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.

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.

Stirring up the Gifts Within Our Daughters

Flowers in the Field by Francis Luis Mora

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God,

which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."

~ 2 Timothy 1:6

The average age (for a first marriage) for women in the United States in 2009 was 26.5 years. There is a decline in marriages in general and the church is not removed from this truth. While at a homeschool convention a few years ago, I had a chance to meet a lovely Amish/Mennonite young lady. She was 26 and unmarried. We got on the conversation and she said she is not alone. Many of her friends are waiting for the right man but the boys in their churches are in no hurry to marry and the quality is lacking. I was saddened but not surprised as this seemed to be the trend in our churches as well.

What to do? While raising our daughters to be keepers at home, we must remember that although homemaking is a beautiful calling, there is also something God given in each of us that requires further nurturing.

At the Piano by Childe Hassam

Do you have a girl who is musical like Miriam was? Encourage her to develop those skills. How comforting a sweet song can be to the soul.

The Embroiderer by James Carroll Beckwith

Do you have a Lydia who loves to sew? There are many sewing classes available, DVD curriculums and friends and family who can help to nurture this interest. Encourage her to use her talents to make modest clothing (and possible sell them), sew baby gifts for new mothers, etc.

Young Girl with Goat and Flowers by Emile Munier

Does your daughter have a love for animals like the shepherd daughters of Jethro? Encourage her to mentor a young girl who shares a similar love or create a cottage industry with the by-products from her farm ventures.

Portrait of Dora by Frank Dicksee

We must "stir up the gifts" within our daughters so they may begin their active work now. A purpose must be given, a vision set and goals created. There are many opportunities to serve in the home sphere where God has placed us. Pray for guidance and wisdom that these acts of service will fulfill your daughter and her desires.

The Sensitive Plant by Frank Dicksee

It is a wicked world out there. If our maidens are not working diligently on some sort of labor or skill, the world will certainly provide amusements for them. All these talents will only benefit and broaden a future home that they may have of their own one day. And lastly, be purposeful and  share with all the dear younger women you know how important and special they are to their Creator (because you are, dear maiden!).

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."

~ Proverbs 31:29

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Mentored by Wonder Woman?

A confession... I grew up worshiping Wonder Woman. She was amazing to me with her special weaponry that assisted her in fighting the "bad guys". The tiara she wore doubled as a boomerang, her fancy bracelets could dodge bullets and her magic lasso forced people to speak the truth. In her special boots, she could jump extremely high! She was so very "good" in my young eyes as she pranced around in her skimpy swimwear… but she was not real, nor was she modest, nor did she even resemble a keeper at home or a Proverbs 31 woman. Most importantly, she wasn't a follower of Christ.

How many hard lessons did I have to learn because of her "glamorous" influence. This is why I encourage you to mentor your daughters using the real "wonder women" in history. Their special weapons? The armor of God! (I am sure you can guess who the "bad guy" is too.)

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." 

~ Ephesians 6:10-13

Margaret Wilson, Scottish Covenanter

Teach your daughters about the Christian heroine, Margaret Wilson, who stood staked in the rising waters with her "loins girt about with truth" (Ephesians 6:14). She was able to stand strong unto death in the knowledge that Christ was the head of the church and not man. What a wonder!

Betsie, Corrie and Nollie ten Boom

Corrie Ten Boom and her sisters wore the "helmet of salvation" (Ephesians 6:17) when they protected the persecuted Jews in their Holland homes. They knew they were "safe in Christ" with their armor on and feared not what man could do to the body. What strength and faith in God these women had!

Elizabeth Prentiss

Elizabeth Prentiss fought her battles with the pen. She wrote novels full of godly encouragement for women with the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17). She gently exhorts us to conquer those earthly lusts and live for the Lord!

These "wonder women" (along with many others) are godly mentors for our girls (and ourselves). If we do not provide worthy examples, the world will do it for us. Their role models are always waiting to be worshiped on the pages of magazines, in the aisles of your grocery store, on the television screen with their lawless lifestyle (even if you censor the shows they watch, there is always the seductive commercials) and in homes of families and friends (sad to say). God willing, you are with your daughters most of the time which gives you the advantage. Study the heroines of the faith in the Scriptures. Provide her with examples which will aspire her to live up to a higher calling, one which would make her a "wonder woman" in her own right as she seeks the will of God in her life.

Dear readers, stand strong in your God-given armor…
hold fast to"the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." 

~Ephesians 6:16

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Artful Homemaking, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Good Company/Against Gossip

The Gossips by Daniel Ridgway Knight

“My idea of good company… is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation;
that is what I call good company.'

'You are mistaken,' said he gently,
that is not good company, that is the best.”

~ Jane Austen, Persuasion

Ah... good company, nothing is like it! The biblical term for this pleasure would be "fellowship" and it is something we are all encouraged to participate in. However, there is a danger in certain types of fellowship for it can foster poor conversation and our words which are so easily said, hold a lot of weight in our Creator's eyes.

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."~ Matthew 12:36-37

Such sobering words! What is a daughter of the King to do? Please continue reading at Deep Roots at Home where I am guest posting today…

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Purity is Precious ~ A Collection of Quotes

Purity

n. [L. puritas, form purus.]

1. Freedom from foreign admixture or heterogeneous matter; as the purity of water, of wine, of spirit; the purity of drugs; the purity of metals.

2. Cleanness; freedom from foulness or dirt; as the purity of a garment.

The purity of a linen vesture.

3. Freedom from guilt or the defilement of sin; innocence; as purity of heart or life.

4. Chastity; freedom from contamination by illicit sexual connection.

5. Freedom from any sinister or improper views; as the purity of motives or designs.

6. Freedom from foreign idioms, from barbarous or improper words or phrases; as purity of style or language.

~ Webster's 1828 Dictionary

A Young Girl Reading by Michael Peter Ancher

"To be pure is to be single-minded. It is to have a single goal, a single focus, and a single purpose for ourselves and our lives. That is biblical purity, and from it springs moral behaviour – the good we do with our bodies. At its core, purity is having a heart for the Lord that isn’t watered down or polluted by lesser things.”

~ Lydia Brownback,  Purity: A Godly Woman's Adornment

The Knitting Girl by William Adolphe Bouguereau

"We need to keep most careful watch over our heart, so that nothing shall ever tarnish its purity. Any corrupt thought, dallied with even for a moment, leaves a stain upon the mind which may never be effaced."

~ J. R. Miller

Innocence by Maria Ilieva

"There is dullness, monotony, sheer boredom in all of life when virginity and purity are no longer protected and prized.” 

~ Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity

Girl Holding a Lily by John Simmons

“To be disgraced in the eye of the world, to wear the appearance of infamy while her heart is all purity, her actions all innocence, and the misconduct of another the true source of her debasement, is one of those circumstances which peculiarly belong to the heroine's life, and her fortitude under it what particularly dignifies her character. Catherine had fortitude too; she suffered, but no mumur passed her lips.”

~ Jane Austen, Excerpt from Northanger Abbey

Camille by Sir Frank Dicksee

“I took it for granted that there must be a few men left in the world who had that kind of strength. I assumed that those men would also be looking for women with principle. I did not want to be among the marked-down goods on the bargain table, cheap because they’d been pawed over. Crowds collect there. It is only the few who will pay full price. "You get what you pay for.”

~ Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity

Girl Reading by Charles E. Perugini

"...a very few months had taught him, by the force of contrast, to place a yet higher value on the sweetness of her temper, the purity of her mind, and the excellence of her principles."

~ Jane Austen, Excerpt from Mansfield Park

Portrait of a Girl by Hellen Allingham

"I do not preach any new truth. I do not have any new doctrine... We must have a revival that will mean purity of heart as a normal standard for everybody. We must be clean people, and not only clean outside."

~ A.W. Tozer

Miss Betty Pollock by John William Waterhouse

"See, in this lily, my daughter, the symbol of innocence. Its leaves are finer than richest satin, and its whiteness equals that of the driven snow. Happy is the daughter whose heart also is pure, for remember the words, 'The pure in heart shall see God.' The more pure the colour, the more difficult to preserve its purity. The slightest spot can spoil the flower of the lily, and so one word can rob the mind of its purity. Let the rose," said he, pointing to that flower, "be the image of modesty. The blush of a modest girl is more beautiful than that of the rose." 

Mary's father then made a bouquet of lilies and roses, and, giving it to Mary, he said, "These are brothers and sisters, whose beauty no other flowers can equal. Innocence and modesty are twin sisters, which cannot be separated. Yes, my dear child, God in His goodness has given to modesty, innocence for a sister and companion, in order that she might be warned of the approach of danger. Be always modest, and you will be always virtuous. Oh, if the will of God be so, I pray that you may be enabled to preserve in your heart the purity of the lily!" 

Brought up under the care of a father so wise and loving, Mary grew up like the flowers of her garden, fresh as the rose, pure like the lily, modest as the violet, and full of promise for the future, as a beautiful shrub in the time of flourishing."

~ The Basket of Flowers by Christoph von Schmid

Sisters by John Everett Millais

“When God calls on you to pursue purity, you are not being asked to do what will deprive you of joy. In fact, you are being called to do what will bring you the greatest joy! To choose purity is to put yourself under God’s blessing.” 

~ Randy Alcorn, The Purity Principle: God’s Safeguards for Life’s Dangerous Trails

Head Study of a Young Girl by William Adolphe Bouguereau 

“Young men do not respect girls they can take advantage of - and they do not as easily take advantage of girls they respect.”

“When you chose to follow the way of purity, did you expect it to be easy? When you decided to wait for the best, did you think that waiting would be fun? Did you think that your faith would not be tested? When you decided to take the narrow path, did no one warn you that difficulties, hardship, and tears would be part of the journey, and that you would often face rejection from others and be forced to walk alone? My daughter, that which you wait for the longest you treasure the most, and through much struggle the prize is won.”

~ Sarah Mally, Before You Meet Prince Charming: A Guide to Radiant Purity

Lilac by Davidson Knowles

"There is no more beautiful adornment to womanly character than purity, and a girl does well to see that everything that concerns her dress and behavior when away from her home, on the street, or otherwise in the eyes of the public, is decent, clean, modest, and quiet. 

Purity is a precious virtue. Christ has said, "Blesses are the pure in heart for they shall see God." They perceive His nearness and this knowledge of His presence gently keeps them on the right path. Happy is the girl who walk along the way that abides with Him."

~ Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

Julia Among the Roses by Daniel Ridgeway Knight

"If a girl will come to God with her perplexities and tell Him the struggle she is having with “foes within,” and fully consecrate her life to Him, saying from the depth of her heart, “Lord, I give my life to Thee. Thou mayest have every part of it. Cleanse my heart and make it a fit place for Thee to dwell,” and trusting God to do what she has asked Him to do, she may have a pure heart. 

God will cleanse out those sinful principles from her nature and make her a conqueror. Not that she will no more be tempted; but instead of those inward struggles that are so hard to master, she will find inward grace and strength to overcome. 

There is a heavenly Visitor who will come in and fill the heart that is fully given to God, so that instead of those sinful impulses ruling there, this sweet Spirit of God will reign."

~ Beautiful Girlhood by Mabel Hale

Contemplation by Frank Dicksee

"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."

~ Philippians 4:8

Painting by John William Waterhouse

"...but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

 ~ 1 Timothy 4:12

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

Tamar's Tears ~ A Lesson in Purity

Ode to the Proverbs 31 Woman

"…but thou excellest them all…"

~ Proverbs 31:29b

Many ladies begrudge the Proverbs 31 woman. Perhaps they think her too perfect for this world. Maybe her standards are too high?

When I read about her, I am inspired! She is an excellent model for us, showcasing the opportunities the "keeper at home" has to serve her household. She illustrates that the believing woman is special and highly valued, in fact she is "far above rubies". The world may suggest that the submissive, christian female must walk like a mechanical-minded mummy but the virtuous woman teaches us that it is not so.

She is a paradigm that while a godly woman is help meet to her husband, mother to her children, or a single daughter of the King, she is glowing with wisdom. She is a capable, educated, skilled and creative servant of Christ. Her example to the world is that believing women are not robots, slaves, homely, worn out, sloppy housewives, but beautifully industrious, and ready to bless all who surround her. What a wonderful mentor we have in this "woman that feareth the Lord"!

"Give her of the fruit of her hands;

and let her own works praise her in the gates."

~ Proverbs 31:31

This post may be shared with some or all of the following lovely link-ups: Modest Mom Monday's, Teach Me Tuesday, Domestically Divine Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, and Deep Roots at Home. Thank you, dear ladies, for hosting these!

Sweet Summer Scenes of Beautiful Girlhood

Summer Choices

Hollyhocks

Strawberries

Peaches

“To be strong, and beautiful, and go round making music all the time. Yes, she could do that, and with a very earnest prayer Polly asked for the strength of an upright soul, the beauty of a tender heart, the power to make her life a sweet and stirring song, helpful while it lasted, remembered when it died.”

~ Louisa May Alcott, An Old-Fashioned Girl

Ode to Beautiful Girlhood

All paintings on this post are by a favorite artist of mine, Patti Bannister (official site).

Linked up with: Raising Homemakers