Beautiful Femininity

"Femininity is an attitude of contentment

and delight in how God made us as women."

~ Michelle Brock - What is Modesty?" ~

"To me, a lady is not frilly, flouncy, flippant, frivolous and fluff-brained,

but she is gentle.

She is gracious, she is godly and she is giving...

You and I, if we are women, have the gift of femininity.

Very often it is obscured just as the image of God is obscured in all of us...

The more womanly we are, the more manly men will be, and the more God is glorified.

As I say to you women, 'Be women. Be only women. Be real women in obedience to God."

~ Elisabeth Elliot  ~

(click here for more from Elisabeth Elliot)

"The attributes of a great lady may still be found in the rule of the four S's -
sincerity, simplicity, sympathy, and serenity."
~ Emily Post ~

"Mystique means guarding what is sacred,
protecting the essence of who we are from the inside out -
our heart, emotions, intimate thoughts, and physical body.
A woman with mystique delicately preserves the treasure of who she is,
keeping herself carefully set apart for one who proves he is worthy of such a gift."
~ Lesley Ludy - Authentic Beauty ~

"Only when we learn to vigilantly protect our sacred inner sanctuary of intimacy
with our heavenly Prince can we begin to truly develop the art of feminine mystique.
As we spend time in His presence, we become more like Him.
As we become more like Him,
we learn to carefully guard what is sacred - just as He does."
~ Lesley Ludy - Authentic Beauty ~

"Are you glad to be a woman? 
Does your dress give evidence you are grateful for the way God made you?
This does not mean that lace and pale pink must dominate our wardrobes,
but simply that we reflect we are grateful God made us women.
~ Jennifer J. Lamp - His Chosen Bride ~

"We are called to be women.
The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian,
but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman.
For I have accepted God's idea for me, 
and my whole life is an offering back to Him of all that I am 
and all that He wants me to be."
~ Elisabeth Elliot ~

"It seems to be the fashion nowadays for a girl to behave as much like a man as possible.
Well, I won't!
I'll make the best of being a girl and be as nice as a specimen as I can:
sweet and modest, a dear, dainty thing with clothes smelling all sweet and violety, 
a soft voice, and pretty, womanly ways.
Since I'm a girl, I prefer to be a real one!"
~ Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey ~

"Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence,
the richest gem in the diadem of her honor."
~ Noah Webster ~

"My Princess ... You are My true beauty.
Your real beauty is a work of art - hand carved by Me.
I have given you beautiful lips to speak words of life, beautiful eyes to see Me in everything,
beautiful hands to help those in need, and a beautiful face to reflect My love to the world.
I will work wonders that will radiate true beauty from within.
And when My work is completed, your character will show off My craftsmanship,
and your beauty marks will be remembered by all that were loved by you.
Love,
Your radiant King"
~ Sheri Rose Shepherd - His Princess ~

I hope these words are a blessing to you - they certainly encouraged and challenged me!
Have a beautiful weekend, lovely ladies :)

First of all, I want to thank sweet JES for featuring my post 

about the beauty of femininity on her delightful blog.
JES has been a precious sister in the Lord to me
and I am thankful for her relationship with the heavenly Father.

It is truly an honor to be apart of her blog today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My name is Stephanie and you will find me blogging over at The Enchanting Rose.

My little place is filled with posts about my love for the Lord Jesus Christ,

blessed words of encouragement, beloved hymns, unique crafting tutorials, charming tea cups,

and delicious recipes (especially desserts since I have a terrible sweet tooth).

Feel free to visit at any time - it's always a pleasure meeting new people.

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together."
~ Psalm 34:3 ~

Many blessings to you!

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Modest and Feminine Apparel for Church

White Angel Skirt

For those of us who aren't avid sewers, *finding* the modest clothing is the hardest part about being modest! We have found some affordable, feminine clothing from Zulilly that we wanted to share with our dear readers today.

Grey and White Haley Skirt

The items shown are on sale until the end of this month.

Blue Becca Skirt

A cute shirt and cardigan would compliment these skirts nicely.

Pink Camalin Dress

Here are some dresses for our younger ladies.

Ecru Bree Dress

“A true woman is willing, serious, and determined to reflect the beauty and heart of Christ to her world. She seeks to live a God-centered life, trusting Him and saying “Yes, Lord!” She knows this is only possible by His grace, and seeks to do so in community.”

~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Modesty Starts in the Inside and Works its Way Out...

Woman Reading in the Garden by Marie Spartali Stillman

"Let me say first that modesty doesn’t begin with our clothing. It starts in the heart. When we’re right with God—walking in purity and humility before Him—it will be reflected in a modest appearance.

The problem with the pharasees was that their relationship with God was all physical and outward. The heart and soul wasn't affected by their faith. Sadly, women today use this same excuse when it comes to modest dressing. They claim their heart is pure and that is what is most important.

However, that is not the complete picture. If our heart is full of God, it will overflow into everything we think, say and do. It will overflow into our clothing as well. The complete picture of modesty is finally spoken out loud through your dress. It says:

"I am a follower of Christ. I understand that I was bought at a price. I understand that my adornment affects many around me. I can keep a pure environment by my proper conduct. I can keep thoughts focused on Him, rather than myself."

Let us love Him from the inside out! Let us be overfilled, overflowed and live in His abundance, in every way of our lives."

~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Other thoughts on Modesty:

Beauty of Modesty ~ A Collection of Quotes
Bathsheba's Beauty ~ A Message of Modesty

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Euodia & Syntyche or Skirt-ing the Issue

Here Bring Your Wounded Hearts by Elspeth Young

"I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche,

that they be of the same mind in the Lord."

~ Philippians 4:2

Euodias and Syntyche were both godly women in the church of Christ. The Bible indicates a difference of opinion hanging between the two and Apostle Paul felt the need to instruct them. Though their tale is told in but one sentence in the Scriptures (shown above), there is a very important teaching here for believing women today.

If there was a clear cut, black and white answer, I think Apostle Paul would have gently corrected the sister in error. Instead, he urged them to be of the "same mind in the Lord". He basically encouraged them to concentrate on the important truths that made them sisters in Christ instead of thinking on their differences.

We have many similar situations between Christian women today. Head coverings, modesty and femininity seem to be in the forefront. Such subjects of controversy and if you notice, most are of the physical nature! The examples I am going to use in this article are covering the latter two subjects though the conclusion extends into many areas of our Christian life.

There have been many excellent writings by believing women about what modesty and femininity means to them and how they interpret the Scriptures which supports their beliefs. It is a beautiful thing to see women concerned enough about God's will that they search, dig and ponder what it is that He wants for them! However, I think we must tread very delicately in these waters when we are preaching our interpretations for sometimes it brings only strife. I am not implying that we should no longer share our beliefs, but to consider how we do it. Please allow me to explain by humbly breaking down some barriers.

What is to be Done for Thee by Espeth Young

Please continue reading at Deep Roots at Home…

The Violet

Violets by Paul DeLongpre

The Violet

Down in a green and shady bed

A modest violet grew;

Its stalk was bent, it hung its head,

As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,

No colours bright and fair;

It might have graced a rosy bower,

Instead of hiding there.

Yet there it was content to bloom,

In modest tints arrayed;

And there diffused its sweet perfume,

Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go,

This pretty flower to see;

That I may also learn to grow

In sweet humility.

~  by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) *

*Historical Note: Ms. Taylor is also the author of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

The Basket of Flowers

"James took advantage of his daughter's love for flowers,

to give her many lessons of heavenly wisdom."

~ The Basket of Flowers by Christoph von Schmid

Violets by Catherine Klein

"When she brought him her first spring violet, he said to her,

"Let this flower, my dear Mary, be the emblem of humility and

of that quiet benevolence which does good in secret.

In its quiet dress of deep blue, decked by no gaudy colours,

it modestly hides under the green leaves and is scarcely seen,

while shedding around it the richest perfume.

Try to resemble it, dear Mary; care not for gay ornaments and

vain display but strive to obtain that 'ornament of a meek an quiet spirit,

which is in the sight of God of great price."

White Lilies by Dennis Francesconi

"This lily, my dear child, is the emblem of purity.

How easily its bright leaves are stained!

Scarcely can they be touched when they are injured.

Thus the very least approach of vice pollutes and corrupts the soul.

Pray, dear Mary, for purity of heart."

Roses by Catherine Klein

"Let the rose," he said, "be the emblem of modesty,

as it resembles the blush which rises to the cheek of a modest girl."

Roses by Paul DeLongpre

"But there is another lesson to be learned from the rose:

after it's beautiful colors have faded, it still retains its fragrance;

when its leaves are brown and withered,

they are even sweeter than in their fresh and lovely youth.

Thus it is, dear Mary, with a true Christian. Thus let it be with you.

The cheek of youth will fade, outward beauty will decay,

but strive to acquire those graces of the mind which are unfading and imperishable."

Basket of Flowers by Paul DeLongpre

"Thus did Mary, day by day, learn from her good old father…"

~ Excerpts from The Basket of Flowers

And now... "Mary is falsely accused of stealing, and the penalty is death. She had always been taught that it is better to die for the truth than to live for a lie-for the worst pillow to sleep on is the pillow of a guilty conscience. Will the darkest and most dreadful night help Mary find God for herself or will she live in the shadow of a faith that is not her own? This is a story that will cause you to shed a tear or two and at the same time cultivate a hope that will never disappoint!" ~ Lamplighter Publishers

You may also be interested in:

A Unit Study on Flowers and Femininity ~

For mothers to do with daughters…

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

The Beauty of Modesty ~ A Collection of Quotes

Spring Maiden by Thomas Francis Dicksee

MOD'EST, a. [L. modestus, from modus, a limit.]
1. Properly, restrained by a sense of propriety; hence, not forward or bold; not presumptuous or arrogant; not boastful; as a modest youth; a modest man.
2. Not bold or forward; as a modest maid. The word may be thus used without reference to chastity.
"The blushing beauties of a modest maid." ~ Dryden
3. Not loose; not lewd.
"Mrs. Ford, the honest woman, the modest wife." ~ Shakespeare
4. Moderate; not excessive or extreme; not extravagant; as a modest request; modest joy; a modest computation.

~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary

After Service by Edmund Blair Leighton

"How does a woman look who loves the Lord? What should be her distinguishing external qualities? Though there are greatly different opinions about how one should look, I think there are some basic, yet very important principles on which we would all agree.

First of all, as His jewels, our greatest focus should be on a countenance which reflects the One we love, and nothing that would distract." 

~ by Jennifer J. Lamp, Excerpt from His Chosen Bride

Little Women by Jessie Wilcox Smith

"You have a good many little gifts and virtues, but there is no need of parading them, for conceit spoils the finest genius. There is not much danger that real talent or goodness will be overlooked long, and the great charm of all power is modesty."

~ Louisa May Alcott, Excerpt from Little Women

Julia Gathering Roses by Daniel Ridgway Knight

“Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor.”

~ Noah Webster

Reminiscences by William John Montaigne

“One of the first evidences of a real lady, is that she should be modest. By modesty we mean that she shall not say, do, nor wear anything that would cause her to appear gaudy, ill-bred, or unchaste. There should be nothing about her to attract unfavorable attention, nothing in her dress or manner that would give a man an excuse for vulgar comment. When we dress contrary to the rule of modesty we give excuse for unwholesome thoughts in the mind of those who look upon us, and every girl who oversteps these bounds makes herself liable to misunderstanding and insult, though she may be innocent of any such intention.”

~ Margaret Hale, Excerpt from North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Girl Reading by Charles Edward Perugini

"Every young woman should dress well, that is, neatly, tastefully, modestly, whether she be rich or poor. Conspicuous dressing is vulgar. True refinement avoids anything showy and flashy: it never dresses better than it can afford, and yet it is always well dressed, even in simple muslin or plain calico."

~ J.R. Miller

The Shrine by John Waterhouse

"When a woman veils her body in modest clothing, she is not hiding herself from men. On the contrary, she is revealing her dignity to them."

~ Unknown

Cutting Roses by Daniel Ridgway Knight

"So we cannot look around at others for examples. We must have a conscience toward God ourselves, and answer these questions before Him in our own hearts.  As for myself I cannot wear what I know is not becomingly modest for a Christian to wear."

~ by Mabel Hale, Excerpt from Beautiful Girlhood, Revised by Karen Andreola

The Song of the Nightingale by William-Adolphe Bouguereau

"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."

~ 1 Peter 3:3-4

Biondina by Frederic Lord Leighton

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array…"

~ 1 Timothy 2:9

Prayer by George Frederick Watts

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

~ Romans 12:1-2

These quotes on modesty would also make excellent copywork for young ladies. ~ JES

You may also be interested in:

Bathsheba's Beauty ~ A Message of Modesty

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Bathsheba's Beauty ~ A Message of Modesty

Bathsheba Mourns Her Husband by James Tissot

"And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite? And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child." 

~ 2 Samuel 11:2-5

What description does the Scriptures give to Bathsheba other than that she was "very beautiful to look upon"?  There is no inclination that she was an "intentionally" evil woman but her name is always associated with scandal.

Oh, beautiful Bathsheba! Had she known the cost of her indiscretion, would she have walked in those same steps?  Just a few moments off guard brought sin and sorrow into her life! The death of her husband and future son… (We know that sin lies also with King David but we will let the men discuss his dastardly deeds.)

Scripture doesn't portray her a wicked women as it does Jezebel or Delilah so it seems like she simply fell into folly through her careless act of exposing her womanly flesh. That is indeed what started it all. What we consider to be a minor display of skin can be a major stumbling block to our brothers in Christ.

We know that the lust of the flesh is also a huge battle in the world today! Sadly, there is so much promiscuity out there that it is not only affecting the men of the world but also the brothers in the church. We must do our part as godly women and not add to the temptation by displaying our bodies for admiration. Scriptures says that if they even think on these things, men are sinning:

"But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." ~ Matthew 5:28

Wearing revealing clothing is the same style of sin as offering an ex-drunk, a taste of alcohal or one fighting an addiction to drugs, some heroine. You surely would not do that! So why would you offer a portion of yourself for viewing through immodest dress? We must tread delicately with our wardrobes as Scripture prescribes:

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." ~ 1 Timothy 2:9-10

Had Bathsheba kept her beauty to herself and confined it to her "marriage bed" (Hebrews 13:4), many hardships and evils would have been removed from history. Of course, she may have not noticed she had an audience but a view from his side almost implies that if she was a cautious woman, she would have noticed prior to disrobing what could be seen from her side.  We wouldn't get undressed with our curtain or shades up, would we? 

Simply said, revealing the beauty of our bodies is a stumbling block for men and God is very careful to warn us about this.

"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way." ~ Romans 14:12-14

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." ~ 1 Corinithians 8:9 

If eating meat was going to be a stumbling block for people (1 Corinthians 8:13), then Apostle Paul would have given it up less the weaker vessel stumble! Our love for our brothers in Christ can surely show through the giving up of low-cut, clingy shirts, tight fitting, and revealing clothing!

I hear many women put the blame on the men themselves saying that "they shouldn't be looking anyway", but why wear such clothes if that isn't exactly what you want them to do? (My intention is not to be harsh but to question the motivation behind dressing in an alluring way.)

Married Maidens

I have read a lot from the married sisters claiming that they dress as they do to please their husband (and it can sound like a godly concept) however, have they ever considered that they may be pleasing someone else's husband as well? Dress to please God!

Single Sisters

It is probably very enticing to dress to attract a spouse, however, the same situations applies to you. Are you not a "woman professing good works"? Of course, you want to present yourself in a feminine and fresh way but there is a difference between a pretty, Christian maiden dressing properly for God and a vixen who is using her wiles as a tool to attract admiration. The physical beauty of your flesh will one day grow old and you want to be bound with a man who is attracted to your pious character. You don't want to blind them with eye candy when you have so much more to offer.  Yes, I realize "chemistry" is a huge factor in finding a mate, but a sweet smile and sparkling eyes are very attractive features to display without compromising the word of God.

Bathsheba's Beauty

So, being beautiful wasn't truly Bathsheba's problem, it was the fact that she revealed it in front of another man who did not belong to her. Yes, she was on her own property, but boundaries of modesty are not given (except in the case of the "marriage bed" between a husband and wife of course!).

Dear sisters in Christ,

I pray you consider the word of God and choose to serve Him each day by dressing and conducting yourself like a "woman professing good works" for...

"Strength and honour are her clothing;

and she shall rejoice in time to come."

~ Proverbs 31:25

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.