Authentic Beauty

"...man greatly loved..."

2011-11-30T18:10:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying my studies in the book of Daniel of the Bible as of late. The Word of God really is rich with all sorts of wisdom, beautiful poetry, brilliant stories of God's providence, and captivating mysteries.

Several times in the book of Daniel, Daniel has been recognized as a man greatly loved of the Lord (and respected by great men/rulers). And it's no wonder! Listen to the way he petitioned the Lord, "...For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy..." (Daniel 9:18). So humble. And listen to this, "...Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words." (Daniel 10:12). I highly suggest reading these verses in the proper contexts. In the latter verse I just wanted to highlight that if we ever wondered if the Lord hears the prayers and petitions of His people and takes action, here is the proof that He does. How encouraging!

I have been challenged by Daniel. He consistently prayed, sought the Lord, fasted, had faith in his God, and was very tender concerning his people and the things of the Lord. I hope that as I set my own heart to understand and humble myself before my God, that I could be a little like Daniel ("a man greatly loved" and heard by the Lord).

setapartgirl magazine

2011-09-26T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hey girls!

I've been reading through this magazine and have enjoyed it a lot. I thought you might, too!

Check it out: setapartgirl Magazine

romance. love. dating. marriage.

2011-09-16T03:17:00.000-07:00

So this made me laugh and really think. It's worth checking out, ladies.

as you pound the pavement...

2011-08-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

...what is pounding in your ears (a gateway to your mind and heart)?

A good friend and sister of mine had inspired me to go running to keep in shape. When first starting, my stamina was zero, thus running was quite a chore! So to motivate myself, like many runners, I decided I needed to load my ipod with energetic music to get myself pumped up. A lot of the mainstream music out today has some great beats to help you get moving, this is true; however, listening to the beats and not the messages proved impossible for me. As I tried it out, it didn't take long for me to realize that this was not healthy for me, especially when it came to keeping my eyes on the Prize (my Lord Jesus Christ). Ever since, I've been consistently on the hunt for some good tunes minus the relentless encouragement in debauchery. To my amazement, I've been pleased with my findings.

So, for many years it seems like a good bit (not all, mind you) of Christian music has been like the "off-brand" of music in general, as it has tried to capture the popular sounds of many secular artists, of course with a more wholesome message, but coming up short in talent, authenticity, and production quality. Today, however, with artists like Jimmy Needham and Tal & Acacia, I've been amazed at the originality and true talents that have come to the surface in the Christian music industry. Not only have I found artists that have produced quality music as far as sound goes, but that really have solid messages that minister to me daily. Like this song by sisters, Tal and Acacia:

Some upbeat artists to check out are Royal Tailor , Tal and Acacia, Beckah Shae, Group 1 Crew, Mary Mary, and Abandon. By the way, I do not fully endorse these artists' lifestyles (necessarily), but I do appreciate their quality musical artistry. Okay, onward! Here are some of the top songs on my jogging list:

Let's diligently protect our hearts!

don't give away your mystery

2011-08-17T02:09:00.000-07:00

makeup tutorials

2011-06-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

When I was putting together the Authentic Beauty e-course a year or so ago, I hit youtube to find some good makeup tutorials. In the process, I found a channel called "bethainy's channel". She had great looks and how-to's, like one inspired by Grace Kelly in How to Catch Thief. I recently looked her up to find the following video (now this is what I call authentic beauty):

Love,

P.S.

Check out her "God channel", Ever Abandoned: http://www.youtube.com/user/everabandoned

to all the single ladies

2011-04-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine showed me this and not only did I thoroughly enjoy it with much humor, but was deeply challenged. Passing on the love to you, my dears...

Me Tarzan, You Jane (by Grabrielle Pickle, featured on CBMW.org)

2011-02-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

Here is an article to get you thinking.
Well said, Gabrielle!

Me Tarzan, You Jane?

Tools:PrintE-mailPermalink

Gabrielle Pickle
February 8, 2011

It’s all over twitter. It’s discussed in detail in all the recent dating and relationship books. It screamed at us from reality television. Every successful TV matchmaker positively demands it.

Men are hunters. Women are responders.

Patti Stanger, The Millionaire Matchmaker, is famous for berating her girls to “Give him space to chase! Be the hunted!” Steve Ward, VH1 Tough Love host, explains “Men like a challenge; it’s in their nature. They love the thrill of the hunt. It’s okay to make him earn a relationship with you. If he is really interested he’ll do what it takes to see you.” Popular performer Steve Harvey, in his chapter entitled, ‘Strong, Independent and Lonely Women,’ says “If men can’t exercise two of the major components that make up who we are as men –providing and protecting-then we’re not about to profess our love for you.” He goes on to say that women who don’t need their men to be men (because the women are busy being the male in the relationship) will date perpetual boys who will use them or men who will leave them for women who are the women in relationships. Even reality TV shows like the Bachelor/ette have proven it…. When many men pursue one woman…. There is sometimes a happy ending. But when many women pursue one man…. They breakup in a few months. The entire secular world, feminists included, has come to observe that for a relationship to be successful, the man needs to be the pursuer.

Men are hunters. Women are responders.

Scripture not only supports this truth, it reveals that God designed men and women this way. God created Adam as protector and provider,“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Gen. 2:15) Then God created Eve as the helper for Adam, because “for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. (Gen. 2:20-24) God created man as protector/provider and designed woman to be his helper.

This truth is not confined to Genesis; the entire book of Song of Songs is a beautiful, graphic, picture of a bridegroom pursuing his love. He initiates their relationship and she responds to his tender courtship. (Song of Solomon) He pursues, she responds. Another story that reveals this truth, one not so happy or romantic, is that of Hosea and Gomer. The prophet of God who married a prostitute. He went out and found her, rescued her from a life of sin and shame – he married her. Again and again Gomer returns to her past life, leaving behind the man who gave her everything. He pursues, she responds – although her response is not always positive.

But why? Why are men hunters and woman responders?

Patti attributes the male hunter behavior to innate masculine energy. “The man is the hunter and the woman is the gatherer, and the man is supposed to provide for the woman. So if she begins to provide for him, she gives off masculine energy, and it throws everything off balance.” Steve Harvey speaks of DNA, “Encoded in the DNA of the male species is that we are to be the provider and the protector of the family.” Matchmaker Steve Ward assumes it has to do with evolution. Men are hunters because somewhere deep down inside is a remnant of their ancestors – the prehistoric cavemen. Supposedly, prehistoric man lived in caves and provided for his family by hunting. Chasing down prey was his first job and first sport. Many believe that this evolutionary instinct is still present in men today. No better picture of the “caveman” behavior than Tarzan. He lived like an animal, surviving off the land. Initially, he was only able to communicate in a series of grunts. Yet, he somehow managed to win the heart of an intelligent woman like Jane, solely through his persistent pursuit.

But why? Why did God created men as pursuers and woman as responders?

Not because deep down there are still remnants of prehistoric caveman ancestors, but because God intentionally designed them that way. God’s design of masculinity as pursuer of femininity directly reflects Christ’s pursuit of his bride, the church. Jesus pursued us, his bride. (1 John 4:19) Jesus made the provision for us to have a relationship with him. (Is. 53:5) His love is unconditional and unfailing. (Rom. 8:38-39)

Male and female directly reflect Christ’s pursuit of his bride. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. (Eph. 5:25-32)

Men are pursuers. Women are responders. Because gender is a picture of the gospel. God’s “role assignments” for men and women are a living picture of Christ’s pursuit and provision of us, the church, his bride. We, the females, are designed to be responders. Not as punishment for being less skilled or weak, but because this is how Jesus asks us to glorify him. Your Savior is asking you to be the responder in your dating relationships, in your marriage, in your church – so that His redemptive salvation is declared to the world. That way, even if there isn’t a second date, even if your marriage is on the rocks, Jesus is made known through your behavior. By refusing to ‘be the man’ and embracing God’s design for your femininity, He gets glory.

Not because he is a modern-day Tarzan and you are his Jane….

But because, as male and female, you are a reflection of your Savior to the world.

___________________________________________________________________

About Gabrielle Pickle: Committed to serving as a voice for silenced, Gabrielle is the Associate Director of Communications for Sisters In Service, a nonprofit dedicated to providing new life to abused and exploited women and girls in highest-risk places around the world. She is also one of the contributing writers at the Unlocking Femininity online magazine, (http://unlockingfemininity.com/) providing biblical truth to today’s woman. This post originally appeared at www.girlsgonewise.com.

And just for fun...

Also, check out an interesting scene from The Village (particularly the dialog beginning at the time 2:13):

The Dangers of Emotional Pornography (an article from RELEVANTmagazine.com)

2010-12-29T18:32:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting article I stumbled upon... what do you think?

The Dangers of Emotional Pornography
Cole NeSmith Tuesday, 28 December 2010 00:00
RELEVANTmagazine.com

We (rightly) worry and fight against visual pornography. But what about the dangers of pornography of the mind and heart?

I watched the pilot episode of Glee when it premiered a few months before the show was to begin airing regularly. It was decent enough to at least give some time to the next few episodes. But by the end of episode two, I was getting a little uneasy. As I watched it, I was becoming aware of what the writers wanted me to feel—the good guy teacher to cheat on his evil wife with the gentle co-worker, and the main male character to cheat on his hypocritical Christian girlfriend with his female lead counterpart.It was one thing to want the characters in the show to do this thing or that, but I turned it off in the middle of a scene in which that male student finally decided to cheat on his girlfriend. It wasn’t because I was offended at the content before my eyes. Rather, in that moment, there was a transference of energy. I found myself thinking about whose girlfriend I should have stolen in high school and how easy and awesome it would have been.

Flash back to Nashville, May of 2009. I’m driving in a rental car, scanning radio stations. I stop on the local Christian station, and the female DJ is talking about the coming The Notebook: The Musical. She goes on to fawn over the romance in the story and how well it will be adapted to the stage. “But what about A Walk To Remember?” she says. “That would make a fantastic musical. I just loved how that made me feel. And, of course, Switchfoot would have to have some songs in it.”

There’s certainly a war against the prevalence of visual pornography in many corners of our society—especially in the Christian culture. There is an attempt to expose pornography for its promotion of unrealistic sexual expectations and exploitation of human sexuality. And that attempt is a very necessary one.

But what about the unhealthy emotional and relational expectations portrayed in so much of our media? Is there really much of a difference in the hyperbolized sexual imagery of typical pornography and the hyperbolized momentary emotional high felt in a romance film or romantic comedy that sends us looking for a “love” that doesn’t exist?

I heard an interview on NPR with a female author named Elizabeth Gilbert. She was talking about the proliferation of the “Soul Mate Complex” in our modern culture and how the film Jerry Maguire served to reinforce it with the now illustrious line, "You complete me.”

It’s not necessarily only the resulting effects of such a movie that parallels the traditional definition of pornography. Just as there is sexual excitement surrounding the mystery and allure of what flesh might be seen in a movie known for its racy reputation, so too are we drawn in with an anticipation for the emotional and physical high of a romance film.

As a result, we’re taught to crave the moment of romantic ecstasy or to live for the wedding day. We’re raised to think these are the real stories of love and relationship, and we’re confused when they are so few and far between that we aren’t sustained. So we turn back to that which led us to believe in this fantasy all along. And we’re left with an old woman sitting alone, in her love seat, in front of the television watching her “stories.”

Kids eventually understand that pumpkins don’t turn to glass carriages and Fairy Godmothers don’t grant wishes, but many girls never grow out of the idea that one day they will be rescued from reality by some magic and a fictitious prince. And little boys never live up to the fantasy of the mind or that they’re supposed to be that prince and that their spouse is an all-fulfilling princess.

Next time you’re thinking about seeing a movie, be aware of what’s pulling you toward it. If you decide to watch it, recognize the moment when you feel the emotional reinforcement of fake love. And when you walk out, recognize what you now hope for and expect.

There is such a thing as love. There are beautiful moments. But love is about life. And life is about the long haul.

Cole NeSmith is a pastor at Status in Orlando and creator of Uncover The Color.

where does "true beauty" come from?

2010-07-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

modeling inner beauty

2010-07-17T01:07:00.000-07:00

So I came across this jewel of an interview with a successful runway and print model that has made a stand for Christ through her lifestyle. I was inspired and I'm sure you will be too!

Shine on!

"all that glitters...

2010-07-15T21:21:00.000-07:00

...is not gold."

It's an old saying that holds a timeless truth, and it's one that recently shook me. Hearing it a couple of weeks ago, one might have thought I had heard it for the first time considering the thought-provoking impact it made.

Back in the gold rush, many times miners thought they had made a fortune only to find out that what they thought was valuable, genuine gold was actually its counterfeit, iron pyrites (what we know as "fool's gold"), which is worth virtually nothing. How disappointing this must have been! The miners were probably devastated and felt cheated.

Have you ever fell in love with a movie star, particularly because of a certain movie character played, only to find out after you researched him that in real life he's not anything like that character? In fact he might have some real serious character flaws. What a disappointment!

On a personal note, upon hearing this thought, I determined that I did not want to be fool's gold; merely glittering like the real thing. Speaking of which, how do you tell if what seems to be gold is actually gold? Well it is said that it has to go through a testing process. The Bible says that just as fire tests and purifies gold, so trials test and perfect our faith (1 Peter 1:7). Trying shows what the substance being tried is actually made of. If it's false, it will likely be consumed by the fire, and if it's genuine it will purified and strengthened.

The Bible gives other ways to tell whether a glittering personality or appearance of ourselves and others is a true reflection of what our character really is. Consider Matthew 12:33 & 35, "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruits bad; for a tree is known by its fruit... A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things."

I don't know about you, but I would be crushed to find that after going through trials that whatever glitter I might have is proved to be only surface deep. The only way to assure that we are genuine gold, is to have first established a relationship with Christ, recognizing Him as our Lord and Savior, and then continually seeking Him through His Word, prayer, and active faith. Through all of these comes the strengthening of our character, so that when the fiery trials come we are not consumed and shown to be merely fool's gold, but only pure, authentic gold!

I am glad for the reality check, and I pray that when I am tested I will come forth as gold- and the same goes for you too! So shine on in all authenticity!

Nobody's fool's gold,

2010-05-09T04:09:00.001-07:00

mother... is there a sweeter name on this earth?

happy mother's day to these unsung heroes; our mothers!

a more beautiful you

2010-04-22T03:55:00.001-07:00

prince charming

2010-04-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

It's him! ::dreamy sigh:: The one we've been waiting for. He's the brave and mighty hero. We swoon at the thought of him. He will whisk us away and fulfill all of our dreams. He is our happily ever after. We dream about him, fantasize about how he will look (will he be tall, dark, and oh-so-handsome?), and just how he will sweep us off our feet. "Yes, some day my prince will come!" our hearts sing.

Yes it's true, we do have a prince who is coming for us, and when he comes he will be coming in on the clouds with great glory to gather his own. It's going to be an awesome event, so get ready. ;-)

Shame on us for putting this sort of hope in our brothers, who with this hope of being our everything set on them will always fall short. Only Christ can be that Prince that we've been longing for our whole lives, the One who can make us whole. The One who cherishes us and calls us to be His special bride. Hope placed on him is rightly done so, because it's a sure hope.

"A husband is a brother you choose."

The significant other. We will love them greatly, and they will love us, but they will not fulfill the deepest longing in your or my heart. There is only One who can do that, He's the One that paid the ultimate price for you and I. The lover of our souls. His name is Jesus Christ. No, no one can love us like Him or give us what we're looking for (that is, what our hearts are seeking). Do you know Him? Doing you really know Him? Seek and you shall find Him, your True Prince.

21st century femininity

2010-03-08T02:54:00.000-08:00

Photo of Madeleine Carrol

My goodness, it's been too long!

I had to share this wonderful old romantic comedy I watched just tonight called, My Love for Yours.

So, I wonder, what is it about old movies that I love so much? I think it's a combination of things, but there is one thing I observed tonight in particular. For instance, in this movie, though the leading lady was supposed to be somewhat of a feminist in her thinking (this comes to change), she possessed such a lovely and feminine countenance. There wasn't a thing rude or crude about her behavior. She was strong but not pushy or overbearing. Such a contrast to the trend today, which, I'm afraid to admit, creeps it's way into my countenance sometimes.

If only we had the courage and confidence to be soft and vulnerable- and it does take courage, too! Sometimes it can feel like a casting of pearls to be trampled upon, but we mustn't give up... right? What do you think?

authbeau online course has begun!

2010-02-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

The first day's course of study has been sent out. Please let me know if you have registered but haven't received an e-mail as of yet.

It's not too late to join in: Abby1211@gmail.com

authentic beauty online course starting february 1st!

2010-01-30T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hello ladies!

It's been a long time with no word from myself, and for that I must apologize. Much work has been going into the online Authentic Beauty e-course, which starts this Monday, February 1st! If you've been having some trouble getting registered, please let me know right away: abby1211@gmail.com.

In the meantime, keep checking those inboxes! =)

secondhand fashion week!

2010-01-30T20:40:00.001-08:00

I was just thinking how I love when I come across a good find at a second-hand store. I recently bought a shirt, shoes, and belt for $5.50! All this to say that the AmandaBeth blog is hosting an event to begin in March in which participants can showcase their frugal fashion finds! It should be a lot of fun and result in some really neat outfits. Do check it out and mark the date!

authentic beauty online course

2010-01-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends!

The on-site Authentic Beauty course ended this past Friday and it went very well. One of the girls that attended is from a nearby island and her family here said that the week was probably the best of her life! Can you believe that?

During the course of the week not only did we learn about health, fitness, social graces, and personal style, but I was able to teach about the Lord and share the Gospel every day! I pray that the ground was fertile and that the seeds planted will really grow.

Well, with that now coming to a close, a lot of my attention is now turned to the online course for which I'm very excited! We have quite a few ladies signed up and it's not too late to register. ;-)

With love,

a call to modesty in the church

2010-01-09T03:38:00.000-08:00

Maybe an unconventional way to go about it; regardless, a good challenge to the church (especially us girls) on a somewhat sensitive issue . You have to admire that.

"There’s an inseparable link between your heart and your clothes. Your clothes say something about your attitude. If they don’t express a heart that is humble, that desires to please God, that longs to serve others, that’s modest, that exercises self-control, then change must begin in the heart."

"For modesty is humility expressed in dress. "

exciting news about the Authentic Beauty online course!

2009-12-31T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Authentic Beauty on-site and online courses are underway! The AuthBeau course team has been working diligently in preparation, designing, video shooting, researching, and the like. All this to provide a quality program designed to enhance your life, challenge you, and help you to be beautiful not only on the outside, but most importantly, on the inside where it counts!

Things that will thoroughly studied are:
}Health (eating properly, sleep schedules, vitamins...)
}Fitness (exercise routines, lifestyle, habits...)
}Hygiene (proper skin, hair, and nail care...)
}Personal Style (a total body evaluation: the most complimentary hairstyle for your facial shape, how to dress for your body shape, the best clothing colors for your skin tone, getting the most out of your wardrobe, "what to where when...")
}Social Graces (introductions, dining out, giving gifts, writing notes, writing letters, phone etiquette, hosting events, being a good guest, public speaking...)

I'd love to host the online course simultaneously to the hands-on, on-site event; however, I don't think I will be able to effectively pull it off. You can bet, though, that I'll be posting updates on how the event is coming!

For the online course you will need to register. I will be sending you lessons and assignments daily via e-mail ). Please e-mail me (Abby1211@gmail.com) so I can send you a registration e-form.

Because it's our first go around, this course is free, but if you would like to donate to AuthBeau you are more than welcome to do so! Proceeds will go to help further the AuthBeau vision of encouraging authentic beauty in young woman through camps, classes, and other resources.

I can't tell you how excited I am!

beauty: God's idea

2009-12-31T02:36:00.000-08:00

Wow, I am so amazed at the awesome world God has created.

If you type "beautiful nature" in google search, this is what you will find:

What a loving God we have. It's impossible to not see the beauty in it all and to

recognize that God is the Creator of beauty in all it's forms.

We appreciate that which is readily recognizable to our eyes, but looking closer we can see

beauty abounding in fullness in a thing we call service-

service prompted by love, done in joy, and given with no strings attached.

We can see beauty in a thing called praise.

Praise given in adoration to the maker of the rain.

What is this love that takes place between a man and a woman? God designed it Himself, and deemed it the perfect representation of Christ, the bridegroom, and His bride, the church.

The beauty of sweet fellowship- friends that stick closer than a brother.

The joy of discovery and learning. Diving deeper to understand the creation we live in, and all there that abounds.

The unmistakable miracle of life- how it happens, why it happens...

it's beautiful.

in blog love

2009-12-24T14:41:00.000-08:00

A friend is letting me borrow her sewing machine and so my mind has been going crazy with project ideas!

While doing some research on embellishments, I came across an amazing blog called Make it Do.

Check out this beautiful project:

Fabric Flowers

Make it Do has all sorts of neat projects and crafts including gift, cooking, and sewing ideas. If you're crafty at all, you should check it out!

And the blog author's slogan is:

You've got to love it!

holiday fun!

2009-12-06T03:56:00.000-08:00

If you like to play hostess, here are some fun ways to practice hospitality and do some outreach to the girls in your sphere of influence this holiday season!

Have a cookie baking day!

Invite some friends and perhaps some girls you're trying to reach out to from church or the community to come over for a day or evening of Christmas cookie baking! You can pick out the recipes ahead of time for several different kinds of cookies and treats (i.e. sugar cookies with decorative frosting, gingerbread men, chocolate covered pretzels, peanut-butter chocolate balls, etc.).

You can assign some ingredients to the girls to bring, and it would be nice to have some salty snacks available like popcorn, chips and salsa, or cheese and crackers to help balance out tasting all those yummy sweet treats.

Have some festive plates and perhaps some colored saran wrap available for the girls to take home a variety of the treats they helped make.

Other things to do:

-Watch a Christmas movie

-Play games

Make homemade ornaments!

This year I had a wonderful time with friends making homemade Christmas ornaments! We used a simple dough recipe, cut out shapes using cookie cutters, baked our dough cut-outs, and then painted them! Here's a recipe you can try. Pair this crafty fun with some cheerful holiday music, friends, and snacks and you'll have one enjoyable evening!

Have an ugly Christmas sweater party!

Invite your friends over for games, food, and fun all while wearing the most hideous Christmas sweaters you can find! You may even hold a contest and award the person with the ugliest sweater a prize!

What are your ideas?

barbie- is it all her fault? by amandabeth online

2009-12-06T01:24:00.001-08:00

I would like to greatly encourage you, if you haven't already, to check out a wonderful article written by Amanda Beth of AmandaBeth Online entitled, you guessed it, Barbie- is it all her fault?

Part One: The Problem

Part Two: The Solution

sparkle with the season

2009-11-27T16:06:00.000-08:00

Twinkling lights, hot cocoa by the fire, family gatherings, remembering God's gift to mankind... no wonder it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Some ways to make a wardrobe festive during the holidays are to embrace accessories, experiment with hair ornaments, try some shimmering nail-polishes, and keep the hair soft with curls and waves.

Be Warm

a warm christmas by authbeau featuring Marni accessories

Be Cool

not so blue christmas by authbeau featuring BCBG cardigans

Shine on,

new! authentic beauty: blog buzz

2009-11-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

Imagine an e-zine comprised of modest fashion tips and inspiration delivered right to your inbox weekly!

Now you have it.

Authentic Beauty: Blog Buzz is a blog-network of modest fashion bloggers whose newest posts will be delivered to you all in one attractive e-mail each week. Some of the blogs include Cute... Covered, AmandaBeth Online, Cable Car Coutre, Christa Taylor, and Empowered Traditionalist. Neat, right?

The blogs featured are not affiliated with the Authentic Beauty blog. Please let me know if something questionable should come your way (perhaps a certain blog should be removed), or if you know of any other blogs you think should be included! Also, as this is a new project, I'd love to hear your feedback!

Shine on,

food for thought: God and clothes

2009-11-24T02:30:00.000-08:00

Besides guarding our brothers eyes by modest dress, does what we wear really matter to God?

A blog friend brought up a good point I thought. She mentioned that she thought God did care about the way we dress, and why is it that girls today find it okay to dress in denim to church? I was raised to dress up for church and personally prefer to do so now; however, is this something that God really looks at? Or is this something people came up with?

"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

I think He does look at it, in relations to what is in our hearts. Ask yourself, why do some people dress down? Is it because they don't care? Is it because they weren't taught "church etiquette"? Is it because they can't afford to do better? If the latter, should they be made to feel awkward or unwelcome because of it? Should they not come at all?

Ask yourself, why do some people dress up? Is it to show proper respect? Is it because they were raised to do so (tradition)? Is it to gain admiration of fellow church-goers?

"At the end of the day, let everything you do glorify God." -unknown

What do you think about this? How can we glorify God by the way we dress? What should our heart be reflecting on this topic?

manners and salvation

2009-11-20T01:59:00.001-08:00

Something came over me tonight as I was driving alone. I began to think, am I spinning my wheels (so to speak)? Am I doing all this work only to create a lot of smoke and get nowhere? Is this girls' course what it should be?

As you may have heard, I'm designing a course on health and social graces to teach to some girls here on the island of Guam. The purpose is to help young ladies with their self-esteem by teaching them about personal style (modesty emphasized), to show them how to take care for themselves (health), and how to relate to others (social graces/etiquette). Above all that, is the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

How do these things mix is the question? Do you have to have good manners, good health, and dress modestly to be a Christian? No. Because you have good manners, good health, and dress modestly, does that make you a Christian? Absolutely not. The subject of health and social graces and Christianity are almost completely unrelated.

After all, God doesn't necessarily care about the way we look anyway- remember, unlike us, He looks at the heart instead of the outward appearance. The only reason He might care is because we care, and He cares about us.

The last thing I want to do is create this legalistic view of Christianity. All that will be taught are good things, but aren't required for salvation or God's love. It's really for ourselves (health), and for others (social graces and modesty).

What do you think? How can I make this clear to the girls, as some of them are not Christians?

authentic beauty spotlight: beth

2009-11-16T00:21:00.000-08:00

Humble gratitude creates such a radiance in a woman. Take Beth from Little Woman for example (you can "fast-forward" the time to 6:01 to get to the scene quickly):

I love that scene, and I love sweet Beth! It's people like her that you want to give to because they truly appreciate the gift and are a "delight to serve"!

Here is a chance to cultivate a heart of thankfulness during this holiday season:

woman of hospitality: amanda

2009-11-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

Amanda with her son (my adorable nephew!), Gabe.

My sister has got the gift. Even when we were children, before going on an outside adventure, she would put together a picnic. She had a way of making things so special. Christmas together was such a joy! She made sure we had a fire in the fireplace and a full cup of eggnog. If this is her as a child and teenager, could you imagine what she is like now?

Visiting with her over the summer in the deep south showed me how she has grown in and cultivated that gift. Upon arriving to her home, she had a room beautifully prepared for me, with a gift basket of little necessities like toothpaste, deodorant, and even chocolate!

It wasn't so much the stuff that made me feel special, it was the fact that she prepared a place for me. Hospitality says,

-"There's a place for you."

-"You are welcome."

-"You are loved."

"Hospitality is not the art of entertaining (though one may do it well), but the genuine care for others' needs." -unknown

"When you give, give with joy, smiling." -Joubert

My family has gone through stages of wealth and poverty, but regardless of our financial situation, Amanda had a way of making things rosy (she got this from her mother). I've learned so much from her, but the biggest lesson that sticks out is that she is amazing at anticipating the needs of others. She noticed things that didn't even cross my thoughts and was always making things more comfortable and bright. Needless to say, I've been blessed by her example!

addition to the e-course team!

2009-11-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have my dear friend, Krista (a cosmetologist), on board for the AuthBeau e-course on health and social graces! I call her a friend, but I consider her my sister. She is such a jewel! Beautiful inside and out, and I am so thankful to have her on the team.

Krista is currently designing and filming video sessions on how to find the right hairstyles for your face shape, proper hair care, nail care, and skin care.

see jane live

2009-11-03T00:06:00.000-08:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching Jane Eyre over the past two nights (the new BBC version is around 4 hrs. long!). The very first time I ever watched it (a little over a year ago), I remember sitting by a fire place that very night, after everyone else had gone to bed, with my Bible. There was something in Jane's character that challenged me to the core.

Jane is not very pretty. In all honesty, she is rather plain. There is nothing extraordinary about her from one's first glance, but an observer may soon see how she is honest, forgiving, serving, humble, loyal and authentic. She doesn't worry about putting on an image, and would stick by someone even if every other soul had fled from sight.

She doesn't talk very much, and that's one of the things I love about her. She's a great example of living out one's faith. She puts high stock in character and encourages cultivating the beauty of the inner man. I love it.

If you ever get the chance, watch the movie or read the book. And let me know what you think!

authentic beauty featured on modest blends

2009-11-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

I was so honored recently by being asked to do an interview about the Authentic Beauty blog by a blog friend, Elizabeth J. of Modest Blends. Check it out! And be sure to explore around over there- Elizabeth has some great posts ranging in topics from fashion tips to encouragement in modesty.

the new authentic beauty online course- coming soon!

2009-10-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Girls,

Thanks so much for the encouraging thoughts on my last post. I'm not very good at transparency, and at times it can be quite painful. :P Ah, the joys of growing. :)

I am so excited to announce a new program starting in January! I will be overseeing a course on health and social graces put on by the Authentic Beauty blog. This is a hands-on one week course where girls will learn about health, fitness, personal style (with an emphasis on femininity and modesty), graciously relating to others, etiquette, and so many other topics which we've discussed here on Authentic Beauty.

What does that mean for you? Following the live course being held here on Guam, will be an online course with a downloadable workbook and video sessions taught by yours truly and others. So keep your eyes open for the "coming out" date!

With Love,

oh, to be a peacemaker

2009-10-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why some people just clash with you? When you see that person perhaps you avoid them, or perhaps you often find yourself offended with them? Well that person for me can be my mom.

She is miss personality! She is very fun, social and outgoing with the gift of administration (telling others what to do in order to accomplish a bigger goal). I am thoughtful, and can be of the introverted persuasion. I like my space and am somewhat independent, as in I like to work alone a lot of times.

Often times, my dad and brother can serve as a peaceful presence and may take away from any tension, but for two weeks in the Philippines just recently, it was just her and I. We ate together, we slept in the same hotel room together, we spent our "down time" together, and because it's unsafe to be alone in a foreign place, we went everywhere together. Either we were going to have a trip full of little tensions here or there, or we were going to have to settle our issues for real in order to have peace.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Here are some failed attempts at peacemaking:

While eating breakfast, I noticed at the buffet some "garlic rice". "Hm, that looks interesting," I thought. And began to put some on my plate. My mom then comes along and says, "That's garlic rice." "Yes, I know it's garlic rice," I said in return. Didn't she know that I could read for myself?

Later, as we began eating, she looked at me and asked if I would like some salt. My reply was, "If I want some salt, I will get it."

Can you tell that I was getting it all wrong? Grr. Points earned for the outer man. What is it that made me so irritated by her questions?

My mom is the sort of person that if she senses an offence, she won't rest until it's settled. As annoying as this is at times, especially when I, for instance, just want to ignore that there is any tension and forget about the whole thing, but know deep down that for the sake having true peace instead of passive aggression, this is the right thing.

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."
Matthew 18:15

So, we talked about it right at our breakfast table. She asked me why I was being short with her when she was trying to be nice to me. Be nice to me? Is that was she was trying to do? I was under the impression that she must think me ditsy or incapable of taking care of myself, and I told her such. "No," she said, "I didn't think that. I just thought how likely it would be for me to make an honest mistake by getting the wrong thing. Plus you've been feeling kind of sick lately, so I didn't know if you would like to eat that strong garlic. And when someone offers you salt you should simply say, "No thank-you", not "I'll get it if I want it.""

By this time I felt like the brat I had been acting like. She was right. I had been rude when she was trying to be thoughtful! I had it all wrong. But if I would have kept in mind the command of my Lord to,

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:12

I would not have dared to be so disrespectful to her. The only way I can talk about it now without the uttermost shame is because forgiveness has been asked and given by both parties, and a purpose to not be so foolish again on my part has been made.

Let's recap the story: 1) I was so quick to judge as to what her intentions were by the look of her actions, when really I had no idea and could have no idea of what she was thinking. 2) I was rude and unladylike; a bad representation of the daughter of a king. 3) I spoke without thinking.

What can we learn? 1) Don't be so quick to judge the motives of others. 2) Think before you open your mouth. 3) If you can't say anything nice... you know the rest! 4) Honor your father and mother, even if you are technically an "adult". 5)It's good to talk out offences and ask for forgiveness so that reconciliation can happen. 6) We should learn from our mistakes and move on with the intention of not doing them again.

My mom, though we clash sometimes, and mostly because of personality differences (she is a san-chlore and I'm mostly melancholy), I value almost more than anybody. If I want a true observation, I go to her. If I'm stumped for ideas, she's the one I ask. If I need help with anything, she is there. And I know, without a doubt, that her love is unconditional, and because of that I can tell her anything. And perhaps that's how I'm able to be so careless with my words and actions towards her. How ridiculous is that? For one of the people I love the most I would treat so?

It makes me think about my God. How often to I take what He does for me for granted? Or push His guidance aside? And even if I act like a 2-yr-old, He still loves me and is ever-so patient? It blows my mind.

Ever-striving to cultivate authentic beauty,

I love this woman!

curling with a flat iron

2009-10-14T01:19:00.000-07:00

I have been trying this tip out for two days. What a fun and neat trick!

The Flat Iron Curl How-To Video

missionary beauty

2009-10-12T00:02:00.000-07:00

As a missionary girl, obviously I can't always afford certain luxuries that one can find in the beauty aisle at the department store. This is okay, because with some creativity and innovative thinking I don't necessarily have to do without, and neither do you! Here are some tips to keeping cute without the cost.

Lose the shine!

Shine-free please! by authbeau on Polyvore.com

If you deal with midday shine as I do, having something to eliminate the shine is a dream. Oil absorbing sheets have the power to do just that, but are a little on the pricey side. A crafty alternative is to use... if you can believe it, toilet seat covers that you can find at almost any public restroom. I'm not suggesting that you stock up on these on your next day out, but you can most certainly remove the center that serves no real purpose and would otherwise be wasted anyway, and use right away or store in your purse for later. You simply press the paper where you have a problem, and you should be able to notice a difference immediately.

Oh, hair!

On my latest trip to the Philippines, I didn't really take into account that the outlets there are different to the ones we have here on Guam, and thus my curling iron was killed my first day after plugging it in. Two weeks with no blow-dryer or curling iron- what's a girl to do?

Prior to leaving for PI I read in a magazine at a salon that a way to create nice waves without curlers or a curling iron is to apply some sort of product to damp hair, place in a super-high bun, and sleep in it overnight. The result is something like this:

FYI: Abroad I discovered this amazing citrus soda which has since replaced Sprite's place in my heart.

Make them last!

Razor heads can be so expensive. A way to make them last longer and save yourself some cash on shaving cream, is to shave with baby oil! Razor heads can last for months without causing any razor burn, plus baby oil provides up to 10x the moisture on wet skin than lotion can on dry skin. All around, it's a good choice. However, be sure to scrub your tub after use, as it can make it dangerously slippery. Just ask my brother. ;-)

I'd love to hear of some your tips!

off to the philippines

2009-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the start of a two-week adventure in the Philippines! My mom and I will be taking some training over there and also checking out some of the sites. It's my first time in a foreign country! I look forward to telling you all about it when I can. =)

With Love,

feminine coffee: a guest post by elizabeth

2009-09-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

As I sat here late at night, studying, my mind wandered down a path that was so intriguingly different that it just had to pause and sit a spell. I will warn you, these are random thoughts...

I believe the female mind and it's complexities can be seen in her cup of coffee.

Right now, I'm drinking a delicious concoction: half coffee, half milk, and a heaping spoonful of sugar. This is the description of the typical cup of "Joe(Anna)." What does this have to do with the female mind, you ask? Stay with me.

Coffee is made to keep you awake. Warm milk is meant to put you to sleep. Sugar makes you energized, then crash into a subdued state.

How contradictory. Can't we females make up our mind? Can't we drink something less complicated? "No!" is the emphatic answer, it seems we can not. We "must" take extra time deciding what we are wearing, even though our closet is full of outfits we have already worn before with good taste. When with a group of girl friends, we "must" spend our first half hour together saying the same phrases over and over: "What would you like to do?" "It doesn't matter to me. What would you like to do?" "It doesn't matter to me. What would you..."

Ladies, as unnatural as it may feel, we must to learn how to be decisive and deal in facts.

Tis no wonder that an indecisive man is unstable in all his ways, (James 1:8) that would make him like a woman! Feelings of sympathy flood my mind as I see how difficult it must be for men to understand us.

So next time you drink your feminized beverage, take joy in every complicated, contradictory, sweet, sip. But with each sip, keep in mind our need as ladies to be more consistent and decisive in our lives--unlike our coffee.

A toast--to feminine coffee!

Elizabeth :)

I love this girl!

host the amy challenge: beautifully making do on your blog!

2009-09-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Host The Amy Challenge: Beautifully Making Do on your own blog! Below is everything you need, including banners, a button, and the challenge overview.

Amy March of the book Little Woman may have started out the brat of the family, but as she grew in stature, she also grew in character. Though her family couldn't afford the luxuries for which Amy had a taste for, she worked to make the best of what she had. The result was quite a charming creation, as we read in this excerpt from the book:

"...Amy was gratified, but of course didn't show it, and demurely answered, "Foreign life polishes one in spite of one's self. I study as well as play, and as for this"--with a little gesture toward her dress--"why, tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things. Amy rather regretted that last sentence, fearing it wasn't in good taste, but Laurie liked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers."

Cultivate this quality in yourself by joining The Amy Challenge: Beautifully Making Do. Every day of the week we are to create a NEW outfit combination out of the clothing, shoes, accessories that we already own or have barrowed from someone in our household. I will be posting my personal creations here and would like to encourage you to post how your challenge is coming!

the amy challenge: last day!

2009-09-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

::Day 5::

Capris, with again, more layered tops ;-), now paired with a shirt sash-turned neck-scarf, a scrap fabric head-band knotted on one side on the top, and white lacy ballet flats. This outfit has 1950's retro written all over it. Originally it was pieced with a denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow, but as the day progressed, I had to give it up (I live on a tropical island- so there aren't many reasons to wear jackets besides simply style or when grocery shopping in the frozen goods section- brr!).

Wow, it's hard to believe that the last day of The Amy Challenge has come! To be honest, I had it in my heart to cheat on more than one occasion, but was then convicted to follow through. :P The challenge was more of a challenge then I thought it would be. With each new combination and piecing together of items, I really had to use some creativity (as I'm sure some of you experienced), and amazingly enough, some of the looks really worked! I had fun, and I'm inspired to be a lot more creative with what I have more often, and not only "beautifully make-do", but joyfully make-do!

Any thoughts, sisters?

the amy challenge: day 4

2009-09-09T23:31:00.001-07:00

::Day 4::

Skirts make it so easy to look feminine, but I must say that this girl loves her jeans! I especially like to make them look a little more feminine with a pretty top, or rolling them up a little bit like seen here. Layering is not missing in this outfit! I got this green long-sleeved shirt on sale at old navy, the purple top is a hand-me-down from my sister, and I found these jeans marked really low at Ross. :) All this is paired with some costume jewelry, which I barrowed from my mother, and brown sandles with olive jewels on them.

Keep shining!

the amy challenge: day 3

2009-09-09T02:35:00.000-07:00

::Day 3::

I know I've been wearing a lot of skirts for this challenge, but I have a legitimate excuse, as they're required for my job. :P Okay, I love this brightly colored vintage-looking plaid top, and what makes it better is that I got a really good deal on it! This is paired with a denim skirt, white ballet flats, and a long necklace of sparkling turquoise and wooden beads from Maurices.

the amy challenge: day 2

2009-09-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

::Day 2::

For this outfit I did some layering for the top, paired with one of my favorite skirts that I made out of a vintage-style pillowcase, along with some heels and this uber cool necklace a friend brought back for me from her trip to Hawaii.

How's your challenge coming?

Seeking true beauty,

the amy challenge: day 1

2009-09-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

::Day 1::

Today is the first day of The Amy Challenge: Beautifully Making Do! For church this morning, I layered a baby doll white t-shirt over a brown tank top, with a turquoise scarf. I'm also wearing a dark denim skirt with gladiator sandals and my largest pearl earrings. I changed the bottoms to distressed jean shorts to create a more casual look for later, and also a different scarf style.

Hey! It's not too late to join in on the challenge if you haven't already. The idea is to create a new outfit that you've never worn out of items that you already own or can barrow from members of your household. So be creative and resourceful and who knows what amazing outfits you'll be able to put together!

Link up and see other participants:

the amy challenge: beautifully making do

2009-09-03T02:53:00.000-07:00

Amy March of the book Little Woman may have started out the brat of the family, but as she grew in stature, she also grew in character. One of my favorite qualities about her is that though her family couldn't afford the luxuries for which Amy had a taste for, she worked to make the best of what she had. The result was quite a charming creation, as we read in this excerpt from the book:

"...Amy was gratified, but of course didn't show it, and demurely answered, "Foreign life polishes one in spite of one's self. I study as well as play, and as for this"--with a little gesture toward her dress--"why, tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things. Amy rather regretted that last sentence, fearing it wasn't in good taste, but Laurie liked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers."

Starting next week will be the kick-off of The Amy Challenge: Beautifully Making Do. Every day of the week we are to create a NEW outfit combination out of the clothing, shoes, accessories that we already own or have barrowed from someone in our household. I will be posting my personal creations here and would like to encourage you to post how your challenge is coming! You can link up with the Authentic Beauty blog so others can follow along and share ideas.

Are you up for the challenge? I know you can do it! :) Also, you can tell your friends about it by posting a banner or button on your blog and linking it back here:

This should be fun!

-Abigail

the wonderfully workable wardrobe

2009-08-31T01:03:00.000-07:00

A wonderfully working wardrobe begins with the principles of being unique, practical, feminine, modest, and creative.

Uniqueness
What is a girl's wardrobe if not uniquely her? A person's clothes, we have heard, can tell a lot about a person, and it's true. You can learn if a person is more old-fashioned, classic, sporty, practical, artsy, country, etc. It reflects a lifestyle and a person's view of himself. What are your clothes saying about you? I hope it says that you put value on purity and that you enjoy being the unique young woman God has designed you to be.

In my humble opinion, a girl's wardrobe should display her individuality as well as serve it's practical purpose of protection, and it's providing of modesty. So show your personality in the way that you dress!

I'm kind of artsy and I like classy vintage styles, so for me, showing my personality in the way I dress looks like adding unique items or the classics, like pearls to an outfit. I love hand-me-down jewelry from the woman of my family. I have many neat pieces that have first belonged to mother, grandmothers, and sister. One lady gave my mother a bundle of clothes and in them I found this vintage print pillowcase that I made into a one-of-a-kind skirt that I just love!

Femininity
You're a girl: rejoice! Being feminine in dress doesn't mean being uber girly, but rather it means and says, "I am glad to have been made a woman!" Do your clothes say otherwise?

I think this poems sums it up wonderfully:

True Femininity

Is it curling the hair
Or painting the face?
Pinning on bows,
Pink ribbons and lace?
Flounce and frills,
Bracelets and rings?
Polishing nails?
Is it all of these things?

No, you can't pin it on
Like a bow in your hair.
You can't put it on
Like a garment you wear.
It's deeper than ornaments
Gracing the skin.
For true femininity
Comes from within!

It glows from a heart
That is gentle and kind,
A soul that is chaste,
An honest, pure mind.
Without inner goodness
How futile the bows,
For "pinning on petals"
Can n'er make a rose!

--E.H.

More on femininity and feminine dress here.

Practicality
Do your clothes work in your everyday life? Here is a blog post about building a workable wardrobe and yet another about "styling the basics".

Must Haves for Your Closet
Styling the Basics

Modesty
When I was younger, I didn't know a whole lot about the reasons for modesty. "Well," I would reason, "isn't it the guys' responsibility to guard their own eyes and control themselves?" Guys are going to have to give an account someday for their every thought and action before the Lord (thank the Lord for the covering of His son's blood), this is true, but so are we girls.

When I think about modesty, I often think about Romans 14:13 which says, "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." When dressing in a way that heavily accentuates the beautiful and attractive form designed by the Lord, we are causing a brother to stumble. So, be a good sister, even if it does mean putting in some extra effort. ;-)

Not sure what may be a stumbling block to the guys? Check out a group who dared to be candid on the subject.

Modesty Survey: http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

And you have to ask yourself, who am I wanting to attract? If your a wanting a young man who responds to his physical attraction without restraint, then dressing carelessly is a calling card for him. But if you're wanting a man who is striving for purity himself, than that sort of dress is going to turn him off big time.

Creativity
Let's face it, there aren't many of us that have a lot of funds to work with when it comes to investing in our wardrobe, but that's okay! Why? Because, we are given the awesome opportunity to be innovative, crafty, and resourceful. Making a wardrobe of hand-me-downs, sale-rack finds, and thrift-store treasures can be great fun!

One of my favorite books captures the essence of what I'm hoping to get across,

"Having no ornaments fine enough for this important occasion, Amy looped her fleecy skirts with rosy clusters of azalea, and framed the white shoulders in delicate green vines. Remembering the painted boots, she surveyed her white satin slippers with girlish satisfaction, and chassed down the room, admiring her aristocratic feet all by herself.

...Amy was gratified, but of course didn't show it, and demurely answered, "Foreign life polishes one in spite of one's self. I study as well as play, and as for this"--with a little gesture toward her dress--"why, tulle is cheap, posies to be had for nothing, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things. Amy rather regretted that last sentence, fearing it wasn't in good taste, but Laurie liked her better for it, and found himself both admiring and respecting the brave patience that made the most of opportunity, and the cheerful spirit that covered poverty with flowers."

Quote from Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott

Any thoughts on any of this?

a truly authentic beauty: hadassah

2009-08-24T01:30:00.000-07:00

So I've been stepping into a new world, set back in ancient Rome where men were forced to fight to the death for the enjoyment of others in the arena, and some were sold like cattle and made to serve their masters in whatever way they desired.

In this world, a little Jewish girl is captured after Jerusalem fell some years after Christ resurrected. The Jewish girl is sold as a household slave to a prominent Roman family to be the maidservant to a self-indulgent little mistress of about the same age . A converted Christian, Hadassah faces many challenges as she lives in a place that glamorizes almost every form of self-gratification and all forms of sensuality.

Her heart yearns to tell others about the hope she has in her, but in ancient Rome, "underminers of Rome's supremacy" are fed to lions as the multitudes cry out for their blood. Besides, the citizens of ancient Rome view Jesus as a "Jewish God", and who can compare to the Roman god's whose worship can consist of fulfilling the lusts of their flesh? As they live for the moment and to please themselves with whatever luxuries and passions that are available in this earth, they are totally blindsided to their need for a savior... the Savior. Sounds a lot like our world today, right?

Little Hadassah faithfully serves her mistress, even though she is bratty, self-centered, and rebellious. Unlike the girl's former slave, who did what she was told because she had to, Hadassah anticipates her lady's needs, seeking to serve her instead of merely obeying. Anybody can do what they're told. She even risks her life in order to save her from a certain death.

By doing this, Hadassah gained trust and respect, because it was evident that she truly cared, and that her thoughts were not thoughts filled with herself and her poor situation. And because of her lifestyle and loyal service, when the right time came she was called upon to share with the family she served about what made her different and gave her that evident hope, peace, and joy.

This story has made me realise just how important our actions are in regards to our testimony to others. As a slave, Hadassah was not allowed to speak unless spoken to. She was just a set of purchased hands. But oh how she impacted this family by the way she served them, the way she loved them, the way she was loyal to them, and how she endlessly prayed for them. They came to love her too, and grew open to learn about her God. And then in boldness, she was able to share about a God for all people: Jew and Gentile, who loved us so much that He sent His son in the form of a man to be the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for all the sins of the world.

Amazing. AMAZING. This is an authentic beauty if ever there was one. A girl who put her own comforts aside. A girl who, after seeing her own family murdered before her eyes, and then brought to the homeland of their murderers to serve as a slave, and one who had every reason to wallow in self-pity, anger, and hate, with the help of Christ, forgave and served with everything in her, to the point of being willing to sacrifice her own life for her mistress.

She was humble and submissive, with a gentle and quiet spirit. And after some time, as she grew in her faith, she also grew in boldness- boldness to share about her faith, even when she faced death because of it.

May we keep in mind how our life testifies to others. Our we self-indulgent, thinking only of "my life" like Hadassah's mistress? Or are we serving with a heart for pleasing God and not man, like Hadassah?

While reading A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers, I'm sad to say that I could see the inner man of myself some in Hadassah's mistress, Julia. She wanted to experience all the pleasures and excitement of the world, unaware of the traps laid before her. She got sucked in by the glamour only for it to lead to ill-health, depression, and severed relationships with those who truly loved her. In my case, I deal with fighting the yearning and urges of that kind of indulgence and self-centered living (it's a condition of the heart), and I praise God for sparing me the experience of learning the hard way like Julia. She learned that that sort of lifestyle may be pleasing for a time, but in the end leads to feeling unfulfilled, regretful, and alone.

A life-changing book, but a forewarning would be that it's not for the faint of heart. In it is described some of the harsh realities of that time-period.

the most attractive woman

2009-08-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

A young man writes about who he considers to be the most attractive woman as well as what he's looking for in a wife. Very interesting!

The most attractive women I’ve met are those who are satisfied where they are, yet are open for more of what God has for them. This is a freedom only God can give.

What am I looking for in a Wife?

I want a girl who's interested in friendship first. I’ve run into three types of girls over the years—two of them make me chuckle, but with a hint of sorrow inside. The third class I’ve observed always makes me stop and think. And smile.

Just Say Hi But Don’t Be Ferocious

There are two types of young ladies, one at either end of the “girl spectrum.” The first is most prevalent in ultra conservative, homeschool settings. She ignores the existence of the guys around her, believing the lie that any interaction with a guy is either sinful or premature romantic involvement. That’s just wrong—God created both genders to edify and challenge each other!

I would say to that girl, just get over yourself, and say hi!

Then there’s the other extreme, the “ferocious females.” Now, I have to say that I appreciate energetic, engaging girls. What concerns me, however, is that with some of these young ladies, they display a sense of discontent with their singleness. “Need” is not attractive in a girl. When a girl already has an interesting life, she then has something to bring to the marriage.

Looking for Sarah

This brings us to the type of girl that is very appealing and attractive. I like it when a young lady I meet takes the time to both talk and listen, especially when God has given us similar passions in life. And I believe that mutual passion that has the power to keep us together for a lifetime. At least, I think so. Remember, I’m still single.

Beyond that, my attention is always piqued when a girl is walking in the freedom of Christ. The most attractive women I’ve met are those who are satisfied where they are, yet are open for more of what God has for them. This is a freedom only God can give. But I’m looking for one more thing: confidence. A girl who has placed her confidence in Christ, who isn’t “afraid with any amazement” (1 Peter 3:6) but resembles Sarah—that’s a girl who will make any guy turn his head. Including this one.

My happily married brother has wisely told me, “Find a girl who is willing to follow. But you must be willing to give up as much as you’ve asked her to give up.” That’s what Sarah and Abraham did. They followed God even when they didn’t understand what he wanted. Sarah trusted God despite Abraham’s deficiencies. Sarah wasn’t afraid. She was confident in God. Yeah, I’m keeping my eye out for Sarah.

[Article found here.]

lovely hands

2009-07-23T18:01:00.001-07:00

I admire the woman who not only works hard, but manages to put effort into making herself groomed and lovely as well! My great-grandmother was that sort of woman. To most people she probably looked like she never worked a day in her life, for she always appeared well-kept, polished, and classy; however, those manicured hands often held a scrubrush, dishrag, broom, and skillet.

Here's a manicure that'll get those hands lovely in no time!

The loveliest hands are the ones reaching out to serve.

dirty hands

2009-07-20T11:04:00.000-07:00

The southern country is home to beauty, rich history, values, and good, hard-working people. One can't afford to mar their reputation, for a good name is valued above great riches here. Once lost, it seldom can be redeemed. Actions indeed speak louder than the most eloquent speech. These people look at the fruit of a tree to determine it's character. So what could they mean when they say something like, "Dirty hands account for a clean heart"?

There is something about simple, down-to-it, hard work that has a soul-cleansing effect. With my sister soon to be having a baby any day now, I have come to stay with her on her farm to help out with everyday duties while her husband is overseas. If anybody has an excuse to lay around and do a lot of nothing, she has. Despite that, she has been doing everything she can to get things together for her husband's return: scrubbing walls, vacuuming out vehicles, organizing shelves, you name it! She pulls me into her little schemes, and together we get it done.

Hard work, the kind that requires you to press past the feelings of the outward man (the flesh), the kind that brings on real sweat, the kind that you do because it needs to be done (not because there is necessarily some reward or benefit), is the kind that produces the strengthening of character, restful sleep, and a clean conscience, because it causes you to deny yourself- Score! One more point for the inner man! :D

In Ecclesiastes 4:5 we read, “Fools fold their idle hands, leading them to ruin.” I think that complements are southern saying pretty well. So dirty hands, in the case of our saying, means hard-working hands. A hard working person doesn't have much time to get into trouble, and works honestly for what he has. Also in this case, clean hands figuratively (and literally sometimes) can be a sign of idleness. They may look nice on the outside, but what do they say about those who possess them? So risk breaking a nail, and go get those hands dirty, girl!

Need motivation? Check out Colossians 3:23, "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;." Need fuel? The joy of the Lord is your strength! (Neh. 8:10)

what's it all about, really?

2009-07-12T19:08:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you, but there are many a times when I find myself getting caught up in little scrapes and bruises and totally ignoring the bigger picture- like a life-threatening disease! It's called nit-picking; worrying about things that don't really matter in the long hall or, over time, learning, and growing, will work themselves out. Worrying so much about the nitty-gritty surface is a sure way to get yourself into joy-stealing legalism, and sadly, I have been there.

I visited a good 'ol Baptist church in the rural south today, and was so refreshed by a preacher who spoke with the accent of a farmer, but with the authority of a representative of Christ Himself. Before he began to share, he made it clear that he was a nobody, that his only boast was in Christ, who had radically changed his life.

His sermon was simple, to the point, and easy to understand. He spoke about grace- the saving kind. He talked about a real repentance- the kind that brings about restoration. He spoke about redemption, the life changing kind. The kind that gives you so much joy that you can't contain it, and that causes you to not care if you make a fool out of yourself for Christ's sake. The kind that makes a visible impact and change, not only in your heart, but in your lifestyle. That's the Gospel I know! That's the experience I remember!

I remember the joy, the growing experience I had in the Lord, the way He took away all my bitterness, insecurity, and desire for sin. I was so blessed to have someone from the outside notice what a change I had. He told me how different I now was, and what a wonderful transformation I had made! I went from an obviously insecure, sad, hurt, and even depressed state, to joyful, loving, bright, cheerful, and glowing with hope state! And that, friends, is a more powerful testimony than sharing all the facts, why's, and details of what Christ did. Those things are important, but what opens a heart to accept it? It's seeing something in a person who knows the Lord, something that person wants. You may call it a glow. A glow that comes from being free of guilt and shame by the precious blood of Christ, and having that hope of eternity with Him. Praise God!

Close to when I first came to know the Lord, I was so on fire and in love with Him! He was all I could think about. At that time I served as a waitress in my family's southern homestyle restaurant. A Mennonite couple came to eat one night close to closing time, and at one point, believe it or not, I found myself sitting at their table chatting away. We discussed everything from their marriage to God. The Mennonite man told me something I will never forget. He said, "I noticed something about you, and it's something no amount of makeup can create." What was he talking about? He saw Christ in me! It was that glow. Some people don't even have to say anything, and it seems like you just know that they walk with the Lord.

All of that is to say, let's not nit-pick people. Especially those who don't know the Lord. The scrapes and bruises I was talking about was a sinful lifestyle, and the life-threatening disease was that of a heart unreconciled with Christ, headed for eternal separation from God in a lake of fire. Be a vessel to heal the disease first, by leading them to the soul-mending Physician, and then let Him worry about those scrapes and bruises.

Get your glow on! Spend time with the Savior who loves you so much, and just let it shine!

-Abby

consider a field

2009-06-29T20:11:00.000-07:00

No matter where you are right now in your life- a daughter still at home, a wife and mother, a college student, or someone with an occupation, I think we both can agree that having some earnings/extra earnings is always nice! That being the case, I want to share with you some of my favorite cottage industries!

For the Creative and Crafty

If you have an eye for design and are pretty nifty with a computer, there are several ways to turn that creativity and skill into a way to bring in some earnings!

Become a Designer for The Cutest Site on the Block

What's so great about this, is that you're not working directly for TCSOTB, you're more like a freelancer! Read up on the design requirements, create a website template design, which you can make in Photoshop or a free downloadable design software (google: paint.net), and then just e-mail it in! TCSOTB will turn it into a real functioning website and every time your design sales (like on consignment), you'll get compensated.

I've personally submitted one website design using paint.net and digital scraps (ones that are okay for commercial use). Just a note: if you use paint.net you'll need to download a free software that will convert your paint.net designs to a file that can work with Photoshop for when you submit it in to TCSOTB (google: convert .pdn files to .psd files). Making a design was pretty simple and, since I like crafty things, fun!

Do Web Designing or Other Digital Media

With the Internet becoming the basis of many businesses (big and small), the need for quality online advertisement is growing. If you think you're capable of designing a quality and attractive digital advertisement, consider doing this form of freelance designing!

Also, some bloggers don't mind paying for a quality layout, signature, buttons, etc. If this is something you're interested in, check out alchemy on etsy.com: custom requests for digital items. You can also change the search to something more specific like blog layout or banner, to find potential customers who would like a designer for those items.

You will need to sign up with etsy.com (which is free to do) in order accept a job that is listed in their alchemy section.

Reap What You Sew

If you have a sewing machine and a knack for sewing projects, there is definitely a market for you! There are people who have things that they'd like sewn for them which they've listed, along with what they'd ideally like to pay, for someone to do for them. These listings are found on etsy.com in their alchemy section: freelance sewing projects. You will need to sign up with etsy (it's free) before offering to do a project you see listed.

Open a Virtual Shop for Your Handmade Things!

Having a virtual store may sound intimidating, but don't fret friend! It's pretty easy and incredibly affordable with etsy.com. Esty.com is all about things handmade! Do you have a skill for making jewelry? Sewing projects? Candles? Homemade beauty products? Art? Scrapbooking? If you make it with your hands, and you do a quality job, you most likely can sell it here. So check it out!

Here's a video from the Dave Ramsey show of a stay-at-home mom who started a home-based business with only $100 designing and making tote bags!

Check out her website at: http://tolivebeautiful.blogspot.com/

For the Personable

Be a Beauty Representative

Selling cosmetics is not only a profitable business, but it's an awesome window to reach out to woman, encouraging them and reminding them what a beautiful creation they are of a loving God! You've probably heard of Mary Kay and Avon. These products pretty much sell themselves; however, it does take someone with discipline, responsibility, organization, and personability! Find more information about Avon or Mary Kay!

These are just a few of many businesses you can have from home! There really is so much you can do! So if this is something you're interested in, put your inhibitions aside, tap into that determination and creativity, and go for it!

Check out the cottage industries of some of my friends!

Pure and Simple, Natural Care Solutions by Sarah

Marvelous Things Photography by Tori

Anna Elise Photography by Elise

Emily E's Beauty Business by Emily

Bit and Bridle Magazine by Emily

With Love,

sin and spinach

2009-06-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

I was talking with my younger brother the other night (he's 17 and seems to always have interesting thoughts on almost any subject) about friends. He asked me, "What to you consider to be the best kind of friend?" After a pause to think about it, I concluded this person to be someone who is honest- who if I were going down the wrong path would tell me so, or if I did/were about to do something that could hurt my testimony would confront me out of love and concern.

It's the same principal as if I had spinach in my teeth. After seeing the spinach, what if no one bothered to tell me? Then I could be going along, smiling as I go and not knowing! Wouldn't that be aweful? In fact, I do have a similar story...

At an all girls camp, one night we campers delighted ourselves with yummy oreos topped with peanut butter (a truly delightful snack! One almost can't help but bond with those they eat it with). After a good time had passed, I somehow I came to notice I had black oreo cookie stuck all in my teeth! Talk about embarassing. A good friend of mine was with me at the time. "Why didn't you tell me?" I asked her. It was that night that she promised to tell if ever something like that happened again. And you know what? Being the great friend she is, she has kept that promise.

What is it about some family and friends, that they can sometimes be so blunt and honest, yet when all is said and done, it is generally understood that there is love between them? In my case, though I may be upset for a time when reproached/corrected, in the end, I know that which was said was for my benefit and growth, and so I can't help but have gratitude, respect, and trust with that person. In fact, a friend that would care enough about me to reproach me when I'm doing wrong and tell me the truth (out of love and genuine care) would be one I would treasure. I am so thankful to have a few of these treasures in my life, and I want to be brave enough myself to be the same.

Proverbs 27:6 says," Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." What is the best kind of friend? The "sin and spinach" kind. Look out for your sisters!

End Note: The phrase "sin and spinach" was shared with me by my good friend, Elizabeth, who I think heard it from someone else. All that to say, no, I'm not the clever one who it originated from. :P

P.S.

What are your thoughts on friendship?

encouraging style without compromise

2009-06-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

I truly hope you've been able to participate in the AmandaBeth Fashion Week which started June 1st. If not, you to check it out! Be inspired by "encouraging style without compromise!"

The Look Book: Your Portable Fashion Consultant!

2009-06-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

Check out an Authentic Beauty guest blog post on Joy's SAH blog:

The Look Book: Your Portable Fashion Consultant!

With Love,

extreme makeover: blog edition!

2009-06-14T20:11:00.000-07:00

Unless you're visiting here for the first time, you have probably noticed how much of a physical change the Authentic Beauty blog has been going through lately, and I must say that the most recent look is my favorite yet. ;-)

While trying to find a style that fit the theme of "authentic beauty", I came across some amazing sites for free blog backgrounds! Personally, my favorite styles are those made from digital scrapbooking art. Not only are they vivid and attractive, but they're personal looking, and often very well done.

Take a look for yourself, and go for having an extreme makeover: blog edition!

The Cutest Blog On The Block
On this website, not only will you find some really cute blog looks, but you'll also find tutorials on how to cutsomize your blog header, make your own blog template, and create a personalized blog signature!
Allie Browns Layouts
Allie Brown has a wide variety of blog styles that I just love! Which is obvious, because my current one is from her. She does a very quality job. :)
Paisley Cat Scraps
Aqua Poppy Designs
Hippo Scraps Blog Layouts
Scrap My Blog

With Love,

sing!

2009-06-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

There's some so beautiful about girls busy at work and either humming or singing a tune. I think it's one of the most evident signs of joy and being content, for one cannot sing a cheerful tune with a heavy heart, right? Here are a few of my favorite movie clips displaying just that!

You call me cheesy if you like. ;-)

With Love,

get lost

2009-06-01T05:53:00.000-07:00

There is something marvelous about taking time to be alone with God and His Word. Away from from the busyness and care that come with the day before you. To just be quiet for a while and listen- to refocus. I hope you have a special place to go and get lost for a while. It could be under a tree, it could be a closet. Both places can be considered the court of the King.

On that note, I thought you might enjoy this prayer:

Give us grace, Almighty Father, so to pray, as to deserve to be heard, to address thee with our Hearts, as with our lips. Thou art every where present, from Thee no secret can be hid. May the knowledge of this, teach us to fix our Thoughts on Thee, with Reverence and Devotion that we pray not in vain.

Look with Mercy on the Sins we have this day committed, and in Mercy make us feel them deeply, that our Repentance may be sincere, and our resolution stedfast of endeavouring against the commission of such in future. Teach us to understand the sinfulness of our own Hearts, and bring to our knowledge every fault of Temper and every evil Habit in which we have indulged to the dis-comfort of our fellow-creatures, and the danger of our own Souls. May we now, and on each return of night, consider how the past day has been spent by us, what have been our prevailing Thoughts, Words, and Actions during it, and how far we can acquit ourselves of Evil. Have we thought irreverently of Thee, have we disobeyed thy commandments, have we neglected any known duty, or willingly given pain to any human being? Incline us to ask our Hearts these questions Oh! God, and save us from deceiving ourselves by Pride or Vanity.

Give us a thankful sense of the Blessings in which we live, of the many comforts of our lot; that we may not deserve to lose them by Discontent or Indifference.

Be gracious to our Necessities, and guard us, and all we love, from Evil this night. May the sick and afflicted, be now, and ever thy care; and heartily do we pray for the safety of all that travel by Land or by Sea, for the comfort and protection of the Orphan and Widow and that thy pity may be shewn upon all Captives and Prisoners.

Above all other blessings Oh! God, for ourselves, and our fellow-creatures, we implore Thee to quicken our sense of thy Mercy in the redemption of the World, of the Value of that Holy Religion in which we have been brought up, that we may not, by our own neglect, throw away the salvation thou has given us, nor be Christians only in name. Hear us Almighty God, for His sake who has redeemed us, and taught us thus to pray.

Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Written by Jane Austen

With Love,

Abigail

your best hairstyles

2009-06-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hair by scarscar93 on Polyvore.com

With all the many hairstyles out there, sometimes it's hard to determine which ones will work for you. Knowing my face shape (diamond) has helped so much in narrowing the selection down to only the hairstyles that are flattering for my shape. I was able to find out what my shape is from a cosmetology friend, but there is a simple way to find out your face shape at home!

Do you have a shape that is oval, square, round, oblong, heart, or triangular? Check out these videos and resources to find out:

Here's another resource for finding your face shape.

Now that you know your face shape, you can look at some hairstyling tips that are tailored for you:

My face is...

Round Face Shape:
Circular shaped. Length is approximately equal to width.

Oval Face Shape:
Curvilinear shape. Length is equal to one and a half times width, with forehead and jaw the same width.

Oblong Face Shape:
Face is longer than it is wide with a long straight cheek line.

Heart Face Shape:
Wide at the forehead and cheekbones, narrow at the jawline.

Diamond Face Shape:
Forehead and jawline are narrow with wide and high cheekbones.

Triangular Face Shape:
Forehead and cheekbones are narrow with a wide jawline.

Square Face Shape:
Strong and broad forehead with angular jaw.

Source:

Check out another great resource for your best and worst type of hairstyle from totalbeauty.com, here. You can also look here for even more tips!

-Abigail

Wear a Scarf!

2009-05-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

scarves =D by authbeau featuring Missoni accessories

There is something incredibly feminine and charming about a scarf, and I believe that is ground enough for scarves to have remained in the wardrobes of woman throughout the generations. There are many statements you can say by adding a scarf to an outfit (differing according the style of scarf you choose and the way you wear it, of course!). You can create a look that is classic, chic, trendy, or artsy.

Scarves come in such an array of colors and styles that can be beautifully inspiring and fun! So, break out a scarf and while you're at it, check out nearly 35 different ways to wear it!

-Abby

every girl's struggle

2009-05-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Behold, the lover of your soul and how He beckons for you.

With Love,

Abigail

recipe scrapbook

2009-05-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Family and food. Simply put, they just go together. If I'm allowed to have but one earthly treasure, it would be a book I started compiling when I was about 15. I think the idea of a hope chest is what started the idea. I began to think of what I could possibly need as lady of my own home someday. Recipes were an obvious need, and since I loved scrapbooking and crafty things, I decided to make a recipe scrapbook.

I asked the ladies of my family (my sister, my mom, aunts, and grandmothers), and even friends for recipes (I like having them written on cards in their own handwriting). I even started collecting old photographs and purposefully taking pictures of cooking in the kitchen with my friends and family members. I had the best time putting it all together as a functioning cook book!

I love that my book is always growing as I continue to add new recipes and photographs. And I absolutely love cooking with it! It makes cooking all the more special as I see faces I love while cooking, and enjoy many recipes that I grew up on (not to mention new recipes that I have collected over the years). It's especially meaningful to me now since I've moved with my immediate to the island of Guam.

Start Your Own

Let's Get Cookin'! by authbeau on Polyvore.com

What you need:

-3 ring binder
-plastic sheet covers (so your scrapbook pages won't get food on them)
-fancy/nice/cute printer or scrapbook paper (optional)
-family photos and pictures with friends
-recipes! either typed and printed out on special printer paper, or written on recipe cards
-stickers, stamps, old notes, written quotes, or anything else you'd like to include- be creative!

Put it together and enjoy! Remember, this can be an ongoing project. You can use and enjoy it for many years, and who knows, maybe you can pass it on to your daughters one day. =)

With Love,

Abigail

it's a date: let's get cookin'!

2009-05-22T04:34:00.001-07:00

Photos courtesy of Tabby.

There is much to learn from the older and wiser woman in our lives, as we read in Titus 2:4&5 (to be sober, discreet, chaste...), but how about something of a culinary sort? My friends, Michelle and Tabby, and I asked pastor's wife, "Auntie Gwen", to share with us some of her skills in the kitchen. She is said to be one of the best cooks on our island. Being the dear lady she is, she agreed, and a date to cook dinner at her house was set!

That night we learned some useful tips like how to cut an onion like a pro, and how one can recycle a bottle used for dish washing soap for olive oil, which makes for easier use when cooking because of it's nifty squirt lid.

I'd encourage you to grab some friends (or some siblings) and plan a dinner date with an older, more kitchen-savvy lady (could be a mom, grandma, lady from church, or family friend), and ask her to teach you some of her tricks. She would probably be delighted to help. You can plan a meal, maybe including some of her recipes you'd like to learn, offer to help pay for ingredients, and have a blast!

With Love,

Abigail

why we love jane austen

2009-05-20T23:09:00.000-07:00

Jane Austen by Aphrodite on Polyvore.com

I believe it's because of writings like these, which make us laugh to ourselves because we find that we totally relate (guess woman haven't changed much since 1818):

"Dress is at all times a frivolous distinction, and excessive solicitude about it often destroys its own aim. Catherine knew all this very well; her great aunt had read her a lecture on the subject only the Christmas before; and yet she lay awake ten miniutes on Wednesday night debating between her spotted and her tamboured muslin, and nothing but shortness of the time prevented her buying a new one for the evening."

Austen goes on to write, "It would be mortifying to the feelings of many ladies, could they be made to understand how little the heart of man in affected by what is costly or new in her attire...Woman is fine for her own satisfaction alone. No man will admire her more, no woman will like her better for it. Neatness and fashion are enough for the former, and something of shabbiness or impropriety will be most endearing to the latter..."

Excerpts from Jane Austen's Nothanger Abbey

With Love,

Abigail

féminin tresses défi: one week challenge

2009-05-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

Photos from totalbeauty.com

Why not try something new with those tresses? This week join me in taking the féminin tresses défi , a one week challenge to try a new a feminine hairstyle each day.

Here are 17 styles that take 10 mins. or less to create from toalbeauty.com: check it out! Also 19 more styles to try.

If your hair is shorter than mid-length, there are few great styles here.

Have fun, and if you'd like to share how the challenge is coming, e-mail your comments and photos to abby1211@gmail.com or comment with a link to your own blog.

I'll be posting my progress, so if you'd like to see you can check back throughout the week . :)

With Love,

Abigail

DAY 5 (last day!): Fab Friday

I know this is another ponytail, but in my defense, it's not just any pony, this is the "high volume" pony (or as high as I could get it, anyway!). What could be better for "Fab Friday"?

Try a style like this.

DAY 4: Thriving Thursday

I'm not usually into ponytails, but I have to admit this one really is chic!

Try a style like this

DAY 3: Winsome Wednesday

Try a style like this.

DAY 2: Typical Tuesday? Think again.

Wow, what a day! Here are the remnants of my hairstyle challenge from this morning. :)

My friend, Anna Kate, tried the high pony for her tuesday challenge:

Try a style like this.

DAY 1: Mahvelous Monday

Try a style like this.

authentic beauty

2009-05-02T00:07:00.000-07:00

Here at authbeau, I've been posting a lot on how to make ourselves more outwardly lovely (this is always a fun topic for us girls!); however, I'd like to tell you what I've observed about beauty, and what creates an authentic and radiant beauty that cannot be copied or falsified.

I've done a good bit of traveling in my 20 yrs. of life across the States, from the beaches of FL to coast of OR (even to the U.S. territory of Guam!), and I've seen many a pretty girls. In our day and age, it's not hard to make yourself attractive, as we have every beautifying resource available to us (make-up, fitness programs, salons, and even plastic surgery). Just about anyone can be made to look good according to our pop-cultural standards. Is this all there is? What makes you stand out from every other pretty girl out there?

There is a girl who smiles with no hint of pain or regret in her eyes. She shines with a pure radiance. Kindess, strength, and dignity are her clothing. She is caring and rarely thinks of herself, yet her appearance and demeanor is worthy of a palace. She does not stoop to putting on false heirs, but is genuine (real) and carries herself with a graceful humility. She is always ready with a strengthened hand to help, and offers it freely, expecting nothing in return. Her ear is ready to listen, and she is slow to speak; though when she does, expect not empty flattery or false sympathy. For out of sincerity she speaks in wisdom, truth, and love. She is not afraid to give a rebuke, though her rebuke is not to destroy, but is spoken with tender love and good faith; it is to strengthen. She serves her loved ones with joy, even if unrecognized for her deeds.

"See the works of her hands," says the onlooker. But she does not these deeds for her own righteousness' sake, for she knows that even her best is but as filthy rags before He that is truly righteous. So she does these things out of her love and her gratitude, for it is but by being washed in the very blood of He that she is counted as pure. Her heart beats wildly for Him, in whom she meets in a secret place, where He shares with her the plans that He has for her. She prays, "Take delight in me, Beloved, and behold the maidservant of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy Word."

There is nothing more attractive in a girl than one who is radiating with God's love and truth. This comes not merely by being redeemed, but by spending time Him. Henry Drummond wrote,

"Put a piece of iron in the presence of an electrified body, and that piece of iron for a time becomes electrified. It is charged into a temporary magnet in the mere presence of a permanent magnet, and as long as you leave the two side by side, they are both magnets alike. Remain side by side with Him... and you, too, will become a permanent magnet... and like Him you will draw all men to you."

"Contemplate the love of Christ, and you will love. Stand before that mirror, reflect Christ's character and you will be changed into the same image... There is no other way... you can only look at that lovely object, and fall in love with it and grow into likeness to it."

-From the book, The Greatest Thing in the World

With Love,

Abigail

dressing for your season

2009-05-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

Colormebeautiful.com has this really useful booklet of fabric swatches for each season which you can buy and carry with you when you go clothing shopping. I don't personally have one of these booklets (perhaps I'll splurge on one one day!), but I think it's very neat! Take a look at these season palettes and tips in order to find the colors that are most flattering for your season!

Don't know your season (your ideal color palette)? Take the Quiz!

For Autumn

"When choosing a suit, you should pick warm, olives, golden browns and rich warm grays. You will glow in these harmonious environmental colors. Avoid clear bright shades, pure white and black which will make you look tired and faded. Also, avoid true pastel colors which will look cold against your complexion, giving you a pale and sickly appearance. Your blouses, in particular, should never be true white for this reason. Choose oyster and ecru (eggshell) instead..."

Celebrity autumns: Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Eva Mendez, Jennifer Lopez, and Marcia Cross.

Autumn by authbeau featuring BKE tops

For Spring

"When choosing tops, look for bright cheerful tones like salmon, turquoise, and teal. Your coloring will be enhanced by clothing with a bit of "sunshine" in their colors. You should never dress stark white or black, for they will make you look washed out. Your neutrals should have a hint of warmth like stone, khaki, warm white. Think warm and bright when selecting a wardrobe for SPRING..."

Celebrity springs: Jodie Foster, Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan, Cameron Diaz, and Kate Hudson.

Spring by authbeau featuring BKE tops

For Summer

"When choosing a suit, look for toned-down colors like subdued navy blue, a grey green or blue-grays, charcoals, and rose browns. Your image will be complimented by these dusty colors. You should never dress in vivid or saturated colors, for they will disrupt the serenity that the summer needs in her look. Your shirt colors should be soft somewhat soft like powder blue, dusty pink or soft white. Think serene when selecting a wardrobe for SUMMER or shop with a Color Me Beautiful SUMMER..."

Celebrity summers: Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Aniston, Princess Grace of Monaco (Grace Kelly), and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Summer by authbeau featuring By Malene Birger skirts

For Winter

"Because you have a lot of visual contrast you can pull off deep, rich colors accented with jewel tones, and even wear bright white or icy pastels. A dark suit with cool undertones like dark navy, charcoal or black will complement your dynamic coloring. Avoid earth tones which can make you look sallow, and muted or powdery colors which can make you look shadowed. Remember, accents should be vibrant, and intense jewel tones..."

Celebrity winters: Penelope Cruz, Catherine Zeta Jones, Courtney Cox, Eva Longoria, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Winter by authbeau featuring FOXCiTY clothing

With Love,

Abigail

color me loverly

2009-05-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the unique make-up of each individual, for not only does every one of us ladies have unique figures (as we discussed earlier), but we have a unique undertone to our skin of which certain colors are most flattering to.

I bought a red sweater once, in which I loved the fit; however, the shade of red seemed to wash me out and had an overpowering effect. This same sweater I gave to a friend and it looked great on her! How is that? It was after I read Color Me Beautiful did I begin to understand more fully how this could be.

In this book, an idea was presented that each woman as her own color palette which best complements her and may be described in the way of a season: summer (cool colors), spring (warm colors), winter (cool colors), and autumn (warm colors).

There are certain physical attributes which determine your season (eye color, hair color, skin undertone, etc.). According to the the season determining tests, I am a spring. I have golden undertones to my skin, so I look best in warm, bright and sunny colors. The red sweater I bought was bold with a blue undertone, so of course it would look better on my winter friend who looks best in cool bold colors and jewel tones.

Knowing my colors has helped me a whole lot! It's great to know what colors suit you best, and to build your wardrobe with only those colors as your guide, so that every shade in your closet is flattering to you.

Find out what season you are here.

So, what season are you?

Sincerely spring,

Abigail

fit to flatter

2009-04-30T01:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen your friend wear a style that you loved, but when you tried the style yourself, it looked aweful? If so, that's probably because she has a different figure than you! I know this can be frustrating, but there are some who have researched on the topic and have discovered how to best flatter the various figures we ladies have.

Shabby Apple is not only a clothing line that promotes modest dress, but they help you find the "fit to flatter". Have you the figure of an hourglass, apple, pear, pencil, or that of being athletic, womanly, tall, short? Find out: take the quiz!

You can also read the following article for more details on the subject. I found it on a modbe blog by modbe consultant, Laurie Farmer. modbe specializes is more modest-style swimsuits (compared to secular standards, though you may discern for yourself). The following article highlights clothing styles along with swimsuit fits for the various figure types. It's very useful!

Choosing Your Swimsuit
Choosing a Modbe swimsuit that is right for you may be easier than you think. This year’s lineup of Modbe swimwear was designed to cover and flatter all body types, but our shape guide might give you a little extra guidance if you’re undecided.

Here's the lineup:

1. Pear Body Shape:

You Have:
Smaller shoulders, bust and waist; heavier hips, bottom and thighs.

Guiding Principle:
Balance your proportions by visually slimming your bottom half and playing up your top.

You Want:
Detailed or colorful tops, boat neck tops, horizontal strip tops, hip length tops, A-line skirts, empire waist dresses, bootcut or straight leg pants with bigger pockets, wide strap swim tops to broaden shoulders, and dark swim bottoms either in brief cut or bikini cut.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage with gathering and removable padding gives the illusion of a larger chest. The Bandeau Gathered, padded top that is cinched together in the middle creates a fuller look on top. The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward to create detail and fullness.

2. Boy Body Shape:

You Have:
A straight shape, narrow hips, small bust and not-so-curvy waist.

Guiding Principle:
Add visual details that create a womanly figure.

You Want:
Ruffled or detailed tops with nipped waists, lower necklines, fuller sleeves, floating fabrics, tailored curvy jackets, any pant cut, skirts and dresses with a little swing and/or details at the waist, halter or bandeau swim tops, and bikini swim bottoms with colored band or brief cut.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Heart-shaped front opening and full-bust coverage gives more shape to the figure.
The Bandeau Cinched top and wide straps with fitted mid-section provide a curvy illusion.
The Lace Up The “V” in the front and lace-up details create visual curves.

3. Curvy Body Shape:
You Have:
A full bust and hips, and possibly a dress size of 14 or bigger.

Guiding Principle:
Minimize your curves but don’t deny they’re there.

You Want:
Open necklines, hipbone or wrist length tops and jackets, draping fabrics, fitted tees with scoops or V-necks, bootcut pants, wrap dresses, halter or crossback swim tops and brief cut swim bottoms.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward. Paired with the black Banded Bikini or the black skirt, this suit will help you look long and lean.
The Diagonal The crisscross back offers support in the right places and the ruching disguises any mid-area problems.
The Lace Up Lace-up front brings the chest in, and the V-neck opening and adjustable back crisscross ties slim and narrow the body.
The Retro Adjustable straps, twisted front and busier prints offer comfort and are visually slimming.

4. Slender/Petite Body Shape:

You Have:
A proportioned body and a height under 5’4”.

Guiding Principle:
Wear shapes that don’t overwhelm your delicate frame and zero in on the pieces and combinations that elevate your look.

You Want:
V-neck tops, ½ sleeves, hip length tops, fitted tops, above-the-knee hemline, lower front rise pants, empire waist or long fitted dresses, halter swim tops and bikini or brief cut swim bottoms.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage with gathering and removable padding gives the illusion of a larger chest.
The Bandeau Gathered, padded top that is cinched together in the middle creates a fuller look on top.
The Ruffle Wrap Ruffles along the top draw the eye upward to create detail and fullness.
Broad/Busty Body Shape:

You Have:
A more than generous bust line with broader shoulders. Sometimes called V shape.

Guiding Principle:
Downplay your top curves with good support, and avoid bulky, over voluminous clothing.

You Want:
V-neck tops, scoop tops, fitted (not tight) sweaters, dark tops with lighter bottoms, pants with a bit of flair, tops and dresses that subtly fit the torso and waist with a flirty flow below, solid colored halter swim tops and any suit that supports, and proportional swim bottoms with a print.

Modbe Suits That Really Flatter You:
The Halter Full-cup coverage and heart-shaped neck flatter and support your upper body.
The Diagonal Back crisscross ties slim the back and offer adjustable support and coverage.
The Lace Up The V-neck opening and spaghetti straps draw your eye into the center, giving you a slimmer look; adjustable crisscross straps also slim the back.
The Retro Adjustable straps, twisted front and busier prints offer comfort, support and are visually slimming.

Thank you for the blog topic idea, Sarah!

Love,

Abigail

let's be real

2009-04-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

Some of these videos have been pretty well circulated, for which I'm glad. Have you ever wondered why you don't measure up to the standards of pop cultural beauty? Wonder no more, my sister.

With love,

Abigail

More On Modesty

2009-04-19T03:51:00.000-07:00

I was looking on youtube to maybe find some more modest fashion tips or examples, and instead found this video of a group of guys talking about modesty and giving a "guy's perspective". This was a video put together as an ice-breaker for 6th-12th grade girls. I found it to be interesting and insightful and thought you probably would too.

Remember, these are just regular Christian brothers being candid on the subject. I know being as open about it had to be a little awkward, so I commend these guys for pressing past that and being honest about what can be a struggle for them.

Again, for a more detailed look at what may serve as stumbling blocks to our brothers as far as the way we girls dress goes, check out a modesty survey conducted by therebelution.com: http://www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey/

Also, check out Free to Be Modest by Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

Love,

Abigail

Mission Modesty

2009-04-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

So I'm hoping to teach the Christian Charm Course at our Christian school here on Guam, and in one of the sections we'll be talking about modesty and dressing appropriately for various occasions.

I am so blessed to have friends I can call in to help with this special project! I knew just who to ask to put together some stylish and modest outfits for the following categories:

What to wear when...
Going to a place of worship.
Going out with family and/or friends (evening).
In a casual/fun setting.

A Place of Worship

Models are Samantha, Mary Anne, and Tori.

Out With Family and Friends (Evening Look)

In a Casual/Fun Setting

I would like to publicly thank these girls for there resolve to keep a personal standard of modesty (for guarding the eyes and hearts of their brothers and not seeking to bring inappropriate attention to themselves); and not only that, but doing it with amazing style!

I will be using these photos and some notes sent in with them to help give a visual to the girls I'll be working with. I want to communicate that dressing modestly doesn't mean looking frumpy, but that with resourcefulness and creativity you can put together outfits that look great yet don't serve as a stumbling block.

If you'd like to contribute to Mission Modesty, please send pictures of your modest outfits to abby1211@gmail.com for the following categories:

What to wear when...
Going to a place of worship.
Going out with family and/or friends (evening).
In a casual/fun setting.

Thank you!

More about modesty:

C.J. Mahaney talks about the "soul of modesty".

Read what guys think about modesty (what they appreciate and what causes them to stumble)- very eye-opening!

Love,

Abby

Great Read!

2008-11-12T21:31:00.000-08:00

So I'm supposed to be reading Jane Austen's classic, Northanger Abbey, but a book a friend lent me seems to be before my eyes anytime I have a spare moment for reading.

Stepping Heavenward: One Woman's Journey to Godliness by Mrs. E. Prentiss has be such a jewel. It's written as the journal of passionate Katherine, who candidly writes about her endeavor for Godliness.

Katherine is one of those characters who is obviously flawed, but oh so loveable. Along her journey she shares timeless truths and desires, such as when she confessed, "But this new happiness is deeper; it involves something higher than getting to heaven at last, which has, hitherto, been my great aim." You also get a peek into how she learned some tough lessons, as she's also the sort of girl who better learns by experience and therefor is liable to get some scrapes and bruises.

Written with humility, grace, and humor, the only thing I can say to you is read it!

-Abigail

The Court of the King

2008-11-02T02:22:00.000-08:00

With the staff that had failed in my need
Where the road had been stony and steep;
With the lamp that was smoking and dim,
Though the darkness was growing more deep;
Weary, too weary to pray
And too heavy-hearted to sing,
Faint with the toils of the way
I came to the court of the King.

There where the fountains fall cool,
Their waters unfailing and pure;
There where the ministering palms
Stand like His promises sure,
Oh! there was peace in its shade
Oh! there was rest in its calm;
And its sweet silences lay
On my bruised spirit like balm.

Long did I kneel in His court,
And walk in His garden so fair;
All I had lost or had lacked
I found in His treasuries there;
Oil to replenish my lamp,
His kindness a crown for my head,
For the staff that had wounded my hand
The rod of His mercy instead.

A garment of praises I found
For the sullen, dark garb I had worn,
And sandals of peace for the feet
That the rocks and the briers had torn;
Joy for my mourning He gave,
Making my spirit to sing,
And, girded with gladness and strength,
I passed from the court of the King.

Annie Johnson Flint

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. -Psalm 23:3

A Challenge to Women

2008-07-16T22:36:00.000-07:00

By John Piper January 1, 1995

That all of your life—in whatever calling—be devoted to the glory of God.
That the promises of Christ be trusted so fully that peace and joy and strength fill your soul to overflowing.
That this fullness of God overflow in daily acts of love so that people might see your good deeds and give glory to your Father in heaven.
That you be women of the Book, who love and study and obey the Bible in every area of its teaching. That meditation on Biblical truth be the source of hope and faith. And that you continue to grow in understanding through all the chapters of your life, never thinking that study and growth are only for others.
That you be women of prayer, so that the Word of God would open to you; and the power of faith and holiness would descend upon you; and your spiritual influence would increase at home and at church and in the world.
That you be women who have a deep grasp of the sovereign grace of God undergirding all these spiritual processes, that you be deep thinkers about the doctrines of grace, and even deeper lovers and believers of these things.
That you be totally committed to ministry, whatever your specific role, that you not fritter your time away on soaps or ladies magazines or aimless hobbies, any more than men should fritter theirs away on excessive sports or aimless diddling in the garage. That you redeem the time for Christ and his Kingdom.
That, if you are single, you exploit your singleness to the full in devotion to Christ and not be paralyzed by the desire to be married.
That, if you are married, you creatively and intelligently and sincerely support the leadership of your husband as deeply as obedience to Christ will allow; that you encourage him in his God-appointed role as head; that you influence him spiritually primarily through your fearless tranquility and holiness and prayer.
That, if you have children, you accept responsibility with your husband (or alone if necessary) to raise up children who hope in the triumph of God, sharing with him the teaching and discipline of the children, and giving to the children that special nurturing touch and care that you are uniquely fitted to give.
That you not assume that secular employment is a greater challenge or a better use of your life than the countless opportunities of service and witness in the home the neighborhood, the community, the church, and the world. That you not only pose the question: Career vs. full time mom? But that you ask as seriously: Full time career vs. freedom for ministry? That you ask: Which would be greater for the Kingdom— to be in the employ of someone telling you what to do to make his business prosper, or to be God's free agent dreaming your own dream about how your time and your home and your creativity could make God's business prosper? And that in all this you make your choices not on the basis of secular trends or yuppie lifestyle expectations, but on the basis of what will strengthen the family and advance the cause of Christ.
That you step back and (with your husband, if you are married) plan the various forms of your life's ministry in chapters. Chapters are divided by various things—age, strength, singleness, marriage, employment choices, children at home, children in college, grandchildren, retirement, etc. No chapter has all the joys. Finite life is a series of tradeoffs. Finding God's will, and living for the glory of Christ to the full in every chapter is what makes it a success, not whether it reads like somebody else's chapter or whether it has in it what chapter five will have.
That you develop a wartime mentality and lifestyle; that you never forget that life is short, that billions of people hang in the balance of heaven and hell every day, that the love of money is spiritual suicide, that the goals of upward mobility (nicer clothes, cars, houses, vacations, food, hobbies) are a poor and dangerous substitute for the goals of living for Christ with all your might, and maximizing your joy in ministry to people's needs.
That in all your relationships with men you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in applying the Biblical vision of manhood and womanhood; that you develop a style and demeanor that does justice to the unique role God has given to man to feel responsible for gracious leadership in relation to women—a leadership which involves elements of protection and care and initiative. That you think creatively and with cultural sensitivity (just as he must do) in shaping the style and setting the tone of your interaction with men.
That you see Biblical guidelines for what is appropriate and inappropriate for men and women in relation to each other not as arbitrary constraints on freedom but as wise and gracious prescriptions for how to discover the true freedom of God's ideal of complementarity. That you not measure your potential by the few roles withheld but by the countless roles offered. That you turn off the TV and Radio and think about...

The awesome significance of motherhood

Complementing a man's life as his wife

Ministries to the handicapped

hearing impaired
blind
lame
retarded

Ministries to the sick:

nursing
physician
hospice care—cancer, AIDS, etc.
community health

Ministries to the socially estranged:

emotionally impaired
recovering alcoholics
recovering drug users
escaping prostitutes
abused children, women
runaways, problem children
orphans

Prison ministries:

women's prisons!
families of prisoners
rehabilitation to society

Ministries to youth:

teaching
sponsoring
open houses and recreation
outings and trips
counseling
academic assistance

Sports ministries:

neighborhood teams
church teams

Therapeutic counseling:

independent
church based
institutional

Audio visual ministries:

composition
design
production
distribution

Writing ministries:

free lance
curriculum development
fiction
non-fiction
editing
institutional communications
journalistic skills for publications

Teaching ministries:

Sunday school: children, youth, students, women
grade school
high school
college

Music ministries:

composition
training
performance
voice
choir
instrumentalist

Evangelistic ministries:

personal witnessing
Inter Varsity
Campus Crusade
Navigators
Home Bible Studies
outreach to children
Visitation teams
Counseling at meetings
Billy Graham phone bank

Radio and TV ministries:

technical assistance
writing
announcing
producing

Theater and drama ministries:

acting
directing
writing
scheduling

Social ministries:

literacy
pro-life
pro-decency
housing
safety
beautification

Pastoral care assistance:

visitation
newcomer welcoming and assistance
hospitality
food and clothing and transportation

Prayer ministries:

praying!!!
mobilizing for major Concerts of Prayer
helping with small groups of prayer
coordinating prayer chains
promoting prayer days and weeks and vigils

Missions:

all of the above across cultures

Support ministries:

countless jobs that undergird major ministries

Permissions: You are permitted and encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on our website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by Desiring God.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

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