Be careful in the sun!

Even though I presently live in a part of the country where people find it very easy to get a good tan, I am very careful about avoiding sun exposure. I know that it is unusual to not want a tan, but it seems to me that it should be an obvious choice.

Does a tan look nice? Yes, it does. I do not like to look like a ghost, either. But honestly, how much better do we really look with our skin just a tad darker? We don't really look that different, anyway. A tan will not transform a homely girl into a beautiful model. But that beautiful model will not look the same with a face full of wrinkles when she is still young!

Skin cancer is certainly a big risk. However, people seem to have a hard time focusing on that. Perhaps it is because we do not see that consequence for many years. Perhaps it is because we do not see tons of people with skin cancer all of the time, and therefore we do not think that it will happen to us. But we must consider whether what we are doing right now might possibly prevent us from living a long life, putting ourselves and our families through misery that could have been easily avoided.

But wrinkles and tough, leathery skin are consequences that people all seem to really fear. Tanning is done for the sake of beauty, but that purpose is surely defeated!

This article New Wrinkle for Tanning Junkies discusses that. I found it interesting.

We really need to be careful not to become obsessed with tanning. What is better: to be a little darker right now, which only lasts for a couple of weeks, or to preserve our complexions for the rest of our lives?

Some things that we can work on:
1. Avoid spending more time in the sun than necessary when the rays are most harmful.
2. Wear good sunscreen. I would like to find a good foundation that contains sunblock, because that would ensure protection on my face every day, all year. I frequently forget or do not bother to put sunblock on my face on a daily basis, partially because I do not like the way it feels.
3. Wear clothing that protects the skin, such as a hat.
4. Remember to do the same for your children!

Someday, I want somebody to look at me and say to my grandchild, "What? She's your grandma?" ;-D

Article about singleness

Hello all,

I recently came across this article, Seven Myths Single Women Believe. As a single woman, I found it interesting. People surely do like to give us advice! Which advice are we supposed to listen to?

One interesting thing is that I have seen several articles in recent months (both by Christians and by non-Christians) which sort of blast women for not "wanting" to get married younger. These authors argue against this problem: that women are determined to climb the ladder of success, dating around until they are professionally established, having the dim notion that once they reach the top of their field, they will then decide that it is time to get married to the world's most perfect man, who has just been sitting around waiting for her, and have a family right then. OK, yes, that does sound rather silly.

But this is not the problem with me or with the girls that I know. From my point of view, the women in my social sphere would love to get married if only the right opportunity would come along.

I am genuinely curious: what do people think that single women are supposed to be doing? They are getting blamed for being single because they have jobs. Maybe they have those jobs because they are single. (?)

Does having a job prevent a woman from ever becoming a homemaker? True, there are some women who are too career-focused to shift that focus to having a family. But what can the others do to avoid appearing like that is their focus?

This article seems to come closer to being helpful than some things I have seen, but I'm not sure that it comes to any strong conclusions. Any thoughts?

No wonder

Look at the following article:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2007-03-01-american-tv_x.htm?csp=24

No wonder people from these countries despise Americans. Their only view of our day-to-day lives is what they see on these vile TV shows! I knew that they watched American TV, but I didn't realize it was such a huge industry over there. If I thought that an entire country was like the people on Desperate Housewives or Friends, I would not like that country, either!

We need to realize that their view of us is warped because of what they are basing it on.

So what can we do about it?

First of all and most importantly, we need to be praying about what is going on in the world. Surely the Lord would bless the efforts of our military more if His people were on their knees, consistently praying about it. Have we forgotten prayer in this issue? I am among solid Christians all the time, and yet I almost never hear anyone praying about our country's foreign relations. We pray for the safety of the troops, which is great, but there is more to it than just that.

Also, perhaps we can try doing something about giving them a good opinion of Americans. After all, the average American is not nearly as bad as the people on these shows. To start, we need to make sure that we are not supporting these shows ourselves! How can we stand watching something that goes so directly against the Word of God and makes a mockery of His perfect plan? If these shows were not popular right here in America, they would not have been able to achieve such popularity overseas.

We should strive to be a good example ourselves. Okay, so I'm not really sure what I can do myself to directly be a good example to the Iraqis, but they do watch our country. If they see evidence of Christians living righteously, the Lord can use that. If we are working to influence our own country for the cause of Christ, it will have an effect. Remember the principle of sowing and reaping: you do reap more than you sow. Let's sow seeds of righteous whenever we get the chance.

It grieves me to see my testimony as an American being demeaned because I am associated with these programs. These people do not need to watch examples of sin: they need the light of God's Word. It is our job to get it to them. Let's not assume that someone else will take care of it. Find a way to be a light to that area of the world, and go for it! Jesus is Victor!

The modesty survey is available

The modesty survey results are in. Let's go see what the men have to say! I haven't looked at it yet, but I'm about to. Let me know what you think.

Scary article about Pelosi

Read this article about what Nancy Pelosi wants to do in our churches. This is not what our founding fathers would have intended!! She must not be permitted to do this!

The Rebelution Modesty Survey

This is really neat -- you should check this out!

Alex and Brett Harris (little brothers of Joshua Harris who wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye) have a web site, the Rebelution. On their web site, they have made the best modesty survey that I have ever seen. They are trying to get 1,000 Christian guys to answer this survey so that we ladies can know how guys really feel about the way that we dress and present ourselves. Only guys can answer the survey, but girls can read the questions. Now that I have read the questions, I am extremely curious to find out what the answers are!

They will post the results of the survey when 1,000 men take the survey. So far, it is going really well for them; but if any of you know men who would like to help their Christian sisters out, send them to this link.

I was amazed to see some of the questions that are being asked. I have always considered myself an extremely modest dresser, but I have never even thought of some of the things that the survey is asking about! It will be very valuable to see what the answers turn out to be.

Just like in the books we love

Some time ago, I came across the neatest catalog, the Victorian Trading Company. It is full of beautiful things that look just like they came out of a Jane Austen novel or from the turn of the century. (The time period is a little broader than just the Victorian era.) The catalog will make you feel like you are in a different century -- they sell clothes, cookbooks, home decorations, toys, whatever you can think of from those times gone by.

It is so much fun to look through! I love the visual reminder of all the elegance that used to be expected. Back then, women were LADIES and were proud to be feminine. Looking through this catalog inspires me to try recapturing some of that refinement in my own life.

The one problem is that a great deal of these items are quite expensive. I have never actually bought anything from this catalog (I just dream about it) because I don't feel that I can afford it. But sometime, I think it would be fun to buy a few select items and use them to dress everything else up.

They do have some exquisite clothing. Most of it would probably look a little unusual if you just wore it around like normal clothes, (they would make great costumes, though, if you could afford it) but some of their things would be a really neat addition to the wardrobe. Although I'm not sure why, but some of their dresses do not seem to abide by the Victorian standards of modesty. I wish that that part were a little more authentic. But much of their clothing really is beautiful.

I can only imagine how much a little girl would love growing up with some of these things around the house! What a dream! I see these items as a lesson in the true history of women -- women who were not oppressed or stifled by their femininity, but rather women who gloried in it.

You can request a free catalog on their web site (which also has some other fun activities such as some charming Victorian e-cards). I guarantee that when you look through your catalog, you will be delighted to see things that before you only read about. :)

Too Soon to Say

Check out this post on Mrs. B.'s blog. It is a really neat illustration of how God is in control; we need to not be narrow-minded as we see Him work.

WoodWick Candles

You must try a WoodWick candle. I have seen them sold at Cracker Barrel and on this web site. They smell wonderful! Because they have a wooden wick, they make a crackling fire sound when they burn, which is nice. But the really great part is how good they smell! Wow.

I had noticed them at Cracker Barrel, but I wasn't sure whether I wanted to spend approximately $20 on a candle that I didn't know I would like. But then I was at a friend's house, and they had a WoodWick candle burning. It smelled great. We blew it out and went out; and when we came back, even though it had been hours since the candle had been burning, it still smelled good in the whole living room. The next day I went to Cracker Barrel and bought one for myself. I bought the caramel scent, and I love it! It smells much stronger and lasts much longer than my Yankee Candle. I can't wait to try out the other scents.

Article about political contributions

I found this article interesting. We frequently forget that the business we support are supporting many organizations themselves. Where we buy our products does make a difference! This article is about supporting political parties, but of course business also support many other causes as well.

I am glad to see that Target supports the Republicans. Last Christmas, we were all horrified to see their strong refusal to mention the word Christmas in their stores at all. I, for one, am very much offended by the phrase "Happy Holidays." I will not buy anything with that phrase on it! Why call a Chrismas tree a holiday tree? What other holiday is it for? It's not for New Year's. It's not for Kwanzaa. It's for Christmas. But they just don't want to use His name or recognize Him at all.

This Christmas, I encourage you not to buy anything that says "Happy Holidays" where it should say "Merry Christmas." These executives only listen when their wallets are affected. Our God has done so much for us; how can we do Him this great disrespect?

Well, enough venting -- back to the topic at hand. :) Here is the article:

Buy a Latte, Support a Political Party

Caught in the web

Here are some sites/blogs that I would like to recommend:

http://charmingthebirdsfromthetrees.blogspot.com/ - The author says, "This blog will be used to encourage a more feminine and beautiful way of living. I will post a variety of different quotes, inspirations, and stories in addition to my own journey."

http://grammarnerdsunite.blogspot.com - A new blog for people who like grammar. Check it out!

http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com - This is a great site with some fantastic articles. I have many of their articles saved in a notebook.

http://makingahouseahome.blogspot.com/ - She has some neat posts, as well as some great links to other blogs and sites.

Blingo - Click on the blue button I have on my sidebar. It is just a search engine, but prizes are given away for searching. If you sign up through my button and you win something, I win something too! Yay. :)

Speak out about Rosie O'Donnell's comments

Surely you have heard about Rosie O'Donnell's hateful comments about Christians on The View. This is outrageous! Why is she allowed to say whatever she wants to about us?
To send an e-mail to ABC about this, go to this address:

https://secure.afa.net/afa/activism/takeaction.asp?id=214

Remember, Edmund Burke said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." We cannot sit idly by and watch people like Rosie tear down the name of our God, comparing His followers with terrorists. The least we can do is send an e-mail. The network must see that there are people out there who care. There is also a mailing address (click on the link and scroll down) if you would like to send a letter too. I have heard that letters are much more effective than e-mails or phone calls, but any little bit will help.

If you are not familiar with what she said the other day, read this article:
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=51956

A Prayer for Israel

This is an interesting link that I received in my e-mail. It is important that we remember how special Israel is to the Lord, and we need to be praying for them.

A Prayer for Israel