Modesty: My Standards

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 

(1 Corinthians 10:31)

Alright, well, to kick off this "conversation" about modesty, I think it is only fair to start off by telling you how I dress. I would be lying if I told you I was the perfect image of modesty and holiness: I'm not. I stumble everyday. 

It's important to remember that everyone struggles more than others in different areas. For example, Joey may be tempted to view pornography, Kate might be slipping up and using foul language, or Tommy could be constantly telling lies. Sisters, no one is perfect. If you, too, struggle with modesty, I am not here to condemn you; I am here to give you a gentle push in the right direction.

1. If you looked at me and your eyes were drawn to my chest, my shirt would be too tight/low-cut.
2. If I bent over and you were able to see the majority of my legs, my dress or skirt would be too short.
3. If I am constantly fidgeting with my outfit because I feel uncomfortable wearing it in public, it is not something I should be wearing.
4. If I cringe at the thought of standing next to Jesus in what I am wearing, I do not need to be wearing it.

As you can see, I do not have hard and fast rules regarding length, cut, etc. My guidelines are based on humbling myself and not being a stumbling block to my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: Buy I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matthew 2:27-28)

I am not one to say that if a man is thinking of you sexually, it is your fault entirely. However, note how Matthew says "committed adultery with her." A man cannot commit adultery on his own, there must be a second vessel of sin. It is your job not to be that second vessel.

I would love to hear your thoughts on modesty in the comments! Please keep in mind that you are talking to real people with real feelings. All comments are subject to moderation and deletion.

Claire

Modesty 101

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Hello, sisters! Today I am going to be sharing with you a new series: Modesty 101! I am very excited to start this journey with you all!

• My Modesty Standards
• Modesty in the Bible
• Modesty: An Issue of the Heart
• Being Modest When The World Isn't
• Why I Dress Modestly 

Make sure to stay tuned to read all of the posts in the series!

Claire

Dear Struggling Daughter-at-Home,

Oh, dear sister, how I can sympathize with you. There will be days when you want nothing more than to leave your convictions behind and join the rest of the world. These days will pass, just like the rest.

It's a waiting game, you see. You wait and wait until you are done with your studies. Then you wait some more until someone comes along (or doesn't) that asks to court you. Then you wait (and pray) to see if this gentleman is the one God has intended for you to marry. Then you wait some more until you are finally married.

Sisters, no matter where you are in your individual walk with God, you may feel impatient and rebellious. you must remember, you are a daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! There is no one like Him. Pour your heart out to Him. Do not stray from his side. You are His child, and you mustn't disobey His commands.

The short-term pleasure you may receive from becoming of the world is nothing compared to the everlasting joy you will obtain from staying true to God's word.

The Good Lord has put it on my heart to write this today, and I hope it blesses at least one of you young ladies in some way.

Claire

Preparing for the Future: $$$

That's a wrap! In the past week, you've learned why it is important to save your money and how to budget and coupon! Whew! You have learned more valuable lessons than you might think. 

In case you ever doubt your financial decisions, here are some reasons why you need to prepare for your future (financially, that is) now:

• your future husband may loose his job right after you marry
• your parents may become unable to support you
• you may fall ill and have unplanned bills to pay
• something dear to your heart may come up that you want to financially support 

Sisters, I am not wishing these things upon you. What I want is for you to be prepared for whatever comes your way. May God bless you always!

Claire

How to Form a Budget (+ free printable!)

Hello girls! Today, I am going to be sharing with you all some of my favorite budgeting tips! Please, make sure you read until the end, because there is a FREE printable! 

Even when you are still living at home, there is no time too early to start keeping track of your expenses and putting yourself on a budget. When you are on a budget, you will find that you have more money for the things you want and need, instead of constantly having to borrow money from older family members. Keeping track of how much you spend and how you spend it can also make you a smarter shopper. Your money has more value when you are aware of how much you have been blessed monetarily. 

When you first start out, start simply. Even just keeping track of your allowance or other small income will help you greatly! As you grow more comfortable with writing down your cash flow, you will find yourself saving more and spending less.

So, let me know how budgeting works for you! Do you keep track of your money? If so, how?

Claire

P.S. Make sure you download your FREE spending log!

FREE Printable Weekly Expenses Log:

(click HERE to download)

Couponing 101

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8 KJV)

Hello, sisters! Today I wanted to share with you some of my favorite couponing strategies. I'm not talking about anything extreme, that's not really up my alley. Couponing is a good skill to master now, especially for us girls who are entering the "courtship age."

There are a few things that I always clip coupons for:

• disposable razors
• shampoo
• body wash
• feminine hygiene products
• cleaning products (bleach, dish soap, etc.)
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes 

The reason I am always on the lookout for these products is that people will always need them. Also, if I happen to have a surplus of products, I am able to donate them to my town's local help center. I live in a mid-sized rural community with a strong farm based income. We have a lot of poverty around here so I try to donate items whenever possible (no matter what type of community you live in, I would encourage you to do the same).

Now, I'll be sharing with you a few of my favorite couponing resources.

(coupons.com)

Print coupons up to two times per computer. In order to print the coupons, you need to download the software, but I have never experienced any problems/viruses with the software.

(couponmom.com)

This website pretty much does the thinking behind couponing for you. Coupon Mom provides you with the best stores to spend your coupons at, so you can pay as little as possible for the things you need.

(moneysavingmom.com)

Money Saving Mom is a blog and a coupon data base (+ she is open about her faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ)! Each week she also posts the best deals of the week for various stores.

So, now that you have all of these new found resources at your fingertips, are you itching to get started? Me too. But what to do with all of the coupons?! You have several options:

• envelopes: ideal for people with small families or who are new to couponing
• accordian file: "intermediate" couponers or people who just like to stock up on the basics
• ringed biner: the extremist or someone who does volunteer work/donations or with a large family

I hope this post has been helpful to at least one person. Let me know some of your couponing strategies in the comments (I always reply)!

Claire

I'm Living at Home! Why Do I Need to Save Money?!

Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. 

(Proverbs 13:11 KJV)

While you're still living at home (no matter how old you are), it can be tempting to slack off and rely on your parents for your every need. Newsflash: that is NOT how it is going to be when you go out into the "real" world. So while you probably aren't paying a morgage now, you still need to be saving and budgeting your money.

Some things you should consider saving for:

• used car
• gasoline
• clothing
• gifts
• items for your hope chest
• crafting supplies 

That's all for today's furgal living post! Keep checking back for more updates to this series. May God's blessings pour down on you today!

Claire

Frugal Living: SAHD Edition

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:21 KJV)

Welcome, sisters! Today, I'm going to be sharing a "table of contents" of sorts with you all. I'm starting a new series on living frugally as a stay-at-home daughter (SAHD). Without further ado, here is a list of all posts in this series. Happy reading!

• I'm Living at Home! Why Do I Need to Save Money?! 
• Couponing 101
• How to Form a Budget (+ free printable!)
• Preparing for the Future: $$$

All of these posts will be published in the coming weeks and linked back here! Have a blessed day!

Claire

Homemaking Skill #2: Cake Decorating

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. (Proverbs 31:13 KJV)

Hello, sisters! Today I wanted to share with you a sweet Easter cake that my grandmother taught my sister and I to make this week. It is very easy to make and you can decorate it however you like.

What You'll Need:

• 2 8" Circular Pans
• Powdered Sugar
• Milk
• 1 cup Butter, softened
• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3 oz Cream Cheese
• Cake Mix (store bought or homemade)
• Assorted Candies
• Coconut
• Food Coloring 

Make the two cakes as you normally would, using your 8" pans. After the cakes are done baking, you'll need to let them completely cool (this should take 10-15 minutes). While the cakes are cooling, you should go ahead and make your icing. Of course, you could use store bought icing but it simply won't taste as good. 

(image source)

To Make the Icing:

1. Combine the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat; take periodic breaks to add powdered sugar. Use enough powdered sugar to get the consistency you want. 

Cutting the Cake:

1. Keep one of the cakes whole. This cake will be the bunny's head.
2. Cut the second cake as shown above. The two side pieces will be the bunny's ears and the center piece will by his bow tie. 

Once you've let the cake cool and cut it to your liking, you're free to ice and otherwise decorate the cake. For the cake my sister, grandmother, and I made (shown above) we used food coloring to turn coconut green and used it as grass. However, the only limit is your imagination, so do as you please!

If you decide to make one, let me know how it turns out!

Claire

Homemaking Skill #1: Needlepoint

Hello ladies! Today, I wanted to share with you a new skill I have been working on - needlepoint/cross stitch! I have enjoyed learning this new skill so much, I think it may be one of my new favorite things to do! 

Needlepoint (when done correctly) results in a beautiful piece of decor or pleasant gift for a friend or neighbor. This would also be a nice piece to add to your hope chest! 

Supplies Needed:

• Embroidery Needles
• Canvas - cloth or plastic 
• Hoop - plastic or wooden
• Floss
• Pattern (optional)

Let me know if you decide to give needlepoint a try! I'll let you know how mine turns out.

Blessings,

Claire

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom we also have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience: and experience, hope: (Romans 5:1-4 KJV)

:)