Hello dear blog readers! I hope you have enjoyed summer as much as I have. I love summer and all, but I am totally ready for fall! (It even rhymes, wow I'm such a poet). Fall is my favorite season of the year and I cannot wait to whip out my camera and take a few shots!
I know I haven't written many "personal" things about my life, and I think you all deserve to know what has been going on behind the computer screen.
1. Vacation!
Almost a month ago I had the wonderful chance to go to Washington DC with my family. Let me tell you, I have been waiting for this trip for years. I am such a history geek and every year I have been begging my parents to go to the great US of A's capital. Finally, it was this year. Oh the things I did and saw throughout this whole trip! Trust me, there will be many posts coming up about all the amazing sights, smells and historical aspects of DC. Stay tuned!
2. One Year Older....
I have officially survived one year of my teenage life... huzzah! Yes, over vacation I turned the big ol' 14. Now I feel I am at least a little bit qualified to give advice on the teenage years. :)
Also, since I am officially in 8th grade now, I get the wonderful chance to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the spring. I will be posting some posts on my journey.. so stay tuned.
3.Posting Notes
Okay, for all you writers out there, do you ever have those days where your head is so full of ideas and then when you sit down to write... nothing comes out? Well that's what I have been having this whole summer pretty much and my inspiration just sank. So... I have decided I am going to have a schedule for my posts. Technically, I said at the beginning I was going to post once a week.. and that kind of failed. So, now my new goal is every Sunday! Every Sunday I will be posting a post, whether it be very long and insightful, or short and sweet. So watch out readers, here I come!
Some topics for my upcoming posts-
1. DC
2. Temptation and How to Beat it
3. Balancing School life and Spiritual Life
4. My stay at a Catholic Camp
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4. Photography
At this point, I don't know if my photography obsession is just a phase, or the beginnings of a new life hobby. At the beginning of the summer, I dug out the old family camera (nothing fancy, just a small handheld camera) and started shooting some pictures. I did a photoshoot with my brothers and sister, and I took a tooonnn of pictures on vacation! So look out for some posts with my pictures on them! I also love quotes, so some of them will have quotes on them.
5. You guys!- First off, thank you so much for taking your time to read this blog. Second off, you're awesome. Thirdly, I want to hear from you guys! Please don't hesitate to write me a question, comment, or just a small note and send it to my email at randommusings13@gmail.com . I would love if you could send me anything that you think I could work on to make your experience here better.
I do have a poll on the side of the page, so if you could take your time to answer and leave a comment/shoot me an email, that would be fantastic. Again, thank you so much for all you guys do! :)
"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body."
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Modesty is one of the hardest topics teenage girls have to face daily, especially in the summer time. If someone from the 1800's magically transported to today, they would be appalled at the sight of how women dress today. With each year, there seem to be shorter shorts, tighter fitting dresses, and skimpier bikinis. Society pushes harder and harder against the walls of modesty.. and since everyone else is doing it, why shouldn't you...right?
Fashioned by Faith is a wonderful devotional that talks about everything you ever wanted to know about modesty. The author, Rachel Lee, is an ex-model who throughout her career, felt like she could be doing something better. The book is stock full with bible verses, real life stories, and journaling. What really struck me the most was that before every chapter, Rachel added a paragraph or two of guy's views on modesty. There were views from all different ages, but the main opinion stayed the same. Immodesty appeals to the eyes, but modesty appeals to the heart. Or as Rachel Lee says in an interview, "The world says, 'If you've got it, flaunt it' but they're saying, "if you got it, protect it."
Of course, the less clothing you wear, the more eyes are on you. But do you really want that kind of attention? If Jesus came to visit you, is that really what you would be wearing? Of course, it is summer and God does know how hot it is. But being modest doesn't mean you have to wear ugly, old clothes. It's not some far-away idea that means you have to go against fashion. God created modesty to be fashionable! The true meaning of modesty means appreciating yourself and your body that God gave you, and using them in the right way.
My parish priest came and visited my religion class to talk about the topic of marriage, chastity, and so on. He briefly touched on modesty, but what he did say was "remember the swim suit rule." As a child, I remember watching those scratchy old videos that said "Anything that your swimsuit covers shouldn't be touched by anyone other than your parents, doctors.." yada yada. But that old video does have a point. Never, ever should anything that your swim-suit covers be shown, even the tiniest bit. It really is a simple rule.
I don't know about you, but where I live it can get pretty hot. Not like 80 degrees hot, but more like 100 degrees on a bad day. That is the biggest temptation to just wear the shortest pair of shorts you have and a camisole. But what are you showing to others? Are your protecting your dignity?
YOU WERE MADE IN GOD'S IMAGE
"So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them. "
-Genesis 1:27
At the very beginning of time, God created us in His image. And you know what? When he was done with us, he said "It is very good." Not just "good" like he said for the sky, and the moon, and the animals, but very good. He created us in His image so we could glorify Him through our bodies. Are you glorifying God through your clothes?
" Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we will also bear the image of the man of heaven."
- 1 Corinthians 15:49
Here, Paul is saying just like we resemble Adam and Eve, we also resemble God. If a person who has never heard of Jesus heard that, and looked at an immodest Christian, what would he/she think? Believe it or not, we are evangelizing through our bodies and what we wear, along with what we do, say and act. You want people to notice your Christian values through how you dress, as well as other qualities.
WHAT CAN I DO?
Don't get too caught up in numbers. "Shorts have to be 4 inches above the knee," Or "The lowest cut can be two inches from your collar bone." Just follow these simple rules.
You can start out on your trip to being modest at the store. First off, don't buy anything immodest. Don't taunt yourself with a fitting dress or see through blouse. Buy shorts that are approaching your knee, not your behind. Make rational choices but also have fun! Modest is fashion. Just as fashion should be modest. The whole point of clothes in the first place was to cover up your body.
Second off, add a short-sleeved cardigan or sweater to any spaghetti strap or strapless top.Even a scarf that you could wrap around your bare shoulders would do. Another good tip is buy white colored camisoles to put under muscle tanks. Personally, I don't get what is fashionable about tanks where the arm holes go all the way down to the bottom of the shirt, but hey! There are some cute ones out there. Same for crop tops, just add a cami and you're good to go!
Layering is key. If the shirt goes too low, add a necklace or a scarf. If your skirt or dress is too short, add some capri leggings. Have a strapless top or dress? Add a jean jacket, cardigan, or vest to spice it up and make it modest. In the winter time, add boot warmers to tightfitting leggings. Add a skirt, as well!
See, modesty isn't that hard!
SO... WHAT ABOUT BIKINIS?
First off, let me start you with this wonderful video from Life Teen's Jackie Francois.
(For some weird reason, the video wouldn't show up so here is the link.)
Before you go out shopping for bikinis, think about these questions.
What are you trying to tell other people by wearing this?
Do you want people to notice you because of your body
or because of your heart?
What kind of attention do you want to get?
What attention do you think you will get by wearing a bikini?
How is wearing a bikini different then wearing a bra and panties?
The last question gets most people. Really, how is it different? Oh I know, a swimsuit is waterproof. That is pretty much wear the differences end. Ladies, bikini tops and bras are one and the same, minus the waterproof part. Do you really want to show others that? Your body is a gift from God that should be protected and honored. Real men will respect that. You want people to love you for who you are, not how you look. When I say real, I mean men who will love you and respect you for who you are. They will be the spirit of true love throughout your life because they looked at your heart, not your body.
What would you be rather called... hot or beautiful? Sexy or gorgeous? It all depends on what attention you want. And I am guessing most of you would rather want guys to noticeyour sparkling personality and pure heartrather than just your outwardly appearance.
WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT MODESTY?
"Do not adorn yourselves outwardly by braiding your hair, and by wearing gold ornaments or fine clothing; rather, let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in God's sight." - 1 Peter 3: 3-4
"Also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided or with gold, pearls or expensive clothes, but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God."- 1 Timothy 2: 9-10
"Yet she will be saved...provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty."
-1 Timothy 2:15
" But the Lord said to Samuel, '...For the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.' " - 1 Samuel 15:7
WHAT DO OTHERS SAY?
"...and the great charm of all power is modesty." - Lousia May Alcott
"I truly, truly believe that beauty is something that comes from within." - Emma Watson
"Modesty is my best quality." - Jack Benny
"Your clothes should be tight enough to show you're a woman, but loose enough to show you're a lady." -Marilyn Monroe
"Truth is all I really want is/someone who knows who they are/ beauty found inside her heart/I want her to be modest/that kind of girl is hottest/a lady living for the Lord/ just so you know/ that's what I'm looking for." - Anthem Lights, "That's What I'm Looking For"
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Ladies, if you stay pure and cover up, I promise you people will admire you for that. It takes guts some times, especially when our peers make fun of us. But you know what? It's worth it in the end because you are following what God wanted you to do. And it's one step closer to seeing Him in Heaven. :)
All through Christ,
Maddie
Works Cited:
Thomas Nelson, "Fashioned by Faith Interview with Author Rachel Lee Carter." Online video clip. YouTube. YouTube. 9 January 2012. Web. Accessed 29 June 2014.
NOTE: I will be on vacation for the next week or so, so I decided to do a little mini post before I left. Just so you all know. :)
Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) is one of the most popular songs written by Hillsong United. It truly is an amazing song and really makes you think. The lyrics are perfect for Adoration, or just some quiet time spent with Jesus. Anyone can relate to them, and anyone can feel for them.
I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do!
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will stand
And I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
Your grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You've never failed and You won't start now
So I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mine
[6x]
Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
I will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine
"Have courage. Go forth. Make noise...Go forward. There will be people who will say things to you to slow you down, to block your path. Please, go against the current...Go against the current: and this means making noise. Go forward, remaining true to the values of beauty, goodness and truth.” -Pope Francis
Pope Francis made an excellent point when talking to 500 young people in Italy. For the full report, click here.
The overall message that our wonderful Pope is stating is "Go against the norm." In today's society, most of the "norm" goes against our religion and our morals in general. Sex before marriage, abortion, drugs... the list goes on and on. But most young people today have a comeback, "But everyone else is doing it!"
Yes, everyone else is doing it. But that doesn't mean you have to. Go against the tide, be different. You will inspire others to come to the "light side".
For all you Star Wars geeks out there, there is that memorable moment in the series where Darth Vader asks his son, Luke Skywalker to join the Dark side. He tempts him with glory and power, but Luke stands strong and keeps to his side. And hey! Luke made the right decision. Spoilers ahead if you haven't finished the series... He eventually defeated his father and his father repented.
Let's be Luke Skywalkers' of the world and help the others who hide behind the darkness and hidden promises, and bring them to the light.
I was watching a TV program one time that had to do with mimes. There was a group of kids who were interviewing them. The mimes had them do an exercise where one of the kids started doing some crazy action such as waving his hands in the air like a mad man. The others looked at him very weird, like any normal person would in real life. The mimes told them to imagine they were in a park, and this "mad man" started doing an action. Slowly, the others started following this boy until there was only one person left. Eventually, that one person joined the other group.
Now think about this. At first, everyone else thought that the "mad man" was weird and they didn't want to join him because he was the only one doing it and they didn't want to draw attention to themselves. They didn't want to be "out of the norm." Then when everyone else started doing the action, that one person suddenly had all the attention, even though he thought he was doing the "right" thing!
Imagine if we could change the world like that. If one person starts it, others will catch on and eventually, others will notice! That exercise shows that if one person goes against the tide, others will catch on.
Something that encourages us to swim with the rest of the generation is peer pressure. Peer pressure happens to the best of us, and it takes an open heart and mind to realize that people are pressuring you. Have you ever caught yourself agreeing with someone else's' opinions just because you didn't want to be different?
I was talking with my friend about 6 months ago about Les Miserables, a pretty new movie at that time. (It really is great, I highly recommended it). Since we are both theatre geeks, we both understand that the movie cast could never, ever reach the quality of Broadway. :) I did like the movie cast however, and my friend... not so much. I kind of found myself siding along with her opinions and then I thought Wait.. what are you doing? It has been my objective in the past month to stop and think before I change my opinions based on what other people said. And it's not like my friend was trying to make me change, it was just me.
I think the reason we all side along with other people is because we don't want to be that odd one out. We don't want people to look at us weird and judge us based on our choices. But you know what? I would rather someone look at me weird then me change my opinions just because of peer pressure.
No matter what society, your friends, or temptation says, the right way will always be common sense. Like my religion teacher said, "right is always right and will never change under pressure." It will never change, never bend, never break. You just need the courage to go the right way, against the current. Pray to God to let you have an open mind and strong heart to let you take a stand, no matter how big or small.
So I challenge you, teenagers of today, the next generation, to go against the current, be different! Inspire others and get out of your comfort zone. Soon, you will realize that being different, is being better.
One of the things I love about being Catholic (or just Christian in general) is that you really can reach out to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and ask them to pray with/for you. This is one of those times, my dear friends. I have a few major prayer requests that I ask you to add in your daily prayers.
-NOTE- I am not including any names for the sake of privacy. Thank you for your understanding.
Firstly, the cousin of my friends was recently diagnosed with cancer. He is only six years old. It is so hard to imagine a child at such a young age to go through such a hardship. Please pray for him and his family as they are preparing for this long, hard journey ahead of them.
Father, we ask that you please bless this little boy and his entire family. Help all the doctors, nurses, etc. to do their very best in taking care of this child. Please bless the family with your grace and mercy. Amen.
One of my friend's aunt recently underwent a major surgery. She has already had this surgery, and the last time it was performed she was in the hospital for 4-5 weeks. She has two young daughters and a husband. She is doing well so far, but please pray for a speedy recovery.
Father, we ask that you please watch over this wonderful wife and mother. Please help all doctors, nurses, etc. to do their very best in taking care of her. Please bless her family and friends with your grace and mercy. Amen.
Finally, my family and I recently found out that our parish priest of many years was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He is a wonderful priest that is kind and loving to all parishioners. He will be gone from our parish from awhile. Please pray for the best treatment possible and a fast recovery.
Father, we ask that you please bless this amazing priest. Please help al doctors, nurses, etc. to do their very best in taking care of him. Please bless his family and friends with your grace and mercy. Amen.
If you guys have a prayer request that you would like me to pray as well, please don't be afraid to send me an email or write me a note in the contact box. Either way, it would be private and only I would read it. (If you leave a note in the comments, the public can see it).
Thank you so much for praying with me! Have a great rest of your week!
Next week is Vacation Bible School (VBS) for my church. It is offered for incoming preschoolers to incoming 6th graders. I have helped teach the music aspect of VBS since I was an incoming 6th grader (yes I was a early bloomer XD) and ever since I have participated in it! The songs are cheesy, and the stuff they learn very simple, but even then I love it. It is a great way to see God through young kids! Since I work music, I can see all of the little ones (and of course, the bigger ones). Although they don't know it, the little ones really do inspire me!
Last year when I was working I had a group of incoming preschoolers and kindergarteners. They were so cute and very focused on learning the music and hand motions unlike the fifth graders. One little girl with cute pig tails was right in the front, watching my every move along with my leader. She had the biggest smile on her face and melted my heart! After they learned a few songs, she decided to come up and teach with me. So there was this cute little kindergartener standing right up there with me, a huge smile on her face and "teaching" her peers. Soon after, a few more kids joined us. By the end of the class, the whole group of preschoolers and kindergarteners were up there teaching their crew leaders. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. And of course, they thought it was the coolest thing that happened all day. (I thought it was too. :) )
Another thing that happens at VBS is the director offers for some of the kids to come up and say their "God moments." Most of them just want to go up and hear themselves talk so they say things like "Trees, my mom, milk," things like that. It is true! Sometimes I do see God in milk! :)
But then one day my leader for music comes up to me and tells me a story about a young boy whose dog of many years just died. Our theme for the camp was "Stand strong for God" that year. So this little boy goes up to his mom and says "Don't cry mommy! Stand strong for God!" Oh my heart just burst with joy. These little kids are really learning so much, and I have learned a lot from them !
The faith of a child is unshakeable. Their innocence and love for God is obvious through their actions and words. If you really take the time to talk to them, you can see that. But remember, you are the one(s) influencing them. Whether you help out with VBS, babysit, or just talk to them you are influencing them. So take that time to help them become closer to Jesus! They will grow up remembering what they have learned, and then they will share with others.
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(UPDATE)
Wow, has the week gone by quickly! :) VBS was a great experience although very tiring. The kids were great and the music, although still cheesy had a great message.
Another powerful thing that occurred during VBS happened at the showcase. The showcase is where the kids sing all the songs they have learned throughout the week to their parents. It was a very fun time and cool to see them singing and dancing with a smile on their faces.
But anyway, at the end of the showcase, the VBS director came up and asked for a certain mom out there to come up on the stage. This wonderful mom will eventually have a big surgery on her spine. Last time she had this surgery, she had to stay in the hospital for 4- 6ish weeks. She has two daughters, both under the age of 10.
Once she came up to the stage, we all prayed over her. It was a very cool moment to see all these hands (big and small) raised over her in prayer.
Power of prayer, people.
So that really shows you what a small week of VBS can do for people! If you have one coming up, don't be afraid to sign up to help. You're evangelizing and doing stewardship at the same time! (well, I guess that is the case for most volunteer work).
1. DC
