I've Made a Decision

I'm going to dress right.

I believe I really need to dress like the Godly woman I profess to be.

My dressing problems are probably a lot different from most people's, however. Modesty isn't a big issue. I've always tried to dress modestly. I'm even modest naturally! I've have been more conscious over the last few years of modesty issues I never thought about before (actually, I really didn't think about modesty--because I didn't intend to be immodest, I just assumed everything I chose to wear was automatically modest!). For one thing, I've become more conscious of skirt length. I've never worn short skirts, but I've never thought about just how long I want my skirts to be. I dress be default! I've also realized that most of my shirts are too short. Not intentionally--that's just the way shirts are (especially for someone who is long-waisted). I just accepted it before--that skin would show when I lift up my arms or bend over--but no more. It may be "normal" but I don't have to accept it!

I've never been fashion-conscious. That's sort of an under-statement. Anyway, I don't intend to become so now, but I do want to dress more becomingly. You know, I'm glad I don't have a fashion addiction to overcome!

I could NEVER be accused of spending too much money on clothes. In fact, I've never had enough money for clothes. Really. Most of my clothing for my entire life has been hand-me-downs from various people or gifts. When that's all you can get, you take what you can get, even if it's not perfect (welcome to my wardrobe!). A "clothing budget" has been a joke. This situation doesn't put me in a very good position to improve my way of dressing, but God is good. That does put me in a good position to improve my way of dressing. I have learned that God will concern Himself with providing me with decent clothing if I will trust Him.

Ah! I learned that lesson years ago. To make a long story short, for the last 8-10 years I have never (except for a few weeks) been without an ample supply of nice jeans (until recently they were all I wore except to church) that fit very well without spending a penny. Enough said!

I can sew, and I have a nice sewing machine (free!). I've also inherited fabric, patterns, and other sewing supplies from my grandmother who can't sew anymore. Getting everything, including my limited sewing skills, to work together is very challenging. I rarely have enough money to by any sewing supplies, including matching thread. My challenge as far as making my own clothing is concerned, is to get this random collection of patterns, zippers, thread, fabric, buttons, etc., to turn into garments that work for me.

I don't have a closet. We built our own house, but haven't built my own closet yet. This does not help matters. That was also an understatement.

Did I mention I don't have any money to spend on clothing or sewing supplies? Sigh. This would be a lot easier if I did. I know exactly where I would go to shop!

More Spring Pictures

A primrose
(I'm sorry it's a bit blurry!)

A Grape Hyacinth

A white Hyacinth

Busy as a Bee

I'm busy as a bee! I don't think I have been moving around quite as much as a bee, but my head certainly has been.

Okay, let me see . . . When I finish putting these dishes away then I can rinse and chop the greens. Then I'll wash the dishes.

When I get the dishes done, I need to sweep the floors and then wash flower pots. No, I need to check the laundry first. Maybe I'll check the laundry, then wash the pots, then sweep the floors. And vacuum. But I need to cook beans and rice too. And clean my bathroom. And I sure would like to blog today and write. And work on my websites. And . . . I wonder if I could have time to sew? But I might need to sweep and mop the kitchen floor, if Mom doesn't get home soon. I wonder if I'll need to help plant greens? And I really want to . . .


After I get done blogging I really need to clean my bathroom and sweep. Or should I sweep first and then clean my bathroom? . . . after I check the laundry, of course. Or should I go ahead and e-mail my women's ministry leader while I'm online, or should I do that later?


Whew!


I'm not complaining, though. Far from it! Sure, I would like to get my housework done so that I could spend my time doing other things, but I'm even enjoying the housework. It's not always that way. You see, I have suffered from depression, during which nothing brings me joy. But praise the Lord, today is not such a day. I have lots of interesting things to keep me busy (my head is spinning!) and I am capable of enjoying them. What more could I ask for?


I thank God for helping me
To be as busy as a bee.
For I was meant to be ALIVE!
And when I'm active ~ 'Tis then I thrive!

I Love Spring!

These are lilies just starting to come up. I think they are so cute at this stage!


A daffodil and a hyacinth.


Our first tulip!

Climbing Higher

I was reminded again this morning and in the quiet hours of the night before, how truly unworthy I am. How slow I am to progress, how inadequate I would be as a helpmeet, how unprepared to train and educate little ones.

I could be content to be in the state I am in ~ but I am not. Why settle for less when you can have more? It would be a denial of my God to do only that which was easy, which was natural, which suited my tastes.

My journey ~ not just in these things but in all areas of life ~ might be compared to rock-climbing (not that I have ever engaged in rock-climbing, but I have watched it). As I climb up the cliff, I am often tempted ~ and often persuaded ~ to stay and rest awhile on a ledge, where life is easy. It's not a bad place. I'm not regressing. Yet I need to climb higher, and still higher, rather than stay in the same secure place.


I think of the the hymn "Higher Ground":

I'm pressing on the upward way,

New heights I'm gaining every day.

If only I were gaining new heights every day! Too often I lounge on a ledge and soothe my conscience that I am not where I used to be and that I am in a good place. I fear the climb. It's too hard. I'm tired. What if I fall? It's better to stay here than to risk a back-set. May I have the courage to climb higher.

May I always be at peace, but never content.


Words of "Higher Ground" by Johnson Oatman, Jr.