Dry scalp, dry hair, dull hair color, and static all the time.

What are some answers for these problems?

Dry scalp: Redken Dandruff Control shampoo and conditioner. Remember: shampoo is to clean and cleanse the scalp and the hair cuticle (the outer layer of the hair shaft). Conditioner is to reintroduce the needed moisture and vitamins needed in the hair shaft and bring the pH level back to where it needs to be.

Dry hair: BRUSH your hair! Lots and lots. Brush it at night before you go to bed and brush it in the morning before you shower. You will be distributing the needed moisture that your scalp produces all the way to the end of the hair shaft. (this will also loosen up any dandruff before you shampoo so that the solution can get to the hair follicle and do its job!)

After doing that, it is possible you just need to go to the salon and get a good trim. If there is any extreme dryness it may cause breakage as well. There is no remedy for broken or split ends except for a trim.

Bland Color: No, you don’t need to do anything extreme. You would be surprised what a few foils can do to brighten up the over-all look of your hair. Ask your stylist to pick a shade approximately 5 levels lighter than your hair and to foil THIN slices of color through the top section of your hair.

Some other options for color: Redken has two different color lines that work very well to do low-maintenance color. Shimmer One and Shades EQ would help to revitalize your color without you feeling like you will need to go back to get your hair colored six weeks later.

Static Control: Product. This is vital to trying to keep the static down during the day. Blow drying your hair with a mousse or a light-hold gel will help. Or perhaps give your hair a break from the blow drying and just use a scrunching spray or a light-weight mousse. Finish with a hair spray to help control the static all that more.

Some product suggestions (and yes, of course they are Redken!)
Full Frame Mousse - Volume and Heat protection
Clean Lift Lightweight Gel - Volume
Workforce - Flexible Volume Spray
Curl Force - Texturizing Spray Gel

I have made a list of my favorite things for winter.

As I mentioned in some of my earlier posts about clothing, it’s good to pick a color palette before going shopping. This also includes a neutral color that you naturally are inclined to wearing (aka, black or brown). I find myself buying black things sooner and more readily than brown so this list includes certain things in black that maybe you should buy in brown. Take the list and modify it the way you would like–it most definitely isn’t copyrighted! (It could also make a good Christmas list.)

Also, this list is not in a certain order because I thought it should be a certain way. I think all of these pieces are important in my wardrobe and that doesn’t necessarily apply to yours.

1. Cardigans warm me up all winter long when it gets cold in this drafty old house. I’ve learned to cope with these conditions by wearing things like cardigans. My favorite colors include black, hot pink (because, yes, I am 15 and a girl), a light green, and a coral colored sweater. Oldnavy sells a variety of styles and colors that are reasonably priced. My personal favorite is this sparkly sweater (perfect for church and other special outings):

2. A classic black (or brown) skirt is so useful and always in style. Some prefer the Little Black Dress (also referred to as LBD) but I like my skirt, thank you very much. Pair with almost any top in your wardrobe, match with a sweater or jacket, a classic pair of heels, finish off with a few accessories and voila! You’ve got a polished outfit ready for anything. Gap, Banana Republic, or H&M (who do not have a store online) have some great black skirts. An a-line style skirt flatters every body type. This, by far, is my favorite black skirt although not exactly a classic. =)

3. Blouses and button-down dress shirts are versatile pieces for everyday and special events. When looking for a blouse, look for a special shape or detailing. Button-downs need to be fitted in the shoulders and the pleating in the shirt needs to fall in all the right places. These shirts can be difficult to find but well worth your time. Ruffles in both blouses and button-downs are very popular right now. Oldnavy has a few good blouses but from the look of it the styles of the button-downs won’t be flattering or good quality. I particularly like the Gap options. They are full of details and pattern–so fun! My favorite button-down and blouses are these:

4. Simple black (or brown) heels are very important in a shoe collection. They can work with everything–skirts, bermuda shorts, pants, dresses, etc. Anything. The shoes can be more expensive but with a shoe like this that will work for years, it is well worth the extra $$$. Look for a smaller heel–it’s more slimming to the leg than chunky heels. Piperlime has some great shoes.

5. Tights. Black, brown, grey, orange, green, pink, red, blue, purple. I like ‘em all. Now, some of you may not be able to pull of such things as colored/patterned tights because of various reasons but I personally love them. Taking care of them is important. They are ridiculously fragile and easy to ruin. Having colored tights is extremely “in” right now so take advantage of it!

6. Jeans are always useful and practical. Dark wash make the legs look longer and slimmer without heels! Trouser jeans are particularly nice for church. When buying jeans, look for what’s called straight leg. Straight leg jeans are the most flattering to every body type. It may be titled as bootleg and other kinds of cuts but there is a trick to telling whether or not it is truly a straight leg. Take the hem of the pant and fold it up to the middle of the thigh. If the widths are the same throughout the entire pant, they are true straight leg jean. So far, Banana Republic and Express jeans are my personal favorites.

This is an example of what a straight leg jean looks like:

7. Fitted coats are really nice. Although not by any means necessary, I prefer wearing a nice dress coat with my pretty dresses to church rather than a huge puffer. Things to look for when buying this certain thing is color, style, and length. Color: stay away from bright colors or unusual colors if you want this coat to work for every look you have and pick a color that works very well with your skin tone. Style: look for a coat with a defined waist and fitted shoulders. Length: middle to upper thigh is the most practical and flattering.

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Start with the Word.

Romans 12.2 “…do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” NKJV

We must know His will and purpose for all things, including sexuality. Not only must we know; we must agree. Let’s call sin sin, refusing Satan’s definitions for “romance” and flirtatious behavior. Then take captive those wrong thoughts that plague your mind, rendering them obedient to the knowledge of Christ. Do not feed them. Evaluate your reading material. Maybe those Christian romance novels are over the edge for you, evoking too many impure images or thoughts. If catalogs that promote impure body posture or seductive glances are influencing you negatively, get rid of them. Beware of TV commercials; raunchy stuff sneaks up when you least expect it. What we look at alot has profound impact on us, so take care!

Don’t settle for status quo. Everyone around you may be acting or dressing certain ways, maybe even other Christians, but don’t let that establish your standards. Let them be shaped by His Word alone.

Let me give you a bit of homework. Below I will list some common responses I hear from Christians when discussing modesty and purity. I’ve linked a scripture passage with each comment. Read the passage and then discover for yourself the error of each excuse. Let His Word begin to renew your mind!

“Everyone will think I’m really dumb if I don’t__________.” (fill in the blank) 1 Timothy 4.12

“I’m free in Christ to do as I please.” Galatians 5.1, Galatians 5.13, 1 Peter 2.19

“It doesn’t hurt anybody.” Proverbs 7.26

“My friend does that, and she’s a Christian.” Romans 14.12

“Everyone is doing it.” Proverbs 31.10

Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is loud and defiant, ; her feet never stay at home 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. NIV

Let’s look at a few more characteristics belonging to this wayward woman.

3. Her body language: Far from meek, this woman’s spirit effects her glance, her posture, her actions. Read Proverbs 6.

Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress. Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, Nor let her allure you with her eyelids. For by means of a harlot A man is reduced to a crust of bread; Proverbs 6.24-26

We read that she captivates and allures with her eyes. Eyes are most telling — and unfortunately much, if not most, of our current advertising is centered on female models whose eyes are “come ons”, to put it bluntly. It is what we see everywhere we look, and our young, impressionable daughters are not always aware of the implications of those eyes. Therefore they imitate; they learn a coquettish glance, an alluring countenance, a captivating air. Beware what they view without supervision. The world around them is teaching wrong things, even in the eyes of that model on the magazine cover that just arrived in the mail. And beware yourself, lest it look tempting.

We also see that this woman is forward with her body actions — aggressive, unladylike (to borrow a concept from “old-fashioned” England), taking the young man and kissing him. Be warned. I look around and see an over-familiarity between men and women, a lack of care, a disregard for the power of stirred passion. God made us to experience something powerful — in its place. Why in its place? Because it is, indeed, powerful. Easily awakened, passion can overwhelm the most intent of us. Practice wisdom; do not unkindly or foolishly stir up passion through inconsiderate actions. Be gracious and modest.

4. Her lifestyle: Lifestyle reveals where her heart truly is. “…her feet never stay at home.” She is found in the square, on the corner, lurking and looking. Why? Home holds no affection for her. She is bored there, unfulfilled, discontent with the life God has given her. When we stop cultivating a love for the ministry He has given us, we begin filling our lives with distractions — vain attempts to find purpose, to entertain, to satisfy. It is an endless yearning that leads a woman into a pit of failure, and brings many unsuspecting fools with her.

We will be looking at the ministry of creating homes in greater depth next month. More commentary on this topic will be given then. Suffice to say, we need to understand what ministry God has for us and delight in it. His ways are life, abundant life.

Layering, unfortunately, requires quite a few articles of clothing. I usually start with a tank-top over which I put a fitted t-shirt. I then put on a long-sleeved t-shirt as well as a sweater or two, depending on the weather. If I am going outside and I know that it’s chilly out, I put my jacket to work and a scarf as well. As you can tell, layering uses quite a bit of my wardrobe everyday. That’s why having a general color palette is very useful.

Great pieces to use in layering include but are not at all limited to button-down dress shirts, fitted crew neck, v-neck and turtleneck sweaters, henley styled shirts and vests.

Proverbs 7:1 My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. 2 Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your kinsman; 5 they will keep you from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words.

6 At the window of my house I looked out through the lattice. 7 I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. 8 He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house 9 at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. 10 Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. 11 (She is loud and defiant, her feet never stay at home; 12 now in the street, now in the squares, at every corner she lurks.) 13 She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: 14 “I have fellowship offerings at home; today I fulfilled my vows. 15 So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! 16 I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. 18 Come, let’s drink deep of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! 19 My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” 21 With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. 22 All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose 23 till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life.

24 Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. 26 Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. 27 Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death. NIV

Let’s consider various characteristics listed here which help identify this “strange woman” (that is the language KJV uses in reference to her) or “the immoral woman, the seductress” (NKJV.)

1. Her attire: she is dressed like a prostitute (v.10.) Throughout the ages, from culture to culture, the clothing of harlotry varies. That fact alone is proof that legalism is not the answer. God is speaking of principle here. Still, that is not intended as “an out”. We must take this admonition seriously, even (and maybe especially) in this day, when fashion would openly flaunt seduction, when young girls are taught in both overt and subliminal ways to sell themselves, to attract and snare. This is not merely a mode of dress being peddled, but an essence of expression and intention of heart. It emanates from somewhere deeper finding expression in many ways, but dress is one of them.

There is need, therefore, to examine the intention of why you wear what you wear. Whether young or old, married or single, if you are hoping in any small way to attract undue or inappropriate attention (sexual interest from anyone other than a/your husband), you need to change your type of dress. In the same vein, if you have taken your fashion cues from anyone who is attempting to attract undue or inappropriate attention, you must take extreme care that those styles in and of themselves will not trigger, even unintentionally, such attention toward yourself.

Many of us may want to consider getting help in this area, especially if this is a territory of holiness that you are hoping to reclaim. Our ability to discern may be impaired through years of insensitivity. We may come to wrong conclusions. Being current isn’t necessarily bad; being “old-fashioned” may not be an instant fix. If there is a problem it may run deeper than the clothes you wear. But, as we can see from our text, some problems can be identified in things as superficial as fashion.

A word to the wise: submit your fashion to His Spirit and let Him prune you. He knows how to search your heart in this arena.

2. Her speech: we find that the seductive, crafty nature of her speech has readily identifiable attributes. Test your own mode of speech against that of the strange woman. Here is a list of adjectives I found in various translations, adjectives that are telling.

Several of these words would be found as synonyms in a thesaurus, but I wanted us to be sure and consider the merit of each one individually. They are revealing. I linked a few because we have possibly adopted a less than accurate understanding of the given word, and accuracy is imperative for study. Note that loud, for instance, has not so much to do with volume as with spirit or intention: boisterous is a picture of clamoring for attention, commotion implies frenzy, raging and roaring need no explanation. These descriptions help identify the type of loudness being communicated here. Do you raise your volume in search for attention? If so, it may need to be checked. Is it a result of anger or frenzy? Then it must be curbed, the anger resolved, the frenzy quieted.

As you may see, these are worthy of some contemplation, as they often reveal deeper concerns. Because of this need for reflection and thought, I will pause here for now, hopefully inspiring you to do this very thing: return here from day to day during the week, reflecting upon one or more of these adjectives. Do a word study, look it up in a dictionary or do further work in your lexicon. Or just consider it in prayer with God. As we do this together, I pray that the tainted forms of communication modeled to us by the world around us will be purged from our conversations, both within and without.

One thing that is frustrating about swim suits is the price. I don’t go swimming much and I don’t go sunbathing in a swim suit. So why pay much for something that you won’t wear very often? Well, there will be those times when you do want to go swimming but you don’t have anything to go in with. I think it’s best to find a plain, flattering swim suit that will last for years. Purchasing a swim suit with color blocks, patterns, or belts may be boring in the long run. Stick to more plain bathing suits as well. Neutral Most stores will be having sales right now because it is in the middle of the summer.colors work for any skin tone, but if you want to find a colorful swim suit, make sure it will work with your skin as well as your body. You most likely will want something that you will like for the next two or more years.

This is a swim suit I think would be very flattering for an hour glass figure:

An hour glass figure generally means that your shoulders and hips are around the same width and your waist is smaller than both. I like the simplicity of this swim suit but I would like to see more color. Black always works but sometimes it’s fun to have an unusual color. A simple swim skirt would be very fun as well.

A swim suit that would be flattering for a more busty or full sized woman:

The neckline on this swim suit will draw attention to your face and the length of the swimsuit will hide any unwanted attention to your bottom region. If you fall into the category of this body-shape, you’ll want some length to your swimsuit.

This swim suit would be flattering for a pear shaped woman:

Pear shape means that that you have a fairly small upper half and bigger thighs. Again, drawing attention to your upper half will take attention away from unwanted areas. It’s important to decide what you want to draw attention away from on your body and find a bathing suit that will help you do so. The empire waist will flatter any shape body but will definitely help a pear shape.

Most stores will be having sales right now because it’s the middle of the summer. I found all of these bathing suits at Lands’ End online. They have some great sales on their overstocks so check them out! Also, adding a swim skirt will help with length and modesty issues. It’s a simple solution to some very big problems. =)

I hope this helps all of you figure out what kind of bathing suit to be looking for!

I am a hairstylist.

Something I figured out right after hairstyling is that I had managed to turn my hobby into my profession. It is a blessing and a curse all at the same time. But, I suppose I can’t complain: I love my job. How many people can say that? If you could see inside my head during my mid- to late teens, you would have seen how I would break down the shape of a hairstyle, make up techniques, and general assessment of fashion. I wanted to know how to create a stacked bob and what tool to use to make textured edges.

Needless to say, I have been working in the field of hairstyling for over two and a half years — which doesn’t sound like a very long time, but my personal expertise (I think) is not just cutting/coloring/styling, but to educate my clients on why certain looks are more flattering than others.

So.

Here is my first of, hopefully, many tips for you.

Why Shouldn’t I Part My Hair In The Middle?

Good question.

This is my answer:
Do you like your nose? If you love your nose and want to bring attention to it, than you can part your hair in the middle.

The human eye picks up details and general shapes and concepts more than we understand. Lets say you free-hand draw a circle. (Now, I am assuming that you don’t draw a perfect circle.) Now draw a line right down the middle of it. What do you notice more about the circle now that you have a line down the middle? Most likely, the answer is that it is more asymmetrical. It makes the imperfection of the circle more obvious.

In the same way, when you part your hair in the middle, inadvertently you are drawing a line down an imperfect circle. Your face - unless you are one of the few women in the world with a perfectly symmetrical face - isn’t perfectly even. One eye might be smaller than the other, your nose might be crooked, your ears might be slightly off balance… the list goes on.

So, when you part your hair down the middle, it is both drawing attention to your nose and also showing off the imbalance of your features. Neither of which I would suggest.

Which Side Should I Part My Hair To?

Quite honestly, I would have to see your head. And since I am not going to ask you all to post pictures of yourselves, I am going to say this: generally there is one side that you may find has a cowlick/whirl near your hairline. Otherwise, experiment! Try one side and then try the other side. Check and see. If you want some extra volume, part it on the side of the cowlick so that it creates height. If you want a smooth part - especially if you want side bangs - part it on the other side.

An Example:

Now that that is said, here are my favorite looks!

1. Monochromatic

Monochromatic means that the outfit is all one color or hue. I absolutely love monochromatic outfits and I think they are very flattering. My personal favorite is all navy with either silver, green or yellow accents. I love it when Bermuda shorts are used in the outfit. It’s a really easy look to pull off and it doesn’t take too much effort. This look works on everyone.

2. High Waist Pants

This is a look that I really like but is extremely hard to pull off. It is very popular and cute when done right. I would suggest getting a simple print on the pant (maybe a light pinstripe) so that you can mix-and-match with many different tops. They will only be in style for a little while so wear them as much as possible! I would suggest that when you wear this look that you tuck in your shirt to show them off! These pants will draw attention to your mid section so be aware of that. Also, never get high waist pants that have a skinny leg. It is very unflattering even on petite and small people. It just doesn’t work.

$98.00, Anthropologie

$98.00, Anthropologie

3. Wide-leg Pants or Jeans

This is also an adorable look and is easy for anyone to pull off. If purchasing wide-leg jeans, go for a darker wash because they are more slimming. These pants can be casual and dressy. They are very versatile and go with pretty much anything. So when you’re buying your next pair of pants, try some wide-legs!

These are the dressy version of wide-leg pants:

$69.50, J.Crew

$49.50, The Gap

These are the more casual version:

$80.00, J. Crew

$32.50, Old Navy

4. Scarves

Scarves are the hottest accessory as of now in my opinion. They can make a t-shirt and jeans an outfit very easily and can be worn in many different styles. Here are some pictures of my favorites.

$68.00, Anthropologie

$88.00, Anthropologie

$38.00, Anthropologie

$48.00, Anthropologie

5. Dresses
Adorable, easy, beautiful and feminine. They can be casual and dressy. Adding a single accessory makes an outfit very easily with a dress and a pair of flats. Take advantage of the fact that dresses are in style and everyone is wearing them! Here are some of my favorites for this summer.

$59.50, The Gap

$59.50, The Gap

$39.50, Old Navy

$20.00, Old Navy

6. Jackets
Jackets are very in and very flattering on everyone. Finding the right fit might be difficult for you but it is possible. Most of us can’t afford to go to a tailor (at least I can’t) so scouring the shops for a jacket that you like and fits can be extremely difficult. But it’s worth it! Here are some of my favorite sweater jackets and jackets.

$138.00, J.Crew

$69.50, The Gap

$69.50, The Gap

$128.00, J.Crew

$148.00, Anthropologie

7. Flats
Flats are very in and very fun. You can get crazy patterns on them and plain classic looks. They work with dresses, pants, skirts and shorts—so everything! Old Navy has some very cute flats this season so check them out at oldnavy.com. Here are some of my favorite styles:

$9.99, Old Navy

$14.99, Target

$225.00, J.Crew

$19.50, Old Navy

8. Skirts
Skirts are popular! And I don’t mean those mini-skirts (remind me, why did anyone think they were OK to wear?) I mean knee-length, flowing and flattering skirts. Pattern is fun, color is fun and plain is also fun. I personally find skirts much more comfortable in the heat of summer compared to shorts. I think that having one or two simple skirts would be wonderful for everyday wardrobe but maybe one funky patterned or colored skirt for special events and church. Add some funk to your wardrobe! Make sure that your skirt hits your knee—it makes for the best silhouette! If you’ve got some curves, skirts that are a-line skirt or a full will be best for you. They should be fairly easy to find. Here are some of my favorite styles!

This striped skirt is one of my favorite skirts. It’s pretty expensive but I thought you might like to see it anyway.

$175.00, J.Crew

$49.50, The Gap

$49.50, The Gap

9. Pattern and Color
This may seem like quite a wide range for style—it is! Color is especially in this season (as opposed to black or neutrals). Yellows, greens, blues, oranges and metallics are very current. Pick a color or two that compliments your skin and buy a few items in that color. You’ll find that it will update your wardrobe quite a bit. If you want, also buy a few items in pattern in those colors. It’ll add some mix-and-match ability to your wardrobe. Here are some of my favorite colors and patterns for the season.

$110.00, J.Crew

$44.50, The Gap

$98.00, J.Crew

$38.00, The Gap

10. Accentuating Your Waist
This is a popular look. Use a belt or wear a wrap shirt. Having a waist is a very in look nowadays. Thus the high waist pants, wrap dresses and shirts, belts in the middle of the shirt and wide-leg pants. Accentuating your waist will enhance your natural hour-glass figure and make you look thinner. Try not to let the shirt or dress bunch anywhere—it won’t compliment your body. Some of my favorite looks that can accentuate your waist!

$68.00, Anthropologie

$68.00, Anthropologie

Most of these clothes are pretty expensive. I wanted to give you an idea of what is in and what the prices usually are. You can go out shopping and keep an eye open for these styles and good prices. Target, Marshall’s, TJMaxx, Kohl’s, JCPenney’s, Old Navy, The Gap and other stores will have good prices and maybe something that’ll look good on you! Remember to try things on — trying never hurt anybody!

This week’s question is regarding the perennial issue of modesty:

What are some good guidelines for determining modesty? How can one encourage a younger Christian sister in this area without unnecessary offense?

Modesty is one of those perennial issues facing Christian women. How do we live in the world and not be of the world?

In 1 Peter 3:3-5 women were exhorted to be more concerned with the inward adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit than in jewels and fine apparel. In other words, first things first. That is always a needed reminder. But inherent in Peter’s statement is the acknowledgment of an “outer man”. We know that the much admired Proverbs 31 woman dressed in purple linens and provided garments of scarlet for her family. In other words, they were looking pretty good.

But good, in this case, included a sense of modesty. We, too, need to be achieving “good” with modesty.

I once heard this recommendation as a general guideline. Imagine yourself as a beautiful masterpiece - His masterpiece. His work needs an appropriate frame. It shouldn’t distract from the work of God within; too shabby detracts, too ornate overwhelms. Your presentation should compliment and enhance His presence and the testimony of His goodness in your life. Let’s remember, we represent Him on this earth.

What does that mean in everyday language, in practical application? This was recommended by a friend and they had some good basic guidelines. Check it out for some great insights.

In a nutshell, we don’t want to distract the men around us from Holy service, nor do we want to bring a blight on His name. But we do want to look relevant, clean, and even attractive (my husband likes me to look my best!)

What about those young Christians who seem to be unaware of this issue? From time to time we may be called upon to sharpen one another, and scripture allows for exhortation in our midst. Still, one wants to use caution.

Before ministering correction it is best to establish a sense of nurture and care toward the person. Show genuine interest, take time to know them, offer prayer and words of encouragement. Find every opportunity to share principles of all sorts that the Lord has shown you. Testify of His faithfulness in teaching us, His children. If possible, include some thoughts on modesty. Perhaps this could develop into an ongoing discipleship relationship. Seek the Lord for such opportunities.

Unless there is an urgent need for correction, allow the Lord to reveal their need to grow in a sense of modesty in His time. Eventually you may be able to recommend books, studies, etc. that will help this younger sister to grow in the ways of the Lord.

I know you have ideas about these things. Would you be willing to share them? Thanks!