Back in the Studio

If you've known me for any extended period of time, then you know that I started dancing not long after I could walk.  It has always been something that I have loved and a form of art for me.

I could go on and on about the ups and downs, ins and outs of my years of dance, but I'll refrain for now.

Here are a few shots of my friend Jenna and I at the dance studio at school.  We needed a break from studying for finals, cleaning, and packing.  We also made up about a minute of a dance.  It had been so long since I have been in the studio and it was SO great.  What better way to spend a study break then in the studio?

Stand on Truth

In the past couple of days, my news feed on Facebook has been blowing up with recent news from the homeschool community here in Richmond.  A prom situation with innapropriate dress, dancing, and supposed lusting by homeschool fathers.  It has reached the point of national news, and while I am not directly connected to the situation, I have seen it affect many people that my family is close to as well as the homeschool community as a whole in the area I grew up in.  While I have many words and personal opinions that I could state about this situation, I will refrain to keep from offending anybody involved.  We don't really need any more opinions or advice at this point anyway.  What we need is Truth.

So whether you be a high-school girl, grandmother, or anywhere in between, I believe that Christian women in our day and age need to redefine and look at modesty in light of how Scripture presents it.  If you claim Christ as Lord and Savior, then His Word and Spirit should be what leads and guides you.  Not the media, not others advice, and not your own desires or feelings.

I apologize for this typical "Christian-young-woman-modesty" post, but this has become an issue in our community.  From all the posts I have seen on various news websites, blogs, and facebook, I have not seen Scripture quoted once.  If Christians are in the middle of this issue, I believe that something is sorely wrong with this.

First of all, what is modesty anyway nowadays?

I believe that modesty has to do with pure motives, honor, and holiness.

"Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works." 1 Timothy 2:9-10 

If we profess godliness, we are not to be conforming to the world's standards of beauty.  If we strive to practice self-control in our actions and speech in such a way that is respectable and honorable to the Lord, then shouldn't this also reflect in our dress as well?   

"Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things." Hebrews 13:18

As followers of Christ, we should be desiring to act honorably in ALL things.  I had a Bible professor at Liberty that recently passed away, and he was one of the most wise and witty men that I have ever met.  He used to tell us, "All means all and that's all all means."  While this may not pertain to every part of the Bible or every area of life, I believe it does most certainly ring true here. 


"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,  but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

As we continue to learn what it means to walk in obedience and walk in the Spirit, the Lord continues to sanctify us.  If we are living in or battling with sin, but do not recognize that sin, then it is likely that we have impure and unholy desires or motives.  I believe that this is the issue with so many women today and it needs to be brought to light.  Our desires and motives should not be to bring attention, praise, or affirmation to ourselves, whether that be to our words, actions, or our bodies.  Our first and foremost desire should be to bring the Lord glory in ALL areas of our lives, because that is what He created us for.  

"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come... Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." Proverbs 31:25, 30

While I could have addressed the issues of lust, homeschoolers being sheltered, and the like, I don't think that that is the core of the conflict and I don't think that there would ever be a conclusion no matter how many magazines or news sites cover the issue.  Until the Christians that are in the midst of this situation take a stand with Truth, not with their own opinions or perspectives, there will never be forgiveness, reconciliation, or healing for the people that have been hurt through this.  

I am praying for all the people that are connected or may be involved with this situation, and I ask that you do the same.  My prayer is that through all of this, the believers in the midst of this may be able to stand on Truth and display grace, love, humility, and forgiveness through their words and actions.   

 

Lynchburg Life | Lyncstock Music Festival 2014

A couple weeks ago, several of my friends and I went to a music festival in Lynchburg.  

Lynchstock 2014 was one for the books.

Great friends, lots of stellar music, icecream, and a perfect Spring day made this one of the best, if not the best days of the semester.

 ^^Lunch at the Cavalier^^

 ^^I am drooling right now.  I'm a sucker for steak fries.^^

 ^^Keep Colony^^

 ^^The coolest brothers around (the world).^^

 ^^Seriously thankful for this kid.^^

 ^^Dogwood and Holly.  Look them up and listen to their stuff.  You won't regret it.^^

 ^^She is a stunner.^^

 ^^And Sarah is adorable.^^

 ^^Story time.^^

 ^^They get really into story time... and I get confused.^^

 ^^Heaven^^

 ^^Jane Marczewski with her crew Arson's Harbor.^^

 ^^Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to spend the day with.  They are rad^^

 ^^Hair flipping^^

 ^^#brosbeforehoes^^

 ^^They are absolutely ridiculous^^

 Lynchstock, you were great.  Till next year.

21 Things

Monday was my birthday, and as you can probably guess by the title of this post, I turned 21.  The past year has been crazy full of unexpected, exciting, and scary things.  Even though this year has proved to stretch me in countless ways, I am so thankful for every part of it.  So here is a list of 21 things that this 21 year old has learned (or re-learned) in the last year.

1. You don't have to talk to someone everyday, every week, or every month for that matter to be best friends.

2. My stomach hates meat.

3. I am free to be whoever I want to be, and I don't have to change who I am for anybody.

4. Whether it be across the world or across town, travel is good for the soul.

5. I leave on chipped nail polish for way too long.

6. Virginia is really pretty and fun.

7. My mom is usually always right.  Also, I am my mother, except for I'm usually always wrong.

8. I will never be able to control my hair no matter what I do to it.

9. I eat too many donuts.

10. Moments of either laughter or silence with friends are the best moments. 

11. My brudder is the coolest of all brothers and will forever be one of my best friends.

12. The smell and feel of the pages of a book beat swiping a screen anyday.

13. Don't have high expectations, because you will be disappointed when they are not met.  Brought to you by lessons from Waffle House. 

14. Sometimes you need that second cup of coffee.

15. There are more people who love and care for me then I realize or feel.

16. Learning to apologize and admit you're wrong feels much better then being stubborn and prideful.

17. If you don't shed blood while hiking, then it didn't count for anything.

18. Learning to apply Truth and promises to the moment is a lot harder then applying them to the future. 

19. The World is smaller then it seems.

20. What makes a great adventure great is the company.

21. Attitude and perspective change EVERYTHING.

This next year will surely be even more challenging, but I can't wait to see what the unknown future of it holds.

"For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."  1 Corinthians 2:2-5