Interview :: Miss Olivia H.

{For this month's interview we have the pleasure of  interviewing Miss Olivia H. of Fresh Modesty and Working With Eager Hands. Both of us girls enjoy reading Olivia's blogs and hope that you will enjoy this interview focusing on modesty. ~Bethany & Johanna}

 

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Can you introduce yourself to us and tell us a bit about your family and surroundings?

MISS OLIVIA :: Hey! I’m Olivia of Fresh Modesty- the blog and the website. I’m 19 and am the oldest of 6# siblings. My family moved to 62 acres in the country from the suburbs 2.5 years ago and I've enjoyed becoming a whole different person as I've adapted! We have some cows, chickens, and pigs, but I don’t do much with those. In my “spare” time I sew (you can see my projects on my sewing blog), write eBooks, and Google everything. 

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: When did you accept Christ as your personal Savior?

MISS OLIVIA :: Well, I've grown up in a Christian home, so that’s kind of hard to say. My faith tends to grow in little mini “episodes” in which my surroundings, circumstances, conversations, sermons, anything really, point me towards Him and show me a little more of His goodness towards me, and my undeservedness of it. The Lord uses ordinary things in drawing me to Himself, and I’m thankful. :)

Monthly Interview :: Miss Haley

Today for our monthly interview, Reflections of Grace will be interviewing Miss Haley of Chapter Thirteen blog about the importance of choosing our reading materials wisely. Haley has been a sweet friend and pen-pal of Bethany's for a while now and we are both excited to be able and let her share today! Thanks Haley, for letting us interview you! :)  ~Bethany & Johanna {P.S. Be sure and visit Reflections of Grace on June 1st for our one year anniversary giveaway celebration! We have several prizes in store that you can win so check by then and enter!}

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Could you introduce yourself to us? How did you come to know Christ?

HALEY :: Hi everyone! My name is Haley. I'm fourteen years old. I live in Kansas with my dad, mom, and little sister. I'm homeschooled. I like photography, reading, blogging, baking, letters, and crafting. I am being raised in a Christian home. I accepted Christ when I was nine years old and was baptized a couple years later in our church.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Why do you enjoy reading?

HALEY :: I've always loved reading, even when I was little. My mom would take me to story time at the library and I'd look through stacks of books. I like reading mainly because books can take you places that you'd never go otherwise. They make you use your imagination and allow you to learn about new things.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Why do you think it's important to be careful of the books we read?

HALEY :: I think it's important to be careful what books we read because books will make you use your imagination. It's important because when we read we're learning and we're thinking about what the book is presenting.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Have you ever started a book but decided not to finish it? What made you decide to do so?

HALEY :: Yes, I have. It was a children's book actually, but I stopped reading it because the of the bad language that was used throughout the book. I really did not feel comfortable with it, I felt guilty reading it, and I knew it wasn't God-honoring.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: What are some of your favorite books/authors?

HALEY :: I like books by Janette Oke. The Millie Kieth A Life of Faith series. Also, I really like the Viking Quest series by Lois Walfrid Johnson.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE ::  What are your favorite kinds of books? (Example: fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, amish fiction, etc)

HALEY :: Historical fiction. And I like if there's a little mystery in it too. I mostly read books that take place in the pioneer times, just because I'm so interested in that time-period and I love learning about it.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Let's say you have started a book, but you find it's content is a bit "iffy" and aren't sure if you should continue reading it. Do you have guidelines as to were you draw the line or were its okay to keep reading?

HALEY :: When it comes to discernment of whether or not a book is okay to read, consulting Philippians 4:8 is helpful. "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such things."  Does the book steer my thoughts towards good things? And most of all does the book honor God? If not, then I won't keep reading it.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Would you like to share anything in closing?

HALEY :: I'd like to encourage you that if a book is not honoring or you would not be using good judgment to read it -- just put the book down, return it to the library. I know we "want to know what happens in the end", but it's really worth it not to have things in your mind that just don't need to be there. And thank you, Bethany and Johanna, for having me!

Monthly Interview :: Mrs. Becky {Bethany's Mother}

{Mothers are among God's greatest gifts to girls/daughters. I have found this to be very true in my life, as I truly wouldn't be who I am today without my dear mother's constant guidance, training, knowledge, wisdom and love! In Titus 2 we are told that the older women are to train the younger women to be keepers at home. So today I've interviewed my mother asking her some practical questions on preparing to be a homemaker, since she is the greatest example of a godly wife and mother! I hope that you will enjoy and be blessed by it! As a side-note we are sorry for the lateness of this past months interview but we hope it will still be a blessing to you! ~Bethany}

{Mrs. Ward}

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and at what point in your life you got saved?

MRS. BECKY :: I have been married for 23 years to my husband, Mitch Ward. We met and  married in college and have six children. I am an only child. I always knew that I wanted to have children and stay at home with them. When I was little I had several babies that I would play with and I loved being a mamma. My parents divorced when I was 12, we moved from the country to the city. I'm so thankful that I live in the country now. My mother taught me to love the Lord with all my heart. I have always loved children and taught kindergarten for several years before I had my first child. I have home schooled our 6 children ever since they were schooling age. I am so grateful for the privileged to home school our children. Some of my favorite Bible verses regarding homeschooling are Deuteronomy 6:5-9 "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." My daughters and I have written Scripture verses in various places in our home including our chair rails, hall ways, and mantel.  Another of my favorite verses is Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." 

I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of 6, however I didn't fully understand what Christ did for me until age 16. I re-dedicated my life to the Lord and was baptized at a Bible church. I firmly believe that Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: What is one of the biggest lessons you have learned through being a wife and mother?

MRS. BECKY :: The biggest lesson I have learned through being a wife and mother is that of sacrifice. The sacrifice of time, preferences, etc. I thought homeschooling was mostly about schooling our children at home to teach them God's Word. I now realize that the homeschooling life style is more about our relationships with Christ and each other as a family. I consider it a sacred privileged to be married and have a family. There is no higher calling for a woman to be a wife and mother. The influence that we as wives and mothers have on our husbands and families is crucial. Our influence can be used for good or bad. My hope is to create a home and family life for my husband and children that will bless them, and future generations to come. 

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: What are things you wish you would have prepared more for when you were younger in regard to being a wife and mother?

MRS BECKY :: Cooking. Time management. Diligence. I had to learn the hard way. I learned to use the crock pot when I was 36 with a nursing baby, and three small children. You get the picture.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Why do you think its important to prepare for wife and motherhood?

MRS BECKY :: Because it's the most important job in the world. If done God's way, it is a great testament  of God's purpose for the family to bring glory and honor to Christ. Titus 2:3-5 tells us: "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."  I would not want to be guilty of discrediting God's Word. 

Monthly Interview :: Miss Samantha

Greetings, ladies! Today I have the pleasure of sharing a very special interview with you all! Today I will be interviewing Miss Samantha, whom some of you probably know from Emarie Creations Etsy Shop, Sunshine Blog as well as Simple Delights Blog! I've had the pleasure of "meeting" Miss Samantha through blogger and etsy and today she will be sharing on the topic of home businesses. So please enjoy and a special thanks to Miss Samantha for allowing Reflections of Grace to interview her! ~ Blessings, Bethany

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Hello! Could you please tell us a bit about yourself?

MISS SAMANTHA :: My name is Samantha, and I am a recent home school graduate. I am a born again Christian who is striving to honor God in all that I do. I still have a long way to come, but am thankful for a loving and patient God who doesn't give up on me!

I have a great many interests that include music, reading, cooking and baking, watching movies with my family, being with friends and blogging. I greatly enjoy historical fashion and would love to someday have a closet full of pretty historical and vintage outfits.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE ::  What is your salvation testimony?

MISS SAMANTHA :: I received Jesus as my Saviour as a little girl, though I don't think I truly was able to understand what it was all about until I was older. Being a Christian is so much more than saying a little prayer and receiving Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Being a Christian involves putting away your sinfulness and striving to live a godly, Christ-centered life, even when it isn't easy. I fail so much, yet am so thankful to have a God who loves me and cares about me. His love for me never fails, not matter how many times I mess up, and He is quick to offer me His forgiveness every time I ask.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: As some of us know, you have an Etsy shop, Emariecreations. Could you tell us a bit about how it got started and under what inspiration?

MISS SAMANTHA :: My sister first introduced me to Etsy in early 2009, so that is how I knew about the website. Both my sister and I enjoyed crafting, so we decided to open up a shop and sell some of our creations. My sister no longer sells her items, but I had so much fun with the venture that I have kept up the shop.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Is there anything you have learned through having your own business from home?

MISS SAMANTHA :: I have learned that your shop will only be as successful as you make it. If you don't want to spend the time and effort that is needed, you probably won't get very far. You have to enjoy what you are doing, not just do it for the money. If you only do it for the money it will be a drudgery to you!

Many times I find myself basing the success of my shop on how much I made in a month or how many sales I have. When I do this I have to stop and reevaluate my purpose for selling online. If you are going to have a business you should put yourself into it and make your items as beautiful and unique as possible and not just churn out items hoping to sell them. Forget about the money and strive to put your personal touch on your items.

Think of how special it is to get a handmade, hand wrapped gift from a friend. Apply that concept to your shop and you will find yourself getting repeat customers and referrals. Treat your customers with respect, love and kindness and put an effort into your items and packaging. It makes all the difference!

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: What advice would you give to girls looking into possibly starting their own business?

MISS SAMANTHA :: Don't give up when things aren't going well! Even though I have been blessed with a wonderful amount of sales in my shop, I still have times when nothing seems to sell. It is easy to get discouraged and disheartened with this happens! I try to take that time to either work on new items for my shop, re-take pictures or even spend time off of the computer. Maybe that is God's way of telling me that my focus is off of Him and on my business too much.

It is also important to ask advice whenever needed. I have learned so much about selling handmade/online just by reading articles others have written or asking questions. 

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: Do you have any favorite memories of being a shop owner, maybe through making your items, selling them, etc?

MISS SAMANTHA :: One happy memory I have was when I had only been open for one month. I had only had one sale, and was feeling pretty down about my shop. All of the sudden, I got a sale, then another, then ANOTHER! A wonderful group of Etsians (that's what we Etsy people call ourselves) where having a "Sneak Attack" on my shop! I had read about these "attacks" before, but never guessed that it would happen to me! A Sneak Attack is basically a group of shoppers who are looking to support shops that have low sales or that are new. At an appointed time they all "attack" this one shop and buy items from the shop. 

It was an amazing experience, and I am SO grateful to those ladies who brightened my day!

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: What are the benefits of having a business at the convenience of your own home?

MISS SAMANTHA :: First off, I really enjoy working from home and would probably choose to do that over going to an out-of-the-house job (I've had both). Working at home means that you can set the time of when you work, how long you will work and who you will work with (if your shop includes more than one person). Having a business at home is a wonderful thing for young ladies, as it gives them something to do with their hands, it provides some income for them and it also keeps them under the protection and guidance of their parents. And anyone can have a business when it is from home. When you go to an out-of-the-house job you have to be a certain age, whereas if you are doing things from home even a 10 year old can be selling something or helping with the business!

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE :: In what ways do you strive to be a godly shop seller and point others to Christ through your shop?

MISS SAMANTHA :: This is something I am striving to improve, as I am not quite sure how to go about it yet. The ways I have done this so far are by only listing items in my shop that are appropriate for everyone, stating that I am a Christian in my shop profile, and trying to always be kind and polite when dealing with others, even if they are difficult to work with.

REFLECTIONS OF GRACE ::  Do you have anything you'd like to share in closing?

MISS SAMANTHA :: I would like to thank Miss Bethany for asking me to participate on her blog. This blog is such an encouragement to me and I am so thankful for a place for young ladies to go and read articles written by other young ladies who love the Lord.

I enjoy a great many things, so instead of taking up any more room here I invite you to check out my blog, Simple Delights, to learn more about me.

Monthly Interview | Miss Miriam

Miss Miriam | 2012

Reflections of Grace | Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you come to know Jesus?

Miriam | I am a young lady of fourteen years, and live in Tennessee with my four siblings (three girls, and one boy) and wonderful parents. I love in a fairly small neighborhood, and have lived here all my life. I am training {under my dear mother} to be a godly woman and homemaker. I enjoy sewing, playing violin, spending time with my family and friends, cooking, penning long letters, playing with children, reading and writing stories, spending time with my Savior {reading the Bible, and talking to Him}, and telling others about what Jesus had done for them. I also enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like watching the sun set, gazing out a window, watching snow flakes fall from the sky, and running through a field. I love the Lord with all my heart, and I was very blessed to be able to grow up in a Christian home. I received Christ into my heart when I was about seven, and realized that I was a sinner in need of forgiveness. Ever since that day, the Lord has changed me and I have never been the same since! Although I received Christ at an early age, I did not begin to grow closer to the Lord until a few years ago, and surrender my life to Him. The Lord has been doing a work in my heart, as He breaks away the pieces of "me", and helps me to honor Him with my whole life. I am not perfect {far from it!}, but I serve a Savior who is!

Reflections of Grace | We understand you went on a Missions trip last summer, could you tell us a little bit about that experience?

Miriam | Well, the mission trip I went on last year was definitely an amazing experience. I had never been on a mission trip before, so everything was very new to me. At first, I was a bit intimidated, because I would have to talk to people that I had never met. Now, I am so glad that I received the opportunity to go to New York. It was a wonderful experience, during which I learned that it it not about me, but HIM.

Reflections of Grace | How were you able to overcome your self, and face people you have never even met before in order to share the Gospel?

Miriam | I have to be honest, it was very hard at first to share the Gospel with others that I did not know. The first day or two were probably the hardest, because I felt so uncomfortable and a bit intimidated too. After realizing that I had to just forget how I felt and what others thought, and just obey the Lord, everything began to get a little bit easier. A young man in our group pointed something out to me. In the book of Jeremiah, the Lord commanded him to judge the people. Jeremiah knew ahead of time that the people would not listen, yet he still told them to truth. Even more so should we tell people about Christ's love for them, because many will listen and believe! We just have to give them the truth. What they do with what we give them is between them and the Lord. I knew that if I did not tell them, that there was not a guarantee that someone else would.

Reflections of Grace | What was one of the most eye-opening experience you had when presenting the gospel to strangers?

Miriam | One of the most eye-opening experiences that I had when sharing the Gospel with people was seeing that a lot of these people had not ever heard of Jesus before. Before I went on this trip, I had thought that everyone in the United States knew about Jesus. How wrong I was! While some on New York had heard about Jesus and what He did for them, many had not.

Reflections of Grace | Did your life change at all after you came home or even during the mission trip?

Miriam | Yes, it most certainly did change during the time I was there. I was convicted that I was using my time for my own pleasures and gain, instead of Christ's. I was being selfish and only thinking of myself, and what I wanted to do. Time is short, girls! Very short. We need to be using all the time that we have for the glory of Christ! When we get to heaven, it will not matter if you have 300 followers, or a whole wardrobe of beautiful clothes. It will only matter what we did for Christ! All around the world, people are dying and will be forever without Jesus if they do not repent of their sin and accept Jesus into their hearts. This is why one of my New Year's resolutions is: do more for Christ. For me, this means telling more people about Jesus, encouraging and challenging my brother's and sister's in Christ, and giving unselfishly of myself for others.

Miriam's family | Caleb, Rebekah, Sarah Grace, Anna, Miriam. 

Reflections of Grace | Do you have a message you can share with those of us who are timid, and almost afraid of stepping out to share the Good News?

Miriam | Ask Jesus for boldness. He will help you overcome your fear. It is hard, and it will take some time. But, Christ says: "For with God nothing shall be impossible." {Luke 1:37} We could not do it on our own, but with Christ, we can do anything.

Dear sister, do not listen to the devil. He will tell you to leave the witnessing to others, and to just have a good time. He does not want others to hear the Gospel. Do not listen to him, or give in to him. He will only lead you astray. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." {James 4:7} The Lord will give you boldness and strength; just submit and follow Him.

Reflections of Grace | Do you find that you made a difference in the lives of those strangers by spreading the Gospel? If so, how?

Miriam | Yes, I do. Even though everyone that we shared the Gospel with did not receive Christ as their Savior, we still planted seeds in their life. Sometimes the Lord has some plants seeds in a person's life, then others water the sends, and others reap. Later in their lives, another Christian may come in to their life, and then they may get saved. We do not know God's plan for each person, but we do know that we need to trust and obey Him!

Reflections of Grace | Do you have a message you would like to share in closing?

Miriam | Even though many of you cannot go on a mission trip, or do not have the opportunity to go, you can still be a missionary right where you are. One does not have to travel somewhere to share the gospel with others; you can do it right where you are! We all can do things like: handing out a tract to the cashier at the store, sharing the gospel with a friend, family member, or neighbor, and, just being a good testimony! Remember, others are always watching you! Are you representing Christ in everything that you do? Are you being faithful to not pass up an opportunity to say a word for the Lord?

"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

{Galatians 5:16}

Thank you so much, Johanna and Bethany, for giving me the opportunity to be interviewed! May the Lord bless you all as you strive to serve and honor the Lord with your lives!!!

Monthly Interview :: Miss Elizabeth



{Miss Elizabeth & her family}

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you come to know Jesus?

MISS ELIZABETH: Hello! It is such a blessing and privilege to be able to share with you, sisters in Christ. I feel very honored to be asked to answer the questions and humbly hope that you will be encouraged by some of it, by God’s grace.

I am a fourteen year old young lady, who loves the Lord with her heart. I am homeschooled and really love being able to spend more time with my family. My three younger brothers are such a blessing to me and although when I was younger I wanted a sister, the Lord knew I needed brothers and I am also blessed by some sweet sisters in Jesus.

A few of my many interests include: spending time with my brothers and sisters in Christ, capturing some of the blessings the Lord has given me through the camera, reading, writing (letters, articles, journaling), posting on my blog/website {View HERE!}, creating handmade projects (sewing, card-making, etc), organizing, encouraging young ladies through planning of modest clothing exchanges, teas, etc, helping grandparents, cooking and other homemaking adventures, playing and learning piano (and some flute and guitar), playing outdoors in God’s Creation and the list continues. I am thankful for the pleasantly full life the Lord has given me!

The Lord has taught me so much on my journey and continues to teach me new things each and every day. His faithfulness is so amazing and I am so thankful for it! Although I do not remember all of the details, on my great grandpa’s 80th birthday I was thinking a lot about the topic of death and asked my parents a lot of questions. I prayed to the Lord and wrote the date in my Bible. Later, in 2009, I re-committed my life to Christ and was assured of my salvation. I remember that time much more clearly and am so thankful that Jesus died on the cross for me and saved me of my sin. What an amazing Savior we have! For around a year I had been thinking, praying and reading in His Word about the topic of baptism and was baptized earlier this year by my daddy. It was a wonderful experience and my journey with the Lord gets sweeter each day!

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: How are some of the ways you remain joyful in your Savior?

MISS ELIZABETH: My favorite way to remain joyful in my Savior is to seek Him. Praying to Him to give me joy and strength can refresh me. Recently I was trying to get to sleep, thoughts swirling through my mind of difficult situations in life, and I started reviewing memory verses in my mind. I realized again that the Lord will always remain faithful and He is in control. And though the Lord cares about my little difficult situations, He has suffered so much for me…I should delight in suffering for Jesus and remain joyful in that! James 1:2-3 really is convicting: “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Wow! Counting it joy when we have struggles because it works patience in us! It can be difficult, but as the Lord promises in Neh. 8:10b, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” I also am uplifted when reading His Word. And, as I mentioned briefly above, storing away God’s Word in my heart can be helpful when I am struggling. Focusing on the blessings the Lord has given me, journaling and writing letters to the Lord also helps me stay more joyful. To close this section, I’d like to share a quote from Mrs. Susannah Spurgeon, the wife of the preacher Charles Spurgeon. She had many trials in her life, but still pressed on to glorify the Lord with her life. “…the moment we come into any trial or difficulty, our first thought should be, not how soon can we escape from it, or how we may lessen the pain we shall suffer from it, but how can we best glorify God in it…” –Susannah Spurgeon.



{Miss Elizabeth playing the piano}


ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: What are some of your favorite books, and why?

MISS ELIZABETH: I have been blessed to read many encouraging titles:

• The most encouraging and my favorite Book of all is God’s Word. It never fails to give me encouragement. Make time each day to read it and it will keep you refreshed.

• “Before You Meet Prince Charming” by Sarah Mally {Available from Bright Lights HERE} If you have not read this one, please do. Sarah shares some beautiful wisdom on preparing for a Godly marriage, if it is the Lord’s will, and practical advice for waiting on the Lord’s timing.

• “Joyfully at Home” by Jasmine Baucham. {Available from Vision Forum HERE!} Filled with Jasmine’s inspiring thoughts makes you excited to serve your family, the Lord, and to seek the Lord’s will for your life. She shares Biblical, yet practical insights. I was so blessed by this one!

• “The Basket of Flowers” by Christoph Von Schmid {Available from Lamplighter Publishing HERE!} A dear family at our church let me borrow this classic and I absolutely loved it. It is a beautiful, charming story from the 1800s of a sweet girl and the journey of her life and the lessons she learns.

• The Elsie Dinsmore & Millie Keith series by Martha Finley. {Although some are out of print, the original Elsie books are available at Vision Forum HERE!} I am currently reading through the original Elsie series and they have blessed me. I have read the revised version of the Millie Keith series and Millie’s heart for the Lord is so inspiring.

• “Preparing to be a Help Meet” by Debi Pearl {Available from No Greater Joy HERE!} is one of my current favorites. It gives vision and practical advice from a Titus 2 woman. I have enjoyed discussing chapters of the book with my mom and this one is great as a mother-daughter study. Ask your mom about this one and if you are younger, you may want her to read it first.

• “The Family Daughter” By Sarah Lee Bryant {Available from The King's Blooming Rose Ministries HERE!} This recently-published book by a daughter at home has lots of wisdom!

• “One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven” by Mark Cahill {Available at Mark Cahill.org HERE!}was a book I read a few days ago and I absolutely loved it! It is so inspiring and Mr. Cahill shares much wisdom and practical tips. If you want to get excited about sharing with others about the Lord, read this book. You won’t want to put it down…my mom was blessed by it, so I decided to read it and I finished it in about two days and loved it.

There are many, many more, but those are some of my favorites. =) A helpful list from a website for mothers & daughters can be found HERE at Raising Homemakers.com. I have not read them all, but many of them have been encouraging! Of course, be sure to check with your parents before reading new titles. Each family has their own standards. Seek the Lord on what books to read and ask Him to show you ones that are pleasing to Him.


 ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: What are some of your guidelines when it comes to dressing modestly?

MISS ELIZABETH: Although inner beauty is more important, we want to make sure we glorify God in all we do and are not a distraction to our brothers in Christ. We want others to be attracted to our joyfulness and faith in Christ, not our outward appearance. Most importantly in this area, we want others to see Jesus and be pointed to Him instead of us. (John 3:30 says, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”) These are some ideas that I have found helpful for me, but ask your parents and pray to the Lord for guidance in this area. You can also ask your brothers for their thoughts, what outfits they prefer, etc, to add another perspective.

Another thing to consider is thinking about how we can dress in a feminine way. (Deut. 22:5) In an article by Raquelle Sheen, she says, “True femininity is more than ruffles and froo-froo—it means being happy that God made you a woman and rejoicing in it, not going out and trying to be just like the guys. It means searching the Scriptures to see what God wants women to do—and then obeying it.” (1)

The last thing I want to add in this section is we can consider if the fabrics/colors of our attire are too distracting or drawing attention to ourselves. These are all things I am learning and working on and I hope you will delight that the Lord made you a daughter of the King, because it is a blessing! Psalm 45:11 says, “So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.”

For tops: Tops can be tricky! Look for simple, comfortable, not clingy tops that are not too low-cut. You can also layer another top under if the top is too low. A white cardigan is helpful and jean jackets can also be cute. Try looking at a Goodwill or similar store for a nice selection of more budget-friendly tops. Plus, perhaps you can find some more modest attire, since modesty isn’t always in style. :) A fun, easy project can be to sew little fabric flowers out of a material that matches your skirt/capris and then pin it to your blouse.

For skirts: Below the knee works best for me, to make sure I am covered and my skirt does not fly up on windy days. Skirts can be difficult to find, so you have to be creative at times! One helpful idea is to find a shorter sundress in a cotton or other material {often on sale at end of summer!} and sew the top down to make a waistband for a skirt! The shorter dress turns into a longer skirt. Many of my skirts are sewn this way. Other ideas are: sewing your own skirts, if you enjoy doing that or would like to learn. For a link to a free pattern for an easy, pretty skirt click HERE! (I made this one in a green, yellow and white daisy print.)

For dresses: I’ve sewn some with the help of my mom. Simplicity 5645, view A is a dress I sewed with her. It has a lovely flared style and mine is a lovely light blue with white flower trim (and no complicated zipper to sew!). A nice shorter white cardigan can be nice to layer over a dress on cool days to cover up a bit more and is a nice classic piece to have.

For capris: Capris can be nice to wear. Colors like khaki, denim and white go with a lot of tops and blouses. I recently found a pair of nice khaki ones on sale, since it’s the end of summer.

A wonderful blessing from the Lord has been a “modest clothing exchange” that I organized for young ladies to “trade” for free modest items. It is such a fun time. (If you’d like, you can see photos on my blog HERE!)

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: How do you stay focused while spending time with the Lord? (How do you overcome those worldly distractions such as the computer, phone calls, other reading materials, etc…)

MISS ELIZABETH: This is a good question-it can be hard to stay focused completely on the Lord when many other worldly distractions appear. Some may even be good, wholesome things, but if they are pulling you away from focusing on the Lord, they are a distraction. This summer I took a “summer pursuit” of spending time with the Lord at least 15 minutes each day, which was a good challenge for me. Sometimes, especially during the summer months, it can be difficult to sit down with no distractions for a while. But it is so worth it to do so!

One idea is to do it first thing when you get up in the morning. Although it isn’t always possible, try to at least start the day with a Psalm or shorter portion of Scripture and pray to the Lord. Start your day on the right note. You could also do it at the end of the day, but I find that I get rather sleepy at that time. Find a time of day that works for you. Maybe it is after you finish your homeschooling work in the afternoon or outdoors later in the day. But I would encourage you to start and end your day by reading His Word and giving thanks to Him with prayer.

Also, find a place that doesn’t have a lot of distractions. Try not to choose a place where the computer is beeping, the phone is ringing and you have lots of questions to answer. Find or make a sweet, quiet atmosphere for your time with the Lord. Perhaps it is in your bedroom with some soft hymn music playing or outdoors in a chair on the grass. Or maybe just sitting at a table or desk keeps you more focused. Pray to the Lord for strength to keep focused on Him and for limited distractions.

One other tip is to get into the routine of reading the Bible first before reading any other books. This way you make sure you are grounded in the Word and putting His Word first in our lives. The Lord Jesus gave His life for us and put us first…now we can put Him first in our lives!

 

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: How do you perform your duties (such as school, etc.) to the glory of God?

MISS ELIZABETH: Do them as if Jesus is watching…because He is! Exodus 20:12 says, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” When we honor and obey our parents we are glorifying the Lord. So when they ask you to take out the dishes, do it cheerfully, as if doing it unto the Lord! Colossians 3:23 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Memorizing Scriptures like these can be really encouraging reminders when you grow tired or upset with doing tasks day after day. Singing hymns can also be uplifting and to those around you (assuming that it isn’t a distraction to them :D)! Serve Jesus diligently! He is definitely worth living for! It can be difficult, but do it cheerfully for Him.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: How do you use your gift of writing to glorify the Lord?

MISS ELIZABETH: When writing, speaking, or thinking, I find it helpful to think, “Is what I’m saying/thinking/writing pleasing to the Lord right now?” We want to please the Lord in all we do. How do we know if it is pleasing to the Lord? This verse is great in discovering if it is pleasing to Him: Philippians 4:8- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Also, “Is this a profitable, worthwhile use of my time?” Are we edifying, encouraging others? We want to encourage others, not tear them down and we don’t want to build ourselves up pridefully. Also, I would suggest to have your dad and/or mom edit/proof your writing before it is published or mailed, as they often have good insights, concerns and suggestions. So in writing, consider if you are (1) pleasing the Lord and (2) encouraging others.

  
ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: What are some of the ways you use your influence on your younger brothers to live more for Jesus?



MISS ELIZABETH: Look for ways to be a blessing to them! Encourage them. Look for ways to make their day special. Also, if you aim to be a kind sister with Biblical qualities of daughterhood…our brothers will probably seek those things in a future wife. Our brothers are going to be the next generation’s leaders and we want to be good influences. I would highly recommend reading the chapter “Brothers and Sisters” in J.R. Miller’s book, “The Family.” (Formerly titled “Home-Making”) Originally published in 1882, this chapter gave me new vision and again brought me to realize what an influence we have on our brothers. It can be difficult, but so worth it. I have so far to come in this area and patience with my brothers is something I constantly am praying for. But I have seen others who have wonderful relationships with their brothers and I want to keep making progress in having close relationships with them…and ones that continue in years to come.

I love meeting other young ladies who have younger brothers. (Specifically only brothers, like myself right now). It is a great privilege to have and one that is very special to me. I love having brothers! Of course, I get frustrated at times, but I am so thankful the Lord blessed me with brothers. One time I heard how when we grow older, our brothers (and dads) can be like “secret agents” on brothers in Christ who could be possible future husbands. :) Pray for your brothers. Pray for their future wives. Our brothers need our prayers! Uplift them in prayer.

I would like to end this section with a few favorite quotes from “The Family.” {Available from Vision Forum HERE!} “Next to mother and father there is no one who can do so much to help a young man live nobly as his sister…It is not the help of good advice and earnest words--these should have power too--but the help rather of silent and holy influence, gained in the home by a life of unselfishness and beauty, and then held as a potent charm outside and beyond the home walls.”

{Miss Elizabeth & her cousin Ava}

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: Do you have a hope chest? If so, what are the most important items to include (to you)?

MISS ELIZABETH: Yes, I do have a hope chest, which is a medium white wicker “chest” in my room. It’s a small collection of some things that may be helpful in a future home. I look forward to adding more in the years to come, but recently I haven’t been adding a lot of new things. Some of my favorite items in mine are: a red/white checked tablecloth and frayed-style napkins (the hem was sewn by my friends and I at my 13th birthday), a box of recipes (I don’t have a lot, but I hope to add more), some cooking accessories (hot pad, whisk, etc.), knitted handmade dishcloths in brown and blue, some items from my grandparents, etc. I have found “The Hope Chest: A Legacy of Love” by Rebekah Wilson to be a wonderful resource. Sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming at all of the ideas, but just focus on a few handmade, special items at first. Two other things I consider kind of like a hope chest are: my collection of books (although there aren’t a ton, I hope they will be an encouragement to my future daughters, if the Lord wills) and my homemaking binder (kind of like a hope chest of papers and ideas).

Just a quick note--even though it is good to have a vision for the future, try to focus mostly on serving the Lord now. Trust in the Lord to work the details of your life together in His timing and way-because it is perfect and best. Focus on delighting in the Lord. Psalm 37:4 is one of my very favorite verses- “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”



ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: Is there a message you would like to share in closing?



MISS ELIZABETH: It can be difficult to stand alone and be different in this world. But if we are on the Lord’s side, it will be so worth it to stand alone for Him. And we’re really not standing alone, because He is always with us! Recently the Lord has been teaching me to trust Him completely, keep my heart with all diligence (Prov. 4:23), and to rest in Him. He is the most faithful Friend one could ever have! Even though earthly friendships can and will be disappointing at times, the Lord is always faithful and will never break His promises. Put Him as your #1 Best Friend. I would like to close with a verse that has been a blessing to me recently: 1 Samuel 12:24- “Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” He has truly done great things for us! Keep shining brightly for Him!

I would also like to thank Johanna and Bethany for kindly asking me to share some thoughts with you. I am excited to see how the Lord continues to use this lovely website. I still have struggles and feel like there are so many other young ladies who would bring more encouragement to you all than myself, but hopefully and prayerfully, by God’s grace, some of this may be a blessing to you. Thank you and many blessings! Neh. 8:10b- “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” ♥

With Joy in Christ Jesus,

Elizabeth

www.joyfuljewels4jesus.blogspot.com

Endnotes:

(1) http://www.homeschoolfamilyforum.com/ViewBlogEntry.aspx?EntryId=135 (“Femininity” by Raquelle Sheen)

Monthly Interview :: Martha Danell {Johanna's Grandma}

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING  :: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

MARTHA :: My husband and I have a large family including 12 grandchildren. Southern California has always been my home. Our children are all grown and no longer live with us, so our greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with our family whenever we can. My husband and I also enjoy taking our little RV out on the road to enjoy God’s beautiful creation together. I have accumulated an assortment of pretty teacups and teapots through the years, and I love gathering with the women in our family for tea parties. I worked in the business world for many years, and I still work part time. I have directed Women’s Ministries, taught women’s Bible studies, and enjoyed speaking at women’s retreats and other events.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: How did you come to Christ?

MARTHA :: I had a true but distant relationship with God during the early years of my life. I came to know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior when I was 38 years old and in a very difficult trial. I was utterly broken in mind, body and spirit by the weight of it. My 18-year-old daughter had recently received Jesus, and she urged me to receive Him too. One evening, in desperation I visited the Christ-centered, Bible-teaching church she had recommended, and I received the Lord at that service. The Lord used that hard time to bring me to Himself, and to give me a heart for women who are hurting.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF TE KING :: How do you make your morning devotions meaningful?

MARTHA :: First, a word to those who are struggling to find time for devotions: Please remember that the lines of communication are always open between the Lord and His children, no matter what time it is. During the years when I had to be up at 5:30 a.m. to prepare myself and my large family for the day, and then arrive at my job by 8 a.m., I had to be very flexible and tenacious in order to have devotional times. If we are in an extra busy season of life and we are making an honest effort to meet with the Lord, then we need not become discouraged or feel guilty if we have to be flexible about the timing of our devotions. He knows and understands. I am in a different season of life now. My children are grown and moved away and my life is far less hectic in the mornings, making it so much easier to meet with my Lord.

My morning devotions are far more meaningful when I keep in mind that my Lord shed His blood to buy me the privilege of meeting with Him. Whatever it costs me to exercise that privilege is insignificant by comparison, and I do not allow myself to think of devotions as a task.

I greet the Lord as soon as I wake up, while my head is still on my pillow. I push away all other thoughts until after we have had some time together. This helps me to get my mind and my heart in the right place for that day.

Devotions are far more rich and meaningful if we are obedient to the Lord. If my devotional times start to feel dry, I ask the Lord if He is sending me a warning to prayerfully examine my conscience. He then helps me to re-align my will with His. In regard to avoiding temptations, my thanks to Dr. Charles Stanley for the following acronym. It is intended to warn us, like a STOP sign, to take certain precautions to avoid being overcome by temptations:

H = Do not allow yourself to become too HUNGRY.

A = Do not allow yourself to become too ANGRY.

L = Do not allow yourself to become too LONELY.

T = Do not allow yourself to become too TIRED.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: What is one of the most valuable lessons that you have learned?

MARTHA :: The most important one I needed to learn as a new Christian was that Jesus could be trusted 100%. Human beings break trust with one another easily, and it can be very painful and leave very deep scars when it happens. For that reason, trusting Jesus fully can be very difficult. My own life changed dramatically when I finally gave everything over to His control. I am so grateful for His amazing patience and persistence. He never gave up on me, and He never gives up on anyone who opens the door of their heart to Him.

ROYAL DAUGHTER OF THE KING :: Why do you think it is so important to memorize scripture? Do you have any tips on doing so?

MARTHA :: We cannot always consult our Bible when we need God’s word. I think the following experience I had illustrates what I mean. My husband had a serious heart problem recently. Our son, who had been waiting with me at the hospital at his father’s bedside, had to go home for a while and he asked me if I wanted him to leave me his Bible. He knew that in my hurry to get my husband to the hospital, I had not brought mine with me. I could not read during that tense time, so I shook my head 'No' to our son and just pointed to my head and my heart, and He understood what I meant. I was letting Him know that I was drawing on the Word of God that I had memorized over the years. What comfort I received as verse after verse flooded my mind and heart throughout that anxious night!

I memorize scripture the old-fashioned way, by repetition. I keep scripture fresh in my mind by reading my Bible every day. Someone once told me that the way to make a verse stick in your mind was to read it, re-read it, underscore it, and repeat it out loud. I have added another two steps to those four. I also highlight a verse I want to memorize with a yellow highlighter, and then I write down in pencil in the margin next to it the thought that came to my mind about that verse. As you can imagine, over the years I have worn out several Bibles with all my underlining, highlighting and writing!

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: What are some ways that you honor your husband?

MARTHA :: I respect my husband’s role as the head of our family. I do this out of respect for the Lord, who established the marriage relationship. I have learned the importance of showing consideration to my husband in the little things. Let me illustrate what I mean by this story I heard from a speaker at a women’s retreat. She told how she was a busy wife and mother, and when dinnertime arrived every night, she quickly set the table, and got on with serving the food. One evening she noticed that her husband was thoughtful throughout dinner. When she asked him if something was troubling him, he answered her with a question: “Why do I always get the chipped plate?” The story got a lot of laughs because we married women could all identify with giving our husbands “second best” sometimes and not thinking a thing about it, but the underlying message was a serious one and I determined after that to be on guard against the “chipped plate” syndrome at our house!

A beloved pastor now in his 80’s was asked recently what he considered to be the single most important ingredient in a marriage relationship, and he answered with one word: “Kindness”. I couldn’t agree more! I wonder how many marriages would be in trouble if the husband and wife were consistently kind to one another?

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: Why is this important?

MARTHA :: God assigned the wife the duty of being a “helper suitable” to her husband, so honoring one’s husband, especially by being kind to him, is important to keeping their marriage relationship healthy. When kindness is always an ingredient in marriage, as well as in our other relationships, it is much harder to say or do things that are hurtful to one another. The Bible teaches that God is love. It also teaches that love is kind.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: What are some of your guidelines for wholesome films? Could you recommend some titles?

MARTHA :: Keeping in mind that the Holy Spirit of God lives within me, and therefore He is always my companion when I watch a movie, the guidelines I follow for choosing films are simple. First, I will not watch a movie that I have not researched ahead of time to determine its story line and content. I ask, “Will my Lord approve of this movie? Does what I know about this movie pass through the filter of God’s word? Does the story contradict God by portraying evil as good? Is good portrayed as evil?” Usually, the answers to these questions are enough to help me decide whether or not a movie is acceptable. Also, I like what a pastor friend said once. He said that after a hard day, he wanted to “take his refreshment in the Lord”. That has always stuck with me as good advice. Whatever we choose to do for entertainment should have the effect of refreshing and strengthening us spiritually too. Movies and other forms of entertainment that clearly oppose God’s Word have the opposite effect.

Forgive me if I do not recommend any movie titles. Movies are such a matter of personal taste.

ROYAL DAUGHTER OF THE KING :: Who is your favorite author and why?

MARTHA :: Besides my Bible, I love to read on a wide variety of subjects. I enjoy the works of many authors from the past as well as the present, and I love discovering new ones to read. I appreciate the effort your Dad has made over the years, Johanna, to so meticulously build a family library of books by Christian authors, particularly those of the 19th century and earlier, and which you and he have so generously shared with me. A work of earlier fiction that you loaned me recently from your family library made a powerful impression on me, and I bought several copies to give as gifts. It is Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, authored by W.E. Cule, and is part of the Rare Collector Series published by Lamplighter Publishing. And as you know so well, Johanna, I enjoy the romantic works of Jane Austen and other authors of that time period.

ROYAL DAUGHTER OF THE KING :: Why do you find it important to trust God with everything?

MARTHA :: As I explained earlier, trusting God with everything is critical to receiving spiritual healing and achieving a victorious life. These are things that only He can accomplish for us. We must remember we have three things working against us all the time: the enemy of our souls, our own fleshly lusts, and the world around us that is in enmity with God. We cannot defeat them in our own strength. So we desperately need God’s help and protection. We also need to trust God entirely so that we can cooperate with Him in the plan He has devised for our life because it is immeasurably superior to anything we may have planned for ourselves. We need to trust God entirely so that we can receive all of the blessings that He wants to lavish on us - I call it “standing in the place of blessing”. We need to trust God entirely so that we can be useful to Him in spreading His message of love and salvation to others. We need to trust God entirely so that when our days our ended here, we can enter into His presence having glorified Him with our lives.

ROYAL DAUGHTERS OF THE KING :: What is your life verse, and why?

MARTHA :: The Lord impressed me with Jer. 33:3 as a new Christian. It reads, “Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know”. That verse has taken on various shades of meaning at different times in my life. I believe the thirst for God’s word that I received from Him when I accepted Him as my Savior was the earliest fulfillment of that verse. Since then, whenever I have wanted enlightenment, I have returned to that verse and called unto Him. I most recently needed His enlightenment to cope with my husband’s heart emergency. Heart problems are very complex and challenging for a lay person to understand, which made it very difficult for me during my husband’s emergency. So I returned to Jer. 33:3 and called upon the Lord for enlightenment. He responded once again by helping me to understand the “great and mighty things, which you do not know”. That calmed me considerably and helped me to ensure my husband received the best possible care.

ROYAL DAUGHTER OF THE KING :: Is there a special message you would like to share in closing?

MARTHA :: I have thought very often of what I would say if I could give only one more message in this life. It has its roots in a retreat I led many years ago. The theme was, “What does God say … will you trust Him?” The first part, “What does God say…” is meant to underscore the importance of learning the entire Bible from cover to cover and making absolutely sure we interpret it accurately. The second part, “…will you trust Him?” underscores the importance of then applying all of God’s Word to our life, leaving none of it out.

A word about the work involved in learning the Bible: My husband enjoys old westerns. I have sat beside him so many times watching the familiar scene where a miner is laboriously digging for gold deep within the recesses of a mine. It is always in a rugged locale, and usually very hot. The miner is always dusty and tired and thirsty. But he keeps on digging. Why does he persist? Because he believes he will find gold if he just keeps digging long enough. While these are just movie scenes, we know from history that similar scenes have been played out in real life by real people mining for gold. The Bible is a mine full of gold, far more valuable than any gold that can be mined from the earth. Is it not reasonable then, for us to make the effort to obtain it?

Why would I want to leave this particular message when there are so many other things I could say? The reason is that I have lived long enough to prove Jesus Christ according to His Word and I have found Him true. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I yearn for everyone to come to know Him as their Savior and Lord so that they can receive the free gift of eternal salvation He has earned for us by His death on the cross in payment for our sins. I yearn for everyone to experience His reality in their daily lives, to enjoy the awareness of His loving presence, and to be filled with the hope and assurance that nothing we face in this life is insurmountable when we place our full trust in Him.

Blessings to you, Johanna and Bethany, for inviting me to this interview. I have appreciated the opportunity to share my heart with you and your readers.

Love in Jesus,

Grandma Martha