Enjoying Ohio

Namely, a certain Thomas who is the center of attention! :)

John called on Thursday night with news that the next day wouldn't be a good one for travel. A lot of snow was predicted, so I put off my intended journey, hoping things would clear up. It's a good thing I didn't drive on Friday, for it certainly snowed a lot! The weather was clear for Saturday, however, so I made the 12-hour drive. I left at 6 AM that morning, which made for a nice trip. When you can get half of your journey completed by lunch, it doesn't seem as long.

The highways were completely clear, and the road I had to take into town wasn't bad. I really enjoyed the scenery as I drove. You don't see snow like this in Alabama! The white horizons, the crystallized trees, the artistic placement of snow... What a testament to God's beauty!

Of course, the first thing I wanted to do upon arrival was hold my sweet new nephew! Thomas is my 5th nephew - and I also have 4 nieces - but that doesn't make him any less special. Each one is such a gift from God! Of course, I'm a little biased, but Thomas Enoch sure is a sweetie! :)

Miriam makes a wonderful mother, and I'm glad I can be here to help out for a week. She's feeling a lot better, more recovered from the birth, but I can still lighten her load by making meals, cleaning up, and of course holding the baby!

John makes a great father, and it's a joy to see him and Miriam as parents. We all knew they'd make amazing ones.

All of the pictures in this post are from John's camera. He takes really good ones, and Thomas, at 12 days old, is quite well documented. ;-)

So, if you don't hear from me this week, you'll understand. I'm enjoying one of life's big blessings: a helpless, adorable new baby. My arms are full of a bundle of joy!

Reasons for Modesty

Modesty is a way of life for me. It always has been, and always shall be. But why do I dress modestly? Am I only doing it because that's what my parents have taught me?

No, modesty is also a choice I've made for myself. Long ago I stopped having to ask my mom about clothes I bought, though I do consult my mom or dad occasionally if I have a question. I've long since developed my own clothing style - knowing what I will and won't wear.

But what reasons do I have for dressing modestly?

God commands it
No, God's Word doesn't say exactly how long our hemline must be, or how high the neckline must come, but principles for modest dress are throughout the Bible. 1 Timothy 2:8-9 says it clearly: "I also want a women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God." This passage isn't talking as much about clothes as it is about character, but it is clear that what you wear is definitely a part of modesty. While modesty should begin in the heart, it is most often visible in what you wear.

It helps our brothers-in-Christ
Like it or not, men are very visual. Though they should be careful to guard their thoughts, we, their sisters-in-Christ, should do them a service by not intentionally dressing in a way that will incite lustful thoughts. By dressing modesty, we can do our part to not put a stumbling block in our brother's way (Romans 14:13).

In today's world, temptations abound. Let's help the men around us by not wearing or doing things that will make them wage a battle against lust when interacting with us. They face enough out in the world; as Christian ladies, we should provide them with a place of safety. Then they can truly enjoy getting to know us a person - not being distracted by our body.

It's beautiful!
Let's face it: no one has a perfect body. The things that look oh-so-amazing on the air-brushed models won't look as good on those whose images haven't been edited. Wearing things that cover well will conceal less-than-perfect attributes. Wearing things that reveal intimate parts will just make you uncomfortable. Anyone who has worn something a little too small, short, or low and spent the day trying to adjust it will know what I'm talking about. :) Wearing something that fits your size and body type will leave you comfortable and free to serve others. If you're not worrying about your clothes, you're more likely to be joyful - and a smile will transform anyone into a beauty. :)

It protects you
Again, men must be responsible for their own actions. But dressing and behaving modestly will send the message that you don't want their advances, that you're not to be messed with. Maybe what you're wearing won't cause men to look twice - but that is a blessing! Modesty will help you be respected.

It blesses your husband
Even if you don't yet know who your husband is, by being modest, you are honoring him by protecting your body. Even if you have the perfect body, why would you want all men to see it? Your husband will feel respected when you save the intimate details for him. It is a treasure to be guarded, and a beautiful gift for him alone.

It makes a statement
By definition, modesty has to do with humility and not drawing attention to yourself. Often this is the case, but in other occasions, you may stand out because of your modest apparel. This shouldn't be the driving reason to dress modestly, but it is one that can be a blessing. Your modesty may cause others to ask why you dress the way you do - and that may be an opportunity for you to share Christ's love with them.

Besides, who wants to look exactly like everyone else? Modesty can give you beautiful uniqueness. Clothing that is lovely, affordable, and modest isn't easy to find - but it can be one of those "hard things" we do for God's glory. Modesty in actions also isn't easy; it probably won't bring popularity. But, again, this is another hard thing we can do, and in doing so, bring glory to God.

It encourages others
I can't count the times people have thanked me for dressing and behaving modestly. Again, receiving praise shouldn't be our motivation, but encouraging others should be. Even if they don't say it, many are refreshed by modesty. Seeing you, a grandma may find hope for this generation; a mother may rejoice in finding a role model for her young daughters; your peers may be encouraged to do the same, knowing they're not alone; men old or young may silently thank you for helping to guard their eyes and thoughts.

Some may look down on you for it. Some may claim that you're just uncomfortable with your body. Others may deride you for not staying up with the latest fashions. But God's way often isn't the most accepted way. Knowing that the way you dress and act pleases Him will help you not mind so much the opinions of others.

Modesty isn't a set of rules. Often it looks a bit different in different cultures and time periods. But there are timeless guidelines; you'll know what covers enough and what doesn't. I have my own guidelines of things I definitely won't wear, but I never have to measure a hemline to find out whether or not I'm passing the point of modesty. The Holy Spirit is our guide; if something just doesn't feel right, it may His gentle nudging that you shouldn't wear it.

This is in no way an exhaustive list, or the "Top 7 Reasons for Modesty." They're just a few points to help you think about why you believe in modesty, and hopefully to encourage you to continue practicing it.

What about you? If someone asked you, what would you say were your reasons for modesty?

Sisters for Two Years

Two years ago today, I sent out my first "Sisters of the Heart" email. Two days earlier, I'd emailed my closest friends - Miriam, Jennifer, and Gabrielle, and asked if they'd like to form an email accountability group. Though we would have loved to meet together on a regular basis, email was the way it had to be. You see, though Miriam and I lived only 45 minutes apart, the others were states away, one in Nebraska, the other in Idaho.

Ironically, all of our friendships grew via email. Though Miriam and I had known each other since we were 4 - in fact, her family helped move my family in when we moved to Alabama - we never were extremely close until we started emailing each other frequently when we were 11.

Jennifer found me through a comment I made on The Rebelution, went to my old blog, and from there to my personal website (which isn't updated much anymore...), where she figured out that we shared the same exact birthday. Her comment with the subject "It's my Twin!" made me wary at first, but suspicions were soon put to rest when I read what she had to say, and we started emailing. We have so much in common, we've decided that we truly are long-lost twins. :) That was 3 years ago, and we have since met in person 3 times and enjoyed walking through life sharing experiences with each other.

Gabrielle sent me an encouraging email around 2 1/2 years ago, after reading Maidens of Worth. Due to a busy few months, we didn't start seriously emailing until 2 months later, when we discovered a kindred spirit in each other. We've also kept up a lengthy snail-mail correspondence, discovering that we both could write long letters! Her stack of letters exceeds the letters from any other penpal. :) We have yet to meet in person, though we have high hopes of all getting together this summer. Though we've never talked face to face, our hearts have truly connected.

We still continue our weekly emails (now on week 105!), sending out our goals and prayers at the beginning of the week, and the follow-up results and praises at the end of the week or beginning of the next. We've also started periodic conference calls through a free service Jen set up. These sisters have given me motivation to get many needed things done, and upheld me in prayer so many time. I am so thankful for the blessing God has given me in them.

I have been blessed with many biological sisters, but these sisters of the heart, being the same age, and often going through the same struggles, have been a special blessing. I always wanted a twin when I was a girl. Who knew I'd eventually be a part of a set of quadrupelets? :)

Though we are similar, sharing similar convictions and interests, we're also quite different. We've been encouraged in our similarities and differences, amazed at the way God works in each person's life.

We're not perfect; we struggle in many ways; we often don't meet our goals; I don't always support them as much as I should. But God's grace is there for our every need. And it has been a blessing to know that my sisters of the heart are there as well, only an email, letter, or phone call away. Each of us have gone through tumultuous times, but knowing that our sisters were there, praying, and encouraging, has made them a little easier.

Gabrielle, Jen, and Miriam, happy 2-year anniversary of "official" sisterhood! =) I look forward to many more years of sharing together.

Scenes from Orange Beach

This past weekend, some friends blessed us with a stay at their condo in Orange Beach, AL. The weather was very cold, but the weekend was wonderfully relaxing.

The view from the balcony, and gazing out of the sliding glass door, was so peaceful!

We drove up on Friday, and returned on Monday. It was the perfect end to a busy month. Away from home distractions, computers, and all that had to do with teaching (much as I enjoy it!), I was able to have a restful break. With all the free time, I enjoyed walks on the beach, writing, playing games, writing, watching movies, writing, reading, journalling, and writing some more!

By God's grace I was able to complete the first (rough) draft of the current musical I'm writing and hope to direct this summer. Extended time away from distractions was exactly what I needed, and the car ride home allowed me to finish the handwritten draft - totaling 50 notebook pages (25 double-sided). :)

It may have been cold, but I wanted to get some beach pictures without being all bundled up!

And yes, I did walk the beach barefoot the first two days. Why else do you walk there except to enjoy the sand between your toes? ;-)

My parents.

Winter coats and mittens aren't exactly what you comes to mind when you think of beach attire, but it was a necessity this weekend!

I enjoyed taking pictures of the waves, always coming in and receding... Never a dull moment.

Jubilee looked for and found many neat shells. By the end, I too joined in the search!

Late afternoon on Friday, there was a path of shimmering light across the water...

Great subjects for photography experiments. :) I amused myself playing with the different lighting settings on my camera.

I thought this was neat: bird and human tracks intersecting. :)

On Sunday night there was finally a long-anticipated sunset! I checked hopefully each morning for a sunrise, but there never was a beautiful one, due to all the cloudy conditions.

The city against a pink-hued background, with magnificent clouds overhead.

God truly knows how to put colors together!

After taking too many pictures, I slipped back inside and began writing once more - but then had to go back out when I saw this cloud formation.

Jubilee and I went to the beach early on Monday morning, in search of more shells and an enjoyable walk.

The overcast conditions made it quite chilly! I knew it was time to go back inside when my fingers were so numb they could barely feel the shells I was picking up. And yes, I was sensible and wore shoes this time. :)

I know, January isn't exactly the prime time to go the beach. But, I am so thankful for the opportunity we had, and the fruitful and restful weekend God gave us.

Now, I have a few full days before I drive to Ohio on Friday. My sister Miriam had a beautiful baby boy last Thursday, and I'm excited to be going up to help her for around 8 days!

January 2010 Reading List

Anna's Books

Completed this Month:

• Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs - As a book for married couples, this is one I’ll want definitely want to re-read once I’m a wife myself. Its simple message is that a wife’s need is love and a husband’s need is respect. Yet, because men and women are different, conflicts often arise and they deny each other their vital need, resulting in a crazy cycle. With plenty of real-life stories, both humorous and touching, and tips for practical application, this is a helpful and enjoyable book – and one that may change your relationship. A minor criticism is that it seemed a little repetitive, but that may be good for really ingraining the message within you. Apply this message to get off the crazy cycle and onto the energizing cycle, and ultimately reap great rewards in your marriage.
• Michael O’Halloran by Gene Statton-Porter - This heartwarming book tells the story of an orphan boy caring for himself on the streets of a big city, working as a newsie, and enriching the lives of others. His lonely life changes when he takes in another orphan, and begins selflessly caring for her. At the same time, we read the story of a sweet young lady living with her father, soon to be married. Her love story is very sweet and pure, and the way they reach out to “Mickie” (as he’s called) and his response and help to them is fun to read. The story is somewhat idealized, and some of the things that happen seem very unlikely, but it was a wonderful read. This author hasn’t yet disappointed me with her Christian-themed, touching stories.
• Our Heavenly Inheritance by Ruth Stewart – When I got the ideas for a musical about Jericho and the characters involved, mom gave me this book, which is a devotional based on the Biblical account of entering the promised land. Now, as I begin to write the musical, I finally read the book. :) It’s short and easy to read, but very insightful in its parallels to the historical account of Joshua and our own lives as Christians.
• When God Writes Your Love Story – by Eric and Leslie Ludy – Sometimes I just need to be reminded that the wait will be worth it, that God can script a beautiful love story if I surrender the pen to Him and wait for His time, that others walking the same path do exist. This book will cause you to think about the relationships around you, and chase you to the Author of Romance for all you’ll ever need. It also gives practical examples of how to prepare for marriage while in the waiting season. I’ve read this book a few times since I was 15, and I never cease to be delighted with the humor and the touching scenes, and nearly always notice something new to apply in my current season of life. If you haven’t read this book, I definitely recommend it! But, if you’re under 15 or so, you may want to have your parent screen it first, as it deals with some mature and heartbreaking issues.
• Manners and Customs in the Bible by Victor H. Matthews – Subtitled “An Illustrated Guide to Daily Life in Bible Times,” this book presented facts about the way life was in 5 different periods of Biblical history, from the Patriarchs to the New Testament. It was interesting to read about things archeologists have discovered from those times and get glimpses of other historical things happening around the time of the Bible. It wasn’t the most gripping book, however, nor necessarily the most useful. I read it to get ideas for directing Biblical musicals, and didn’t learn much I didn’t already know. But, it is a good reference should I need to write about life in a certain Biblical period.
• Unashamed by Francine Rivers - In writing a musical script that includes the story of Rahab, I remembered this book I'd read a few years ago about her. It's a fictional novel in an interesting series about the five women included in the genealogy of Christ. Though fiction, it stays true to the Biblical account, and has good insights into the way things might have happened. The characterization is great as well. One caution is that, as it deals with the story of Rahab - a prostitute, though she leaves the life by God's grace - I wouldn't necessarily recommend the book to anyone under 16, although it is written in a tasteful way.
  

Currently Reading:

• Ninth Witness by Bodie and Brock Thoene
  
• The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
• The Art of Theatre by Downs, Wright, and Ramsey
• Dance Anatomy and Kinesiology by Karen Clippinger
  
• John Adams by David McCullough
• Faith Alone by Martin Luther, edited by James C. Galvin

Miriam's Books

Completed this Month:

I haven't completed any books this month because...school has resumed! I've been slowly reading Little Dorrit a chapter-a-night, so it will be finished eventually.

Currently Reading:

• Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
• And The Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers
• My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers

What about you? What have you read recently?

Inner Beauty

Unlike a morning glory, it won't fade.

Photo Credit: No, we don't have flowers blooming yet! I took this on a walk back in August '09.

Curbing Computer Cravings

What is your biggest time waster?

For many, like myself, the answer would have something to do with the computer, and more specifically, the internet. The amount of information accessible at your fingertips is endless. There's always new things to read, new ways to connect, new things to learn. While these opportunities aren't bad, they can easily be abused.

Too often, I sit down at the computer when I'm tired and just want something somewhat brainless to do. Too often, the hours fly by while I jump from one blog to another, reading some very worthwhile articles, and some ramblings that just didn't need to be read. Too often, I turn to the computer to stay up-to-date with family and friends instead of taking the time to interact in more meaningful ways. Too often, late nights on the computer result in mornings of regret.

One of my goals for 2010 is to curb these bad computer habits. Though I've already failed a few times, the following guidelines help keep me on track. There is so much to life beyond what you experience in front of a screen!

Not on too early
The first part of the day is, for me, the most productive in terms of studying and getting needed things done. If I turn the computer on first thing, even just to quickly check my email, it's too easy to get caught up in answering emails, reading the latest blogs, checking favorite sites - and before I know it, an hour or two has passed. Getting a late start in the morning usually brings the productivity of my whole day down.

So, my guideline is to not turn the computer on until I've completed most of my studying for that day. It doesn't happen every day - sometimes I have no choice but to get on for teaching-related things - but as a whole, it keeps me focused and diligent. Sometimes I really want to see if an important email has been answered or a post responded to, but delaying that gratification helps me stay disciplined as I work, and provides motivation to complete my work.

And somehow, when I get on the computer later in the day, things don't seem to take as long, and I'm less likely to waste time.

Off by 10 PM
Setting this rule has been one of the best things for this new year. My eyes often hurt after hours staring at a screen, and it's even worse if that time is spent at night. Plus, I noticed that, while some good things got done when I was on late (such as blogging and working on production details), most of the time spent on the computer late at night wasn't very profitable. I had a higher tendency to feel lonely and try to quench that by browsing blogs or Facebook, wasting time as I checked yet again for new things.

My sleep also suffered. I'm usually pretty good about getting up at the same time each morning (though this, too, has been harder to get back into after the weird schedule of the holidays), so when I go to bed late, it means that I loose needed sleep. Lost sleep attributes to lethargy, headaches, and decreased productivity the next day.

While turning the computer off by 10 PM doesn't necessarily mean that I turn the light off by then, it does make me more likely to go to bed at a decent hour. It's also motivation to me, if I get on the computer before bed to check something, to get it done quickly and not waste time. Again, this rule can be broken if there are urgent things to attend to. But most things, I've learned, won't hurt if they wait until the next day.

It's amazing what a relief it is when the computer goes off each night. The computer, to me, often signifies work, so when its noise ceases, I feel much more relaxed.

None on Sunday
Another guideline I've been following for quite a few months is to not even turn my computer on on Sundays. Again, I found that most of the time I spent on the computer on Sunday afternoons was not well spent. Plus, I just needed a break, a day to disconnect from the virtual world.

Though as Christians, we don't have to observe Sabbath laws, God was truly wise to set aside one day in every seven as a day of rest. When you work the whole week through, you enter the next week feeling tired instead of refreshed. Since instituting the "no computer on Sunday" policy, I have entered each new week relaxed and ready to face all that it brought, instead of in a frenzy and feeling stressed. After church in the morning, not having the distraction of the computer gives me great time to spend with family, play games, read, write, choreograph, sew, watch a movie, or be with friends all afternoon/evening. Sundays have become one of my favorite days!

Each one is different
Not everyone needs to follow the guidelines I have, for each one of you leads different lives and has different needs. For some, the computer may provide little or no temptation to waste time. For others, you're entire job revolves around the computer, so you naturally need to use it more than I. But for me, the above goals have helped me use my time more wisely this year. I pray that I will have the self-control to follow them the whole year through, and in doing so, not have so much of a tendency to waste time online.

The computer isn't bad - I enjoy the many opportunities it provides. But more often these days, I just get tired of technology. In setting these goals, I hope to glorify God better with my time this year, using the computer in ways that help with that, but also knowing when to take a break.

What about you? Do you struggle with wasting time online? How do you curb your computer cravings?

Even on Difficult Days

Today hasn't been the best of days. When I realized that we didn't have anywhere to go this weekend besides church on Sunday morning, I had high hopes of getting stuff done. When I went on an impromptu trip to Hancock's Fabrics yesterday afternoon, a lot of plans for Friday got shifted to today. No problem - I had plenty of time. After all, there's a lot you can do when you have an entire day at home!

As I sit here and type, the best part of the day is gone, and only one thing has been checked off of my to-do list. To make matters worse, around noon I was in a horrible mood and took it out on my mom. I was irritable, felt awful, and rejected any of their attempts to help. I definitely wasn't displaying the fruits of the Spirit, despite the time I'd spent doing devotions this morning.

I could blame my irritability on a host of things: the feeling that I'm coming down with a virus, womanly hormones, sore muscles, and the headache that started yesterday afternoon, woke me up with its pounding at 6:30 AM, and resulted in my taking pain relievers, eating a bit of banana, and going back to bed until 9:30 AM. But the fact remains: my reaction to these downsides of life is sin.

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." (Romans 7:15)

It's nice to know that even the apostle Paul struggled. I can definitely relate with him:

"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing." (Romans 7:18-19)

Sin can seem like a little thing. After all, everyone has their days! Fleeing interaction with others, after lunch I climbed the hill to my spot, hoping the fresh air would clear my head, then retreated to the solitude of my room. My mood affects the rest in the family, so perhaps things would be better if I just avoided them for a while, I reasoned.

Even on difficult days, however, God is still there, and He is still working. When we, with Paul, exclaim,

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24)

the answer is the same:

"Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:25)

As I prayed and, I admit, complained some on the hillside, God helped alter my perspective. A book I read inside" just happened" to deal with confessing sin and asking others' forgiveness, and by God's grace I was able to, though it was hard to admit my wrong to my mother. I'm human, after all. But thanks be to God - He has given me grace through the Lord Jesus Christ and guidance and comfort through the Holy Spirit.

Even though the day is half gone, I can start again with a renewed perspective. I may not have as much time as before, but the hours I do have are a gift that can be used well. I still don't feel my best, but at least the headache is pretty much gone, which makes the other things more bearable.

I have plenty to be thankful for - most of all, the grace of God that allows me to keep going even when I fail so many times. When I am weak, His strength doesn't falter. And in that strength, I will carry on.

Surrender

"God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him." - Andrew Murray

"Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my time, my all, utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever." - The daily prayer of Betty Stam, missionary and eventual martyr in China

These quotes were found while reading A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George

"Beyond Bethlehem" Pictures and Slideshows

In the midst of Christmas travels, preparing for the start of dance classes for the spring, with all of the choreography and costume searches, and preparing for our cast party, I never took time to upload many pictures from "Beyond Bethlehem." But, now they are up for your enjoyment! It's nothing like being at an actual presentation, but it does give you a taste of the production.

If you're interested, click the below links to see pictures, slideshows, and a dance from the production.

Cast Picture Slideshow - introduces the characters
Album of pictures from Dress Rehearsals - outlines the story with pictures and captions
Picture slideshow - shares pictures and memories from the rehearsals
A Silent Prayer - The dance that opened the musical, in which I portray the prophetess Anna interceding for her nation. It is a silent video, since I had to remove the music for the upload due to copyright.

It's hard to believe it's all over... But there are plenty of things coming up in the future that are keeping me busy!