Many years ago, my father gave me a beautiful green suede suit. It was a short jacket with zipper in the front and a sweet little skirt. I love it. To tell you the truth, it must have been 25 years ago. I still wear the jacket often in the winter.
Last winter, a friend asked if she could borrow it. I was very apprehensive not because it was an expensive suit but because my worth of the suit was attached to the giver...my father. It meant more to me than any amount of money but after all, I had the suit for many years. Against my better judgment, I relented and let her borrow the suit.
I would see her at church and she was wearing the jacket, I would see her at dinner and she was wearing the suit on a date, I would see her at the mall and eventually, when she would see me and turn the other way. I wanted to say "Hey friend, that's my suit."
One day I was at the top row of the movie theatre when I saw her walk in again wearing the jacket. I was heartbroken when I saw her spill a red slush drink on it. My heart sank. I wanted to yell out to her "Don't ruin my jacket-my father gave that to me!"
She is my friend and I love her but I love my father more. I finally got the nerve to call and ask for my suit. I did it in a nice way and she explained that it was at the dry cleaners and she would get it to me within a few days. That weekend, she posted a picture wearing my suit.
Again, I called and asked for my suit and she made another excuse. I really felt bad because by now it was Spring and I really couldn't say "I want to wear it." I persisted until one day I just "showed up." I went to her home and told her I wanted my suit. She went to her closet and brought my suit out. The jacket zipper was broken. She explained that she tried to pull the zipped jacket from a hanger and when she "yanked it off" the zipper broke. She said "I'm sorry but that happens."
I took my suit and went home. I saw my father that week and explained to him what had happened. I told him that he had given me that suit and for twenty five years I had taken care of it, wrapped it, kept it in a special place and the one time I "loaned it out" it was stained, broken and ruined.
My father hugged me and said "It's not ruined-I gave it to you and I can fix it." I gave it to my father who took it to the lady who alters his suits and she put a brand new zipper on it, cleaned it and gave it back. He did things like only a father can do!
When you were born, God our Father gave you a heart. It is a heart to worship and honor Him. We may find ourselves taking the heart our Father gave us and we giving it away thinking that person will fill our needs.
Many will toy with your heart, laugh at your heart, wear out your heart and eventually break your heart. But God Almighty, Our Father who gave you that heart will take it and mend it. He will hold you until that heart is completely healed....if you only believe.
I love my father and again, the value in the suit was in him giving it to me. Do not release what your Father gave you to someone who does not know or value the worth and if you already have-it's never too late to take it back!
Don't let someone ruin what your Father gave you!
Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
The devil is a liar. John 8:44
Friday, August 22, 2014
Keep your head in the game
The other day my husband and I were leaving our hotel room when we got stopped by a red light. There was a car in front of us and we were talking to each other-not really paying attention to the light.
The car in front of us proceeded to go and my husband followed until I said "whoa-that light is still red!" The guy in front of us randomly ran the red light. My husband was deceived because the driver stopped first, then ran the red light.
What amazed me was that my husband was so involved in our conversation that he didn't pay attention-he just went.
How many times do we go around in life not paying attention? As a result, we fall into the same mistakes that others make. Unfortunately, mistakes like that can be costly. It is important to pay attention in our godly walk.
We can not follow the lead of those who are reckless. We can not proceed without using caution.
We must pay attention to things in life that attempt to throw us off course.
The enemy will throw anything at us in order to get us off track. If another car had been coming and my husband would have continued through the light, we could have had an accident and it would have been our fault!
There are those that will try to disprove our God, make us question God's word and make every effort to make us fail despite what God has promised us! That is not new- it happened in Genesis 3 when the serpent convinced Eve to follow his direction. We know the end result- we are all paying for it.
So when you are walking or driving around, not paying attention- beware not to follow those who would lead you down the wrong path.
Keep your head in the game and your eyes focused on God!
Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 5:33
The car in front of us proceeded to go and my husband followed until I said "whoa-that light is still red!" The guy in front of us randomly ran the red light. My husband was deceived because the driver stopped first, then ran the red light.
What amazed me was that my husband was so involved in our conversation that he didn't pay attention-he just went.
How many times do we go around in life not paying attention? As a result, we fall into the same mistakes that others make. Unfortunately, mistakes like that can be costly. It is important to pay attention in our godly walk.
We can not follow the lead of those who are reckless. We can not proceed without using caution.
We must pay attention to things in life that attempt to throw us off course.
The enemy will throw anything at us in order to get us off track. If another car had been coming and my husband would have continued through the light, we could have had an accident and it would have been our fault!
There are those that will try to disprove our God, make us question God's word and make every effort to make us fail despite what God has promised us! That is not new- it happened in Genesis 3 when the serpent convinced Eve to follow his direction. We know the end result- we are all paying for it.
So when you are walking or driving around, not paying attention- beware not to follow those who would lead you down the wrong path.
Keep your head in the game and your eyes focused on God!
Do not be misled, bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 5:33
Monday, August 18, 2014
Jubilee
Yesterday I was invited to a "jubilee" at my parents church. It was a celebration acknowledging the goodness of God's healing hand. The interim pastor had been healed from cancer fourteen years ago. The bigger story was that he came to Christ at that time.
It was a time of praise and worship like I've never seen. It began at 2:00 in the afternoon and it was a packed house. There were amazing stories of transformation because of God's amazing hand! What a sweet time!
There was one girl in particular that just gripped my heart. I'll call her Becky. She had a story of addictions that kept me on the edge of my seat. She currently works with others who have addictions offering them the love of God and hope.
She told a story of having a non participating father in her life. Her mom worked at local cantinas (bars) and was out all night. The young girl was often home alone. A neighborhood woman took her in and her mom agreed because "at least she wasn't home alone." The woman smoked and let Becky smoke also-Becky was eight at the time. By the time she was 13, Becky was drinking Vodka straight and by the time she was 16, she had used multiple drugs and was hooked on crack and pregnant.
Becky spoke of leading a life of prostitution and lawlessness. She lived a self serving life and nothing mattered but satisfying her urge for the drug. I was memorized listening to her story. She spoke of spending time in prison for robbery-an act she engaged in, in order to sustain her habit.
Her son was being "raised" by her mom. Finding herself with no place to live, she went to live with her sister. Her sister insisted that she go to a Christian based recovery center and Becky agreed. After 3 weeks she left. Her issue was "too much Jesus" Could this be real? Could this Jesus be real? The night she left, she realized that she had walked out on Jesus and asked for His forgiveness and came to Christ that night. Her life has not been the same since.
As I sat there, I was thinking "I am just the opposite!" I have never done drugs, I have never been a prostitute (except for role playing), I was never pregnant out of wedlock and I enforced the law! So what did Becky and I have in common? Why was her story so gripping?
Her story was so gripping because I too once said "this is too much Jesus." although I never experienced many of her life experiences, I did go a few rounds with rebellion. I turned my back just enough to resist God but not completely. I didn't want to give God control of my life but I didn't want to completely let go of Him either? I knew I couldn't have it both ways. I had to make a choice. I chose to give my heart to Jesus.
Today there is no such thing as "too much Jesus" for me. In fact, there is never enough of serving, living, and giving to Jesus. He is my all and I pray that I honor Him daily.
I am so grateful that God never held my rebellion against me. Despite my hardened heart, when I came to Christ and told him I wanted him to change me, he took my heart of stone and made me a new person with a heart for Him. Becky is a good example of God's amazing grace....and so am I. Every salvation anniversary should be celebrated with a jubilee.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in your will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26
It was a time of praise and worship like I've never seen. It began at 2:00 in the afternoon and it was a packed house. There were amazing stories of transformation because of God's amazing hand! What a sweet time!
There was one girl in particular that just gripped my heart. I'll call her Becky. She had a story of addictions that kept me on the edge of my seat. She currently works with others who have addictions offering them the love of God and hope.
She told a story of having a non participating father in her life. Her mom worked at local cantinas (bars) and was out all night. The young girl was often home alone. A neighborhood woman took her in and her mom agreed because "at least she wasn't home alone." The woman smoked and let Becky smoke also-Becky was eight at the time. By the time she was 13, Becky was drinking Vodka straight and by the time she was 16, she had used multiple drugs and was hooked on crack and pregnant.
Becky spoke of leading a life of prostitution and lawlessness. She lived a self serving life and nothing mattered but satisfying her urge for the drug. I was memorized listening to her story. She spoke of spending time in prison for robbery-an act she engaged in, in order to sustain her habit.
Her son was being "raised" by her mom. Finding herself with no place to live, she went to live with her sister. Her sister insisted that she go to a Christian based recovery center and Becky agreed. After 3 weeks she left. Her issue was "too much Jesus" Could this be real? Could this Jesus be real? The night she left, she realized that she had walked out on Jesus and asked for His forgiveness and came to Christ that night. Her life has not been the same since.
As I sat there, I was thinking "I am just the opposite!" I have never done drugs, I have never been a prostitute (except for role playing), I was never pregnant out of wedlock and I enforced the law! So what did Becky and I have in common? Why was her story so gripping?
Her story was so gripping because I too once said "this is too much Jesus." although I never experienced many of her life experiences, I did go a few rounds with rebellion. I turned my back just enough to resist God but not completely. I didn't want to give God control of my life but I didn't want to completely let go of Him either? I knew I couldn't have it both ways. I had to make a choice. I chose to give my heart to Jesus.
Today there is no such thing as "too much Jesus" for me. In fact, there is never enough of serving, living, and giving to Jesus. He is my all and I pray that I honor Him daily.
I am so grateful that God never held my rebellion against me. Despite my hardened heart, when I came to Christ and told him I wanted him to change me, he took my heart of stone and made me a new person with a heart for Him. Becky is a good example of God's amazing grace....and so am I. Every salvation anniversary should be celebrated with a jubilee.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in your will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Follow the Leader
While in the Hill Country this week, I had to return to Houston for a ladies event at church. I drove home alone and then returned to the Hill Country alone early the next morning.
Not gonna lie to you I don't particularly like the roads when they become "hilly." I have a tremendous fear of free falling, mainly because I don't have control. I don't believe you would catch me sky diving or even on a roller coaster.
Back in the day of Astroworld, it was everything I could do to manage the bambo shoot. That slight "free fall" dip where everyone raises their arms would kill me.
On the road, every time I made it to a hill my heart beat a little faster at the thought of what might be on the other side of the hill once I got there. What if there was a stalled car or a deer or anything else? Do you know what that would do to then or me at 80 miles per hour?
I was grateful when I finally reached my destination. That was my third trip alone as I went alone on Saturday, returned alone on Tuesday and then drove back alone on Wednesday. By the time we returned to Houston on Thursday, my husband was there also and we came home together...in separate cars.
Before we got on the road he asked "Do you want to lead or follow?" Duh.....I want to follow! I did not want to lead out and be responsible for the person behind me-him.
I can not tell you how comforting it was to have my husband lead. While that is actually as God intended, that is never easy for me. I remember him coming to me and telling me that his days off had changed and we would have to move to Saturday night worship services. Of course I responded willingly.....not!
I gave him other options like "what if we went to Saturday Bible Study together and I went alone on Sundays.". I know that God intends us to love and respect our husbands but "leading" is my thing! I'm an older sister, I was in policing, I teach bible study...all leadership positions.
The fact is I want to lead-the truth is God gave me a leader and he's called "husband."
I pray that I will be willing to listen to God's Word and follow the leader he has given me in life. I want him to lead me on the road and I pray that I will submit to him leading me in life just as God has instructed. Follow the leader!
Wives submit yourselves to your own husband's as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church his body of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to God so also wives should submit to their husband's in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives in the same way submit to your own husbands so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1
Not gonna lie to you I don't particularly like the roads when they become "hilly." I have a tremendous fear of free falling, mainly because I don't have control. I don't believe you would catch me sky diving or even on a roller coaster.
Back in the day of Astroworld, it was everything I could do to manage the bambo shoot. That slight "free fall" dip where everyone raises their arms would kill me.
On the road, every time I made it to a hill my heart beat a little faster at the thought of what might be on the other side of the hill once I got there. What if there was a stalled car or a deer or anything else? Do you know what that would do to then or me at 80 miles per hour?
I was grateful when I finally reached my destination. That was my third trip alone as I went alone on Saturday, returned alone on Tuesday and then drove back alone on Wednesday. By the time we returned to Houston on Thursday, my husband was there also and we came home together...in separate cars.
Before we got on the road he asked "Do you want to lead or follow?" Duh.....I want to follow! I did not want to lead out and be responsible for the person behind me-him.
I can not tell you how comforting it was to have my husband lead. While that is actually as God intended, that is never easy for me. I remember him coming to me and telling me that his days off had changed and we would have to move to Saturday night worship services. Of course I responded willingly.....not!
I gave him other options like "what if we went to Saturday Bible Study together and I went alone on Sundays.". I know that God intends us to love and respect our husbands but "leading" is my thing! I'm an older sister, I was in policing, I teach bible study...all leadership positions.
The fact is I want to lead-the truth is God gave me a leader and he's called "husband."
I pray that I will be willing to listen to God's Word and follow the leader he has given me in life. I want him to lead me on the road and I pray that I will submit to him leading me in life just as God has instructed. Follow the leader!
Wives submit yourselves to your own husband's as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church his body of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to God so also wives should submit to their husband's in everything. Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives in the same way submit to your own husbands so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives. 1 Peter 3:1
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Value and Worth
Today as I traveled back from the Hill Country I stopped at the ever famous "must stop" place called Buc-ee's. I was solo so I didn't have the dog's to walk or any company to talk to. My husband had stayed behind and manage the work at the property.
I put gas in my truck and then proceeded to go inside and take a little break. As I walked outside, I was carrying a small bag containing a sandwich, another bag with two scones for my sister and yet another small white bag with a blueberry muffin just because it looked good.
I was walking in the parking lot when I saw a dirty, dull looking dime laying there. I shifted my 32 ounce drink to my hand holding the bags and I squatted down to pick up the dime. At first I had difficulty because of my long nails but I was determined not to leave that dime. Alas, I had it and I moved on.
A few steps later, I saw something shining bright in the sunlight and I took a closer look only to discover it was a penny. "Nope" I said, "I'm not picking it up...it's just a penny."
Busted!!! Okay, you know this brought the "analytical" personality out in me to determine the answer to one question...why?
Why did I chose the dime? Why did I choose dull over shiny or dirty over clean? I'll tell you why...value! That dime was a tenth of a dollar the penny had a longer way to go to meet a dollar.
I pocketed that dime and headed straight to my truck. I got in the truck and it hit me. You picked up that dime because of it's value but you left that penny. At that moment it became important to me to deliver the message that we are all of the same value to God.
God does not see a difference between any of His children. We are all equal in His eyes. I put more value on that dime but God did not say "I'm dying for the saint" or "I'm dying for the rich" or "I'm dying for the pure."
In fact, God died for us while we were still sinners. [Romans 5:8] He died for the rich, He died for the poor, He died for the saint, He died for the sinner!
I pray forgiveness for the times I may walk past someone not giving them the time of day because their home is a sidewalk. While I do have a home, both me and that individual are children of the Most High God and the only value He considers is that we are all His children. Despite what we may think we're worth, our value is so much more in the eyes of God.
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes comes in, If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here is a good seat for you" but say to the poor man, "You stand there or sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
I put gas in my truck and then proceeded to go inside and take a little break. As I walked outside, I was carrying a small bag containing a sandwich, another bag with two scones for my sister and yet another small white bag with a blueberry muffin just because it looked good.
I was walking in the parking lot when I saw a dirty, dull looking dime laying there. I shifted my 32 ounce drink to my hand holding the bags and I squatted down to pick up the dime. At first I had difficulty because of my long nails but I was determined not to leave that dime. Alas, I had it and I moved on.
A few steps later, I saw something shining bright in the sunlight and I took a closer look only to discover it was a penny. "Nope" I said, "I'm not picking it up...it's just a penny."
Busted!!! Okay, you know this brought the "analytical" personality out in me to determine the answer to one question...why?
Why did I chose the dime? Why did I choose dull over shiny or dirty over clean? I'll tell you why...value! That dime was a tenth of a dollar the penny had a longer way to go to meet a dollar.
I pocketed that dime and headed straight to my truck. I got in the truck and it hit me. You picked up that dime because of it's value but you left that penny. At that moment it became important to me to deliver the message that we are all of the same value to God.
God does not see a difference between any of His children. We are all equal in His eyes. I put more value on that dime but God did not say "I'm dying for the saint" or "I'm dying for the rich" or "I'm dying for the pure."
In fact, God died for us while we were still sinners. [Romans 5:8] He died for the rich, He died for the poor, He died for the saint, He died for the sinner!
I pray forgiveness for the times I may walk past someone not giving them the time of day because their home is a sidewalk. While I do have a home, both me and that individual are children of the Most High God and the only value He considers is that we are all His children. Despite what we may think we're worth, our value is so much more in the eyes of God.
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes comes in, If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here is a good seat for you" but say to the poor man, "You stand there or sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Don't Go Unprotected
If you know anything about me you should know that I absolutely detest getting wet in a rain shower. I hate rain drops falling on my arms, feet, (especially while wearing open toe shoes) and worst of all...my hair!
You will be hard pressed to find me without an umbrella when it rains. I have some tiny compact umbrellas that I can fit in my purse but I also have the gigantic golf umbrellas.
In May, we went to my nephew's college graduation and it happened to rain that evening. I took one of our golf umbrellas that was special to me. It was a green and black "Panther" umbrella. I say Panther because my son attended Kinwood Park High School a couple of years ago and they were the Panthers. Their colors were green and black hence the color of the umbrella.
When we arrived at the venue, they told us we had to leave our umbrella at the door. They already had a protest on their hands and not wanting to contribute to a losing battle, we surrendered our umbrella.
We stayed through the ceremony and when it came time to leave, we went to retrieve our umbrella except that they were not in the foyer where they had taken them from us. ALL the umbrellas had been moved outside and were lying in a pile on the sidewalk. We had to search through hundreds of umbrellas in order to find ours.
If you're thinking that was an easy task because they were size or color coordinated you're wrong. In fact since it was sprinkling, many who left were just taking umbrellas. How do I know this? I heard comments like "I'm taking this one-just grab one and get one for momma too."
Sad as it may seem, someone had taken our protection from the rain at the door and now many "someone's" we're taking them again. In fact, none of my family members found their umbrellas and were forced to walk in the rain back to their cars, unprotected.
I became curious about the word umbrella and found that "umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against the rain or sunlight."
When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, he becomes our covering, our protection from the enemy. We carry Him with us but we don't have to surrender when the enemy threatens us. The enemy can't stand it and will do whatever it takes to make us give up that cover. Unfortunatly, too many times we believe the threat and surrender voluntarily.
Don't believe the lies of the enemy and don't give your protection. Jesus not only protects us from the enemy, He also covers our sin. Don't go unprotected!
Only do not rebel against the Lord and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them
Numbers 14:9
You will call and I will answer you; you will long for the creature your hands have made. Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin. Job 14:15-17
You will be hard pressed to find me without an umbrella when it rains. I have some tiny compact umbrellas that I can fit in my purse but I also have the gigantic golf umbrellas.
In May, we went to my nephew's college graduation and it happened to rain that evening. I took one of our golf umbrellas that was special to me. It was a green and black "Panther" umbrella. I say Panther because my son attended Kinwood Park High School a couple of years ago and they were the Panthers. Their colors were green and black hence the color of the umbrella.
When we arrived at the venue, they told us we had to leave our umbrella at the door. They already had a protest on their hands and not wanting to contribute to a losing battle, we surrendered our umbrella.
We stayed through the ceremony and when it came time to leave, we went to retrieve our umbrella except that they were not in the foyer where they had taken them from us. ALL the umbrellas had been moved outside and were lying in a pile on the sidewalk. We had to search through hundreds of umbrellas in order to find ours.
If you're thinking that was an easy task because they were size or color coordinated you're wrong. In fact since it was sprinkling, many who left were just taking umbrellas. How do I know this? I heard comments like "I'm taking this one-just grab one and get one for momma too."
Sad as it may seem, someone had taken our protection from the rain at the door and now many "someone's" we're taking them again. In fact, none of my family members found their umbrellas and were forced to walk in the rain back to their cars, unprotected.
I became curious about the word umbrella and found that "umbrella or parasol is a canopy designed to protect against the rain or sunlight."
When we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, he becomes our covering, our protection from the enemy. We carry Him with us but we don't have to surrender when the enemy threatens us. The enemy can't stand it and will do whatever it takes to make us give up that cover. Unfortunatly, too many times we believe the threat and surrender voluntarily.
Don't believe the lies of the enemy and don't give your protection. Jesus not only protects us from the enemy, He also covers our sin. Don't go unprotected!
Only do not rebel against the Lord and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them
Numbers 14:9
You will call and I will answer you; you will long for the creature your hands have made. Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. My offenses will be sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin. Job 14:15-17
Friday, August 8, 2014
Under Cover
Hello, here I am again. Such a busy summer and already I'm worn out. I have however had something on my mind. A couple of years ago I was asked to teach a session of a ladies bible study. The subject? Modesty. Fashion is a big thing for me relative to matching my accessories, shoes, etc. but I was not sure I could do this. After all, when you take something like this on, everyone watches you!
I began the session by displaying my police uniform and making this statement. "When I wear this uniform, I wear it with pride. I wear it remembering who and what I represent. Who do you represent?" If we represent a woman of God, our manner of dress must reflect that.
Look, I did not feel worthy to lead this class as I myself like to push the hemlines. The way I gauge it is this "Would my manner of dress distract another from coming to Christ? Would I be the one responsible for that? Lastly, am I honoring God?"
I use to love watching Dancing with the Stars on Monday nights but frankly, I had to stop. Let me rephrase...I chose to stop watching it. When a local news program has a "Skimpiest Outfit Report" the day after, that's a bit much. So having a young man and a husband in the house, I said no more!
This past season however, I heard that Candace Cameron-Bure was a contestant. I wondered how this Christian woman would manage that. That question was quickly answered when she publicly made it know to the producers that she chose not to wear an outfit that would not honor God or her husband. THAT ladies, is how it's done. We can not fear being bold. So what if they said "Sorry, that won't work." So what? Nothing lost. But our convictions remain intact.
I get it....I am a woman. We all want to know we are accepted and loved and there are two thoughts here. First, we might do it because we are young. Second, we might do it because we are older. As a young woman, we can wear tight, low cut and short clothes and get attention. Later in life, perhaps our kids are gone, we're single again or we need to "feel accepted" consequently, we resort to the tight, low cut, and short.
As an officer, you have an expectation of me. If I answered your call and I walked up with my uniform shirt unzipped to mid chest, you might not only question my commitment to my job but also to the organization I represent.
As Christian women, we represent the one true God and He does not see young woman, older woman....He sees godly woman. Does your dress reflect a commitment, love, dedication for Christ? Candace Cameron-Bure said "God has changed me in ways words can't describe. He has transformed the way I think and live my life." That's what it's all about....transforming.
You may think that this is ridiculous and God would never reject us for immodesty. The issue is our heart. If our heart is with Christ, the rest should follow. So perhaps you're asking "What is the rule of thumb?" Well, Dr. Tony Evans of Oakcliff Church in Dallas put it like this:
To high,
To low,
To tight,
Gotta go!
You don't have to get a whole new wardrobe, I have several lightweight scarves that I carry in my car in the event I may need one. I have found myself draping it over my shoulders or on my knees. Either way, it serves as a cover.
If you yourself know your pushing the limit, get that stuff under cover! I promise others will be able to see your heart-you don't have to show them.
Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Note: Again, I believe God chose me to lead this class as I myself have struggled with this issue. I pray I honor him daily in my manner of dress. While this is a tough subject, if it goes unaddressed, God will hold me responsible for not acting so I write this in love my sisters.
I began the session by displaying my police uniform and making this statement. "When I wear this uniform, I wear it with pride. I wear it remembering who and what I represent. Who do you represent?" If we represent a woman of God, our manner of dress must reflect that.
Look, I did not feel worthy to lead this class as I myself like to push the hemlines. The way I gauge it is this "Would my manner of dress distract another from coming to Christ? Would I be the one responsible for that? Lastly, am I honoring God?"
I use to love watching Dancing with the Stars on Monday nights but frankly, I had to stop. Let me rephrase...I chose to stop watching it. When a local news program has a "Skimpiest Outfit Report" the day after, that's a bit much. So having a young man and a husband in the house, I said no more!
This past season however, I heard that Candace Cameron-Bure was a contestant. I wondered how this Christian woman would manage that. That question was quickly answered when she publicly made it know to the producers that she chose not to wear an outfit that would not honor God or her husband. THAT ladies, is how it's done. We can not fear being bold. So what if they said "Sorry, that won't work." So what? Nothing lost. But our convictions remain intact.
I get it....I am a woman. We all want to know we are accepted and loved and there are two thoughts here. First, we might do it because we are young. Second, we might do it because we are older. As a young woman, we can wear tight, low cut and short clothes and get attention. Later in life, perhaps our kids are gone, we're single again or we need to "feel accepted" consequently, we resort to the tight, low cut, and short.
As an officer, you have an expectation of me. If I answered your call and I walked up with my uniform shirt unzipped to mid chest, you might not only question my commitment to my job but also to the organization I represent.
As Christian women, we represent the one true God and He does not see young woman, older woman....He sees godly woman. Does your dress reflect a commitment, love, dedication for Christ? Candace Cameron-Bure said "God has changed me in ways words can't describe. He has transformed the way I think and live my life." That's what it's all about....transforming.
You may think that this is ridiculous and God would never reject us for immodesty. The issue is our heart. If our heart is with Christ, the rest should follow. So perhaps you're asking "What is the rule of thumb?" Well, Dr. Tony Evans of Oakcliff Church in Dallas put it like this:
To high,
To low,
To tight,
Gotta go!
You don't have to get a whole new wardrobe, I have several lightweight scarves that I carry in my car in the event I may need one. I have found myself draping it over my shoulders or on my knees. Either way, it serves as a cover.
If you yourself know your pushing the limit, get that stuff under cover! I promise others will be able to see your heart-you don't have to show them.
Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2
Note: Again, I believe God chose me to lead this class as I myself have struggled with this issue. I pray I honor him daily in my manner of dress. While this is a tough subject, if it goes unaddressed, God will hold me responsible for not acting so I write this in love my sisters.
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