song has "Christian" words that it should be paired with any type of music. My rule is this: If I could listen to the words of the song alone or if I can listen to the music alone and think "That sounds like a song from a rock concert or something they blare at a department store" I don't listen to it. I'm am not saying drums and guitars are evil. I think drums and guitars both can be used in music without making the piece sound like a rock concert.

What are your standards for movies?
I don't watch movies unless they are rated PG-13 or less. The few PG-13 movies I have watched are movies such as: Bella, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Luther, Gods and Generals, and Lord of the Rings. I definitely steer clear of movies that have objectionable content such as foul language, inappropriate relationships, immodesty, and a negative message. I should also say that I don't watch all movies that are rated G or PG. Low ratings don't immediately make me desire to watch a film. Before watching a movie/film I usually visit Plugged in Online to read a review from a Christian perspective.


Mission Work: To be a missionary, you don't have to go to a foreign country. If you are a Christian you are in "Full time Christian service" and you are a "missionary". I feel that God has called me to a foreign country but I am not yet sure which country that may be. I would like to teach English in a foreign country-something that has always captured my interest.

As a Christian, do you think it is possible to live a sin-free life?
I'm not exactly sure where this question is going? I think that we do sin after we are saved but we are no longer "sinners". The word "sinners" is a term that refers to those who have not trusted in Christ as their personal Savior. We may still sin but we should not continue to sin as we did before we were saved. Say you shoplifted before you became a Christian, you shouldn't continue doing that because it would be continuing in your sin. If you are a Christian, Jesus has declared you righteous. You are dead to sin but alive in Christ.

I think someone asked how I got the different font for my blog header. You can go to www.mylivesignature.com and create a free signature. Save the signature to your computer and insert the picture and select to use it instead of the blog title and description.


Well, those are my answers to all of the questions. If you have anything else you would like to ask or have me clarify, please leave a comment.

P.S. My favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate mint.=)

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Ask me a question

I have decided to create a "questionnaire" where my blog readers can ask me questions they would like me to answer. I realize that some of you may like to know what I believe/think about certain things and I would love to answer as many of your questions as possible. I guess I did post a basic "Statement of Faith" here but I was thinking others might have questions that weren't included in that post. Also, feel free to ask simple, everyday questions. For example; What's your favorite type of ice cream? Anyone guess what it might be?? =^) That wraps everything up for now, have a wonderful weekend. Oh, post your questions in the comments below this post.





This is the Shoo-Fly quilt that I recently completed.

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Please watch this video

Yesterday afternoon I was on the Girl Talk website and followed a link to a video that they highly recommended their readers view. Never have a seen anything quite like this and I wonder what my response would be if I were Rachel. Rachel is a 30 something who is married and has two young children. Rachel is dying of cancer. This Christian lady talks about what her journey has been like and challenges her audience. The video is 55 minutes long-please take 55 minutes to watch it because those were 55 minutes of the life of a woman who has 6-18 months to live. Please watch the video-you will be challenged and moved.

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SO SORRY!!!

I apologize to all of you who already saw the second tag. I copied the questions from the website of the person who tagged me and was deleting her answers but didn't finish. I thought I had saved the post as a draft but apparently I posted it instead. Sorry about the mix up. I'm going to finish the tag and post it here later.=) Sorry about that everyone.

Elizabeth

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Tagged Again

I really enjoy this tagging thing.=) However, I promise I'll post a "real" blog post soon. I would appreciate it if you all would vote on the sidebar poll. Thanks to everyone who voted on the last poll. I love the diversity of my readers.=) Emily Joy, thanks for the tag.


Favorites!

What is your favorite animal? I think I mentioned tha cats are my favorite

Who is your favorite author? Hmm..... probably Jane Austen

What is your favorite instrument? The violin although I've also played the piano for nearly 10 years.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Basketball or soccer, not sure which one.

What is your favorite sport to play? Soccer

What is your favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice 2005, but I also love the movie Fireproof

What is your favorite classic literature book? The book Emma written by Jane Austen

What is your favorite store? New York and Company
~~~~~
Would you rather...?

Would you rather buy a new book or re-read one? Probably buy one

Would you rather spend money or save it? I do both equally

Would you rather go on vacation to the beach or the mountains? The beach!

Would you rather play an instrument or listen to it? I think this might be a tie (no pun intended)

Would you rather be indoors our outdoors? outdoors unless it is raining

Would you rather have your room painted lime green or purple with pink dots? Lime green

Would you rather live in a cave or in a tree house? I don't like caves, I guess I'd choose a tree house

Would you rather have a cat or a dog? a cat ( I have 3 cats)

Would you rather host a get-together or go to one? I enjoy doing both because each is fun

~~~~~
About you!

Do you have any siblings? yes, I have 6

What year were you born? 1992

How many times have you moved in your life? once

How long have you been a Christian? since I was 10

~~~~~
Totally random

Christmas or Thanksgiving? Thanksgiving

Words or pictures? words- I like words

Iguanas or turtles? turtles

Randomness or sense? sense

Books or magazines? books

Summer days or winter nights? Summer days

Screaming monkeys or running bears? Screaming monkeys, the bears might eat me.

Jane Austen or Charles Dickens? Jane Austen

Scotland or Ireland? I dream of going to Scotland

Running or walking? Running

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I've been tagged!!!

I was tagged by Sarah H.!! (Thank You)

How old are you? 16 (I'll be 17 next month)

Is this your first tag? Yes

Have you ever moved? Once

What is your favorite animal? Felis Catus =)

What is your favorite movie? Pride and Prejudice (2005)

What is your favorite book? Other than the Bible, that would be Ellanor's Exchange

Are you an elf? Nope

Who do you like better, Eowyn or Arwen? Arwen

How long have you been riding? I don't ride horses

Who are your favorite Lord of the Rings characters? Froto and Bilbo Baggins

Do you get a lot of homework? A sufficient amount but I have more tests and quizzes

Do you think tagging is awesome? Yes. I've never been tagged before!

Do you like blogging? Uh-hu

Do people think you're strange? I guess some people would think I'm strange because I'm homeschooled and a Christian

Do you like getting comments on your blog? Most certainly!

Do you like getting new followers on your blog? yes, I very much appreciate followers

Do you get bored easily? Bored? You've got to be joking. How could I be bored and have 5 younger siblings?


Do you have an awesome blog? I guess it depends upon what you call "awesome" but I guess some people like it.:^)

How many followers do you have? 23

What was the scariest moment with a horse you have had? It wasn't actually scary but it was funny-my older brother fell off a horse (actually it was a pony).

Who do you like better, Sauron or Saruman? How am I supposed to choose? They're both evil

Do you like school? Yes

Are you a good actress? Sort of, some people say that I can be a drama queen sometimes.

Do you like music? Absolutely! I love sacred music, certain styles of bluegrass, Irish, and classical music.

Do you like taking personality quizzes? I normally like them a lot.

Do you like long or short posts? Medium sized

Are you easily entertained? I think so

Are you going to tag someone else? Yes

I am going to tag:

Seth
Emily
Macey

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Contact Form

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Blogroll

This will be the page on which I will post links to blogs that you may want to visit. If you want to be added to my blogroll please leave a comment on this post and I will add your blog to the roll. I appreciate all of you who want to share your blogs with other but I also understand if you do not want to be added to the list. Also, if you would like, you may add me to your blogroll list.


Blogroll:

Pony Tales (my sister's blog)

Delight 37:4

Walkin on Sunshine

Impractical

SIGSEGV (my older brother's blog)
above are the blogs of people I know in "real life"
___________________________________

A Bug's Eye View

A Roller Coaster Ride

Joyful Laughter

Maiden in the House of God

Liz n St. Pete

This Crazy Life

Running the Race

Once Upon a Time in my World

Dallas Valley Photography

My World in Photography

Abounding Grace

Hannah's World

My Hobbies

The Gabrielle Spot

Strength and Dignity are Her Clothing

In Seeking Things Above

Farmgirl in Flip Flops

O Rejoice in the Lord

Rachel Danielle

Savannah Cat's Blog

Hastings Haven

Jessica Shae

My Christian Walk

Farmgirl at Home

LaSara's Musings

Quinny and Co.

Practical Simplicity

Girls of Faith

Beside Quiet Waters

From the Blue Notebook

Below the Plateau

Teen Girls for Christ

Horse Feathers

Committing My Way

Hooks and Needles

Girls, God, and the Good Life

Soaring Buttercup

Heavenward Bound

Walking With Him

Lovesick

Daughter of His Love
_______________________________________________
Below are the blog awards I have kindly been given.
My first award, given by Emily Joy!
This one was awarded to me by Sarah Elizabeth

The Godly Blog award was given to my blog by Sarah H.


Kreative Blogger award given by "Aria"

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Happy Mother's Day

"I regard no man as poor who has a godly mother."
-Abraham Lincoln

Today is Mother's Day-I am hoping none of you forgot! I want to wish my Mom a Happy Mother's Day and tell her thanks for all she does for her 7 children. We love you Mom!!

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Blogroll

Hello to all my blog readers! I wanted to let everyone know that I am creating a page on this blog where I can post links to other blogs. If you want to join my blogroll, please leave a comment on this post and I will add you to the page. If you have a button for your blog, please let me know if you would mind using it as the link to your blog. Thanks!

Elizabeth J.

P.S. I have another blog that some of my friends and I post movie reviews and recipes on, to view it please click here.

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The Parasol Club: girlhood as it used to be

It was over 12 years ago when three of my friends and I started our own the club-the Purple Parasol Club. Every Sunday after church we would bring out our purple parasols (the kind that have a curved handle and now are decorated with My Little Pony and Bratz) and take a stroll around the parking lot. Hair bows and dress shoes that "clicked" when we walked were the epitome of "grown up" and were considered by us to be the height of fashion. Our idea of chasing boys was quite literal- we chased them around the parking lot playing tag-your-it. Mary Poppins was one of our favorite movies and I'm pretty sure we annoyed several people by constantly singing the song A Spoon Full of Sugar. Most young girls today would consider our Parasol Club to be slightly ridiculous, they would probably ask us why we didn't have cell phones. The 1990s don't seem to have been that long ago but the world has come a long way since then. Girls are supposed to be "flirty" and "cool" instead of being sweet and feminine. Chasing a boy means that a girl is flirting with and trying to get the said boys attention. When I casually stroll down the girls toy aisle at a store I see immodestly dressed dolls, beauty kits that are going to help a 6 year old get the "smoky eye" look, and a surplus of music and books that are covered with celebrities in skimpy clothing. Where are the hair bows? Where are the parasols? Those are so out of style now but I'll tell you what's in style-being anything but innocent. I feel badly for little girls growing up now. The world is a somewhat difficult place to live and many young girls don't know that there is Someone out there who made them special. I don't carry my American Girl doll under my arm anymore, I don't wear hair bows, and I don't carry a purple parasol either but I'm glad that I used to. If you're a young girl, enjoy it because the next time you turn around you'll be grown. Oh, and make some good and godly friends. My friends and I of the Purple Parasol Club are best friends today and I know we'll be friends long after our American Girl dolls are covered in an inch of dust.

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National Day of Prayer

Today is May 7th, the National Day of Prayer. Our country is in great need of prayer always, not just today, but today is a day in which you may want to pray for our country specifically. Godly prayer is essential for any nation-please pray for America and the other countries today.

You can visit the official National Day of Prayer website by clicking here.

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No, this isn't me bowling

In light of the fact that I'm possibly having a bowling birthday party this year, I thought I should share a little video for some who may witness this event. My sister is the one who first saw this funny video on photobucket and I knew I had to share it. I think the recorded trip to the bowling alley probably turned out to be pretty expensive. And I promise you, my blog readers, that this isn't me bowling.=)

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The Road Less Traveled

We all have to choose which road we will take.
Which will you take? The road that has been trodden
by most travelers or the other road-the one that hasn't been traveled as much and looks a bit more difficult to take?
I chose the road less taken and THAT has made all the difference.

ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference


Robert Frost

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