• People in the Bible affirmed their confidence in the written Word.

• Jesus treated Scripture as the unchangeable Word of God.

• The Bible has continuity and unity of themes in spite of the number of authors and the vast seperation of time.
• People have benefited from the living the principles expressed in the Bible.

• The Bible influential throughout history, and has remained a bestseller for generations.
• Nothing in the Bible has been refuted by science and archaeology.
• Compared to other "sacred" writings, the Bible is superior.

9I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.  1 Timothy 2:9-10 (New International Version)

Daddy gave me this booklet earlier this week called "Modesty Heart Check" by Carolyn Mahaney, Nicole Whitacre, Kristin Chesemore, Janelle Bradshaw. I am glad he gave me this booklet, because I've been thinking about dressing modestly and wondering where to get tips from. So I thought that you may want to take a look.

Here are some excerpts from the booklet:

 "Start with a Heart check ...

How does a women discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to lure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearence. - John MarArthur [emphasis added]"

• "What statement do my clothes make about my heart?"
• "In choosing what clothes to wear today, whose attention do I desire and whose approval do I crave? Am I seeking to please God or impress others?"
• "Is what I wear consistent with Biblical values of modesty, self-control and respectable apparel, or does my dress reveal an inordinate identification and fascination with sinful cultural values?"
• "Who am I trying to identify with through my dress? Is the Word of God my standard or is the latest fashion?"
• "Have I asked other godly individuals to evaluate my wardrobe?"
• "Does my clothing reveal and allegiance ot the gospel or is there any contradiction between my profession of faith and my practice of godliness?"

 "Before you leave the house, do a modesty check.(What are some things you should look for as you stand in front of your mirror?)"

"From the top..."

• " When I am wearing a loose-fitting blouse or scoop-neck, can I see anything when I lean over? If so, I need to remember to place my hand against my neckline when I bend over."
• " If I am wearing a button-down top, I need to turn sideways and move around to see if there are any gaping holes that expose my chest. If there are any, I've got to grab my sewing box and pin between buttons."
• " The same check is needed if I'm wearing a sleeveless shirt. When I move around, can I see my bra? If I do, I need to grab those pins again."
• " Am I wearing a spaghetti-strap, halter, or sheer blouse? Not even pins would fix this problem! Most guys find these a hindrance in their struggle with lust. It's time to go back to the closet."
• " Can I see the lace or seam of my bra through my shirt? In this case, seamless bras are a better option."
• " More key questions: Does my shirt reveal any part of my cleavage? Does my midriff show when I raise my hands above my head? Is my shirt just plain too tight? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then I need to change my outfit?"

"Moving on down..."

• "Does my midriff (or my underwear) show when I bend over or lift my hands? If so, is it because my skirt or pants are too low? Either my shirt needs to be longer or I need to find a skirt or pants that sit higher."
• " I also have to turn around to see if what I'm wearing is too tight around my backside, or if the outline of my underwear shows. If so, I know what to do!"
• " And as for my shorts - I can't just check them standing up. I need to see how much they reveal when I sit down. If I see too much leg, I need a longer pair."
• " The "sit-down" check applies to my skirt  or dress as well. And I must remember to keep my skirt pulled down and my knees together when I'm seated."
• " And speaking of skirts, watch out for those slits! Does it reveal too much when I walk? If so, I need a slip."
• " Before I leave, I need to give my skirt a sunlight check. Is it see through? If so, I need a slip."
• " Finally, I must remember to do this modesty check with my shoes on. High-heels make my dress or skirt appear shorter."
• " And don't forget-this applies wo formal wear as well."
• " A note on swimwear: It's not easy but you can still strive to be modest at a pool or beach. Look for one-piece bathing suits that aren't cut high on the leg and don't have low necklines."

 I am making a commitment to dress modestly, and to dress to impress God - not guys. Care to join me?

Count your blessings, not your troubles.

It's been awhile since I've done this. But everyone should count their blessings instead of their troubles. Every night when I go to bed, I lay there and think about what happened that day and what other people are going through and pray for them.

1. I'm grateful for God. I realized at age 13 that I could not go through life without Him.

 2. I'm grateful for parents who support me, take care of me and most of all LOVE me. Many teens don't have parents who actually care about their kids.  Love you Momma and Daddy!

 3. I'm grateful for clothing that makes me feel feminine.

 4. I'm grateful for education and being homeschooled. I had a hard time studying in public school. The lessons were really hard. But the way Mom teachs me I really understand her. I stay on one subject until I get it right.

 5. I'm grateful for a roof over my head to keep me safe.

 6. I'm grateful for my instruction book for life, the Bible.

 7. I'm grateful for church, where I can learn more about Him.

 8.  I'm grateful for good health.

 9.  I'm grateful for my glasses that I put on every morning to help me see.

 10. I'm grateful for food that fills my hunger.

 11. I'm grateful for drinks to quench my thirst.

 12. I'me grateful for doctors, police, and firefighters who help us.

 13. I'm grateful for such great friends. I have a best friend named Sarah. We've known each other since middle school. I was the one who invited her to my church and I trust her. Most of all I love her like a sister.

 14. I'm grateful for colors. Without colors our world would just be black and white.

 15. I'm grateful for plants to make our world beautiful.

 16. I'm grateful for weather like rain. I don't know about the other states but our state is under a drought.

 So when you go to bed don't count your troubles, count your blessings.

 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (NIV) 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Last Sunday night my youth group went to the Winter Jam Spectacular. There was music, food and a speaker. It was held at the Bobcat Arena in Charlotte. American Idol “Mandisa” was there. I didn't know that she was a Christian but I found out because she told us the story behind American Idol. “Mercy Me” was there.  They're one of my favorite bands. And one of my very favorite bands, “Barolow Girl” was there. The speaker, author Tony Nolan, was there.

He told a true story from last year about three teenagers who came to last year's Winter jam. Two were girls; one was a boy. One of the girls received Christ at the concert. When the concert was over they were driving home when a semi-truck ran right over them in the car. But none of them survived in the car crash.  It sounded pretty scary. I told my mom and my brothers the story. My mom said, "We may never know when we are going to heaven. So we have to ask God to forgive our sins every day.”

Tony also said over 38,000 people received Christ last year at Winter Jam. It was really fun.

Check out Winter Jam's tour schedule to see if they are touring in a city near you. Admission cost is only $10!