A penny for your thoughts...

I have been thinking recently about modesty and femininity.

1) What is the significance of a feminine, modest woman in a world that applauds a woman who can do everything as well as a man and look just like a man?

2) What makes femininity so important?

I have found myself shrinking back in horror from the stereotype of "frumpy" and "old-fashioned." In a world in which we are constantly surrounded by blatant sensuality I find it easy to grow accustomed to the "acceptable" dress of the day and begin to think that some things aren't so bad. Have you ever found yourself thinking "The guys have to deal with stuff that is so much worse, so why should this be a problem?" I shudder to think of how subtle the enemy is and how quickly I am tricked into believing his lie--the lie that it would be more of a "distraction" to look out of place then to wear something that might be borderline. But are we being influenced by the opinions of today in such a way that we are loosing a significant part of what God created us to be as women.

So what does it mean to be feminine and modest? Is it just the way we dress and carry ourselves, or is it a heart attitude that is manifested through our outward appearance and mannerisms? Is a girl who radiates femininity really more attractive than a girl who is determined to do everything just as well as the boys? I don't think that girls and guys can't enjoy many of the same activities. I enjoy catching a football and learning to shoot a gun with my brothers. But what has happened to the grace and beauty of being a woman?

What does femininity mean to you and how can we regain this "old-fashioned" quality? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Fun Moments!

Bowling w/friends before Zach left

Ever tried one of these? It actually works!

Well, Zach made it safely to TX on Saturday and spent some time with our Grampa Reed before heading to the ALERT campus this morning. We are so excited for him, and yet missing him already. On our way to church yesterday I told mom that I missed hearing the familiar "Bethany, is my hair sticking up in the back?" and the "thump, thump" of the handle on his trumpet case as we drive! He is such a special part of the family and sometimes separation like this awakens us to the amazing blessing that we have in each of our family members.

Some of you are aware that Leigha has been praying about going back to Asia this winter. She has made the decision to go back and is especially looking forward to showing me all of the sights and scaring me as we dodge traffic in the busy streets! Yes, I too have been lead of the Lord to commit to this next trip and I am really looking forward to experiencing it with my sister. I must admit that she makes me a little nervous when she gets that mischievous look in her eye and tells me that she has sooo0 many things to tell me now that I have decided to go! I know that it will be a challenging time because we will both be stretched, but also a wonderful opportunity to serve and to better know the depth of God's grace as we look to Him for our strength. We will be leaving around the 12th of January and returning somewhere around May 5th. Please pray for the Lord's wisdom and provision as we prepare for this new adventure.

I hope that you all have a wonderful week. May the Lord bless you richly!

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Some fun pics!

Hello Everybody!

Well here goes the family blog! I guess only time will tell how faithful I will be with keeping up but at least I can give it a try! We are finishing all of the last minute preparations as Zach gets ready to head out for ALERT on Saturday. We are all thrilled to see him taking this step, but we will really miss him. It is going to be exciting to see what God does in his life through this experience.

Hope you are all having a wonderful week. God bless!