Everybody Else is Doing it...

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God-I say this to your shame.

Peer pressure, fads, trends, whats "in", hip, young, in "style"...these are all words or sayings that could represent either:

A. And excuse to do/act/believe something your probably shouldn't.

OR

B. Something that gradually becomes acceptable as the years pass.

OR

C. A step father away from God

OR

D. Something harmless.

We're all gulity of engaging in sins that have become commonplace by the transition of our world around us. From things like gossip (which isn't look at as shamefully as it should be, think of the show "Gossip Girl") to immodest dress (that one is a favorite of mine, as you can probably tell) to tacky shoes (CROCS...just sayin!! ...jk, they're cool I GUESS) some "fads" or "trends", whatever you want to call them, are harmless...some harmful.

Here are some things I consider good and bad.

GOOD: Female Independence.

Man I love that picture! Female independence is a topic that is kinda iffy for some people. Keep in mind that I am only SHARING my stand on the issue, not telling you your stand is wrong if it is different than mine. I've run into girls at school that are very firm in their belief that a woman's place is at home, with the kids, being second in command to her husband, who she must always honor and support, yada yada. Ehhh...I agree only to a certain degree. Yes, the Bible does give a very direct message to woman and their place in the family, but as always, times have changed and I think people need to adapt what the Bible says into today's world, which is a tricky tricky thing! Example: in the Old Testament, it says woman should always have their hair covered! Not the case anymore. I think woman today do have more power than they use to, and if a woman had God in her heart, a good head on her shoulders, and does everything to honor Him in her actions, then she is fine. Personally, I don't want to get married young, have kids instantly, and bow down to my husband. A man is just that-- a man. Someone who makes mistakes and could use a second opinion, namely, one from his wife. It takes two to tango, so it should take two to make important decisions in a marriage. The husband and wife should honor eachother equally. And I want to be selfish during my 20's and do what I want to do before I am able to give myself to a man in marriage. I just never want to be able to look back and regret not doing something.

BAD: Sexuality

I CAN'T STAND THE SHOW "TODDLERS IN TIARAS!"

If you haven't seen it, spare yourself. It's gross, it's a show about MOMS who put their LITTLE GIRLS in dresses, costumes, wigs, fake tans, fake TEETH (freakish!) paint their nails, do their makeup, everything!! The picture above is from the show. What are those girls going to grow up to think about self-image, I wonder? Starting to fake yourself up from age 5, fabulous. I'm 19 and I don't do half the stuff listed up there. This show is an example of the role sexuality is playing today.

There is an example of your typical teenage costume sold during October for Halloween. This isn't a diss on Halloween (thats a whole 'nother post) but look at the length of the dress! And the height of those stripper heels! I know tons of girls, friends of mine, from high school who have worn way worse, actually. Again, sexuality is becoming more and more okay in today's world. I would label this "trend" as letter C: a step away from God.

Oh, how I love to make fun of Miley Cyrus. My roommate, Emily, from school, did a project on Hollywood, and made an awesome point on Miss Cyrus, which is this:

HER FANS ARE CHILDREN!

What on EARTH is she thinking? Dancing on a pole at the KID'S Choice Awards??? She's BONKERS!

Sigh.

GOOD: The Female Equilivant to "Bromances", whatever that maybe...(lol)

Homosexuality is veeery common in today's world...but just because my BFF and I are close does not mean we're secret lovers! I think it's awesome to have a best friend who you're close enough with to do things like sleep in the same bed, hold hands and frolic (no, we don't seriously do that, it's an example), and change clothes in front of. My best friend and I are comfortable enough to do all those things with eachother....AND WE LIKE GUYS. And only guys. I think it's silly, friends who avoid doing anything slightly "gay-ish" just because they are afraid to be associated with homosexuality. Pffft, I can guarantee you I am not in love with my bestfriend, so stop thinking we're lesbian lovers because we like climb over eachother. If I want a massage, well, darn it, I'm going to ask her for one.

And then I'll marry a man.

:)

BAD: Putting Your Life on the Web

You probably want to be careful with how much about yourself you put on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, those kinds of places. Facebooks "Places" where you can "check in" and report where you are...eyeah, thats basically saying "Hey! This is where I am! Come stalk me!"

So don't be dumb.

Suuuure, everybody else is doing it. But if everybody else were jumping into great-white-shark-infested waters, doesn't mean it's very smart...

So, have some class and take down that picture of you sitting on your boyfriend's lap making out off of Facebook. Or the one of you in a bikini in the bathroom, which you took of yourself...

(yeah, sounds kinda lame now, huh?)

Actually, all bathroom-mirror pictures I personally think are kinda dumb...hahaha, if I can see toilet paper in the background, it kinda kills it.

3 Rules of Society I Don't Play By

1.Only Skinny is Beautiful

If your worse nightmare is to be heavy, you've got your priorities screwed up.

Only skinny is beautiful....can't say enough how much I disagre. I mean, yeah, it's important to be healthy, but every girl has a different shape. While a girl could be at a perfectly healthy weight, she may just have wide hips, or a wide rib cage, and thats not an issue of weight, but of build! Just because someone wears a size 10 does not mean they're fat, and DEFINATLY not unattractive! I say...shove it, society. I've heard a lot of my guy friends say they like their girls with a little meat on them. You could personally be a toothpick, thats no problem (unless you starve yourself, thats a bit of an issue) but if a girl has a donk, more power to her. I know a friend that looks skinny enough, but by looking at her you can't really tell she has broad shoulders and wears larges from retailers aimed twords teens. I remember feeling pressure to be tiny, so I'd squeeze into a size small from places like Hollister, then go to school sucking in my stomach all day long, being totally uncomfortable. Ugh, I'm so glad I'm over that-- I think it's kinda fun to tell guys I'm at nearly 140 pounds, haha, and it feels pretty uplifting to not be ashamed of it! Don't let a stuck-up trendy store tell you you're "Large" or (mock gasp) "Extra Large". Serisouly, the only judge of your size  is your doctor. I'm happy with my weight, I'm at peace with myself. I try my best to eat healthy and run around to stay in shape, but I couldn't care any less if I need to buy a large if the medium isn't enough. I've learned that the only person that looks at the sizes on the inside of your jeans is YOU, so pick a pair of jeans that FIT, come on. Skinny may be what society tells you to be, but I say bump that!

Fab.

2. You Must Have a Boyfriend

Ugh, this one is annoying. To look interesting, attractice, or to "have a life" it's important to have a boyfriend, and to date around...that's what we're exposed to as teens. I've known SO many people that just date a guy because they're dying to have a relationship, even if they barely know the guy! Then they end up breaking up in a month. Pathetic. Personally, I don't want to call a guy my "boyfriend" unless I've known them on a friend level for like 6 months, I've met their friends, some of their family (perferably their parents, would be nice), I know their FULL name, their dreams and plans for the future, and most IMPORTANTLY, know that he is a man of God. It's sickening to me to think of teens that throw themselves out there, to some dork of a guy, just so they can have the title of a "couple". Ugh. At this point in my life I'm only interested in my personal life, I don't even want a boyfriend. I'm a freshman in college, I think that for the next 6 years I need to be selfish and do things for myself: spend time with my family and friends, STUDY, save money, grow in my faith, things like that. I don't want no guys telling me what I can and cannot do, asking me where I am, and stopping me from doing the things I want to do. Besides...I have my whole life to be in a relationship with a guy, why would I want to start right now? I'd much rather go on a "date" with my mom, or my best friend, and paint my nails. Read a book. Paint. Play the flute. Stuff I know I won't have much time for when I'm married and have a family. Like I said, who needs to start giving someone else all their time when you have the rest of your life?

Just sayin.

3. Be Into the Media

Um, I'm sorry...actually, no, I'm not. The "media" is bonkers if they think I'm going to be into people like Lady Gaga. Besides the fact that I do believe she has satanic messages in her music (it's interesting to research...Youtube it) she's just ridicuous. As a Christian, it's sooo important to be weary of what you're giving your attention to. What movies you're watching, what music you're listening to...the media throws crazy messages, some straight in plain view (think Lil Wayne) and some subliminal (Jay-Z, someone else who has satanic messages in his music) After a semester at my Christian university I've really learned to open my eyes to what I'm listening to. Ke$ha, who I used to claim as my "guilty pleasure" has a new song out where she talks about "Jesus on my necklace" then the song continues to talk about how slutty she is being. I don't want to watch a movie where they're just cussing the whole time. Spare me.

Eyeah...spare me.

Skank? Hot? ....or beautiful?

What do you think guys would say about you behind your back to their friends?

If one of their friends asked them one word to describe your outward appearence, what would that word be?

Personally, one of my best friends is an awesome example of this. She's this modest, sweet, and gorgeous girl. The way she carries herself demands a classier adjective then "Hot."

Lets play a little game. Based only on how they're dress, and from the perspective of a male, what words come to mind when seeing ?



Hmmm....

That one was of Miley Cyrus, if you'll believe it...

That's how the Hollister models dress up and stand outside of the "Epic" store in NYC...

Ms. Lohan looking a little drunk from partying...which is cool, right?

Now how about these girls?

HMMM

Guest Entry By My Friend Emily!

Who wants to go through all the trouble to shop for modest clothes? Who wants to deal with the teasing? What girl wants to sacrifice being cute and stylish in order to cover up?

Nothing against these girls or these skirts and jumper, BUT I do believe that there is a much better and more stylish way to go about dressing modestly.
But you’ve got to know how to do it right so you don’t end up layering clothes like this…

 Layering is one way to do it!

 Cardigans are magical!

See? They just add SO much to anyone’s kind of style J

If you add cardigans and sweaters to your wardrobe, you will have fewer limitations on what you can buy. I know that shopping for clothes that will cover you up can be extremely frustrating. It seems like there is nothing out there! But Cardigans can cover parts of your back and shoulders, and with those with high buttons, sometimes even chest.

This one is perfect for chilly weather!

You can purchase a shirt like this that you may not have worn by itself and turn it into something fun.

It’s also valuable to own a few Camis and tanks to wear under low-cut shirts or sundresses.

Cardigans, sweaters, half-jackets, whatever you want to call them, are one of my most favorite items to use to complete an outfit. They can do so many things!

If you put a light, short-sleeved cardigan with tops like that one, they would be adorable! Also, notice the long necklaces. Awesome.

Entry by Emily-- friend of Meagan's!

Born to Sin, Born to be Saved

2 Timothy 3:2

For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.

Wow! At first sight you kinda think-- "harsh!"

But then you read again and you realize, yup, thats me. Thats EVERYONE! Everyone has sinned, is sinning, and will sin in the future. I remember I met someone who was like "why can't we be as good as God wants us to be? Why doesn't he want us to compare? Why must we be so unholy?"

I thought about that a lot, and didn't know what to think. Finaly, at an inspirational service at a local church in the small town my collage is in, I hear a pastor make this clearer.

Our God is so amazingly AWESOME, how could we ever compare? Do we WANT a God that we are almost as holy as? I know I don't! My God is so high, so holy that only through His son can I be saved. And it's hard to take in, at least I thought so. It wasn't easy to accept how even if I worked my whole life to be rightious I can't even compare. Our best works are but rags to him!

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace have you been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory.

 But then at second thought, I am reasured by this. I need Him to save me, to purify me when I pass so that I am good enough to get into Heaven.

Because without Jesus, NONE of us are good enough to get into Heaven.

So! On that thought...I want to talk about money. I was surprised to see how often money comes up in the Bible! It's interesting to research. And I'm not going to lie to you, I do enjoy having money. I mean, I'm not selfish with it, I know how I like to spend the money I do have. And that's what I want to advise you about.

We're currently on Earth right now, correct? This  is our physical world...and everything on this world is...well, worldly! Now, here is my point. You can't bring anything with you to Heaven.

Now, I'm not telling you not to buy pretty things anymore! But what I am telling you is to think about what a physical item is going to do for you EXPERIENCE here on Earth! Are you getting it to raise Him up...or to raise yourself up? Is it going to play some kind of role in living your life for Him? Even in the smallest kinda way? Now, don't get ridiculous, of course buy a nice coat that won't fall apart to keep yourself warm during the winter, but don't spend $500 on a designer one when you can get a perfectly adorable one for half that price, or less!

Lets make a better example...

How about you want an iPhone

Well...why do you want it? Do you want the iPhone to look cool at school, when you walk around in the morning before classes? Or to impress your friends when you whip it out to check a text? Or you want to listen to your music in style...because you can just get a iPod Nano, which is cheaper...and have a normal phone.

Personally, I have an iPhone 4.

(Yes, I know the picture is of the iPhone3GS) Now...I know what it looks like. I liked the phone because it was the latest, sleekest, coolest phone on the market. I got it the summer it came out, and even bought it with my own money! But when I bought it I wasn't seeing all those worldly things that come to mind when one thinks of the iPhone...

I wanted it to see my mom through "FaceTime" while I was gone at college. One of my favorite apps on the phone is my Bible app, which I used even to find the scripture for this post. I use the calender to keep track of when my finals are, and which days I have to work. I listen to some of my favorite Christian rock bands with it, so in a way it helps me praise the God that made my life what it is that made me able to get this phone in the FIRST place. I send pictures of scripture to a friend of mine that seems to have lost sight.

I'm constantly thankful for everything I have.

I'm lucky I even have a phone.

Another example!

Clothes.

I've talked about clothes in my previous post. About how modest is hottest, all that jazz.

But it's even more than that. Of course, you NEED clothes. You can't run around naked, thats just not okay (THANKS A LOT EVE!...jk) BUT do you have God in mind when you're buying a dress for your sister's graduation party? How can you serve God in that dress? Would God approve of you in that dress? Do you think you are totally deserving of having that dress? Many people are under the impression that if they alone earned their money, they can spend it how they see fit and not worry about it.

Whoa, what about God?

Because without they blessings he has granted you, you would have absolutly nothing. You think you deserve everything you have because you earned that money at your part-time job?

Here is another personal example, going back to the iPhone thing.

I bought my iPhone4 with MY money I made from selling paintings I'VE painted for people. Sounds like I did it own my own, right? I mean, my brother didn't help or anything, he doesn't get a say in how I spend the money.

But....

A few years ago I got into this car accident that made me rethink my whole life. It may sound overdramatic, but since I broke my arm and had to go under the knife to fix it, and now walk around with a metal plate in my arm...I am thankful EVERY DAY for the body that God has given me. That day made me realize the only reason I can paint, play the flute, swim, even put on eyeliner, is because God has blessed me with two arms. It breaks my heart to think of the people who are missing body parts...what did I do differently to deserve a healthy body? Nothing, I did nothing to deserve it, God has just blessed me, and was graceful enough for me to have what I have. Not that people missing legs are not blessed, since we ALL are bless to have such an amazing God, who would sacrifice his only Son so we'd have a way into Heaven.

Spend your money on things that you CAN take with you to Heaven.

Spend it on experiences. Travel, visit the people that are important to you. Christmas is coming up...I love going broke spending money on the people I love. Material things aren't everything...you can't take your wedding ring with you to Heaven, but you CAN take your soul. Make sure you make the most out of your money. Decorate your bedroom if it helps you, in some way, praise the Lord! Spend money painting it, buying blankets to cuddle in, curtains to protect yourself from prying eyes...then pray in that room. Pray and say thank you for everything you have. Even if you barely have anything...you still have God, and HE is EVERYTHING.

 That's a picture of my flute. Now...I'm not going to play you, it's a darn expensive flute. It's got a rose-gold lip plate with engraving, open holes, white gold springs (this probably means nothing to you, haha) and it was an indlugence. Yet, flute is what I DO. I study music at school, and I feel God has called me to be a music educator, and to bring kids to Him through music, like how I am moved by music. With every note I play it's for Him, and I'm thankful beyond words to own such a fabulous instrument.

Sadly, the flute cannot come with me to Heaven, hahaha!

BUT I could possibly pass it on to my future child, or maybe a grandchild, and who knows what God has in store for the people that come across this flute? His plan is much bigger than we realize. The flute plays a role in my praise for my Lord.

So next time you go to sleep in a bed thats similar to how comfy this looks:

Think about the people who sleep like this:

And wonder if you "deserve it"

Because I'm sure those kids don't deserve that.

My First Post!

 It's 2010 (for now). You're 16 years old and a high school sophomore. You get pretty good grades, maybe you're on the dance team, soccer team, whatever. You're involved. You get decent attention from the boys...you think it may be because of your fun-loving personality and cute smile, but in perhaps it's those shorts you've got on, you know, the very short pair.

ahhhh...but you were inspired by Ms. Cyrus here, who looks so spunky in her booty-shorts. And everyone loves her, so if she wears them, it's cute! Right?

Well, what does the Bible say about Miley's outfit? Isn't there some part of the Bible that talks about modest dress? Yeah, there is actually.

1 Timothy 2:9 - "And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes."

It's a slap in the face, I know. I'm definatly guilty of it, immodest dress. It's everywhere, magazines, TV, every other store in the mall, your best friend, EVERYWHERE! For the longest time I didn't even know what exactly modest dress was. Why would you want to dress modestly? What is modest dress? Where do you even buy modest clothing? Does modesty end at just your outward appearence? I'll answer all of these questions.

First, why would you even want to dress modestly?

Oho.

It's all about appearence these days. As a girl of faith (which I hope you are, and if you're not you should join us...unless you're male, then you should become a MAN of faith) you're representing yourself as a Christian (or whatever religion you are) to the world. I've been guilty of walking around school, where most kids knew I was Christian, yet I wore short shorts, plunging necklines, mini skirts, tight t-shirts, all that jazz. I chose to dress in what was socially acceptable instead of what God would approve of. What does it matter of the guys at school didn't think I was "hot" because I didn't flaunt my figure, they aren't that ones that are letting me into Heaven, are they? You have to realize that the one you really have to prove yourself to is Him. God. Would you sit next to God in the caf with a skirt on thats so short you can see your panties? I don't think so. I would strive to buy clothing that everyone was wearing. Where is the origionality in that? God made you an origional, why would you want to die a copy? Now I'm not saying you shouldn't wear clothes from trendy stores, I'm saying be wise about it. You're putting yourself on display everyday, what would you want people clicking through your Facebook pictures to think? "Oh she's so cute!" or "What a skank."

Hmmm.

What even is modest dress?

Thats a cute example. It's definatly cute, modern, and feminine. God wants us to look like girls, just a heads up! The fact that the girl is praying just kinda adds to it, don't you think? Haha. The skirt looks about knee-length and it looks like she's got a little tank under her cardagin. Cute. Thats one way to do it without looking 5. How about a different example?

This is a model from American Eagle, one of my personal favorite stores. Now, it's important right now that I let you know, there are different interpritations of what constitutes modesty and what doesn't. In this blog I am sharing MY personal oppinions. I am not saying I am right, or that my way is best, I am simply trying to share my idea of what God wants of us. Some people might argue that her clothes are too tight...they do look a tad small. But she's covered. She's representing a major label, a label that focuses selling to girls highschool age to college age. Personally, I think that a top is too low-cut if your bra is exposed when you bend over. Also, think about the season. I think shorts are AWESOME! I'm personally from Florida, so I definatly own a few pairs. But...I wouldn't wear very short ones to class. I'd wear them to the beach, to work out, or to hang around my house. Now, if you have a pair of shorts that are a decent length (I'd say around mid-thigh-ish) then just use your judgement. What's classy vs. whats trashy?

Oh Abercombie and Fitch! Here is one of their adds, which most likely at some point was displayed in the windows of their stores. As someone who used to work for Hollister for quite some time, I'm pretty familiar with the aims of this company (since Hollister is owned by them). Now, I'm not saying not to shop there at all...but you should really look at what they're telling you is beauty. I mean...personally, I think it's weird that a clothing store doesn't really put any clothes on their models. Also, they have a track record for making suggestive and degrading t-shirts.

This top was actually SOLD at Abercrombie and Fitch before the public drove them to take them off their shelves.  Hold on, it gets better.

I was actually working for Hollister when these jems cames out. Legal...ISH?? What on earth could that mean besides the obvious! I heart the woody? At the age-group these shirts are marketed to, I sure hope they don't even know what that shirt is suppose to mean. Nasty.

Here is one marketed to guys. Lovely.

So, whats modest?

Basically, respectiving yourself and your body. Your body is a gift from God that you have to treasure by taking care of it, and keeping it personal. It's perfectly okay to look cute and be into fashion, but make sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Not to bring attention to yourself from the opposite sex, but to boost your self-confidence, be a lady of class, and set an example as someone of faith. Share your body with your husband when you get married, and only then. The more you present your body through modesty the more it means when you finally do decide to get married and become intimate with your husband. If everyone has already seen your booty hanging out of a pair of cotton shorts with the word "Juicy" on the behind, I don't think the moment you share your body with your husband is going to be quite as impactful. Just sayin'.

Buying modest clothing! The answer is simple: modest clothing can be bought almost anywhere! Here is the catch: some things are immodest on their own. A tight tank top with a low cut is probably not going to do the trick. So. Pair it with a cute sweater, with another higher-cut tank under it. So you don't like sweaters? Try to layer over a flannel shirt.

She's showing a tad much chest, but this is the idea I'm trying to portray. You can buy a flannel almost everywhere (this one is from BillaBong). Just because you buy a tank from Hollister doesn't mean you can't combine it with other clothing that transforms it from racy to elegant. It's not hard. If you're going to show a bit of skin, try to compensate. For example, if you're going to wear shorts, wear a shirt with a high neckline, or maybe a button-down with the sleaves rolled up and a button or two undone to create a look that better suited for warmer weather, but at the same time refreshingly modest. Wearing a top thats on the more fitted side? Wear boyfriend-style jeans, or maybe a swooshy longer skirt! Pair short bottoms and a tight top doesn't portray a woman of much self respect.

Target is an amazing place to shop for clothes, since the age group they sell to covers a wide range of people. American Eagle Outfitters is a company that usually advertises their female models dressed modestly, with very natural looking makeup, so you know you can find pieces that work their, although they tend to lean on the more expensive side. Also, consignment stores are full of treasures just wanting to be found and added to your closet! You just have to look.

Does modesty end at just your outward appearence?

Definatly not! And you knew it.

Modesty is about the way you walk, talk, carry yourself, and the choices you make. Modest is hottest because no one wants to get to know someone that brags all the time. Which would impress you more: a guy who bragged all the time about how much of an amazing piano player he is....or a guy that you like hanging around with, who comes up to a display piano in the hotel your Homecoming dance was being held at, and begins playing Moonlight Sonata?

A modest girl has a mysterious air about her. Since she doesn't flaunt her talents and accomplishments, people are more interested to find out about her. In a society where Facebook makes it easy for anyone to know all about you, make the choice to refrain from telling your life story.

Modest is hottest ;)