Armed and Virtuous

A Quick Note From the Trenches

2012-02-13T20:30:00.001-06:00

Psalm 34:19-20 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken (NKJV).

My apologies for the lack of posts lately, folks! I've been facing several battles of my own lately, seemingly from all sides. As I've worked my way through them, God began asking me, "April, do you really believe that my grace is sufficient? Do you truly believe that I can meet your needs? If so, then trust me. Don't worry, it's not your job to find the solution, it's mine."

Some of my problems have resolved themselves, others we're still struggling through. However, I'm committing myself to trust and obey. When we're doing the work of God, sometimes we face opposition. If that's you this week, then know that you're not alone and cling to the promises God has made you. He is with you, and that should bring you tremendous comfort. He loves you, and He will provide the solution to your problems if you don't take matters into your own hands.

I know this is a short little devo, but I hope it meets you where you are. I've got to get back to the battle front for now, but I refuse to despair. The battle is not against the things that come against us, but the devil. So I'm going to suit up with the armor of God ...and having done all, to stand (Eph. 6:13b).

Think on These Things: The Silver Hanger for Modest Formal Wear!

2012-02-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:8     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Well, this is our final week of the modest formal wear series. I hope that we've given you an idea of just how many options you have available in the way of modest gowns for your upcoming formal occasion.

We're ending the series with a company that is actually in the Southeast Texas region, so if you're in the area, you might be able to visit the store!

I'm talking about The Silver Hanger. Located in Katy, TX which is north of Houston, they offer modest wedding and formal dresses for every occasion.  Owned and operated by Deborah Thompson, The Silver Hanger is a unique shop that specializes in dresses which are often hard to find, such as dresses with sleeves, plus size dresses, white formal dresses, Mother/Grandmother of the bride, and consignment dresses.

While they do not sell online, due to manufacturer agreements, they post pictures online to allow you to pre-shop. They sell "off the rack," but given enough time, they can place orders for your perfect dress.

So, without further ado, let's look at what's available! Here are a few of my favorites, click on the link above each picture for more info:

BOM3209

I find this dress really eye-catching! I can't tell you much about fabrics, but it is obviously floor-length, with wide straps at the top. I love the details around the skirt of the dress and over the shoulder. It is pictured here in Aqua, and available in the store in a size 6, however other colors and sizes may be available to order.

BMDP9122M

This beautiful dress is also floor-length, with cap sleeves and beautiful detailing under the bust. You need to check this one out on her website because the material is wrapped beautifully around the bodice. This fresh, youthful dress is in stock in the colors shown and in sizes 0, 16, and 18 in Navy and 2 in the red.

Landa M733

I think this dress combines traditional elegance with a little modern flair. The floor-length skirt has a few interesting tucks and folds, the waist is set off with a bow, and the bodice is a simple, but flattering silhouette, with slightly off the shoulder "sleeves." It is in stock in the color Barberry, size 10. Other colors and styles may be available for order.

BMDPR128M

This elegant dress has a floor-length skirt, cap sleeves, rouching around the bodice, and details along the neckline and at the waist. It is in stock in Emerald, and in size 14. It's a lovely, classic formal gown.

BOM3252

I really love the silhouette of this dress! It has nice, wide straps with detailing on the shoulder, a wrapped bodice with delicate details there as well, and an elegantly layered, floor length skirt. In stock it is available in Coral, size 10. Check with Deborah for other colors and sizes.

And, for those of you who want a shorter prom dress, here are a few of your options:

MYM3325

This is just one example of many cute, shorter dresses that can be made more modest with a short jacket. They have a wide array of jackets available at The Silver Hanger. This particular dress is available in Turquoise/Black with a black waistband, offset with a rose. For the many other options available, check out the website.

This particular dress had no link available, I found it on their Facebook page. It is a tea-length dress, shown in Black/Gray/White, and in varying shades of pink. The empire waist is off-set with a thin bow. It has cap sleeves, and is just a pretty, modest dress

Cute! And unique! I found this dress on their facebook page, also. It has a tea-length bubble skirt. The bodice is overlaid with lace. It has a curving empire waist with delicate detailing at the bust, a v-neck, and cap sleeves. I think it looks even cuter with the hairstyles the models are sporting!

Here's another cute, short dress that becomes party-appropriate when you add the jacket. It's got a super cute pattern on the overlaying material, and I always like hot pink and black. Once again, there are many other styles that you can pair with a jacket for a stylish and modest option, so check them out!

In addition to the variety of dresses, they have a wide range of jackets as well.

So, check out The Silver Hanger! They have all sorts of accessories available. While you're looking around, check out their facebook page and blog. For more information, feel free to call the store at: (281)-392-9990 or email them at: thesilverhanger@sbcglobal.net.

If you're planning a trip, here's a map of their location. The address is:

5423 E. 5th Street

Katy, TX 77493

Well, ladies, that's it! I hope you've enjoyed this series as much as me. If you make the trip to Katy, tell us how it went! Good luck with your dress shopping, and may your formal occasions be blessed, safe, and God honoring.

Think on These Things: Try A Formal Choice for your Modest Gown!

2012-01-27T20:30:00.001-06:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

I hope that you've enjoyed exploring the wide array of beautiful and modest gowns out there with me. For week three, I'm thrilled to share the dresses from A Formal Choice. They are located in Puyallup, Washington, but they'll gladly ship to your location.

Naomi, owner of A Formal Choice, started her business 10 years ago while working with the youth at her church. She encouraged the girls to wear modest formals to their dances, and heard their complaints that modest formals were almost non-existent. She started the business to help girls out there searching for things to wear which uphold their personal standards.

Here's what one customer has to say about her purchase from A Formal Choice:

Just a note to say 'Thank you' for your excellent service and the exceptional quality of the dress that I ordered from you a couple of months ago. The dress is beautiful, well-crafted, and elegant; your
service was prompt and very reliable. I appreciate the dresses that you make and sell that allow young ladies to have modest options when they have a dressy function to attend. I hope to have opportunities to purchase from you in the future.
Again, thank you very much! Keep up the good work.

K.W.
Henderson, Texas

And now, on to the dresses! Here are a few of my favorites:

TP22 Nina Prom $262

This is an adorable ball gown of Aurora Taffeta with a fitted upper bodice and contrasting trim and bow. It comes in pink/black, tiffany/black, or black/ivory.

TP52 Jennifer 2 $338

This elegant gown has a square cut neck, is made of silky taffeta, and has elegant beading around the bodice and on the gathers throughout the skirt. The back laces up beautifully! It is available in the following colors: Aqua, Fuchsia, Iris, Deep Sapphire, and Emerald.

TP 30 Tiffany Prom $328

This slim A- Line skirt of Aurora Taffeta has beaded embroidery at the empire waist (a favorite feature of mine), petal sleeves and lace up back. You need to check this one out on the website, because the back view is lovely! It laces up in the back, and the material is swept elegantly to one side. It comes in the colors brick, carrot, and turquoise.

TP 13 Blair Prom $372

One of their most popular prom dresses, it is made of Aurora taffeta. It includes elegant beading & embroidery around the neckline and petal sleeves with a side sweep. There are three large beaded appliqués at the rear skirt and one at the hip front. It has an elegant, lace-up back, and is worth looking at on her website because it's just as beautiful in back as in front.

M622-January

I love this unique gown! Although shown in pink, it's available in any Aurora taffeta color. It has a Queen Anne collar, with a trumpet designed skirt, and a sweetheart neckline. The rouching around the bodice makes it flattering to the figure.

Here are some examples of her lovely short dresses:
TM598

This super fun party dress has a square neckline and a layered, bubble skirt. It is available in any silky taffeta color, but she recommends darker colors. From Venus Bridal.

M611

This dress has a knee length straight rouched skirt, finished with tulip sleeves and zipper back. It is shown in teal, but is available in any Aurora taffeta color.

Felini $98

This modest party dress has a layered tulle skirt, a square neckline, and a
satin ribbon at the waist. It is available in red, hot pink, and purple, and in
sizes 3, 5, 11, and 13.

MB5662 $74

The black chiffon overlay is a beautiful contrast to the bright satin colors in this dress. It has a draped sleeve and a rosette under the bustline. Besides the pink shown here it is available in teal and lilac, and in sizes 5,7,9, and 11.

As always, there are many more to look at on her website. She has a size chart along with measurement information, and a color chart for fabrics. There are several dresses currently on sale as well, if you're looking for a deal. (She has dresses as low as $29!) Make sure you check out her page on how to purchase one of her lovely dresses.

If you still haven't found something you like, no worries, because her new dresses for 2012 will be arriving in mid to late February.

I hope you enjoy! See you next week to wrap up this series.

Start With What's On Hand

2012-01-24T20:30:00.004-06:00

Exodus 4:1-2 Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.' " So the LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?"...(NKJV)

Have you ever felt called to do something for God's kingdom? Have you ever felt God leading you to do something that seemed, well . . . crazy? If so, I have an idea of what you're feeling, I've been both places, myself.

During these times, we're faced with our biggest enemy: self-doubt. We size ourselves up, compare ourselves to others and think, Why would God want to use me? I'm nobody! I've got nothing special to give, and who would want to listen to me, anyway? It's so easy to psych ourselves out, and to give up before we even get started.

If it's any consolation, you're not alone. Even Moses doubted his abilities when God called him to deliver the Israelites from Pharaoh in Egypt. He offered up every possible excuse to the Lord: "Who am I?" (3:11) "Who shall I say sent me?" (3:13) Finally, in verse 2 of chapter 4 he says "What if they doubt my authority?"

Then God did something amazing. He took the ordinary shepherd's staff in Moses' hand and turned it into a serpent when Moses cast it to the ground. Was there anything magical about the staff? No, but the God who formed the heavens and the earth decided to use that staff for His purposes. Did the miracle have anything to do with Moses? No, but the staff belonged to Moses, and the miracle occurred when Moses obeyed God's command.

This must have been a pretty frightening event, and likely a particularly terrifying snake because the Bible says that Moses fled from it. Then God asked him to do something that went contrary to everything he knew about poisonous creatures, "Reach out your hand and take it by the tail." If I were Moses, I'd be thinking, WHAT?!?! However, as he reached out in obedience, the snake turned back into a rod in his hand (4:4)

Doing the work of God can be scary at times. It almost always takes us out of our comfort zone, requires us to talk to people that make us uncomfortable, and sometimes involves taking a stand when we'd rather hang back and pretend we're invisible. It might involve standing up to bullies at school, or standing up for your beliefs in the classroom. Whatever the circumstance, it will feel to a certain degree like taking a poisonous snake by the tail. We want to cringe at the very thought; expecting to be bitten at any moment. But when a child of God is surrendered to the work of God, miracles occur!

My favorite part of these verses? Exodus 4:2, "What is that in your hand?" and again in 4:4, "and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand." Although God gave Moses the direction, God gave Moses the staff, the message, and the opportunity to obey, the miracle occurred through Moses' hand! If we surrender to God's service, He will do amazing things through our hand. How awesome is that?

If God is calling you to do a work for him, don't be hindered by self-doubt. Every excuse you can find about your qualifications is completely correct; you are flawed, you aren't good enough, but it doesn't matter. We come to Jesus for salvation "Just as we are," and we should surrender to His service "Just as we are." God will make you qualified through His strength and power.

The humble shepherd's staff of Moses was to be used for many miracles throughout his ministry. It came to represent the seal of God's authority. So, what is that in your hand? What are you currently doing? Where do you live? With whom to you associate day by day? God has work for you to do, amazing work for His kingdom, and He wants to start with what you have on hand.

Have a great week, God bless, and get busy!

source: Dr. J. Vernon McGee Commentaries

Think on These Things: Modest Prom Dresses from Kathleen's Bridal and Formal!

2012-01-20T20:30:00.001-06:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Welcome back! This is week two of our series on modest formal wear and today I have the privilege of sharing with you the beautiful dresses available from Kathleen's Bridal and Formal. I had a wonderful time browsing through her wide assortment of lovely dresses, and I'm sure you will as well!

Kathleen Clifford, owner of Kathleen's Bridal, is a strong supporter of modesty and strong moral values. She has been in business since 1992, and has created her own line of exclusively modest gowns. Here is a brief glimpse into her story:

In 1992, Kathleen Clifford was working full time during the day and part time in the evenings and on weekends designing and sewing gowns for young women. The love of her life had always been in textiles and fashion design and she was wearing out trying to work both jobs. With the support of her family she quit her full time job and opened up her first business, "Kathleen's Elegant Gowns". The small salon was actually a home based business. The first gowns she had in the shop were dresses she designed and made. After a very short time, it became evident that she would need to purchase gowns from other sources in order to have enough inventory to satisfy her clients' needs. A quick trip to market to purchase more gowns and she was now formally in business . . . Kathleen spent many hours searching for answers as to whether or not she should carry only modest gowns. Up to that time she had spent timeless hours negotiating with vendors to get them to provide modesty options for her clients. Finally the decision was made that Kathleen would design a line of modest prom gowns with no need to alter the dresses for modesty. The process began slowly but was welcomed by our clients with a huge success when the dresses arrived. After receiving such a positive reception to the new modest collection the decision was made to only carry modest gowns. This also carried over into the Bridal line, and our bridesmaid collections.

Kathleen's mission is to assist women in dressing modestly. She believes that women of all ages radiate their inner beauty as they look and feel beautiful in a modest gown.

Kathleen's Bridal and Formal is located in Kaysville, Utah, but she ships nationally and internationally. Here are a few of the lovely dresses which caught my eye. For more information, feel free to click on the link above each picture:

A-AGK1103

This modest prom gown is a beautiful tulle and taffeta ballgown. The bodice has delicate beading throughout and petal sleeves. It is available in sizes 2-16, and in the colors Honey Suckle Rose, Turquoise, and Bright Green.

A-AGK1114

This taffeta print gown has a pleated waist, petal sleeves and a lace-up back. The foil print in taffeta is one of her very favorite prints ever! The gown is available in Red/white, Blue/white and Black/white, and in sizes 2-16. You really need to check out this link, because the back of the dress is beautiful! (I really like the hair-do's as well. Great inspiration for prom!)

A-AGK1130

This is a beautiful taffeta ballgown with a glitter floral print in the skirt. the bodice has soft metallic roses and a pleated waist. Again, check out the close up photos on the website because this dress has beautiful details! It is available in sizes 2-16 and in the colors Jade/Silver, Rose/Silver, and Purple/Silver.

A-AGK135

Can you tell I'm partial to long dresses? This is a taffeta gown with lots of asymmetrical tucks and folds. The bodice has rouching around the neckline and sleeve and then in the middle of the dress a beautiful bead work pattern. It is available in sizes 2-28, and currently in the colors pewter, burgundy, and dark green.

AGK-111

A fully sequined short modest prom dress with a satin ruffle at the hem and a ruched waistline. The dress has comfortable petal sleeves and a circular skirt. This super cute dress is available online only. Contact Kathleen for sizes and color availability. Normally available in Silver, Black, and Red.

AGK-5955

This is a fun and flirty modest short prom gown. The fitted body of the dress is made with tiny pleats all the way down to the full tulle skirt. The dress has a lace up back and delicate beading throughout. The dress is available in Navy blue, Red, and Gold. This is an online-only dress, so contact Kathleen for available colors and sizes.

AGK-131

A fun bubble skirt with tucks throughout makes this the perfect gown for your dance. The bodice is figure flattering with the gentle pleating and drop waist. The sash is removable and the dress can be worn with or without it. The Taffeta skirt has a layer of tulle on top of it for a unique look and texture to the dress. Available only online, so check for sizing and color availability. Normally comes in Black/Red, Black/Green, and Black/Blue.

There are many other beautiful gowns to choose from, so check out her entire prom collection and see for yourself! By the way, her new line of gowns will be available in February, so check back for even more options. You can shop for gowns by fabric, price, or style on her website. Kathleen also carries a wide variety of accessories to compliment your dress. If you'd like to see her gowns in "action," check out these real-life prom pictures. She also has a facebook and a blog with lots of helpful hints and tips. Finally, if you'd like to hear what her customers have to say, read some of her testimonials.

One last tidbit before we go: This is a video of a fashion show "Prom Fest 2009" highlighting Kathleen's beautiful prom gowns:

I hope you enjoy shopping as much as I did. See you next week!

All Life is Sacred . . . Including Yours

2012-01-17T21:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well (NKJV).

Just in case you didn't know this, January is Sanctity of Human Life month. During this month, we remember the Roe vs. Wade decision that occurred 39 years ago, and try to spread the message of how precious human life is, all human life.

However, that's not the point I wish to make today. God laid another aspect of this glorious verse on my heart. If you are anything like me, you probably agree that God considers all life sacred; the unborn, the elderly, the poor, and the disadvantaged. But, do you ever find yourself doubting your own value?

As a teenager, a college student, and even as a young married woman, I was able to see the value in others, but was terribly critical of myself. As I looked in the mirror, every perceived flaw seemed to scream out at me. I didn't like to look at pictures of myself. The aspects of my face and figure which made me unique, I saw as faults. When preparing to go out, I would try on outfit after outfit, my frustration growing as each one was rejected, and end up throwing a fit. I would yell, call myself names, and throw the offending clothes to the floor.

It was rather ironic that on one hand, I offered acceptance to others, while completely rejecting myself. My husband would get angry at me, and tell me "not to talk about his wife that way." I thought he just didn't understand, or was trying to shut me up. These outbursts occurred less and less over time, but the underlying attitude remained.

But when I was expecting my first child, something changed in me. God spoke to me in a way that I'll never forget. As I was getting ready one morning, God spoke to my heart. He said, "April, do you think your mother is pretty?" Of course I did! I remember watching my mother put on her makeup in the morning and admiring how beautiful she looked. God then said, "How would it make you feel as a child to hear your mother say some of the things that you say about yourself?" It knocked the breath out of me. I knew exactly what I'd feel. I would have thought, If my lovely mother thinks that she's ugly, then I must be really ugly! Then God asked me, "Do you want your child carrying around such feelings?" The answer was, absolutely NOT!

Then God began to show me, detail by detail, that all the things I hated about myself were things that set me apart from others. He made me unique not only in abilities and talents, but also in appearance. I was hand-crafted by the God of the universe, and who was I to criticize His masterpiece?

As I reached the end of my pregnancy and nothing seemed to fit, I had to buy more clothing, which was never something I enjoyed. I tried on maternity outfit after maternity outfit, and nothing worked. Finally my husband said "stay in the dressing room, I'll look for clothes for you." In the next few minutes, clothing was handed over my door. Each outfit I tried on fit me! With each success, my stress level dropped, the tears dried, and my hurt began to heal. Finally, he offered me one last piece of clothing. It was a long-sleeved T-shirt, delicately designed, with the word "Beautiful" emblazoned upon the front.

I was finally able to see myself the way my husband saw me. I was his, and he thought I was beautiful just the way I was, even at 8 months pregnant. It truly hurt him to hear someone criticize the one he loved, even if it came from her own lips. I apologized to him, and asked him to help me stop tearing myself down.

Why am I sharing my painful experience with you? Because I know that many of you struggle with image issues just like me. We allow the same serpent that whispered to Eve, to whisper lies into our hearts. We might be able to see the beauty in others, but we fall for the lie that we are somehow not included in the "fearfully and wonderfully made" equation.

If all life is valuable, then so is mine, and so is yours. God takes delight in our differences, just as I take delight in the differences between my own children. You were not meant to be a cookie-cutter image of someone else. You were uniquely designed in form, mind, and abilities. You were so designed to complete unique plans and purposes, set by God, Himself. Marvelous are all His works, so don't let the world or the devil tell you otherwise.

Think on These Things: Modest Formal Wear from A Dressy Occasion!

2012-01-13T21:00:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

We're talking clothing again, (Yay!) but this time, it's formal wear. Proms and formals are many months away, but now is the time to look for the right dress to wear to your special occasion. That's why we're so excited to share this series with you. Over the next four weekends, Armed and Virtuous will be highlighting businesses that sell modest formal wear! We hope to prove that it's easier to find a modest and fashionable dress than you think.

This week, we're talking about the products available at A Dressy Occasion. They are located in Southern California, but they ship all over the world. Donna Anderson, owner of A Dressy Occasion, offers modest wedding gowns and formals. Here's what Donna has to say about A Dressy Occasion:

Several years ago while trying to help my daughter and other young women find modest clothing I organized a local fashion show that catered to those who were looking for dresses that had sleeves. This first show was successful, so I organized another and it made me realize that we could fill a great need for young women and brides in Southern California. No longer would they have to drive all over the state trying to find the dress of their dreams; one that was elegant, beautiful, stylish and modest, especially for those who needed them for religious ceremonies. . . Young women who desire modesty shouldn’t have to sacrifice time, money or style, and I hope to help every customer that comes my way find the dress of their dreams.

A Dressy Occasion has a vast array of styles, colors, materials, and designers! I spent a long time browsing through all the beautiful dresses (and wishing I had a reason to wear one!) Among others, they carry designs by Allure Bridal, Bonny, Beautifully Modest, Eternity, and Venus Bridal.

Here are just a few of the dresses that were my favorites. If you want more details about any dress, click on the link above the picture:

Brina-BB

This beautiful gown has a wrap around the waist with side bustling on the ball gown skirt. Embroidery and beading adorn the bust and skirt, and it laces up elegantly in the back. It comes in sizes 2-30 and is available in Coral, Navy, Burgundy, Teal or Ivory.

Jennifer-BB

A classic prom dress, this full tulle ball-gown has a wrapped bodice and scattered beading between the banding and beaded detail on the sleeves. It is available in sizes 2-30 and in the colors shown.

Blair6577-AB

Isn't this gorgeous? This is a beautiful modest ball gown prom dress featuring multi colored butterflies and a ruched waist line. It is available in Fuchsia/Purple, Yellow/Apple Tulle over Charmeuse Satin Fabric and comes in sizes 0-32.

Avis6576-AB

This fitted a-line prom gown has soft taffeta bustles with an asymmetrical waistline and beaded bands on the rouched bodice. It's classic, beautiful, and modest! It's available in sizes 0-32 and in the colors shown.

For those of you who prefer shorter prom dresses, here are a few of the many options available:

Adara-BB

This stylish knee-length prom dress has a ruched waist and bustled skirt. It is available in sizes 2-32 and in the colors Coral, Hunter Green, Ivory, Mulberry or Plum.

Angie6578-AB

Sooo cute! This knee length tulle gown is done in sparkle tulle with a rouched charmeuse band at the natural waist. This style features a removable feather pin that can be worn on the dress, or pinned up in your hair. This fun gown is sure to be one of your favorite modest prom dresses. It's available in sizes 0-32, and in the colors Fuschia or Purple in Sparkle Tulle over Charmeuse Satin Fabric

TM1540-V

This adorable dress has a shorter length bubble skirt in taffeta, a ruched cummerbund, square neckline, and a large bow at the back. It almost looks ballerina-like. Available in sizes 2-28 and, although it's shown in Tea Rose, it's also available in the following colors: Latte, Crimson, Orange Kiss, Fuschia, Honey, Garnet, Persimmon, Topaz, Auburn, Yellow, Tea Rose, Red Spanish Moss, Aqua, Bright Cerise, Spanish Moss, Pink, Rose Petal, Spice, Raspberry, Heather, Sable, Jewel, Emerald, Iris, Pewter, Chocolate, Capri, Patina, Tobacco, Moonstone, Chartreuse, Ebony, Sapphire, Jade, Dark Ivory, Ivory & White.

As you browse the website, you can create a wishlist by using My Favorites. You can insure the best fit by consulting their measurements guide, review their frequently asked questions, and read their testimonials page.

For those of you who, like me, are always looking for a great deal, A Dressy Occasion has some good news. They're offering 25% off in-stock, specially marked formal, prom, mothers, and bridesmaid dresses and 50% off in-stock, specially marked bridal gowns!

They are also available on facebook and on their new blog. So, check them out! With all they have to offer, you can definitely find a dress that fits your needs this spring.

Happy Shopping! :)

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

You Are What You See!

2012-01-09T21:00:00.002-06:00

Luke 11:34-36 "The lamp of the body is the eye. therefore, when your eye is good, your whole body also is full of light. But when your eye is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Therefore take heed that the light which is in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole body will be full of light, as when the bright shining of a lamp gives you light (NKJV)."

We've all heard the phrase "you are what you eat," and it's true: Garbage in, garbage out. If you eat junk, you'll be unhealthy. If you eat nourishing food, you will have energy, and be able to do more of the things you enjoy because you take care of the body God has given you.

There is another way that we take things in, and it's arguably more important to control this area of input than any other. Our eyes are the windows to our soul. What we view can deeply, permanently impact us for the good or the bad, depending on what we're viewing.

As we focus on things that are good, specifically God's teaching, our eyes will be good; full of light. Our spirits will be filled with the power, wisdom, and strength we need not only to survive, but also to fulfill God's plans for our day. This is why David said in Psalm 101:3 I will set nothing wicked before my eyes. If our heart's desire is to be like Jesus, then we must look intently into His word. We must spend time in His presence and allow Him to "recharge" our spiritual batteries. As we go throughout our day, we should seek out conversation that uplifts, music that edifies, and entertainment that is worthy to dwell upon.

But if we focus on the images that surround us in this world; images of photo-shopped women's bodies, images of violence, images of materialism and self-indulgence, our eyes become bad and full of darkness. When all we take in is advertisements for the next "must-have" thing, we become completely turned inward. All we seek is our own comfort and advancement. Ironically, as we're whole-heartedly pursuing this pleasure, it evades us. We reach and reach, only to find it just beyond our grasp. It might momentarily satisfy, but it never truly meets our needs.

If our eyes are full of the world, then we look just like the world. We cannot be used by God, because if He's not in our eyes, then He's not on the throne of our heart. Our priorities are confused. Thankfully, we can correct the problem. All we must do, if we find ourselves in this situation, is to cry out to Jesus, apologize for getting wrapped up in the world, and return our focus to Him.

The more we look on Him, the more we become like Him. As we allow Jesus' teachings into our heart, it affects our outlook. We will become that shining light just by going about our daily lives. We will become that city on a hill which cannot be hidden, and the light of His love will in turn penetrate the darkness, and draw others to the truth.

So what color eyes do you have?

source: Nelson's NKJV Study Bible

What's Your Commission for 2012?

2012-01-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

Luke 9:1,6 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases . . . So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere (NKJV).

Has God ever used you to do His work? It could have been a word you said, a need you met, or a service you rendered, but whatever the case, there was a tremendous feeling of joy that followed, right? This feeling comes from hearing God's voice, obeying His commands, and seeing spiritual fruit as a result.

When Jesus sent out His disciples in the passage overhead, He was still on earth, and still had much work to do. However, the entire nation of Israel needed to see that the kingdom of God had come, and all needed to make a decision regarding the Messiah. Jesus took aside His disciples and specially equipped them for this task. They were to preach, heal, and to set people free.

This all sounds great, but how does it apply to us today? I'll tell you: As a child of God, you have been given a message of freedom, healing and life. Furthermore, you've been sent to a world that might be wealthy with material possessions, but is absolutely starving for love and acceptance. The word you carry has the ultimate authority. It can cut through the lies that ensnare your friends. It can heal the deepest wounds, and points to the One who sets us free: Jesus Christ.

So, do we need to wait until we're "old enough?" do we need to make special preparations before setting out? No. Jesus told His disciples to "Take nothing for the journey, neither staffs nor bag nor bread nor money; and do not have two tunics apiece (v.3)."

What if people don't believe? What if they laugh at me? Jesus had an answer for that as well: "And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them (v.4)." In other words, move on. Don't apologize for the message, and don't let them stop you. Your job is to share, the decision to believe is their own.

With this information in hand, the disciples set out, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. Can you imagine being a source of healing? You can be! Allow Jesus to fill your mouth with words that bring life. Speak words that uplift, instead of tearing down. Offer a listening ear, and compassion to those in need, rather than passing them by. If God puts an opportunity to share the message of salvation, then share, knowing that God will give you wisdom and strength.

When you surrender to God's service, you lead an exciting, joyful life. Just as the disciples had much to share with Jesus when they returned from their journey, so will you.

Instead of asking "What's your New Year's Resolution?", maybe the better question to ask is, "What has God commissioned you to do in 2012?"

Think on These Things: Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:00:00.012-06:00

Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! (NKJV)

Merry Christmas, one and all! Thanks so much for your support of the Armed and Virtuous ministry. What a wonderful year it has been! God has blessed us tremendously. We're looking forward to all God has in store for Armed and Virtuous in 2012, and to sharing it with you.

I hope you enjoy the following videos. The first one is just lighthearted fun:

2010 You Will Behave Like Gentlemen by Craig West from Douglas Schultz on Vimeo.

The other, one of my favorite Christmas memories, reminds us of the reason we celebrate Christmas:

Have a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and we'll see you in 2012!

And The Winner Is....

2011-12-23T21:00:00.001-06:00

Well, that's the end of our giveaway, thank so much to all who participated. The results are in, and the winner of the Armed and Virtuous T-shirt is. . . Angela! Congratulations!

Shirts will be available to purchase in January, hopefully toward the beginning of the year. (I'll send out a message letting you know when we're up and running.) :)

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas! God Bless, and thanks again!

April
Psalm 37:4-5

'Tis the Season for a Giveaway!!

2011-12-19T21:00:00.019-06:00

Welcome back! Since it is the season of giving, we decided to give something away of our own. Introducing the Armed and Virtuous T-shirt! It's a trendy, yet powerful way to proclaim the message of purity, whether you're a youth or an adult. The shirts come in adult sizes Small through XX Large . Medium and Large sizes come in a choice of regular or feminine cut. We have gone to great effort to make them fashionable, yet modest. Here's a picture of me wearing my shirt, (thanks to my awesome photographer, Jason Anderson!)

Here's a close up of the front (dogtags) and back. The back is enlarged so you can read the text.

There are several ways to enter, and each activity counts as an entry:

1. Like us on Facebook (just click the like box on the top right corner of the page, you may need to sign in to Facebook to complete the process.)
2. Become a follower of armedandvirtuous.org ( click on the "join" button under followers and follow the instructions.)
3. Invite others to follow the blog or like us on Facebook. (1 entry per friend like or join!)
4. Leave a comment telling us who you could share the message of purity with by wearing the shirt. (Keep it general, no names, please) :)

After completing each activity, please leave a comment on This Blog Post telling us that you have done so. We are keeping track of entries from the activity on this post. If you are already following the blog, or already like us on Facebook, please leave a comment on this blog post saying so, and you will receive credit.

We will announce the winner on Friday evening at 9:00 CST, so you have five days to enter. If you win this giveaway, we will contact you by email for mailing information.

So, enjoy! We are very proud of this product, and will be making it available for sale at the beginning of the new year, date TBA. Have a Merry Christmas and we'll see you Friday!

Let's Give Thomas A Break!

2011-12-14T21:00:00.001-06:00

John 20:25b . . . "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe. (NKJV)"

This is a little something God shared with me the other morning, and I hope it encourages you.

In John 20:24-29 we read Thomas' doubts about whether the other disciples had seen the Risen Savior. Most of the time we think "Shame on Thomas, he doubted!" But let's take a look at what might have motivated his words:

Just a few verses earlier (v.19-23), Jesus appeared to all the other disciples. They got to see and experience Jesus risen from the dead! What an amazing opportunity! I'm sure Thomas saw the glow of excitement on their faces when they told him about the experience. What would your reaction be? I would be thinking: Man, I missed it! All the others got to take part in the greatest miracle of all time except me, and now I'll never see Him again! Most likely, he was hurt, and although his doubt was genuine, at least in my opinion, it was likely born out of his disappointment. He probably couldn't bear the thought of missing a visit from the Risen Savior.

But eight days later, what happens? Jesus appears again, and this time Thomas is with them. He singles out Thomas and tells him to put his fingers in the nail prints and his hand into His side. Thomas then believes with all his heart. Does Jesus correct his attitude? Yes, but He also brings Thomas comfort, reminding him that he is loved, and that what matters to Thomas matters to Christ.

Do you ever worry about opportunities passing you by? Unfortunately, I do, and I'm sure you do too at times. Here's the bottom line: God is never going to allow us to miss out on any good thing that is part of His plan. We need to learn to hold onto life a little more loosely. We truly cannot control what happens, and worrying only causes harm (Psalm 37:8). Just as God loved us enough to send His Son, just as Jesus loved us enough to die in our place, He also loves us enough to provide our needs and encourage our hearts.

So, cast your cares upon Christ, and be thankful that God loves doubting Aprils and doubting You just as much as he loves doubting Thomas.

Deck the Halls...But Keep Perspective

2011-11-28T21:00:00.004-06:00

But Jesus answered them, saying, "The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor (NKJV)."

Well, it's the Christmas season and all the stores are enticing us to come out and shop. From now until Christmas Day we will be assaulted with commercials, specials, and last-chance offers to take advantage of "great deals." If your calendar is anything like mine, most of the weekends are already full of parties, church events, and family gatherings. The Christmas list of things to do, buy, bake, mail and take care of is long and the time is short. It's "the most wonderful time of the year," but it's also the most hectic time of the year.

We get so caught up in the festivities of Christmas, the giving of gifts and the planning of parties that it's easy to forget the main point of Christmas. Yes, we celebrate the gift of God's Son on Christmas day, but we tend to forget that He was born for the purpose of dying. Yes, there was joy on the night of His birth, great joy, because hope had come for mankind. At the same time, the hope that arrived was a child whose destiny was sacrifice. He was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, but how terribly steep was the price of our salvation!

This verse from John 12 comes immediately after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. As he rode through the streets, people broke off palm branches and sang praises to Him: "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!" People were flocking to see Him, desperate to meet with Him. It was the ultimate party atmosphere, but Jesus' response to the disciples was all about His death. He was fully aware of what was about to take place and yet He accepted the responsibility.

Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. Jesus was explaining to His disciples that He must die. Without His death, salvation would not come. They didn't understand what He was trying to tell them. Most likely, it was a confusing message with all the sounds of celebration around them. With Jesus at the height of His popularity, power, and acceptance, it was ridiculous to consider something as melancholy as death.

. . . but if it dies, it produces much grain. Through the death of Jesus, payment would be made for sin, and mankind would be able to have a relationship with God. Much "grain" would be produced through Jesus' sacrifice. So, even though the city was a whirlwind of activity, even though the mood was festive, Jesus had His eye on the task at hand.

If we "love this life" more than we love our Lord, we will lose it. The bottom line is, we cannot control anything, and the more we try, the more we will fail. If we "hate our life in this world," by focusing on what truly matters, living our life to glorify Him and serve others, we will live eternally in heaven.

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me. That means following Him to the cross. It means laying down our desires, our "to-do" list, and allowing Him to live through us. If our Master is willing to be at a soup kitchen, then we should be there as well. If He wants to wash others' feet, then so should we.

If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. The upside to all this service? Being honored by God, Himself. Jesus fulfilled His destiny on earth and now sits at the right-hand of God. As we fight off the temporary distractions, and are faithful to live out our calling, God will honor us. He will open the way before us, and provide everything we need to complete His work. He will groom us for the task He has specifically designed for us, a task that will satisfy our heart's deepest longing.

As I sit here writing this, I'm looking at a lighted and decorated Christmas Tree. I have many plans to make, presents to buy, and goodies to bake. Nevertheless, I'm committed to keeping this season in perspective, both for myself and my family. I'm going to give because I've so richly received, not because it's expected. I'm going to celebrate because I'm grateful for the gift of salvation, not just to have fun, or because it feels good. May we manage to keep the somber reality of why Jesus came in our hearts this season, and allow it to keep our actions, motives, and budgets in check.

What are you looking forward to this Christmas? Are the expectations pleasant, or are you sad at this time of the year? Leave us a comment or send us an email and we'll be happy to encourage you. God Bless!

Godliness with Contentment, part 2

2011-11-15T21:00:00.001-06:00

I Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain (NKJV).

During this season, we're all talking about the many reasons we have to be thankful, and we certainly should. We are a tremendously blessed people, and our discussions will only begin to scratch the surface of the blessings God has given. Today, I'd like to remind us all of how incredibly loved we are by our Heavenly Father, and by our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Of all the pictures given in scripture of our relationship with God, my favorite is the idea of Jesus as the Groom and we, His church, as the Bride.

If you ever start feeling lonely or unloved, take a look at what Christ did to win your heart and compare it with the Jewish marriage customs of Biblical times:

In order for a Jewish man and woman to be married they must first become betrothed. This involved establishing a marriage covenant. The man would leave his father's house, come to the home of the prospective bride, and there he would negotiate the purchase price for her. Once the price was paid, the marriage covenant was established, and the young man and woman were considered husband and wife. From that point on, the bride was considered "sanctified," set apart exclusively for her husband. To symbolize the establishment of this covenant, the couple drank from a cup of wine which had been blessed with a betrothal blessing.

After establishing this covenant, the groom left the bride's home and returned to his father's house. They would live separately for a year, and although they were considered legally married, they could not partake in the sexual aspect (consummation) of their marriage until after the wedding. The bride used this time to gather her things for her future home, and the groom would prepare a place for them to live as man and wife.

At the end of the year of separation, the groom would return to take his bride. It usually happened at night, and the groom, best man, and other male escorts would leave the father's house in a torch light processional to the bride's house. She knew he would be coming soon, but never knew the exact time or day, so she had to be ready at all times. The groom's coming was preceded by a shout, which alerted the bride to that the groom was coming.

Once the bride was received, she and her female attendants joined the wedding processional. They returned back to the father's house, where they enjoyed a beautiful wedding ceremony, feasted several days, and the bride and groom were finally able to completely enjoy their married life together.

John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Jesus instituted Communion, or the Lord's Supper, on the same night as He spoke these words to His disciples. The cup of wine He declared to be "the new covenant in My blood." (I Cor. 11:25) In other words, He was about to pay the purchase price to establish a marriage covenant with us! The cup was actually a celebration of that heavenly betrothal!

Jesus then proceeded to give His life on the Cross, rise again, and ascend into Heaven (back to His Father's house). During this time of separation, He is in heaven preparing a place for us to live with Him. We have been sanctified exclusively for Him and we must be ready when He comes. One day, He will return to take us to His Father's house, where we will be able to completely enjoy our relationship with Him!

It's the greatest romance ever, and completely worth all the waiting and longing here on earth. Our purchase price was steep; it cost the life of Christ, Himself. However, He gave it gladly, knowing that the time would come when we would belong to Him and live with Him forever in paradise.

So, no matter how life is treating you right now, no matter how your "love life" is going, you are loved beyond compare by Jesus Christ. He has removed your burden of sin, paid your purchase price, and is working to create a home for you even now. If you've been saved, then rest in that knowledge and don't let the world steal your joy. If you don't know Him, His offer of marriage is being extended to you, as well. All you must do is accept His marriage proposal.

So count your blessings, and remember that the best is yet to come!

source: http://www.biblestudymanuals.net/jewish_marriage_customs.htm

Boundaries: Inhibitors or Inheritance?

2011-11-07T21:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 16:5-6 O LORD, [You are] the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant [places]; Yes, I have a good inheritance (NKJV).

Because of the upcoming purity conference, I've been doing a lot of thinking about boundaries. Our world scoffs at the idea of living within God's prescribed limits. They shout from the billboards, television, movie screens, and radio "You are the master of your own destiny. Don't let anyone else hold you back. If it feels good, do it!" As Christians, this obviously runs contrary to God's will and plan for our lives, but how can we remain content within the confines God has given us, when just on the other side, the world is partying heartily and calling us to join in?

The secret lies within the limitation, itself. It all comes down to how you perceive that boundary line. Is it a limitation, or is it a blessing? Does it point out all the things you can't do, or does it map out what is rightfully yours, your God-given inheritance? When the children of Israel finally took possession of the Promised Land, God Himself divided it between the tribes, and then within each tribe to the individual families. Each family's allotment was marked off, usually by a stone. Considering that Israel had been wandering for forty years in the wilderness, this boundary line represented a tremendous gift, a place that was finally their own!

Ironically, if you look a little more closely at the world, they actually set boundaries, themselves. Although they accept all forms of sinful lifestyles, they cannot tolerate the lifestyle of a genuine believer. For some reason, if it feels good to be a Christian, it's not acceptable in their worldview. Why? Because our very existence exposes their lifestyle for the fraud that it is. We are the light of the world, and the light of Christ which shines from us, highlights the ugly truth about a life "without boundaries".

Here's another truth about living life on one's own terms: At some point along the way, such people become addicted to something and it completely enslaves them. In their pursuit of pleasure, they make gods out of fame, fortune, drugs, power, sex, or numerous other things. These gods steal their very lives, and leave behind a shell. Think about how many celebrities go from supposedly having it all to multiple divorces, drug rehab, eating disorders and even committing suicide? They achieve what should have fulfilled their wildest dreams and yet, they are left empty, much more so than when they took that first step across the boundary line.

According to Psalm 16, Who is our portion and our cup? The Lord! These boundaries are the measure of the tremendous blessings God has in store for us. Our portion is what God has given us, our cup is what we make our own. Ironically, as these people proudly step outside of the boundaries, they are forfeiting their portion and drinking the dregs of life from their cup, instead. God's desire for our lives is that we accept the entire portion of His blessing! He wants us to live life abundantly, and that involves accepting the boundaries that He has set for our own good.

Most often, it takes a while to experience the fulfillment of our inheritence in Christ. The pleasures of the world are immediate. In fact, we won't experience everything God has in store for us until we're with Him in heaven. But as we continue to be faithful, as we continue to abide by the boundaries God has set, He will bless our obedience. We will begin to see pieces of the puzzle come together, and reap the long-lasting and completely satisfying rewards of submission to God. Each time we say "no" to the world, we take a step closer to the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future!

So, embrace your boundary lines this week, and stay the course. The payoff is worth it, and it's coming soon!

Think on These Things: Calibrate Purity Conference!

2011-11-05T16:11:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

I'm really excited to share this week's "thing" with you, but time is running out to get involved. Calibrate is an awesome conference whose focus goes beyond sexual purity. They're striving to create the new counterculture; to empower high school and college students to pursue a life of holiness and reject the world's ideas of what is and what is not beautiful, acceptable and successful.

It's being held at Praise Christian Center in Beaumont, TX this coming Friday and Saturday, November 11-12th. According to the website, registration ends today, but I've talked with the youth pastor and they are extending registration until Wednesday, November 9th.

Throughout the weekend, students will be learning how to set standards in personal modesty, define proper boundaries to safeguard their heart, learn how to date in a manner that pleases the Lord, and determine their self-worth and identity in Christ. No, they will not be discussing STD's nor trying to "scare" students into choosing purity. Instead they will focus on Christ's love, with the desire that students make the correct choices out of a response to Him.

The key-note speaker will be Mike Guzzardo. For the last several years Mike Guzzardo has dedicated the entirety of his energies to traveling the world inspiring people to a deeper commitment to Christ. He is a frequent speaker at conventions and conferences such as "Acquire the Fire" with over 150,000 in annual attendance. Mike recently released his first book entitled "All In" and co-authored "Battle Cry for My Generation" with Ron Luce.

Here's a youtube video of Mike at Dallas Battlecry 2008:

You can check out the conference schedule and the tracks offered to get a better idea of what to expect. Basically, there will be large group sessions with Mike Guzzardo, praise and worship with the Micah Tyler band, and then on Saturday there will be tracks devoted to the topics of modesty, dating, boundaries and peer pressure. (By the way, Armed and Virtuous has been invited to share on boundaries! Sooo excited!) The last track will be a question and answer session with a panel of the speakers, so if you have questions, here's a great opportunity to receive solid, godly advice.

The cost is $50 and again, registration is open until Wednesday. If you've got a free weekend, I can't think of a better way to invest your time than with other young people who are striving to honor God in their bodies and spirits. I hope to see you there!

Godliness With Contentment: part 1

2011-11-02T20:30:00.001-05:00

I Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain (NKJV).

Okay, so it's the Thanksgiving season. Lots of people are beginning to post on facebook what makes them thankful, and more people will be "counting their blessings" as the holiday draws nearer. You might see it as just a ritual; a little exercise that gets forgotten the day after Thanksgiving as we dive headlong into the most materialistic season of the year. If you think about it, even preparing the Thanksgiving meal requires lots of shopping, gathering (hopefully before the stores run out,) and stress.

So, what's the big deal about Thanksgiving? Why does it matter? In our world, we're almost constantly assaulted with the idea that we need something more to be happy. It's vitally important to step away from the noise of the crowd, take note of the thousands of blessings God has provided, and give Him thanks.

Over the next few weeks we'll be looking at several very good reasons to be thankful. I don't know about you, but I find it quite a struggle to remain content, even though I know how tremendously I'm blessed. Hopefully, taking stock of all that we have going our way will help us keep the correct perspective on Christmas, and on life in general.

Feel free to share what makes you thankful, either by leaving a comment on this post, or on our facebook page. See you soon!

The Wisdom of Submission

2011-10-24T21:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome back! We're changing things up a little this week.  God has been revealing some amazing truths to me about Esther, the Jewish orphan girl who became Queen of Persia. I wanted to share them with you, so we'll be touching on several verses throughout the book of Esther today.

Most of us know that Esther rose from obscurity to the highest position a woman could achieve during her day. We also know that God used her to save the Jews from annihilation.  Obviously, she possesses many admirable qualities that we should wish to reflect in our own lives, but one in particular caught my attention as I read.

Throughout her story, Esther follows the directions of those whom God places over her. In other words, she submits to her God-appointed authority. With each instance of her obedience, God grants her favor, and she rises to prominence. Not for her glory, but for God's.

In the first instance, after the King issued a decree that beautiful virgins of the land were to be brought to the palace so that he might choose a new queen,  . . . Esther also was taken to the king's palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem (Esther 2:8). She submitted to the laws of the land. Scripture does not say whether or not she wanted to go, but the fact is, she went, and there begins our story. The result of her obedience? The girl pleased him and won his favor. Esther received extra beauty treatments, special food, was given several attendants and moved to the best location in the harem.

Next, Esther continued to submit to the authority of Mordecai, her guardian. Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so (2:10). Esther's Jewish name was Hadassah, but Mordecai asked her to go by her Persian name, to hide her background. He also told her not to reveal her nationality, most likely because they lived among their enemies. Esther followed Mordecai's advice, which later is pivotal in saving the Jews.

After a year of beauty treatments, special food, and training, each girl was to go before the king. She came to the palace in the evening, and the next morning, she was sent to the house of the concubines, to live like a widow, unless the king called for her by name. It was a pampered, but a tragic existence. Each girl was allowed to take whatever she wanted from the harem to the king's palace when it was her time to appear before the king.

When the turn came for Esther . . . to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch. . . suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her (2:15). Again, Esther follows the advice of the people God has placed in charge of her. Even in the harem, she takes the good advice given to her. This is what happens as a result: Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen . . .(2:17).

Even as queen, Esther continues to follow Mordecai's advice. He uncovers a plot to assassinate the king and tells Esther, who brings the news to King Ahasuerus. When Haman, the king's right-hand man convinces the king to make a decree which will destroy the Jews, Esther again heeds the voice of her adopted father.   He asks her to go before the king, reveal her family background, and beg for mercy for her people.

Esther is faced with a tremendous dilemma. Although she was blessed with such favor from everyone, including the king, she has not been called by him for thirty days. Who knew if the king still felt favorably toward her? Also, . . . any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life (4:11). To appear before the king uninvited was a death sentence unless the king saw fit to spare that person's life.

Mordecai reminds her that hiding in the palace will not save her life. He encourages her by adding . . . who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (4:14) Esther's response to this difficult task? Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me . . . When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (4:16)!

The complete story has many more interesting twists and turns, but in summary, Esther appears in the king's inner court, her life is spared, and she invites the king and Haman to a banquet. She reveals her heritage, pleads for her life and the life of her people. Haman is hanged for his crime, Mordecai is given Haman's position, and the Jewish people are allowed to not only defend themselves, but . . . many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them (8:17).

Now, you're probably thinking: Great story, but how does this apply to me? I'll tell you. There is great wisdom in acknowledging that you don't know everything.  Choosing to follow the instructions of those God has placed over you is a tremendous sign of maturity. Our world would tell you that you are the master of your own destiny. You call the shots. If it feels good, do it. This is contrary to God's plan and ultimately, contrary to your happiness.

If you, as a teenager or young adult can make the choice to honor your parents, obey the people in authority, and follow the loving advice of those who are older than you, great blessings will come as a result. It's easy to rebel, it's much more difficult to listen, trust and obey, especially when you can't see the benefit from your perspective.

Obviously, we follow the direction of God above anyone else. If a law or a directive given by a person is contrary to God's word, then we are to ignore the law of man in order to follow God. Esther, herself did this, but only as God directed. It was her submission, not her defiance, that raised her to greatness, and it was her reputation for loyalty that caused the king to look on her with favor, even as she disobeyed his command.

I challenge you to take on this trademark characteristic of Esther. We live in a world full of enemies. Many people who would give us "advice" are not looking out for our benefit. If God has placed loving people in authority over you, respect their position, follow their direction, and develop a reputation of honor that will follow you wherever you go!

Do you struggle with following authority? Are you finding it difficult to submit? Leave a comment or email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org and we'll be happy to pray for and encourage you!

Think on These Things: Courageous!

2011-10-21T21:00:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Most likely, this isn't news to anyone, but just in case you haven't seen this movie yet, I thought we'd spread the word. It is the weekend, after all, and what better way to spend your entertainment money than on a movie that will leave you uplifted, and will support God's work?

Unfortunately, I have not yet seen this movie, so I can't speak from first-hand experience. My hubby and I made plans the other weekend, but then we had some unexpected things come up (speaking to mountains, remember?) Nonetheless, we plan to see it as soon as possible. This is the synopsis of the movie as found on their website:

Honor Begins At Home

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect. As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, David Thomson, and Shane Fuller are confident and focused. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood. While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark. When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children? Filled with action-packed police drama, COURAGEOUS is the fourth film from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Riveted moviegoers will once again find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That's courageous.

Here is the trailer:

(There are several other previews available on the website.)

You can check the website for theaters in your area, and purchase tickets by clicking here. I called the Cinemark theaters in Beaumont and Lake Charles and found out that Courageous is still showing, and although they cannot say with certainty how long it will be running, they expect it to run for at least another week. (I don't know if that includes the following weekend, though, so take advantage of this opportunity while you can!)

If there are no theaters in your area playing Courageous, you're not out of luck. You can head up an action squad to bring this movie to where you live.

I am a huge fan of the movies made by Sherwood Pictures. They keep getting better and better. The messages are always uplifting and God-honoring. Like I've said before, if we as Christians would like more wholesome entertainment options, it's important to support the people who create such products.

If you have already seen Courageous, leave us a comment and tell us how you liked it! I've heard from several people that it's a great movie, and an enjoyable experience.

Have a great weekend, and if you're looking for something fun to enjoy, check out Courageous!

Speak to Your Mountains!

2011-10-17T21:00:00.001-05:00

Matthew 21:21 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, . . . if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done (NKJV).

Welcome back, folks! My apologies for the delay in posting. I've been facing several mountains lately. However, my grandfather gave me some tremendous advice about how to deal with them, and I thought I'd pass it along.

If you're like me, you've read this verse all your life. I've always found it comforting; inspirational even, but I've generally enjoyed the "warm-fuzzy" feelings and then went about my day. What I didn't realize was, I missed the point entirely. This is not simply a verse of encouragement, it's a "how-to" verse; a tool for dealing with the problems that seek to overwhelm us.

Like you, I take my concerns to God. I lift them up to Him in prayer, asking Him to help me through the situation, or solve the problem. That is where I usually stop, though, and therein lay my problem. According to this verse, who are we supposed to speak to? The mountain! Don't get me wrong, of course we are to cast our cares on Christ because He cares for us. We shouldn't stop there, though. We should, in faith, speak to the problems that loom before us and declare in Jesus' name that they cannot and will not overcome us.

Am I promoting a "name it and claim it" attitude? No. God is our Master, not the other way around. He gives, He takes away, and we are to praise Him during both seasons. Nonetheless, Jesus tells us to speak to our mountains and command them to move out of the way! In my life, I spoke to the problems that were taking over and declared that they would not overcome me or my family. I declared that, in Jesus' name, they would move out of the way, and that God would provide whatever was needed to move forward with His plan. In one situation, within hours of my little "discussion," the mountain was moved, at no cost to my family!

Yes, it's a little weird to speak to your problems, but it's faith in action. I'm not suggesting that you draw a crowd and stand on your spiritual soapbox to do this, but I do suggest that you find some time, look your mountains in the eye, and declare with your mouth that in Jesus' name, they cannot overcome you. Your God has no limits of power, connections, money or whatever resources are necessary. You are not a beggar's child, you are the child of the King of Kings. He has promised that if you acknowledge Him in all your ways, that He will make your path straight (Proverbs 3:6).

What kind of life could we live for Christ if we truly embraced this concept? Let's find out together!

Think on These Things: Worth the Wait Conference on October 8th!

2011-10-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Welcome back, all! Guess what? The conference we told you about several weeks ago is almost upon us. I'm talking about the Worth the Wait conference in Buna, TX. It's taking place this Saturday, October 8th from 8:30-3:00. The cost is free, lunch is provided (hamburgers, yum!), and there's going to be something available for everyone, so don't miss out!

The theme of this year's conference is "Know." The overall focus will be on three areas that are important to know in order to remain sexually pure:

1. Know God – We must know God’s love and find our worth in Him to be
able to remain sexually pure.

2. Know Yourself – Guys and girls are created differently. Girls are more
emotional. Guys are more visually stimulated.

3. Know the Situation – The best way to remain sexually pure is to know
what situations to avoid.

This event is going to be both intense and light-hearted at the same time. We'll be facing all sides of the purity issue head-on, but at the same time, taking breaks for giveaways, "minute to win-it" competitions, and other fun events.

Here's the schedule:

8:30 – 9:00 a.m.     Registration / Games
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.   Welcome/Message 1 – “Know God”
10:20 – 11:10 a.m.  Session 1
     Girls: April Anderson teaching
     Boys: Cody Hogden teaching
11:15 – 12:00 p.m. Boy’s Lunch/ Girl’s Message: Sanctuary “Know Yourself”
12:05 – 12:50 p.m. Girl’s Lunch/ Boy’s Message: Sanctuary “Know Yourself”
12:55 – 1:45 p.m.    Session 2
     Girls: Jennifer Sigler teaching
     Boys: Jared Hollier teaching
1:50 – 3:00 p.m.          Ending Worship – “Know the Situation”

Just to give you an idea of what to expect, here's a little peek at the team of speakers/worship leaders at this Worth the Wait conference:

Lead Speaker
Tim Ramsey – Associate Pastor and Student Minister of Fellowship of Huntsville Church in Huntsville, Texas. Tim has been with FOHC since September 1992. Tim has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from the College of Biblical Studies - Houston. He has a passion for teaching students God’s Word in a relevant way that applies to their lives.

Worship Leaders
Micah Tyler Band – Micah Begnaud was a Student Minister for more than 10
years in Buna, Texas until he and the four other members of the band felt God’s call
to follow Him in to leading worship full time. All together they have spent 6 years
playing at camps, retreats, revivals, conferences, and more. Daniel Begnaud,
Will Gallagher, Caleb Johnson, and Haley Warren make up the team. Their goal is
to form hearts that want to see God’s people draw near to him through the praise of
His people.

Girls' Speaker-Session 1
April Anderson – April lives in Kirbyville with her husband and children. Formerly a
band director at Kirbyville CISD, she now is a full-time mother and writer along with
being fully devoted to a ministry she started called “Armed and Virtuous”. This is a
ministry for girls dedicated to promoting abstinence until marriage.

(No picture available)
Girls' Speaker-Session 2
Jennifer Sigler - Jennifer is a nurse practitioner at Southeast Texas OB/GYN Associates
in Beaumont, Texas. She has a passion for sharing her faith in and out of the workplace.
She believes in the remaining sexually pure before marriage and teaches about the
possible physical consequences of having sex.

(No picture available)
Boys' Speaker- Session 1
Cody Hogden – Cody was a student minister for 4 years at Winfree Baptist Church in
Orange, Texas. His family resides in Bridge City, Texas. Cody felt God’s call to step
out of the traditional ministry and open an area wide ministry to high school and
college students called “The Refuge” located in Bridge City, Texas. He teaches Bible
studies on Mondays and Thursdays while keeping it open other days for students to
come and hang out.

(No picture available)
Boys' Speaker- Session 2
Jared Hollier – Jared is the Senior Pastor at Peachtree Baptist Church in Jasper, Texas.
He graduated from East Texas Baptist University where he studied Religion. Jared has
spoken at children’s camps, Disciple NOW’s, and many other events along with
preaching and teaching at his church each week. His humor and charisma is sure to
bring enjoyment to his listeners as they study God’s Word.

We're expecting God to do some great things at this year's conference. There are about 20 different churches registered, with approximately 300 students expected to attend! So, if you've got a free weekend, come and get encouraged in your commitment to purity. The worship's going to be awesome, the fellowship with God's people sweet, and Central Baptist Church, Buna is working and praying hard to make this conference a blessing to the people of Southeast Texas.

Hope to see you there!

An Amazing Safety Net!

2011-09-13T21:30:00.001-05:00

Psalm 121:3-4 He will not let your foot be moved (ESV).

I don't know about you, but it brings me great comfort that God "will not let my foot be moved." I am terribly accident prone. Almost weekly I stub one or more toes as I walk around the house; my husband says I should wear steel-toed boots! I have fallen off the church platform before. (Luckily, not while the service was going on.) If someone is going to trip and fall over a crack in the sidewalk, it's going to be me. That's just how it is. In fact, at my own wedding rehearsal, it was suggested that the processional be changed from "Here Comes the Bride" to "What if I Stumble, What If I Fall?"

As embarrassing as it is to literally stumble, we often worry about stumbling socially or, as Christians, spiritually. We have a reputation to uphold! We want to appear collected, professional, and confident. How mortifying to go against what's popular, or worse, be caught in sin while professing Christianity! Sometimes the fear alone prevents us from following the direction God places on our hearts.

That's why this verse brings such comfort. While we see stumbling as something to dread, God sees it as growth! God views our stepping out in faith just like a baby taking their first steps. When my children took their first steps, I held my breath, stretched out my arms, and drank in every aspect of the moment. I wanted to remember every detail. In their cases, they took a few steps and then stumbled. Did they actually fall to the ground? No, because I was there, hovering all around, waiting to catch them. Was I disappointed that they stumbled? No! I was thrilled that they tried something new, and reached a new milestone! Shortly after the event, phone calls were made to every family member, and the child was praised and doted upon.

So, if God is directing you to step out of the mold and do something for His glory, don't be crippled by the fear of failure. God is with you! The last thing He's going to allow is His precious child, who is following His lead, to mess up. He's right there next to you, providing the strength you need to take those steps, and He won't allow you to fall. In fact, he won't even let your foot be moved!

We Have Another Winner!

2011-09-10T21:30:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

We were so excited to have another opportunity to offer Armed and Virtuous readers a chance to win Lilla Rose products! The result of our second drawing is in, and the winner is. . . . Stefanie! Congratulations! We will be emailing you with the details of how to redeem your free flexi clip, or $15.00 in Lilla Rose products.

Again, thank you to all who entered our giveaway. Your participation made this second drawing possible. We have plans to introduce some Armed and Virtuous products in the near future, and we plan to do a giveaway of our own, so stay tuned!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us an email at suggestions@armedandvirtuous.org or leave a comment, and we'll discuss the things that interest you.

Great News!

2011-09-08T21:29:00.000-05:00

What's better than one giveaway? TWO giveaways! Our first drawing was such a success that we're doing it again, so here's the deal:

If you entered before, you will be automatically entered for this second drawing.

If you have not entered, follow this link and complete the requirements for entry. Each task counts as an entry, so you may enter up to three times. Make sure that you leave a comment, either on this post, or the original post stating you have completed one or more of them, as we will draw from those who leave comments.

We will announce the second winner on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Good luck!

We Have A Winner!

2011-09-07T21:30:00.001-05:00

The winner of our Lilla Rose drawing is: (drum roll please). . . . Alicia! Congratulations! We will be emailing you with the details of redeeming your free flexi clip, or $15.00 of Lilla Rose products.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, you helped make this giveaway a success. We plan to have other giveaways in the future, in fact, we hope to soon give away Armed and Virtuous products!

Hope to see you then!

What are You Banking On?

2011-09-06T21:30:00.001-05:00

Psalm 121:1-2 ...I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (ESV).

This must be an important lesson in my life lately, because God has been actually singing this Psalm to my heart! Have I been worrying? Yes. My family has done some major stepping out in faith lately and I'll freely admit, there are times I've felt ill-qualified for the task.

Some of those steps involved leaving earthly securities behind. In a way it seemed like we were forging a new trail, but what I'm learning through all this "newness" is that I've created a problem where none actually exists.

The source of my security is not a bank account. It is not the food in our pantry. It is not approval from other people. My help comes from the Lord, the Almighty One who created heaven and earth. Because He is my Heavenly Father, I as His daughter am rich, because He will supply my every need and I am powerful through Him to complete anything He asks of me!

Should I expect my every little wish to be granted? No, but my true needs will always be met, as will the needs of my loved ones. God wants me to come to Him, because He longs to help me. He loves me and desires to show me, over and over that He is the true source of my blessings. The more I rely on Him, the more He will prove Himself faithful.

So, where does your hope lie? In a boyfriend? In your social status? In your grades or awards? As a person who is still learning this lesson, I humbly challenge you to take a good look at what you're "banking" on. If it's anything less than God Almighty, it's going to fail.

The ugly truth about worry is, it's a lack of faith. It represents trusting in something other than God. If He is truly the Lord of your life, then recognize that you really have no control. If your help comes from the Maker of Heaven and Earth...what more can you possibly need?

May this bring you comfort this week, as it brings me, every time He sings it to my soul!

A Giveaway from Lilla Rose!

2011-08-31T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hello, ladies! I'm so excited about this weekend's "thing," because it's our first giveaway on Armed and Virtuous. (I don't know about you, but I always get excited about free stuff!)

The Lilla Rose company offers unique, functional, and well-made hair jewelery. Their most famous product, the flexi-clip, comes in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and is designed to work in absolutely every hair type, length, and thickness. This clip can make simple hair-dos like a pony tail or a half-up hairstyle look much more elegant. They also work great in tails-up 'dos, and french twists.

I was given an opportunity to try the flexi-clip myself. My hair is naturally wavy and monstrously thick. I have attempted without success the tails-up style many times with many clips, so that was the first style I tried with my flexi. (My hair is so thick that no clip can contain it!) To my surprise and delight, it actually worked! Here is a picture of me, wearing my flexi clip:

In addition to the original flexi clip, Lilla Rose produces many other types of hair jewelery. They offer elegant hair sticks, hair bands, o-rings and bobby pins, as well as earrings, necklaces and decorative accessories.

All this to say, Joeann Foster, independent consultant for Lilla Rose, is giving away a free flexi-clip, or $15.00 in Lilla Rose products to an Armed and Virtuous reader! You may enter up to three times. Each of the following things counts as one entry:

1. Go to this page and watch the many different ways to use a flexi clip and find your best size.
2. Like Joeann's Lilla Rose facebook page.
3. Tell us which style is your favorite on the LR website.

Please make sure to leave a comment on this blog post stating that you have completed each activity. We will draw a winner based on the comments received. The winner of the drawing will be posted next Wednesday, September 7th at 9:30 p.m.

So . . . enjoy! There are so many beautiful styles to choose from, they even have seasonal clips which are super cute, too. Happy Browsing! :)

The Truest BFF!

2011-08-22T22:00:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 22:11 He who loves purity of heart [And has] grace on his lips, The king [will be] his friend (NKJV).

Well, school started today, at least in my corner of the world. Yesterday, I heard every possible reaction from my high school girls' Sunday School class regarding their feelings on the subject. Some were excited, some were sad to see the summer come to an end, others were tired of sitting at home, and a few were indifferent. No matter where you fall in this spectrum, I want to wish you a prosperous, blessed school year, and offer a thought to give you the best possible "send-off."

We all know that junior high and high school are all about relationships- way more than academics. No matter who you are, and how much you care to make good grades, your emotional well being is directly tied to how you feel your friendships/dating relationships are going. If all is well in your social world, then life seems to fall in line. If you find yourself the victim of gossip, backstabbing, or betrayal for one reason or another, then it's really hard to focus on things like grades and planning for the future.

Unfortunately, people can be absolutely cruel at times. Even those you name as friends can turn with no warning, and deliver an emotional blow to the gut. While I can't promise to prevent this from happening, I can offer you a better option for a "BFF."

God loves you! He loves you intentionally and individually. If you will make a point to invest in your relationship with Him, He'll prove Himself to be the truest and best of friends. When all other friends fail you, and they will, because we're all human and all make mistakes, God will not. He will stand beside you, strengthen you during the tough times and the work you do in His strength will prosper beyond your imagination.

So, the question is this: How close do you want to be to your Savior? Do you want Him as a casual acquaintance, or as a close friend? If you truly wish to be a friend of God, then you must love purity of heart. In other words, you should strive for an innocent heart. Don't put garbage into your mind. Don't watch or listen to filthy things, and don't hang around people who gossip and betray others. Secondly, have grace on your lips. Rather than seeking revenge when you are hurt, seek to bless. It's contrary to our nature, but it's exactly what Christ did for us.

It is such an amazing privilege that God desires friendship with us! Rather than taking that for granted, let's try to make ourselves a better friend to the King.

If you need prayer or encouragement, for any reason, leave a comment or email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org.

Think on These Things- Worth the Wait Conference is Coming Up!

2011-08-19T22:00:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

This week's "thing" is coming up soon, and it's definitely worth not only thinking about, but making plans to attend. It's a purity conference for guys and girls, and Armed and Virtuous Ministries will be there! I'm talking about the Worth the Wait conference at Central Baptist Church, in Buna TX. It is a one day conference that takes place on October 8, from 8:30-3:00. Here's how they describe this event:

Worth The Wait is a teen sexual purity conference for all people in the greater Southeast Texas area. It is an event paid for by local churches so your students can hear God's view on sexual purity.

This conference takes place every other year, and hundreds of people come to get inspired and encouraged in their commitments to sexual purity. The keynote speaker will be Tim Ramsey, President of One Road Ministries and Pastor of Student Ministries at Fellowship of Huntsville Church in Huntsville, TX.

There will be break-out sessions for girls only and guys only throughout the day. That's where Armed and Virtuous comes in! We will be sharing in the girls only sessions, along with Registered Nurse, Jennifer Sigler. For the guys' sessions, the leaders are Cody Hogden of the Refuge and Jared Hollier, Pastor of Peachtree Baptist in Jasper, TX. Worship will be led by the Micah Tyler Band.

According to Worth the Wait's facebook page, the first 20 churches that like their page will receive a free t-shirt for their youth leader.

So, check it out! If you have any questions, feel free to contact Scott Hawk, youth pastor at Central Baptist at: (409) 994-3641

We hope to see you there!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

More Than Just a Flavor Enhancer!

2011-08-15T21:30:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5: 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (NKJV)."

Maybe it isn't as earth-shaking an idea to you as it is to me, but I couldn't help but share the new way God gave me of looking at this verse. Throughout my life, when I've read, "You are the salt of the earth," I took it to mean "You are the seasoning in this world. You make this dull world a more palatable place to live. You make this world more exciting and interesting; much like table salt makes a bland dish taste acceptable." Is that how you've always taken it?

But salt is so much more than just a flavor enhancer! For centuries it has been used to preserve food. How? By removing water-the environment for decay, and creating a new enviromnent- a dry and salty one, which is unfit for bacteria to live and grow. Salt does not completely halt decay, but it sure slows it down! In other words, salt is vital to keeping food safe to consume. Salt preservation could be the difference between health and sickness (or even death!)

So, when Jesus calls His people the salt of the earth, He's declaring how vital we are to the preservation of what is good. We live in a dying world. Our society is riddled with the bacteria of sin, and everything from popular movies, fashion styles, secular music, and commercials expose the evidence of rot and decay. As believers, we're made of a completely different substance than the world. We have the ability not only to avoid the rot, but we can in turn create a healthy environment! When we stand up for what is right, and expose what is wrong, sin can't abide in our presence; it's like we create a healthy "peer pressure." But if we lose our preserving abilities, by conforming to the world, we fail to fulfill our purpose, and the decay consumes not only the world, but us.

With the beginning of the new school year just around the corner, you may already be making plans to wear what's "in," even if it causes guys to lust, hang out with people who do drink, date guys who will pressure you for sex, or do whatever it takes not to stick out. I've been there, and I remember how cruel the crowd can be. Keep in mind, though, that we're not supposed to look or act like the world. We're meant to be different, and it's a very good thing! We are designed to stand out, to not only oppose what is sinful, but to stand so firmly in our convictions that we preserve a healthy environment all around us. As other Christians see you affecting your corner of the world, they'll join with you and you'll become even stronger as a team.

In a world that seeks to destroy, dare to fight against the agents of decay. Accept who you are, and step up to the task God has given you!

Is the pressure to fit in causing you to compromise your standards? Leave us a comment, or email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org. Our prayer partners would love to support you in prayer.

Think On These Things: God's Food Ministry!

2011-08-12T21:30:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Remember when we talked about gathering plastic grocery bags several weeks ago? I recently had an opportunity to take those bags to the Taylor Food Ministry. Although I anticipated blessing them with the bags we gathered, I received a much greater blessing in return, and learned a lesson or two about what a pure heart really looks like.

The Taylors are unassuming, Godly people with a heart for the needy. Unlike many places that distribute food, they don't take down much personal information, or ask lots of intrusive questions. They believe that, if someone comes to them asking for food, they are truly in need. The bags that you gathered are used to package an assortment of canned, boxed and frozen goods to those who come for help.

I was taken back to their shelves of canned goods and shown what staples go into the bags: canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, and whatever is currently available. Then they create another bag of boxed and packaged goods. Finally, they give out frozen meats based on the number of people in the family.

Several churches in the area support this ministry financially, and they have a few volunteers who regularly devote time by straightening and organizing bags, organizing the food onto shelves, and bagging up the goods. Lots of hard labor was going on, and yet, everyone was smiling and seemed genuinely happy to be there. Mr. Taylor, himself, was shaking hands, cracking jokes and looking for every opportunity to make someone smile. When I asked him about it he said, "I make it my goal every day to send people away from here happy and blessed."

This food ministry serves a much wider area than just their local community. The owner of this car comes to the Taylor's weekly. He fills his vehicle with as many bags of food as possible and distributes them in Orange, TX.

As I talked with Mr. Taylor and was snapping pictures, I asked if I could take a picture of him. I saw his smile fade just a little bit and he said something that spoke directly to my heart: "I'd rather you not, and here's why: people call this the Taylor food ministry, but it's not. It's God's food ministry. I don't want to give the devil even a toehold on what God is doing here. I don't want to open the door even a crack to invite in pride."

I was amazed! How often do we slap our name on something to claim it as our own? Even when we're doing God's work, it's so easy to fall into the trap of sitting back and congratulating ourselves. It made me re-examine my priorities. When God calls us to do a work, the work alone is the blessing, not any applause that might come afterward. How I hope to hold onto that, to truly live out that attitude! If we love God, we are to feed His sheep: Meet their needs, and point to Christ, and Christ alone.

Mr. Taylor was so excited to share his latest idea with me, and I wanted to pass it along to you. As helpful as our grocery bags are to their ministry, he began feeling convicted about the fact that grocery stores' names were attached to the gift of food, not the Lord's. As God continued to lead, He placed an order for several hundred bags that will look something like this when they arrive:

(My apologies for the poor quality of the picture). If you can't read it well it says: "Be Happy and Blessed in Jesus' name! Matthew 25." His desire is to point not to a store, but to Jesus as the source of our blessings and the Provider of our needs. Yes, this was an investment of money, but God provided all that was needed to cover the cost! (If this is to be an ongoing investment, however, I'm sure that funds will be needed in the future.)

I watched several people who were in need come, have their spirits uplifted, their needs met, and then sent off with a prayer. Before anyone was allowed to leave the Taylor's, myself included, people joined hands and prayed. There was such a joyful, sweet spirit in that place!

I asked Mrs. Taylor if there was anything we could do to help and she said that they can always use toiletries: toilet paper, feminine supplies, soap, toothpaste, etc. Their main focus is food, but she says that people often pull her aside and whisper "Do you have any toilet paper?" Women will come in and ask for feminine supplies, and it breaks her heart to say "no."

So. . . the Armed and Virtuous ministry is going to look into what we can do to help God's food ministry in the way of paper goods and toiletries. If you'd like to help, feel free to contact us at suggestions@armedandvirtuous.org. Otherwise, we'll start planning, and let you know what God leads us to do.

I hope your summer has been great! I hope you've had lots of opportunities to relax and have fun. I also hope that you've been able to do something significant for the kingdom of God, just like the Taylors.

The Ultimate "Make-Over"

2011-08-08T22:00:00.002-05:00

I Peter 3:4-5 Do not let your adornment be [merely] outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on [fine] apparel-- rather [let it be] the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible [beauty] of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God (NKJV).

The new school year is almost here, all the stores have great sales going on, and the foremost thing on everyone's mind is: Where is the best place to buy new, cute clothes for school? Don't worry, I'm not trying to rain on your fashion parade, but I do hope to get you thinking, and help put some things into perspective before that first tardy bell rings.

If school is still anything like it was for me, certain brands of clothing are more socially acceptable than others. Those brands are usually much more expensive, which often leads to arguments with parents about what "everyone is wearing" verses "what we can afford." Then there's what style of clothing is "in," and more often than not, this can create a modesty issue. Even if it's not specifically against the school dress code, (or it is, but you know you can get away with it- that's another issue) your parents might have a problem with the cut of a neckline or the length of a skirt. This can become such a frustrating time! Is it possible for a teenage girl to dress fashionably, and yet, respect her parents' budget and honor the Lord?

I say yes! First, make it a matter of prayer. If it matters to you, it matters to God. He loves you, and enjoys giving you good things-even cute clothing. Then, take a mental step back and think: Who am I trying to impress? Whose good opinion truly matters to me? Is it worth spending more money than you can afford just to (maybe) make a good impression on the first day of school? Is it more important to impress people who will turn around and gossip about you later, than to maintain your standards of modesty?

Does this verse tell us not to wear trendy clothing? No. It just instructs us to make our beauty go beyond the surface. If you can afford the expensive stuff, there's nothing wrong with wearing it, but don't measure your value by the clothing brands you can (or cannot) wear. Instead, spend time molding and shaping your character. The person you are on the inside.

Rather than spending so much time stressing out over the reflection in your bedroom mirror, spend some time looking into the mirror of God's word. As you read the Bible, God will begin pointing out flaws in your character, areas that fall short of His expectations of you. You'll feel convicted of your sin, but even when God corrects us, He does it in love. He won't reject you, He'll just inspire you to change. As you begin to see your image becoming more and more like Christ's your self-confidence will soar! You'll realize that this is the ultimate "make-over," and truly worthy of your time and efforts.

Will your change be noticeable on the outside? You bet! When the Spirit of God abides in a person, the joy of the Lord transforms them. It can be seen on their face, heard in their speech, and demonstrated in what they do. If you truly want to make an impression on the first day of school, spend some time looking into the face of Jesus. Make a concerted effort to mold your character according to His, and spend your energy on what He desires of you. Not only will the world notice you, but God, Himself will find you beautiful!

Are you concerned about the upcoming school year? Whether your needs are great or small, we'd love to pray for you. Just leave us a comment or email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org.

Keep Thy Heart Conference!

2011-08-03T21:30:00.001-05:00

Guess what? There's a purity conference going on this weekend in our area! I just found out about it, and I wanted to spread the word.

Friendship Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX is hosting the Keep Thy Heart Ladies' Purity Conference. It's this Saturday, August 6 from 9:30-3:00. The guest speaker is Kayla Rawls, a cheerleader from Liberty University. Here's her video:

Kayla will be addressing current issues regarding purity to our community's youth. It's going to be an eye-opening experience! The cost is $15 per person, and that includes lunch. What a great boost to begin the next school year!

To register, and for more information, contact Josh Fowler, Friendship Baptist's youth pastor, at 409-898-0249.

I hope you get to go! Let us know if you do, and how the conference goes!

What I Can, and Can't Do...

2011-08-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

John 15:5     Without Me you can do nothing (NKJV).
Philippians 4:13    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (NKJV).

Yes, this little devo. is coming from personal experience. I'll admit to that from the beginning. The past several weeks have been jam-packed with activity, responsibilities, and I've just about reached my limit. The "to-do" list kept getting longer and longer while deadlines got closer and closer. I've been madly trying to accomplish the task with the closest deadline first, appearing as if I had it all together, when actually I was coming apart at the seams. Finally, God stepped in, and halted the madness:

April, you can't do everything on your own. In fact, you can't do anything on your own. You need Me involved every step of the way.

I know these things in my head, but when life gets crazy, my heart wants to try and solve the problems in my own strength. I think it's my job to find the money, time, resources or energy to get a job done. That's not God's plan for my life. He is the true source of my every need, not my bank account, my brain, or my heart. If I'd just remember this lesson, life would be less stressful. I only need to ask Him for my needs, trust that He'll supply what is best for me, and then walk as He directs.

How on earth could this apply to you? Well, although I hate to mention it, the summer is drawing to a close. You might be looking forward to the next school year, or you might be dreading it. Either way, the key to a succesful year is simple:  Be aware of what you can, and cannot do.

We can't make anything happen on our own,no matter how much we desire to. We need God's blessing, God's direction, and God's help every step of the way. It's not a pleasant thought, but it's the cold, hard truth. Luckily, though, that's not the end of the story.

Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If we're abiding in Him, and acting based on His direction, there is nothing we cannot accomplish! You might be about to step onto a university campus for the first time. It's terrifying, I remember, but you'll thrive in this new phase of life, as long as you stay plugged into God's word. Depend on Him for the courage, the friends, and the understanding. He owns it all, and He delights in sharing good things with His children.

It's a beautiful little irony: We can do nothing without Him, and we can do everything through Him! Cast your cares on Christ because He cares for you. Lay your needs and desires at His feet and dare to believe that He'll come through as He promised.

The College 411- Shelby's experience part 2

2011-07-27T21:30:00.014-05:00

Well, here you have it, the last installment of the final interview in the College 411 series! I hope it has been helpful for all you soon-to-be college freshmen, and those of you making college plans in the next few years. If you get nothing else from our discussions, understand that college is a wonderful experience, just don't forget who you are and to Whom you belong. Here's the rest of Shelby's interview, may it bless and encourage you all. Good luck with all your college plans and activities, and God Bless!

April: Is it challenging to stand strong in your faith as a college student?

Shelby: For me, it’s quite a challenge. I do better staying in the Word when I have nothing else to do. The summers are the best for me, because I can chill, open the Word and see what God has in store for me. When I get busy, l barely have time to do anything I want to do, because of studying and classes, and I guess I tend to categorize spending time with God as something I want to do. It’s easy for me to think I have to study so I can make a good grade on this test. I have to sleep so I can be prepared to take this test. Then I’ll realize that a week has gone by and I haven’t spent time in God’s Word. It’s a mindset thing, you really have to stop and make the time to read the Word and listen to God’s voice.

April: Do you feel further or closer to God than when you were in high school?

Shelby: I came into college from the mountaintop experience of church camp, so I definitely think that initially, God and I grew further apart. Like I said, I got “busy” which contributed to that situation. But then, I had to learn to trust Him day by day. I had to lean on Him to show me how to make it through each day, and that has brought us closer. He’s revealed to me a lot about who I am, some of the character traits I possess. Some of them are good, and He encourages me to keep developing them, and with others He tells me Those have got to change!

April: Do you feel like your faith has matured, that maybe you’re beginning to own your faith now?

Shelby: Definitely! I’ve actually started something I call Operation 119:11. Psalm 119:11 says I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You. I’ve written down scriptures that prove why I believe what I believe. In the past, I knew that the Bible “said” a certain thing, but I didn’t know where. To an unbeliever, that doesn’t mean much. So, in order to be a stronger witness, I decided that I really need to study the Bible and memorize those scriptures. The more I look into a verse, and the more I study individual words in that verse, the deeper I understand the meaning behind it. I think this has to do with my stage of life. In high school, I never really studied anything! Now that I’m in college, I’ve learned how to study, and I think that I’m translating that skill to my Bible study.

April: Do you think that a Christian can remain strong in their faith while going to a large, public university like you do?

Shelby: Yes, I will say that my university is very conservative, and I believe that helps. It might be harder if I attended a university that was really “out there,” but I do know this: Everywhere you go, there will be a church. You need to be involved in the church community. I’m not just talking about attending Sunday morning services; you have to get “plugged in.” Those people will support and help you through times of weakness. Yes, there are lots of people at this university who don’t believe as I do, but I’ve found my core support group and they help keep me strong, that’s the key.

April: Do you have any last words of advice?

Shelby: Be prepared for God to show you what He wants. You’re about to dive head first into the rest of your life, and you really don’t want to do that without Him! You’re going to come into contact with a lot of people who claim to be Christians, but you need to investigate and discover who they really are. You also need to dig deep and discover who you really are. Expect your faith to be tested, that’s why I believe God created college: to test your faith, test who you are, and give you an opportunity to grow. Your parents have done all they could to give you a great foundation, now you’re about to flourish; just make sure that you stay dependent on God.

Think on These Things- Pray for Callie!

2011-07-23T22:12:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Would you like to do something to make your summer really count? I've got a tremendous mission opportunity for you! It can be accomplished in your own home, on your own time and costs absolutely nothing but your time and compassion, yet the results will bless a hurting family forever.

The beautiful little girl you see pictured above is Callie Cochran. She is two years old, and was recently diagnosed with a peach size tumor that was consuming most of the back portion of her brain. She went through surgery to remove the tumor, and Praise God, the doctors were able to remove it all. After receiving the pathology reports, it was determined that Callie has Stage 3 Anaplastic Ependymoma brain cancer. This is a very aggressive type of cancer, and the road to recovery is difficult and uncertain.

Miss Callie has been recovering from her brain surgery and there have been many ups and downs along the way. She needs prayer for healing and the regaining of normal activities. Also, she will be undergoing strenuous radiation treatments to fight off this cancer. Please pray for this precious little girl to regain her ability to swallow, keep down food, keep her airways clear, and have the strength she needs to undergo her radiation therapy.

Callie has an older brother, Carson, who has his own struggles at this time: concern for his sister, homesickness, and all the emotions you can imagine a little boy would feel in his position. Callie's mom and dad, Phil and Courtney are obviously in need of your prayer. As a mother, my heart goes out to them.

Please take a little time to lift up this sweet family. Their lives have been turned upside down, and their needs are great. We have the opportunity to be to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this situation. They need wisdom, so pray for wisdom. They need peace, so pray for peace. They need rest, they need money, they need lots of things, so let's stand in the gap for them. Let's help ease their emotional burden, and knock on the doors of Heaven on their behalf. Prayer is simple, but prayer is the most powerful and effective tool we possess. James 5:16 says . . . The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (NKJV).

The Cochran family has a website that they frequently update with the latest prayer needs and praises regarding Callie's situation. There is a guest book you can sign to show support, and even an opportunity to give financially if you feel led. Their needs are great, but our God is greater!

Thank you so much, my fellow soldiers.

The College 411- Shelby's experience part 1

2011-07-20T22:13:00.000-05:00

It's been a while, but we're back on the subject of college! This week you'll be hearing from Shelby. She gave a great interview, but we had some technical difficulties with her video. I couldn't bear for you to miss out on her wonderful opinions and advice, so I typed out the interview. Thank you, Shelby, for being so open and honest. I hope her words bless you as much as they did me. Enjoy!

April: What was it like transitioning from high school to college?

Shelby: The transition, for me, was really not that terrible. Probably one of the greatest things was the surprise! Everyone talked about how professors don’t care about you, that the work is so hard, and that professors are going to try and fail you. My professors have been nothing but helpful. All they want is for you to pass. For the most part, they love whatever they’re teaching. It’s great to know that they actually care. Just take the time to introduce yourself, and they’ll remember. They really do care.

Also, the freedom is a great thing. You have the freedom to choose what you study, where you study, where you eat, what you eat, when you eat. What’s really nice is, you get to pick whatever you want to wear! If it’s hot outside, you can wear shorts! And, by the way, no one dresses up for class. T-shirts and shorts are the way to go! You don’t have to worry about impressing people, because nobody cares.

April: What was difficult about the transition?

Shelby: It was difficult not having a set stereotype of who I was. In high school, everyone had a certain impression of me, expected certain things of me, and I followed those expectations because that was “my box,” my comfort zone. When I went to college, I discovered that I could become whatever I wished. I expected to be the same person, but my circumstances changed, and I began to worry and think, I might be a nerd! I’m studying all the time! (By the way, you’re not a nerd for studying a lot, that’s the point of college: to study and get a good job. Don’t forget that!) You begin thinking: Who am I, what is my spot in the world? And, it’s not like you can turn to your buddy and ask “Who should I be?” because they’re going through this discovery as well. That caused me some stress.

April: Was the transition a big shock?

Shelby: For me, no, because my parents prepared me well. I’m the youngest of my family, so I witnessed my other siblings go off to college and had an idea of what to expect. There were all sorts of little things, though. For example: no one announces things. There are no “school announcements” every day, so to know what’s going on, you need to find the source of the information, and pay attention. Read the school paper, look online, or find out where the info. is coming from. Otherwise, you’ll miss out.

April: Did you feel lonely? If so, how did you deal with it?

Shelby: I still sometimes feel lonely. You have lots of friends, but they haven’t known you a long time. You will share the same interests, but you don’t share the same growing up experiences. Their backgrounds are different than yours. You can’t share old stories, and that makes me feel a little lonely, but then you start building experiences and memories with these new friends. That makes the loneliness ease up a bit. So, stay close to your high school friends and cherish your high school memories, but enjoy the college stage of life with your college friends. If you dwell on the past you will be lonely, so embrace where you are now, because college does fly by like they say!

April: How is peer pressure different in college?

Shelby I’ve always heard that peer pressure is tough in college because you don’t have anyone telling you not to do something, but in my life, peer pressure is almost non-existent. If you don’t want to do something, you just don’t hang out with those people, and if you do want to do something, those are the people you hang out with. Peer pressure doesn’t really happen here, because there are so many different types of people that you can easily find the people who do what you do.

April: How do you find the right people? Did it take a while to find them?

Shelby: It doesn’t take long, because no one is trying to hide who they are. It’s fairly easy to find Christian friends because, hopefully, you’ll be finding a church somewhere and that’s where you’ll find people to hang out with. Even at church there will be people who are more and less like you, but the college department of a church will always have activities for you to do and people to meet. The more you get involved, the sooner you’ll discover that you have Christian friends and you didn’t even really try, it just happens.

April: Is it tempting to go to drinking parties in college?

Shelby: It depends on what you’re looking for. If you come to college looking to make as many friends as possible, then partying will be a temptation. If you want a few, solid friends, then parties won’t be a temptation. You will develop deep, long-lasting relationships with true friends, but you don’t get close to people you meet at a party. You might know their name and a stupid story about them because they were drunk when you met, but that’s about it. Those parties aren’t a temptation to me because of how I went about making friends, and because there’s so much going on at my university, it’s not like a party is the only thing going on over the weekend. I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything!

April: In your opinion, what’s the difference between a good party and a bad party?

Shelby: If there’s alcohol present, there’s probably nothing good going on, so unless you’re going to pick up a friend from the party, don’t go. I’m a little up in the air about where to draw the line in relation to alcohol. I know that people drank wine in Biblical times, but that it specifically says not to get drunk and not to be a stumbling block. The Bible says everything is permissible, but everything is not beneficial. So, if it’s not beneficial to be there, just don’t go. There are plenty of parties without alcohol, but even then, if people there are known to be shady, it’s probably best not to be there.

Are you about to begin your college experience? Need support? Leave a comment or email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org and we'll be glad to encourage you and pray!

The "Lavish" Lifestyle!

2011-07-18T17:02:00.000-05:00

I John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him (NIV).

Last week we challenged you to change your focus, and think about the things that truly matter. This week, I hope you'll spend some time pondering how truly rich you are, and yes. . . I mean you!

What is the lavish lifestyle? It is a life overflowing with an abundance of something. We usually think of wealth, power or fame. We might consider movie stars to have a lavish lifestyle, leading political figures, or even the most popular people at school. They likely are the most financially well off, have the most "friends" and have a string of guys hoping to ask them out, right?

So, how on earth are you rich, then? I'll tell you: If you are a child of God, then you possess riches that the world not only doesn't possess, but can't even comprehend. You are lavished with love, God's unfailing love!

God has poured out His love and favor upon you. He has called you His child, made you an heir to all the wealth of heaven, sent His only Son to die for your sin, and provided the way for you to live eternally with Him in paradise! In addition to all this, He moment-by-moment supplies all that you need on this earth, and many of the things you want as well. It might not always seem to be so. We often get focused on all the things we don't have, instead of thanking Him for the countless blessings. Its easy to count the "many ways" we don't measure up, fit in, or seem good enough according to the world, but that's just further proof of the wealth we hold!

By being rich in God's love, we have love to spare. We have love to share. We have love to give to the most needy and even the most undeserving of people. Our world is impoverished when it comes to love. They can't give love, because they don't have love, they don't even truly understand love. I John 4:7-8 says . . . for love is of God and everyone that loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love, does not know God, for God IS love.

So, you're rich! You're a cherished, precious daughter of the King of Kings! Because He has lavished His love upon you when you didn't deserve it, couldn't earn it, or even understand it, you can in turn lavish this world with that same love. So, open the floodgates, and let God's love flow from you onto the dying world around you!

What does this look like? It could mean sharing money or resources with the needy, but it could also mean spending time listening to a lonely individual. It could mean using your physical strength to help someone who is frail or sickly. It could be lifting up someone in prayer, even praying over and over, with tears, helping them fight their spiritual battle.

It could also be shown through offering forgiveness to someone who is "undeserving." Have you ever been hurt, cheated, or lied to? What if that person not only doesn't apologize, but continues the same behavior? Do they deserve forgiveness? No, but neither did we, and yet God forgave. Forgiveness has nothing to do with the worthiness of the offender, nor the feelings of the one offended. It has everything to do with the abundance of God's love. If God can lavish His love on me when I didn't deserve it, I can forgive an offense, even if no apology is given. I can love that person (while rejecting their sinful behavior) because God first loved me.

So, act like you live in the lap of luxury. Freely you have received, freely give. Ask God how to help you "share the wealth" and spread His love around. There is nothing more powerful in this world than love!

Are you feeling unloved? Are you feeling undeserving of love? Drop us a line at requests@armedandvirtuous.org or leave a comment. We'll be happy to pray for and encourage you!

Change Your Focus

2011-07-12T21:16:00.000-05:00

2 Corinthians 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen [are] temporary, but the things which are not seen [are] eternal (NKJV).

This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible, and it's been speaking volumes to me lately! This verse is the last of a chapter devoted to enduring hardships as a believer, but this last phrase is so hopeful, that it challenged me to change my focus.

How many times do you look around and feel that, for some reason or another, you don't measure up? Almost constantly, right? We live in a world that is trying to sell us something, and their favorite marketing strategy is to create discontent. "If you only had this hairstyling product, your bad hair days would be over!" "Try this new skin product and never have another blemish!"

We spend so much time thinking about the things that are seen. They seem so certain, so dependable, so important, but in reality, they're temporary. In the next few days, weeks, months, or years they'll be gone and another "thing" will take its place to make you feel inadequate.

So what does matter? Our walk with Christ, and how we use the blessings He's given us to bless others. Instead of stressing out over our reflection in the mirror, we should focus on improving our spiritual reflection. Instead of trying to imitate the latest iconic supermodel, we should be trying to imitate and reflect Christ.

Molding a Godly character is an unseen attribute which is eternal. However, just because it's unseen doesn't mean it goes unnoticed. If you begin turning your focus inward, people will detect the change, remark on the change, and you will begin making an impact on the world, rather than being impacted by the world, how awesome is that?

When Christ was on earth, what was the image He portrayed? He was a servant. This is what Jesus said about Himself, in His own words: ". . . the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)"

This week, I'm offering a friendly reminder to change your focus, (and I'm "preaching" to myself as well). Rather than looking around at the things that don't seem to be going your way, look to Jesus, your Lord, Savior, Master and Creator. Allow Him to show you how loved and cherished you are in His sight, and change your ideas of what really matters. God Bless!

Do you struggle with image issues? We all do as women! Drop us a line at requests@armedandvirtuous.org or leave us a comment and we'll be happy to encourage you.

Think On These Things: Prayer Works!

2011-07-08T21:00:00.031-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

I'm really excited about this week's opportunity to make your summer count! Everyone can get involved, no money needed, no materials to gather, all you need is yourself. . . and a heart to bear one another's burdens.

89.3 KSBJ, a Houston-based Christian radio station, has an online prayer community called Prayer Works! On this site, people throughout the area posts prayer needs and praise reports. You'll find a wide variety of needs from people of all walks of life. As you pray, there is a place to click, indicating that you've lifted up a specific need, and even an opportunity to leave a note of encouragement. What a blessing to see your burdens being brought before God, and read the support from those who are fighting on your behalf! There are no age restrictions to minister in this area, so anyone can get involved. Check it out, find a need that particularly strikes your heart, and get on your knees. Remember: The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16, NIV). If you have any concerns of your own, feel free to submit a prayer request. This is what the body of Christ is all about!

They also have a Salvation Wall. They call it their "Most Wanted List." On the Salvation Wall, people have placed the names of those that need to come to Christ. You can review the names, say a prayer for their salvation and then click the name. KSBJ will email the submitter, to let them know that their friend or family member received prayer. How encouraging, and how easy to get involved!

If you are 18 or older, there are still more opportunities. You can sign up to be a Prayer Line Volunteer. As a prayer line volunteer, you would be praying for listeners that call in or email in their prayer requests. They have numerous time slots throughout the day to fit your schedule. Click on the link for more information.

Then there are more "hands-on" ways to share for the glory of God! KSBJ is constantly putting on special events. This month, they are hosting Boomin By the Bay every Tuesday on the Kemah Boardwalk. At these events they need survey volunteers and greeting volunteers. They need two volunteers for Tuesday, the 12th, and six volunteers for their last show on Tuesday, the 26th.

KSBJ puts on various events throughout the year, in several locations, and is always in need of helping hands (especially in the Beaumont area!) The best way to know what's coming up is to register as a volunteer. You will begin receiving emails about upcoming events and find out where help is needed. Even if you can't help out, you can always join the fun! You must be at least 18 to register as a volunteer individually, but if you are a parent, you can request to bring your teen along.

So, volunteer some prayer time this week! Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ. As much as we can do with our hands, nothing is as powerful as prayer. It seems simple, but it's warfare on our knees!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line at suggestions@armedandvirtuous.org or leave a comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

Think on These Things: Manicures for the Master!

2011-07-02T21:30:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Welcome back! We're talking about things you can do this summer, things that might seem insignificant, but make a tremendous impact for the kingdom of God. This particular "mission trip" idea requires nothing more than your smiling face . . . and a bottle of nail polish. Intrigued?

A couple of friends and I went to our local nursing home to do manicures! This is a regular activity at our particular nursing home, but they don't normally get to interact with younger people while doing it, so we all had a great time!

We did a few men's nails as well. No, we didn't use nail polish, we just clipped and filed their nails, but they seemed to enjoy the conversation! I talked to a man who had been a car salesman in his younger years. I couldn't help but think that it must be frustrating to be unable to clip your own nails. I also met a lady named Hazel who used to run a beauty shop in our town. Throughout our visit, we met several other ladies of various backgrounds:

This particular lady knew exactly what color she wanted, and how she wanted her nails done! I'm very glad my friend, Myranda, was such an accurate manicurist. I might not have passed this lady's meticulous inspection! Before we left, she pointed out a picture of herself on the wall . . . with a gentleman! She said "People say he's my boyfriend, but he's not a boy. He's my MAN friend!"

I'll remember this lady forever because she wanted blue nail polish! She told me later that she'd prefer black, but they didn't have any! She was quite a character, singing along with the radio and talking about her favorite musicians. Her nails were quite long, but nope! She didn't want them cut. Just the blue polish, thank you!

Then I met another rather shy lady. She seemed to want to join in our conversation, but either couldn't hear very well, or didn't know exactly what to say. My heart went out to her. I found myself doing most of the talking, because she seemed more comfortable that way. We had a great time, doing nails, chit-chatting, and learning about the varied and accomplished lives of the people we served.

Before we knew it, the lunch announcement was made, and it was time to go. I found myself thinking I wonder how many of these people have regular visitors? Do their family members even come to see them? Then I thought to myself: I wonder what will happen to me when I get older? Will my loved ones visit me, or leave me all alone? The folks we met had all once been young like me, young like you. In their hearts, they still feel just like they did in their youth. They still have hopes, dreams, fears, insecurities, and most importantly, they're still loved by God.

You may not have money, you may not have special qualifications, but you do have yourself to share. Most of those people didn't care what I did with their nails, they just wanted someone to talk to. As a young person, your time and attention are very valuable to the older generation. It takes effort to slow down and think of others, but it's worth it.

Who knows? You might just learn something from them while you're there!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line at requests@armedandvirtuous.org or leave a comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- part 5

2011-06-30T21:00:00.022-05:00

We're back for more college talk, and today the topic is money! Believe it or not, it is possible to graduate from college debt-free! I'm living proof, and hopefully some of my experiences can help you avoid unnecessary debt.

You'll hear lots of people say that "Student loan debt is good debt." Here's their reasoning: By graduating with a degree in a specialized field you will (hopefully) be uniquely skilled and therefore eligible for higher paying jobs.  Once you begin a career, you can afford to pay off your loans, so therefore the debt is "good." There is merit to this philosophy. Many student loans don't accrue interest until after you graduate, and some even provide for the debt to be "forgiven" if you take a job in a specific location, for a specific period of time.

However, no debt is much better than "good debt!"  I'm going to tell you about some of the things that worked for me, and maybe you can put a few of them to work in your current or future college financial plan.

First of all, I focused on making the best grades I could in high school. I was not Valedictorian, nor one of the top 10 of my class (I graduated in a class of almost 600 students,) but I was in the top 10%, so I was an honor graduate. I was musical, so I got involved in every possible musical competition. My greatest high school goal was to make the All-State Band, which the Lord helped me to achieve my senior year. When I began looking at colleges, my grades helped me out financially! The university I attended offered an academic scholarship, based on my grades and my standardized test scores (SAT/ACT). Because my grades and test scores were high enough, I earned an academic scholarship that covered my housing! Each year in college, if my GPA remained high enough, my housing scholarship continued, so throughout college my housing was free! Each college has its own policies, but in your college-hunting, find out what they can do for good grades, it's worth the effort!

As a music major, I was part of the university marching band, concert bands, and choirs. I received money for being involved in these groups, and these weren't scholarships, they were called "service awards." This meant that I was being paid for providing my services to the organization. It was a substantial sum of money that covered most of my tuition!  The top ensembles had limited space, and were selected by audition. If you made those ensembles, your service award was even greater! Then, there were other opportunities such as Pep Band (the band which performs at basketball games.) By being a part of this group, I was paid a certain amount of money per game. It wasn't much, but it helped cover expenses like toiletries and such. These groups were enjoyable, and they helped pay for my education!

Then there were "work/study jobs." Throughout the various departments, certain professors or organizations had jobs available to students. My work/study job was with the trumpet professor in the music department. I'd help copy, fold, organize and prepare for performances and competitions. My husband worked two semesters at the campus police department, (another story for another time!) Again, we got paid for this work. It wasn't lots of money, but every little bit helped, and there was a limit to the amount of hours you could work, because the purpose of the job was to not impede your study.

Then, one semester, I discovered that good grades could pay even more! The first semester I made a 4.0, I received a letter, with a check for $1,000! I found out that my department offered a scholarship for the music student with the highest GPA each semester. After receiving that check, I decided to make 4.0's from then on! If there was more than one such student, the scholarship was split, but once again, I found a way to make money to pay for school!

When I began my college career, I filled out government financial aid forms, but unfortunately, I did not qualify. It never hurts to try, though. Grants are different from loans. Grant money is government money for your schooling that does not need to be repaid! So, look into it, find out when it's due and turn it in, filled out in its entirety, on time.  Every year scholarships and grants go unclaimed because people fail to properly fill out the forms.

What hobbies are you into? There might just be a scholarship out there! Do some research and find out, because every little bit helps. Another avenue for potential scholarships are civic organizations. The Rotary Club, Lion's Club, and other such places offer college scholarships. Many high school booster organizations offer scholarships, I even know that the local banks in our area offer scholarships. If there's a form to fill out, fill it out! The worst they can tell you is "no."

One more thing that helped me: I went to a smaller university. Because my university was small, they valued their top students and wanted to keep them. That certainly helped my financial situation! As nice as it is to go to a big-name university, how important is that for your bachelor's degree? If you're looking to go for a Master's or beyond, maybe that degree should come from a major university. Throughout my working life, no one has passed me up for a job, or questioned my abilities based on the university I attended.

Not to get too into my personal story, but I was the oldest of four children, and neither of my parents went to college. Finances were tight, and I knew from the beginning that I would have to pay for as much of my education as possible. I did not go to school for free; my parents had to pay some expenses, especially my freshman year, but I managed to shoulder most of the financial burden myself, without any student loans, and without getting an outside-the-university job! Every school has different policies, but they all offer opportunities for financial relief.

Many factors come into play when considering where to attend college. The most important factor is God's guidance. Don't worry about where to go and how to pay, but seek His will and plan. He will guide you, just as He did for me. It is worth taking a look at the money involved and creating a strategy before you dive in, though. If you can avoid student loans, through scholarships, service awards or jobs either on or off campus, it's worth it. What a blessing to begin your new career debt-free!

Do you have any financial concerns about college? Leave a comment or send us an email at requests@armedandvirtuous.org and we'll continue the discussion!

Why I Cherish Wilted Flowers, And So Does God!

2011-06-27T21:00:00.002-05:00

Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him (NIV)?

It's been difficult trying to find a suitable verse to share this story/lesson that God gave me. I've been saving it for the right moment, and considering we've been talking about doing little things to make a big impact, I thought this might help put things into perspective.

These aren't just any old wilted flowers, they are the first flowers my son ever gave me, and they're priceless! Here's what happened:

My son and I went on a "date" several weekends ago, the day before Mother's Day, to be exact. As we left on our outing, Jason asked me to find an opportunity for my son to purchase me a Mother's Day gift. (I know, it seemed like a very awkward and difficult task to accomplish, but it was important to my son, so I kept that thought in the back of my mind.) We went out to eat, did some other fun activities, and all the while I'm trying to come up with a scenario where I can safely allow him to pick out and purchase a gift without my ruining the surprise.

As we stopped at a gas station, I saw a roadside flower stand (you know, the kind they set up shortly before such gift-giving occasions?) I thought to myself: This is perfect! I can let him pick something that's within my price range, keep my eye on him, and allow him to check out himself! He thought the idea of flowers was great, so off we went.

Once inside the tent, I did a quick look around, and I saw a shelf with small vases, each containing two roses, baby's breath, and other greenery. They were not too expensive, so I told my son "You can pick anything you want from this shelf, take my card, and go to the register. I'll stand over here, out of sight." It was a small tent, and about five other people were there, including the checker, so everyone quickly realized what was going on, especially when my son loudly reminded me "Don't look, Mommy!"

He made his choice, under the adoring eyes of the people around him, (My heart swelled with pride!) But when he got to the register, we hit a slight snag. When the checker asked "credit or debit," I knew I had no choice but to step in. One of the ladies standing by told my son, "It's okay, come stand over here by me, put the flowers behind your back and I'll make sure your Mom doesn't look!" I dutifully stepped up to the register, signed my name, and completed the purchase. I then held my hand out (without looking for him,) my son took my hand and we headed to the car. I took extra care not to look in the back seat of the car while driving home, for fear of seeing my special gift. My son was so proud of his purchase, that he dropped me little hints: "They were the prettiest ones! There's something special around the vase that makes it extra beautiful!"

Once at home, he hurried into the house and placed them in his room. I was under instructions not to enter. He even posted a sign! After putting kiddos to bed that evening, Jason said "I need to teach my son how to pick out flowers. Those are already starting to wilt!" I assured him that it made no difference. My son thought they were the best, so they were the best!

So, what's the lesson? It came to me as I was driving home. My son gave me a gift under my guidance. He purchased it through my resources, and even then the gift, in some people's minds, had flaws. Yet, to me, it's a family heirloom; a treasured memory I'll keep and share forever because it represents a token of my son's love, given with his best intentions and using his best judgement.

That's how God sees our gifts, worship, and acts of service: as tokens of our affection! We don't serve out of our own resources and skills. The money we give or things we donate were originally God's. As our Creator, He endowed us with the gifts and talents we possess, so we can't take credit for using them in service. Our best efforts will be flawed because we are flawed people, and yet, God cherishes them because they are expressions of our love. He anoints those efforts and makes them more effective than they could be on their own. Through His anointing, needs are met, people are blessed, and Christ is glorified. As you continue to enjoy your summer vacation, remember to give your best efforts to God. He will take your best, make it better than you imagined, and will view your sacrifice of praise as I do my wilted flowers!

Think on These Things: Cute, Cute, Cute Suit!

2011-06-17T21:00:00.004-05:00

Just a little reminder: church camps are coming up. Do you have your swimsuit yet? Have you given up and decided to just wear an old t-shirt over the one you've got? Girls4Sport sent me a suit to try out, and I was so excited about it, that I thought I'd do a little show-and-tell.

Again, I really hate swimsuit shopping! I hate even more taking pictures of myself in swimwear, and yet, here I am again, posting a pic. of myself in a swimsuit! (No, I'm not really at the beach, my hubby was having fun with his computer!) The background was altered, but this is really me, as I am, in all my fair-skinned glory!

I like this one because it doesn't look like a swimsuit at all! It looks like a cute pair of shorts with a sleeveless T-shirt. The top comes down plenty long, so no worries about it riding up, and since the neck is nice and high, I don't have to be afraid of bending over. I'm wearing mid-length board shorts, but they come in other lengths as well. I plan to try these out at the water park soon. I might just wear it as my all-day clothing!

Girls4Sport has many other choices of styles, lengths, and patterns on their website. You can check out the review we did of their products a few weeks ago. Don't forget, their coupon code is still active through the end of the year: AAV-15, for 15% off anything on their website.

Enjoy!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment, and we'll post about the things that interest you!

The College 411- Rena's Experience, part 2

2011-06-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! We're completing Rena's interview today. She's sharing her opinions about clubs (since there are no fraternities and sororities at her university.) We're also discussing roommate relationships, staying strong in your faith, and what you really need to bring to college. Thanks again, Rena!

The Little Things Matter...A Lot!

2011-06-13T21:00:00.002-05:00

Matthew 10:42 "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward (NIV)."

When it comes to doing work for God's Kingdom, we usually think on the grand scale: a mission trip to Africa or China, giving vast sums of money to ministries, or taking a summer to build houses. We also tend to think that only grown-ups, or specially trained people are qualified to do these things. Nothing could be further from the truth!

You might be young, you might have limited resources, but your only true limitation is your willingness to get involved. What could be more insignificant than giving someone a glass of cold water? But what if they were dying of dehydration? That person would have you to thank for their life! Have you ever been terribly thirsty? How wonderful did that water feel as it ran down your throat? (I'm getting thirsty just thinking about it!)

Collecting plastic bags for the Taylor Food Ministry is similar to giving someone a glass of cold water. It's insignificant, it doesn't cost any money, but it's meeting a need. Regardless of how much food they wish to share, if it can't get home to needy families, the blessing is lost. Doing something as simple as donating your leftover bags gives you a part in that ministry.

Let's take this a step further. How did Jesus minister to people? He met their needs! Sometimes their needs were great. Other times, their needs were simple: food, water, shelter, or loving attention. He told them the truth about the kingdom, but He also met their earthly needs. Jesus understood that a thirsty man will realize his spiritual thirst only after his physical thirst is met. If we want people to receive the message we have to share about salvation, we need to be willing to meet the needs they can see first.

Here's something else that amazes me. Simple acts of service like this go down in the record-books of heaven!. . . he will certainly not lose his reward. Reward? Yes! There are heavenly rewards for serving others here on earth. And, unlike earthly treasure, it won't go away. It can't be stolen, lost or corrupted. God is no one's debtor. He will reward us abundantly over and beyond any sacrifices we make on His behalf. You'll feel the reward of a job well done here and now, but what an honor to be acknowledged in Heaven! To hear our Lord say "well done!"

Don't count yourself out. You can make a huge impact on the mission field all around you. Just open your eyes to the possibilities, commit your resources and abilities to God, and watch as He does mighty things through you!

Do you have any simple, but effective ministry ideas? Please share with us!

Think on These Things: One Man's Trash.....?

2011-06-10T21:00:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Question: What do you do with all those plastic bags that come home from your grocery shopping trips? Do you throw them away? Do you stash them somewhere, like in a cabinet, in a box, inside another bag? Maybe you're like me, and you do actually use them for something. I often use them as small waste basket liners. (In my opinion, why buy such things when you can get them free?) I also use them for transporting wet or used clothing, for diaper disposal, or as a quick lunch bag if my son misplaces his lunch kit. Even with all those uses for plastic bags, I still end up with way more left over than I can possibly use!

Maybe this isn't your situation, but surely you know of people who collect more plastic bags than they need. Your Aunt, Grandmother, or neighbor could be one of those people. In fact, they actually make crazy little contraptions for the collecting of bags, (I have one) and in most cases, even these can't contain the enormous overload of bags!

What if I told you that your plastic bags could be used for the Kingdom of God? They can! We have a local ministry in our area, the Taylor Food Ministry, that gives food, toiletries, and other basic necessities to needy families. When I talked to Mrs. Taylor the other day, she said that they helped out 30 families within a 2 to 3 hour span. They are constantly in need of plastic bags to send these items home with those they intend to bless. At times, when their supply is running low, they have actually gone door-to-door asking people for leftover bags.

Would you like to minister without spending any money? Start gathering up all your extra plastic grocery bags! If you live in the East Texas area and would like to contribute to the Taylor Food Ministry, contact us at suggestions@armedandvirtuous.org . If not, do a little research! There are likely organizations in your area that need these bags as well. Call them up, ask if they need bags, and start collecting. You can do this on your own, as a Sunday School class, as a youth group (we are!) or as a service project for another organization. Who knew that doing something so simple could make such a difference!

If you choose to get involved, let us know! We'll gladly "show and tell" for ya!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- Rena's Experience, part 1

2011-06-08T21:31:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! We've got another college interview today. You'll be hearing from Rena, and her experiences at a public university. Again, we're discussing her transition to college life and how peer pressure is different from high school. Thanks so much, Rena, for sharing with such honesty. Enjoy, be encouraged, and hang in there, ladies!

Get Out of Danger!

2011-06-06T21:00:00.004-05:00

Proverbs 4:27     Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil (NKJV).

This is our last devo. from Proverbs 4, a chapter that is filled with helpful instruction about how to stay strong in the face of temptation. I hope these will be helpful to all you high school graduates out there who are about to take your first steps on the "other side."

So, we've guarded our heart, mouth, eyes, and our reputations. Last, but not least, this simple little verse adds two powerful words of instruction. Verse 26 told us to let all your ways be established. Verse 27 takes it a step further. Once you've established who you are, don't turn away from it, . . . do not turn to the right or the left. It's easy to be dragged away from you first love and into the ways of the world simply because it's all around you. It might be tempting, but the choice is yours. Make the choice not to give in, make it before you get into a compromising situation, and set up standards that will keep you away from danger. If your college friends are into drinking, and you want to avoid being sucked in, then don't go to parties with them. If you stumble into a situation where it's going on, find a way to leave. If you don't want to go too far with guys, then don't get alone with them, especially in a dorm room or apartment. Enjoy their company, but remember that you can get in trouble when you get alone.

The temptation to get side-tracked is all around you, and it can take on many different forms. College is designed to make you think for yourself, and in many respects that's a good thing, but remember that God's Word remains true regardless of your circumstances. If it was wrong when you lived at home, it's wrong in college. If it brought dishonor to God then, it will dishonor Him now. Why are you going to school? What do you want to do with your future? Keep these things in the forefront of your mind and it will help you continue on the right track.

My favorite part of this verse, though, is the very last sentence! It leaves us with great hope: Remove your foot from evil. All of us sin, and yes, you will sin while in college.   No matter who you are and how strong your faith, you will be faced with grown-up temptations in college. Often, we make mistakes and find ourselves in places we know we shouldn't be, doing things we know ought not be done. If you find yourself in such a place, don't fall for the lie that the devil whispers to your heart: It's all over, you're trapped now. You can't go back and change anything, you're ruined forever. You might as well keep on sinning, because there's no turning back.

That's not what this verse says! There is always forgiveness and restoration in Christ. As long as you're alive you can make the decision to turn around and get back on track. God loves you more than you can fathom, and He wants a restored relationship with you, no matter what you've been through. So, remove your foot from evil. If you find yourself walking in sin, pray and ask for God's forgiveness. Then, get out! Just like we remove our hand from a hot stove, remove yourself from a sinful situation. Don't continue getting burned. God will help you overcome, and can use even regrets for His glory.

God bless you in this exciting stage of life! Remember that you're never truly alone, no matter how you feel. You Heavenly Father is always with you, and your sisters in Christ here at Armed and Virtuous are just an email away! requests@armedandvirtuous.org

Think on These Things- Get Up and Get Serving!

2011-06-03T21:30:00.001-05:00

So, it's summer vacation. What are you gonna do? Sleep in . . . check. Watch TV . . . check. Hang out with your friends . . . check. Go on a family vacation. . .check. Store up treasure in heaven . . . . ?

How many of you actually get bored by the time summer vacation comes to an end? How many of you are ready to start the new school year just so you have something to do? (I know, you're not there yet, and some of you won't be, your summers are full of activity, but full of what kind of activity?)

Did you know that there are tons of opportunities to make a difference this summer, both in your own life and in the lives of others? Over the next few Fridays, we're going to highlight just a few of the many opportunities you have to serve others, and by doing so, serve your Heavenly Father. There are church camps to attend, Vacation Bible Schools to help with, yards to mow, and through it all, God's love to share.

As we showcase what others are doing, I hope it will inspire you to serve someone, somewhere. In fact, if you decide to serve and you'd like to "show and tell," please contact us at events@armedandvirtuous.org We'd LOVE to share your idea with others and spread the opportunities around! If your youth group is doing something, let us know that as well! So, enjoy the rest, but there's a world out there waiting to see God's love shine through you!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment, and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- part 4

2011-06-01T21:00:00.002-05:00

Well, we're back to April's opinions on the college experience. I hope what you've heard so far is proving helpful, both from my soap box and from the interviews you've seen. We've discussed several aspects of this topic, but today we're dealing with partying in college and roommate relationships.

So far, both of our college students shared valuable information about partying, so I'll attempt to keep mine short and sweet. College is fun! Part of the fun involves the freedom to go and do as you please. In the broadest sense, a party is just people getting together and having a good time. When you're in college, though, parties often involve drinking, drugs and sex, especially if the people you're partying with aren't Christians. Therefore, you need to be wise about the parties you attend, and make escape plans should they become dangerous to your witness.

Lots of organizations in college host "parties" of one type or another. Many of these are just good, clean fun! After our summer band camps each year, we held a band picnic in which we went to the park, played volleyball, ate hamburgers and just enjoyed each other's company. Other times, even these parties can involve activities that could lead to trouble. So, what should a young woman of God do?

First things first. When it comes to friends, you need to know where they stand on these issues. It's best to be closest with people who share your values. The best friends are the ones who accept you completely as you are, and don't pressure you to change. You can usually feel safer about attending parties with such people, because they'll back you up.

Secondly, if you show up at a party and discover things going on that shouldn't be, find a way to leave. Either drive yourself, come with a friend who believes as you do, or call someone to get you. Besides the temptation to join in, your witness could be damaged just by being at such a party, so leave without apology. Don't be rude, but don't be pressured to stay. God will always provide a way of escape, just pray and ask!

Another very important aspect of the college experience, and one that will impact your daily life is your roommate. Depending on where you go, and how far away from home, you could have more or less input about who you room with. In my situation, I went to a fairly small college that was not too far away from my hometown. I was able to spend my first year of college rooming with a girl from my church. It was a great way to begin college life because we both were Christians, we both shared basically the same values and therefore we had little worries about what we'd encounter each time we opened the door.

However, I lived in a suite, and that was not the case with my other suite mates. One of my suite mates was dating the quarterback of our football team. Although our dorm's visitation policy was that visitors could come from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight, that didn't mean that a few privileged individuals couldn't bend the rules. One morning I walked into my bathroom, in my pajamas, and was greeted by a strange guy brushing his teeth! As I stood there in shock, he stammered an apology. I turned, walked back to my room and locked the door. I stood there a few moments wondering what to do, and finally I got dressed, put a stick of gum in my mouth, and headed to my first class.

Depending on your housing situation, you could experience something similar. At Christian colleges, there are usually strict guidelines in place about visitation in dorm rooms. However, at public universities, rules are lax or possibly even non-existent. Many universities have gone to apartment-style dorms now, and visitors are basically free to come and go as they please. The only person setting rules about when people come and go then, is you and your roommate.

Usually, you fill out a survey before going to school, in which you discuss your habits, and they attempt to match you up with a person who suits you, but this is not a perfect system. No matter how you're paired up with a roommate, you should have a discussion with her about guys, company in general, and set up some basic rules you can both live by. If your roommate brings a guy over and starts making out or worse, tell her that it makes you uncomfortable. You have the right to feel safe in your own living quarters. If he stays late and you want to go to bed, tell her that he needs to leave. You have the right to go to bed at night when you wish, without guys. If you don't say anything about situations that make you uncomfortable, they will only continue and get worse. If you live in a suite, you may not be able to control who enters another bedroom, but you can control your own bedroom, bathroom, and expect that a reasonable amount of quiet exist, especially at night.

Here's the good news: roommate assignments aren't permanent, unless you want them to be. You could get a new roommate at least every year, if not every semester. I started out with a roommate from my home church. After my freshmen year, she had become close to another girl in my suite, and they wanted to room together. I had been in school for a year, and had several band friends, so my next and final roommate was a fellow band member. We roomed together at a different dorm which was a one room situation, so it was just the two of us. We got along very well, and have cherished memories of our time in college. In fact, as we moved out at the end of our last semester together, we both were fighting tears. She was graduating and beginning her career, and I was getting married! We're still great friends and stay in touch often.

Here's what I hope you get from all of this: Be aware of potential dangers; physical dangers, dangers to your beliefs and dangers to your witness. Stand up for yourself, and don't apologize for your beliefs. At the same time, don't be afraid. Evil isn't lurking around every corner, and many wonderful and fun things will take place. Just realize that you have to set and maintain the rules, in every aspect of your life. You also have to learn to get along with others, even other people who don't share your beliefs. You'll make it through just fine, as long as you stay close to Christ. Maintain your walk with Him, and take every concern to Him. He's your lifeline, and He's all you need.

Think on These Things: I Love This SlimDress!!

2011-05-27T21:00:00.001-05:00

So, are you on Summer Vacation yet? We are, thank the Lord! I just received the outfit SlimPerfect sent me yesterday, and was so excited about it, that I thought I'd share my thoughts.

I usually hate swimsuit season! Don't get me wrong, I love to swim, but I don't enjoy wearing a swimsuit. Even as a youth I felt self-conscious, but at this point, I'd almost rather skip the swimming all together because of my swimsuit phobia.

So, I tried on my SlimDress yesterday and . . . I LOVE IT! It really does look like a cute, little black dress! It draws attention upward with its empire waist and pop of color on the top. It is slimming, which definitely boosts my confidence, and the shorts which come under the skirt are designed to stay in place while you swim. I'm actually looking forward to swimming with my kids for the first time in years! Here I am, in my SlimDress. ( I hope you can appreciate what a big deal it is for me to post a picture of myself in swimwear. This just doesn't happen, folks!)

Now, I haven't actually tried it out in the pool yet (this being the first day of summer,) but I wanted to share my initial impressions with you and remind you that the offer for 15% off SlimPerfect products ends on May 31st. Don't forget the promotional code: AandV2011

I know this style may not be for everyone, but for the Mommies out there, it's a great modest and feminine option. I can't wait to get out there and play with my children unhindered! Thanks again, SlimPerfect for your support of the Armed and Virtuous ministry and for creating products that modest women can wear with confidence!

Thanks to all the swimwear companies that provided us with pictures and, most importantly, offer modest options for women of all ages who desire to honor God with their bodies, even while swimming!

The College 411- Elizabeth's Experience, part 2

2011-05-25T21:37:00.000-05:00

Well, here is week two of Elizabeth's interview. This week we're discussing how to stay strong in your faith, roomate relationships, and scholarships. I hope you find her story encouraging, and her advice helpful. For those of you about to head off to college, good luck! For those of you getting another year closer, it's never too early to begin making plans, (with God's guidance, of course!) Enjoy!

Thanks again, Elizabeth for your willingness to share. If you have any questions for Elizabeth, or a concern about college, send an email or leave us a comment and we'll gladly encourage and pray for you!

The College 411- Mary Lin's Experience

2011-05-23T20:58:00.002-05:00

Hello, all! Normally, we post a devotional on Mondays, but a dear friend of mine has some wonderful words of advice for all you soon-to-be graduates, and I felt like you needed to hear it while you can. She wanted to tell you in person, but circumstances have not made that possible at this time. Be blessed as you read, and stay excited! College is a wonderful experience!

Mary Lin's Advice for the Armed and Virtuous College Woman:

Three important pieces of advice for college:

1) Get involved in your local BCM/Campus ministry AND (not or) a local church. When I moved 8 hours away from my parents for grad school, it was hard at first. Getting involved in these avenues definitely helped me establish a family away from my family.

I also grew a great deal from being involved in these ministries. It was through the BCM, as well as the ministries that I was involved in at my church that God reminded me of the call He placed on my life to go into missions/ministry way back in the 4th grade at GA camp.

2) Don't use the BCM or even your busy-ness as an excuse not to go to church. There is a running joke that college students often attend "Bedside Baptist" on Sundays because they give in to the temptation not to go to church. Don't do this! Your parents will no longer be there to "make" you go to church every week. You have to go on your own! This was a little scary for me at first, since I am very shy and do not feel comfortable in situations where I don't know a lot of people, but I am so glad that I went! I found a church that is truly my home and I feel like they are family!

Also, don't just "go" to church. Get involved in ministry there! You have been given gifts and talents by God, and He wants to use them! Whether it's working with children, playing in the orchestra or singing in the choir, or something completely different, use your gifts for His glory! This is also one of the reasons my church has become my family-- I am connected to them because I got involved!

3) Establish a regular, consistent time to spend with your Heavenly Father (if you are not already doing so). It is so important, especially in this new situation, that you spend time in the Word and in prayer, on a daily basis! This is an area of my life where I was not always consistent, and there were seasons where I completely neglected this. Those times were some of the most miserable in my life because I was not having fellowship with my Father, and looking back, it was in these times that I was most vulnerable to sin.

Since moving to grad school, I have really improved in this area. I am still not nearly as consistent as I would like to be, but I am getting much better. I have come to treasure this time with the Lord, and I can always tell when I have skipped it. When I do skip this time, this is when Satan always attacks, and I am vulnerable to the biggest temptation that I struggle with, which is worry. When Satan can get me to start worrying instead of focusing on trusting God, I am always miserable. I am learning, though, that when I spend time with my Father before I start my day, I am much more focused on Him and am much less likely to worry about things.

Your temptations may be completely different from mine, but Satan knows exactly what will get you to take your focus off of God. Staying in the Word and consistently praying will help you be much more prepared to combat his attacks.

Anyway, I just want to encourage you to grow in your walk with the Lord as you prepare to enter this new and exciting phase of your life that is college! These are the things that have helped me, and I wanted to pass them along to you! Know that I am praying for you!

-Mary Lin-

Think on These Things- Modest and Sporty Swimwear from Girls4Sport!

2011-05-20T20:47:00.000-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

This is our fourth and final week of highlighting what's out there in the way of modest swimwear, and this week's company creates a line that gives great coverage, while remaining trendy, fun, and flattering to the female body. Girls4Sport specializes in athletic swimwear and activewear. They have a wide variety of tops and bottoms with varying degrees of coverage that are designed to mix and match, creating the outfit that best meets your specific needs.

Here's how they describe their company: Girls4Sport is designed by women for women. Born in Santa Cruz, California on a bright spring day, the Girls4Sport women asked, why not make innovative athletic clothing specifically designed for the female form? Fresh, fun, feminine clothing for every "girl", no matter her age. . . We've given "utilitarian" a makeover and made it drop dead gorgeous. Go ahead, frisk, frolic, play and splash. No other athletic wear and sun protection has ever made you look and feel this good! Swim, surf and sail knowing your pretty skin, the only one you've got, is covered by soft we-mean-business fabrics. Our tested fabrics are rated at the maximum of UPF 50+ and block at least 98% of UVA/UVB rays. Do something fun, do something good for you, do something for the girl at heart with Girls4Sport.

According to their mission statement, "Girls4Sport embodies performance, fashion, and lifestyle for active girls of all ages." They strive to fulfill this mission through their products and actions, such as creating and supporting sports leadership events. They also use their profits to support vital, relevant charities.

Here are a few examples of the type of swimwear Girls4Sport has to offer:

This is an example of their Long Sleeve Top. In this picture it is paired with swim bottoms, but there are longer options available as well. This top is a great option for all around, water wear- swimming, surfing, water skiing, wake boarding and most any other sport on water you can dream up. The built-in shelf bra gives light support and an extra modesty layer. A flattering body style with the right length in the torso is designed to not ride up as you move and keep you covered. It comes in a variety of other patterns as well.

This is a picture of their Sports Tank Top combined with mid-length shorts. A built-in shelf bra offers light support and a hint of modesty. Generous torso length keeps you covered and won't ride up as you move. This one stays put and has the same great fabric, colors and prints as our other rash guard swim tops. For other pattern choices, click here.

The SupaDry Sport Zip Top is a unique look, and paired with short, black board shorts in this picture (again, many other options for the bottom.) This top can be used on land or sea thanks to high-performance, quick-dry fabric. Made to do it all: kayaking, stand-up paddle, volleyball, hiking, yoga, and all the other activities you can dream up! Built-in shelf bra for light support and modesty. The SupaDry line only comes in black/periwinkle, but there are other style options.

This is their Short Sleeve Top, paired with swim bottoms. The built-in shelf bra gives light support and an extra modesty layer. Has a flattering body style with the right length in the torso to keep you covered and not ride up as you move. Again, a wide variety of other prints are available.

Their Half Sleeve Top is a great option for all around, water wear as you swim, surf, ski and play. Styled with a design nod to the ringer t-shirt, this top features a built-in shelf bra for light support and an extra modesty layer. It has a flattering body style with the right length in the torso to keep you covered and not ride up as you move. Perfect combo of sun and body protection in a variety of water sports. For more prints click here.

Just to give you a closer look at the longer options available on bottom, I've included some close-up pics:

These come in a variety of colors and styles. To view the complete collection, click here.

They also offer suits for little girls. Here are a few options:

Girls4Sport has several items on sale, both for adults and kids. If you shop their Pink Store, 5% of the sale will go to support breast cancer treatment. Girls4Sport has been discussed in several press releases over the past few years! They have testimonials available about their products, as well as a blog and a facebook page. (By the way, they have a Buddy System Giveaway on facebook that you might want to check out!)

And here's the best part! If you use the coupon code AAV-15, you will receive 15% off anything on their website!

I hope this gives you a wide array of swimwear choices. With summer camps, particularly church camps coming up, it's important to have swimwear that meets dress code, without being bulky. These outfits are great because they're so modest, and yet they're youthful and fun! Enjoy your browsing, and have a great summer!

The College 411- Elizabeth's experience, part 1

2011-05-19T21:00:00.001-05:00

Here it is, (finally!) another interview with a college friend of mine. This time we're talking to Elizabeth, a recent college graduate who is now working as a nurse. (You'll see her in scrubs on the video because she just got off work.) Elizabeth attended a public university that was fairly close to her home, although she still lived on campus.

Because she's on the other side of college, she'll give you memories of her entire college experience. You'll get to hear the first half of her interview today, and the rest next Wednesday. Thank you, Elizabeth for your willingness to share and your candid, but kind information!

Got questions about college? Got answers? Leave a comment or send an email and we'll be glad to encourage you and pray!

Tread Carefully!

2011-05-16T20:45:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 4:26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established (NKJV).

In the past few weeks we've discussed guarding our heart, mouth, eyes, and this week, it's our feet, (so to speak.) We're learning how to be thoughtful about the path of life we take, and consider the end from the beginning. As a college student, this is an especially important lesson to master.

What does it mean to ponder the path of your feet? It means to think about where you're going. Have you ever taken a trip to a place you've never been? If so, you probably took a map along with you. You may have also brought written directions. At the very least, someone told you where to go, or you plugged the destination into your GPS. As you started off on that trip, you took care to follow those directions and not take an early exit, right? If not, you could end up who-knows-where! You wouldn't be able to do what you planned once you arrived, because you failed to pay attention during the transition.

That's exactly what's going on in college. You're basically on a trip to the next phase of life, so consider well the direction you take. Are you taking classes according to your degree plan, or are you just taking what interests you? While taking classes for fun is perfectly fine, you'll be in college much longer than necessary if you don't stick to your degree plan. Then there's all the extra-curricular stuff. We talked about this recently, but think about what occupies your time, is it helping you develop skills necessary for your future career, or are you just wasting time? Having fun is important, but don't let the quest for fun overtake why you are here. (As fabulous as the restrooms are at Buc-ee's, I don't think anyone wants to halt their vacation there!)

Then there's the way you act, speak, and relate to others. Consider what you're doing and the reputation that those actions are building for you. Weigh it against God's standards and ask yourself: Am I proud of what I'm doing and who I'm becoming? If so, keep moving in that direction. If not, turn around! The moment you find yourself disatisfied, you have the ability to change. Don't just move blindly forward, hoping for something different. Ask God's help, change your circumstances, friends, or location and go a different way.

The next part of this verse says: . . . let all your ways be established. In other words, truly be who you present yourself to be, at all times. If you are a Christian, then live like one! If you believe in sexual purity until marriage, then behave like a modest, chaste, young woman. Don't hang all over guys, spend time alone with them, and encourage them to lust after you. If you are a truthful person, don't fall into the habit of telling lies. Be who you are, and faithfully represent your Heavenly Father. Everyone makes mistakes, so be willing to forgive yourself if you trip up, but don't stay on the path of sin if you find yourself there. Instead, repent, ask forgiveness of others, if necessary, and get back on the path of a Godly reputation. A woman of integrity either establishes or tears down her reputation with her every word and action. Keep this in mind, and you will find yourself steadily making progress to the destination you desire.

Again, ladies, we don't need to be afraid of mistakes, but we do need to walk with purpose and with forethought. Just like you can't take a trip to Disney World without much pre-planning (believe me, I know!), you can't take off down the road to your future without thinking ahead. Give your future to the Lord, ask Him to guide your steps, and stay plugged into your Spiritual GPS as you travel. God's Word will convict you if you're getting off track. He'll help you examine your motives, and prevent you from doing any major "recalculating."

Are you worried about the future? Do you have dreams, but don't have a plan of action? Drop us a line or leave a comment and our prayer partners will be happy to pray for you!

Think on These Things- Modest and Slimming Swimwear/Activewear from Slim Perfect!

2011-05-13T20:45:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

Welcome to week three of exploring modest swimwear solutions. Can you believe how many options are out there? I'm so excited about this week's discovery! Slim Perfect is a line of swimwear that also doubles as active wear. In other words, you can wear this clothing to swim, play tennis and work out at the gym! It also is slimming and flattering to the figure. Their products are designed for comfort, confidence and sophistication. Their sizes range from sizes 8 to 20, so Slim Perfect works for women of all body types!

Here is a little more about Slim Perfect, from their website: SlimPerfect Swimwear & Activewear creates an option for the active, yet chic woman who loves to workout but wants to look great doing it and then move straight out to poolside for a dip while still looking feminine. All SlimPerfect Swimwear & Activewear provides more coverage and "tames" the bulges without moving them to other areas like other leading brands and was made to create the illusion of an hourglass figure. SlimPerfect Swimwear & Activewear solves poolside anxiety and creates a feeling of confidence in the gym or on the tennis court for ALL BODY TYPES.

The Slim Perfect line includes Tankini tops, with and without sleeves, Slim Skorts, Slim Skirts, and Slimming Capris, as well as Slim Dresses in a variety of colors. Here are a few of the options available:

Solid Black SlimDress

It just looks like a cute, little black dress, doesn't it? This SlimDress is available in sizes 8-18 and features sewn in bike shorts for additional taming and coverage instead of a brief under the dress. It features removable, molded gel-filled bra cups with pockets. It also includes a tummy tamer panel lined with powernet mesh for added control. The longer length provides more coverage. The distance from shoulder to hem on an average size 14 is Approx 33”. The length is a little shorter per size down. It's made of Brazilian fabric, Nylon/Spandex.

All the SlimDresses come with the same basic design and slimming support features. Here are some other style options, which range from sizes 8-18, depending on the particular item:

Black/Aqua SlimDress

Black/Teal Zebra SlimDress

Black/White Sleeved SlimDress

Black Steele SlimDress

More style options are available on the website. A few of these items are on closeout, and are therefore on sale! The Sleeved SlimDress is currently sold out, but is expected to be restocked in June.

Then there are the Tankini tops, which can be worn with Slim Skorts, Skirts, or Capris. These are available in sizes 6-20, depending on the item. Again, more options are available on the website, but here are a few examples:

Black/Aqua Tankini

Black and White Zebra Tankini

Black and White Sleeved Tankini

This is an example of the Tankini top with SlimCapris. The SlimCapri provides maximum coverage and control for the tummy, buttock and thigh area, and come in sizes 6 to 20. It is lightweight and is designed to make you look longer and leaner. The front tummy tamer panel lined with powernet mesh for added control, the buttock and thigh tamer is approx. 15” in length from the waist to smooth out trouble spots. This feature under the Capri is similar to a lightweight bike short. It tames and smooths the bulges without moving them to another area of the body. At the moment, this item is on backorder, but will be shipped to customers between May 25 and May 31.

Lots of customers have wonderful things to say about Slim Perfect Swimwear/Activewear! To check out their reviews, follow this link. There have also been several press releases about Slim Perfect, most impressive of which was a listing in O, the Oprah magazine, declaring Slim Perfect to be one of the "best brands" for "sizes 12 and up" and "to take inches off."

Their garments run slightly on the small side, so take a look at the size chart before ordering. Along with coordinating measurements, it gives instructions for how to properly measure for the best fit. The website includes a questionnaire to determine which style best suits you, and offers before and after photos of real women in their products.

Finally, here's the best news: Slim Perfect is offering 15% off if you use the code: AandV2011 when you order! This offer is good through May 31st!

So, check them out! As many of you, I have struggled for years to find a swimsuit I felt comfortable wearing in public. I'll be getting a SlimDress of my own to try out soon, and I'll let you know how it works for me. If I feel brave enough, I might even post a picture! (No promises, though!)

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment, and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- part 3

2011-05-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

First of all, I'm sorry that you haven't heard another college student's interview by now. I fully intend to post an interview next Wednesday, so please accept my apology and bear with me.

Hopefully a few more words of my own will suffice for today :-) The topic we're discussing today is one of the experiences just about everyone encounters during their college years: the opportunity to determine who you truly are and what you truly believe.

Up till now, you have likely been raised with a certain set of values, and your identity has been defined largely by your family, church and school. Your parents believe certain things about God, life, politics, right and wrong, money, work ethic, etc. As your parents, they did their best to raise you, and part of that process involved imparting their beliefs to you. Some of you might not have been raised in a God-fearing home, but your parents, nonetheless, raised you according to their value system. Your church also instilled values in you, if you attend church. Your school taught you a few things, both formally and informally as well, and your fellow classmates likely taught you a thing or two about where you fit in the social "pecking order."

When you go to college, much of these pillars of your identity and existence fade away. The opinions of your peers definitely do, and this is usually a blessing! As you begin attending school at a different location, on a higher level and among different people you will discover opinions of your new peers and professors to be vastly different from the safe, black-and-white beliefs you've always held. This will lead you to the stage of life we all reach where you separate what you truly believe from what you've always been told.

Don't be afraid, this is a natural part of life, and can be a very good thing! God doesn't want us to believe "because that's how Mom and Dad believe," He wants us to believe because we have studied and found something to be true.

In my own life, I was raised with a particular church background, and upon arriving on the college scene, I thought I had most aspects of doctrine figured out and nicely put in their place. When I got to college, my faith was tested in many areas.

I was quickly made aware that no one was checking up on me, and I alone determined whether or not I would live according to my principles. That was a shock, but it made me stronger because it caused me to impose limitations on myself. No longer could I get out of something by saying "My parents won't let me," instead I had to say "I don't do that," and stand on my own faith. It also encouraged me to be cautious in choosing friends. People might be accepting of me, but if their activities went against my values, I had to limit our acquaintance, or not associate with them at all.

Then there was the area of my faith, itself. I had very strong opinions in one particular area, based on my background, and I always assumed that the man I'd marry would either hold those opinions as well, or "change to my beliefs." (Don't know if I actually said those things out loud, but they were in the back of my mind). God, Himself, challenged my faith by bringing my future hubby into my life during my college years. He was a man of God and had an intimate walk with Him, but Jason's convictions in one particular area differed greatly from mine! This caused me great distress, because I believed God was leading us to marriage eventually, but we had what I perceived to be a major roadblock in the way.

Ironically, what I saw as a problem, God saw as a tremendous solution. Because neither Jason nor I would "conform" to the other person's beliefs on this subject, we were forced to study God's word for ourselves. We had to set aside what people always told us, read the Bible, and allow God to teach us the truth directly. Eventually, we began determining our own, personal convictions, ones that might not line up exactly with the way our parents believed. It brought us through the roadblock, strengthened our faith, and drew us closer to God. When we married, our differences no longer were the massive impasse they were when we first met. We also discovered the strength of each other's faith. Neither of us, as much as we cared for each other, were willing to change our spiritual convictions simply to be received by the other; we loved God most, and that has been the backbone of our relationship ever since.

The challenges that come to your faith and value system will be different than mine. They could come from a doubting professor who questions your belief. It could come from one of the many groups you get involved in, or a goal you wish to meet that has unexpected consequences. Regardless, the challenge will come. Expect it, but don't be afraid. God will never give you more than you can bear. He will use the challenge to strengthen your faith, if you allow Him. He will also give you an escape from any potentially harmful situation, and I mean harmful to you physically, emotionally or spiritually. On the other side of the experience, if your faith has stood the test, you will be proud of who you have become!

Stay On Target!

2011-05-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you (NKJV).

Well, we've guarded our heart, then our mouth, and this week, in an effort to make it through college without regrets, we're guarding our eyes. In other words, doing what it takes to stay focused on the goal and not being overcome by what's on the sidelines.

Guarding your eyes can take on so many meanings in relation to the college experience. First of all, there's the obvious meaning: keep your eyes focused on Christ and avoid the temptations that seem so attractive, but will drive you far from Him and leave you with regrets. The opportunities to drink, do drugs, have sex, and abandon your values are plentiful in college. They often take on the appearance of being fun, socially acceptable and "not a big deal," but all too soon they can consume you. Instead of working toward the goal of your degree, you'll find yourself looking for the next party, the next guy, or the next high. So, let your eyes look straight ahead, don't get distracted by the college side-show, it's not the good time they claim it to be!

There are other things that can distract you in the college world, and they seem more innocent, more worthy, but can still get you off track. Before you step foot on your college campus, I challenge you to do some personal inventory: Why am I going to college? What are my goals in life? What degree do I wish to obtain? What career do I want based on my degree? Once you have the answer to these questions, with God's direction, of course, this becomes the goal of your college years. Make graduation with the highest possible GPA your focus, and don't allow the numerous activities, groups, organizations and causes overtake your primary goal.

What do I mean by this? You'll hear this echoed in upcoming interviews, but there are many on-campus organizations that would love your involvement. Yes, this includes social fraternities and sororities, but it can also include service organizations, professional organizations, clubs, performing groups, and just about anything else you can imagine. These groups all have formally stated causes, almost all of which are noble. Some will be related to your field of study, and might be important enrichment experiences for you, but choose with caution.

Have you ever heard someone joke about being on the "decade-plan" in college? This meant they took several more years to complete their degree than was necessary. This could happen because they partied too much, had unexpected difficulties or because they were overly involved in activities that weren't essential to their degree. Again, some experiences are worth the investment, but some distract. Choose carefully, and choose with God's direction. I was involved in many worthy organizations, but I also determined throughout my college years, that some organizations took up too much time, and I let them go. If an experience will help you be a better person in your chosen field, then get involved. If it will look good on a resume' then consider involvement, but don't allow the auxiliary activities to take away from your study time, or prevent you from taking a full class load each semester. Employers are looking for well rounded educations, but they are also looking for people who are driven to complete a goal.

Bottom line? We need to keep our eyes on our Master and Savior. We need to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14). What is God's perfect will for our college experience? What does He want us to pursue? Pursue those things with all your heart! Be driven toward excellence, and keep focused on the long run, not consumed with short-term entertainment. Be a young woman who is consumed with becoming everything God wants her to be!

Any college ladies out there who can "Amen" me on this? Any high school girls who have related questions? Leave a comment or send an email and we'll keep the discussion going!

Think on These Things: Simply Modest- A Pure and Pretty Swimwear Solution

2011-05-06T20:45:00.003-05:00

Growing up in a family of four daughters, modesty has always been a hot topic! We wanted to be able to enjoy water sports unhindered, and still be dressed in a way that would be honoring to the Lord and the men around us. We were tired of piecing things together and layering shorts or t-shirts over a swimsuit which ended up feeling bulky and unattractive. . . We saw a great need for modest swimwear, a swimsuit that would be safe in the water and also beautiful and stylish!

We created this design for our own personal use, but when many ladies began asking where they could buy these swimsuits for themselves, we decided to offer our design to others who were seeking an alternative. . . It is my prayer that many people would be blessed by this design. May God be glorified by the way we dress!

According to Crystal, the interest in their swimwear came just as she graduated from homeschool high school. Her mother encouraged her to begin her own business, and the rest is history!

Simply Modest Swimwear offers swimsuits, swimshirts, leggings, patterns (if you care to make your own), fabric, and swimmer's care products.

This is an example of their swimshirts. They are available in women's sizes Extra Small to Extra Large. Depending on the size, they have varieties of pre-made shirts, and they also custom make swimshirts for a more precise fit. These have been designed for modesty, comfort and flexibility. They cover well, even during active swimming, and don't hinder your movement while in or out of the water. The bodice is lined, so there is a double layer of lycra fabric covering the entire bodice. They can be worn with your favorite pair of swim shorts or leggings! To read reviews of the swimshirts, click here.

The swimsuits come in a variety of colors and prints, depending on size. They are also designed for modesty, comfort and flexibility, and made of lightweight spandex swimwear fabric. The leggings are not attached to the suit, so they are easy to take on and off, while making them more comfortable for swimming. These swimsuits have the look of a one-piece swimsuit, yet the comfort and flexibility of a two-piece! Once again, you can get one custom made, if you so desire. You can read product reviews of her swimsuits by clicking here.

In addition to womens' swimwear, Simply Modest also makes suits for children sizes 4-7, and girls sizes 8-14. They come in a variety of colors and prints, and are made from the same high quality, lightweight material. To read product reviews on the children's swimsuits, click here.

Crystal is bold and unashamed about her passion for modesty. On her website, she has a page titled Why Modesty? On this page, she explains her reasons for dressing with modesty (which I find inspiring!) What I appreciate and respect most about her philosophy, is that she understands modesty to be a personal choice, something to prayerfully consider with God, and that the Bible doesn't lay out hard and fast rules about clothing.

Simply Modest Swimwear is catching on! They currently have 4,015 fans on facebook, which, by the way, is another great place to read testimonials about their products. Although this swimsuit style is not for everyone, it's a great option for those who wish greater coverage for modesty reasons and sun protection. I hope you'll check them out, and support this young woman of God as she pursues her business/ministry!

I'd like to leave you with a great quote that Crystal has on her website:

"Unaffected modesty is

the sweetest charm of female excellence,

the richest gem in the diadem of her honor."

~Webster's Dictionary 1828

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment, and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

Think on These Things- Super Cute Swimwear from Lime Ricki!

2011-04-29T20:45:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

We're back in search of modest summer clothing, and this week we'll begin showing you what we've found out there in the way of swimwear. Over the next few Fridays, Armed and Virtuous will highlight several companies that are producing modest swimwear, in hopes of providing several options for you this summer.

So, this week, I'm thrilled to tell you about the adorable outfits that Lime Ricki has to offer! Here's what they have to say about themselves: Lime Ricki was started by three sisters who wanted to give their daughters { and themselves } cute and modest swimsuit options. "We wanted splashy colors, fun designs, and suits that we would want to wear. We wanted fashion without sacrificing modesty and comfort!"

Lime Ricki carries one piece suits, tankinis, and rashguards with various types of swim bottoms, boy shorts and skirts. The possibilities are virtually limitless, but here are a few that particularly caught my eye.

GEORGIA TANKINI TOP

I love this tankini! It doesn't really look like swimwear, does it? The blue floral pattern is trimmed in chocolate with coordinating ties, band, and ruffle at the hem. Its new fit runs true to size, and is designed for small bust sizes- A and B cups only. This tankini includes bra pads and a floating shelf bra. It is made of 80% polyester/nylon and 20% spandex. It is being worn with chocolate boy shorts.

GRAY RASHGUARD

In case you, like me, didn't know what a rashguard is. . .this is it! ( I think it's designed for surfing, but that doesn't mean it can't do for swimming, too.) It has 3/4 inch sleeves and is made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. This top also comes in teal, and again, can be paired with any style of bottoms you prefer, it is shown here with a teal skirt. It's a more athletic look, and very modest!

MESA TANKINI TOP

I think this one is sooo cute! It's pink and tropical with red gingham trim, matching adjustable straps and rouching on the sides. This top has a versatile fit, and works well with A-D cups. Its new fit runs true to size, has bra pads and a floating shelf bra. It's made of 80% polyester and 20% spandex, and is being worn in this picture with this super cute ruffled skirt.

SONORA TANKINI TOP

They also have several of the more traditional tankinis, such as this one. It has a versatile fit, so works well with all bust sizes, runs true to size, and is made of 80% polyester/20% spandex. It also has bra pads and a floating shelf bra. I like the ruffled straps at the top, and the higher band at the bust line, which tends to flatter more body types.

You'll have to check out the website to see all the many other options. They're really cute! Lime Ricki has a size chart on line to make sure your order fits properly. They also offer suits for little girls and will soon offer swimwear for men. Last, but not least, they have suits currently on sale at 60% off on the website. Check them out by clicking here!

So, here's the first week of swimsuit possibilities. I hope this helps you make wise decisions as you brave the beach this summer!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave an comment and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

Watch Your Phrase-ology!

2011-04-25T21:00:00.002-05:00

Proverbs 4:24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you (NKJV).

Okay, so last week we began studying Proverbs 4 to learn how to stay out of trouble in college. Verse 23 discussed guarding your heart from sinful influences. Today we're talking about a very unruly part of the body. . .your mouth.

I don't know about you, but my tongue gets me into more trouble than just about anything. It's so easy to allow whatever thought that enters my head to come straight out of my mouth, without considering the consequences. Has this ever happened to you? I find that the people I'm most comfortable with, my friends and family, are the most often injured by my tongue. I'm ashamed to admit it, but it's true. I have to work hard to keep a "filter of kindness" between my mind and my mouth.

This verse specifically addresses to two types of speech. It tells us to put away from you a deceitful mouth. In other words, don't be backstabbing with your words. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't be polite to someone's face, but when they walk away, verbally rip them to pieces. You don't want to develop a reputation that dishonors God and you don't want people to do such things to you.

Another way of looking at it is this: speak the truth all the time, even if it's not in your best interest. Once, when I was in college, I missed a recital that counted for a major grade in my music class. Another student, who was in charge of taking attendance, told the professor he didn't see me, not that I wasn't there. He did so in order to give me a chance to lie and say that I attended when I didn't. When my professor asked me if I was there, even though I knew she'd believe me either way, I told her the truth. She was disappointed in me on one hand, but appreciated my honesty. I believe, in the long run, that situation helped her gain greater respect for me.

The second half of the verse says to put perverse lips far from you. Obviously, cursing is perverse speech. To put this language far from you, watch who you hang out with, the music you listen to and the TV/movies you watch. The more contact you have with foul language, the more it will seep into your heart, and then make its way out by way of your own mouth.

Profanity is not the only definition of perverse speech, though. Speech that glorifies sinful behavior is also considered perverse. Don't get involved in conversations about hook ups, drugs, drinking parties and such. These words have no place in the mind and heart of a woman of God. Again, the more exposure you allow them, the more they occupy your thoughts and wear down your standards.

So, that's what not to do. . .what can a woman of God talk about? I found another really great verse that takes a positive spin on this subject. Proverbs 22:11 says He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king shall be his friend. I like to think of it as not just any king...but the King of kings! Be gracious with your speech, considering other's feelings, and seeking to honor God with your words. Do this, and the King will be your friend, as will others, because your speech will be trustworthy.

Think on These Things-The Irony of Good Friday

2011-04-22T21:00:00.002-05:00

There are no great words that I can share with you about what makes today holy or special. Many people have expressed their feelings on this subject much more eloquently and intelligently than I ever could. It's a mystery beyond my comprehension how a holy and righteous God could see me wallowing in my sin, and rather than leave me to what I deserve, send His only Son to pay my penalty. The "wise" people of this world will scoff and declare this to be a fairy tale, but those who have experienced the love and rescue of Christ are living proof as to its truth.

We call today Good Friday because of the good that this day accomplished, but what occurred on this day was actually terrible, tragic, especially considering who endured the suffering. It should have been me. It should have been you. Instead it was someone completely innocent, who deserved to be crowned King of Kings and worshipped rather than crowned with thorns and mocked. Even as He was paying the penalty for our sin, we ridiculed Him, blasphemed His holy name, and tortured Him.

Yet, in my opinion, Hebrews 12:2 describes why this day is a "good" day: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (NIV). Jesus was looking ahead. He saw the joy of reuniting His beloved creation with their Creator, of re-establishing the relationship that was lost. He loved us enough to endure the pain of bearing our sin, separation from God, the physical torture, and the abject humiliation just because He loved us.

I received an image of this love recently, (don't laugh too hard). One day, after nap time, my daughter was discovered in a filthy dirty diaper mess! It was everywhere; I had to call in reinforcements! Upon further investigation, I discovered that she had been playing in it as well. After finally deciding where to begin, I laid her on the changing table. I chastised her, saying she knew better than to do such a thing, and all she could say was "I'm sorry!" As I looked down at my beautiful little girl covered in filth, God said to me, "That's what you looked like to me before being saved. You were covered in the filth of sin, doing what you knew not to do, and all you could say in response was 'I'm sorry!'"

My daughter was in a mess of her own making, but she could not solve the problem on her own. She needed my help. Would I have even considered leaving her in that situation? No! She's my precious child, so I endured the cleaning process, knowing that it would restore us to a right relationship. On an infinitely grander scale, that's exactly what Christ did for me and for you.

In all the Easter egg hunting, dress shopping and preparing for Sunday morning, join me in remembering where we've come from and what it took to make us clean. I found this video to Nichole Nordeman's song Crimson, and I hope it blesses you this weekend. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me from myself!

The College 411- part 2

2011-04-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

Well, here's a second round of my "words of wisdom" on the college experience. Some of what I have to say you may hear echoed in the interviews, but that just serves to prove that the information is true, and worth hanging on to! This week I want to talk about dealing with loneliness.

I will never forget my first week of college life! I actually arrived the week before classes began, because I was in the university's marching band and we had summer practice. Although I was to share a suite with five other girls, none of them were in the band, so I spent the first terribly lonely nights looking at blue, cinder block walls and crying myself to sleep (at least the first night or two, anyway!)

I got up that first morning and headed to the music building to begin marching practice. It was pretty much an all day affair, with breaks for lunch and supper. I remember walking into the band hall, looking around and realizing that I knew absolutely no one! As my gaze progressed from one side of the room to the other, I noticed another lone individual who had the same "deer in the headlights" look, and I assumed he must be a freshman like me. I walked up and said "Are you as lost as I am?" We started talking and that at least took up some time until the day of heat, sweat and new rules took over.

During that first week, while practice was going on, everything seemed fine. I met a few people in the flute section, and we went to their house for lunch. Then, when supper time rolled around, I picked up food from the cafeteria, took it to my lonely, cinder block dorm room and ate by myself. I found that, when I was alone, it was easy to be overcome by the loneliness. However, looking back, I'm sure the heat and sweat did little to lift my spirits, either.

None the less, I began making friends. In fact, by the time our summer practice had ended, I had met my hubby-to-be, and our first date took place at the end of that grueling week. (That's another story for another time :) Once classes started, I found that I was ahead of the friend-making game. Since I had been there a week early, I had already met many people, in particular, the people who were music majors like myself!

As the semester continued, life fell into its regular routine and the loneliness faded away. I got to know more and more people, I became involved in activities, and one day, when walking across campus to class, I noticed that at least ten people stopped and said "hi" to me on my way. It was nice to know that the lonely season was over, I began to feel like I had my "people" at college, and my "people" at home.

Sadly, during the spring semester of my freshman year, my father passed away. It happened the day after Easter, and completely turned my life upside down. I was unable to return to school for several days, but what took me by surprise was the amazing outpouring of support I received from my new found college friends. On the day of the funeral, my boyfriend (Jason) told me that "half the band is here." I remembered thinking How thoughtful of them! A few band members decided to come to the funeral. Walking into the sanctuary, though, I realized that truly half of our 150 piece marching band had come to the funeral, as had six of my college professors! I learned later that they had cancelled our band class that day, to allow students time to travel. It was such a blessing to be so supported by people who had only known me a few months.

So...yes, it will be lonely for a while, but the loneliness doesn't last forever. Before you know it, you will make friends and together you'll begin creating the crazy memories that will define your college experience. Be careful to keep your guard up as you make these friends, because you don't know them like you know the people you grew up with at school and church, but God will lead you to true friends, the ones who will support and bless you if you ask Him.

Got questions about college? We'd be happy to offer answers as best we can! Just leave us a comment and let us know what's on your mind.

Guard Your Heart!

2011-04-18T21:38:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring(s) the issues of life (NKJV).

We've been talking about what life is like on the other side of high school, and I'm sure you've gathered that it's possible to make mistakes...big ones. So, how does a Christian young woman make it through that stage of life without falling victim? That's what we'll be searching scripture to discover over the next few Mondays, and we'll start with the last few verses of Proverbs, chapter 4.

What does it mean to keep your heart? It means to protect your heart from bad influences; to guard your mind. The writer is saying, "Pay attention to what you allow into your mind, because it proceeds to your heart." What are you watching, listening to, or talking about? In the college environment, you will be making new friends, many of whom don't share your standards. Is their conversation upright and pleasing to God, or is it degrading, and immoral? Guard your environment, and guard it constantly! If you fall asleep on the job, that's when those thoughts will choose to invade.

But media and friends aren't the only avenues that can lead a young believer to doubt their faith. When you step into adulthood, you will begin determining what you, and you alone believe, especially about God. This is a normal and natural part of growing up, and it's generally a good thing. Because your faith must stand on its own, you will have the opportunity to examine God's Word and separate what you believe because you have studied and found it to be true from what Mom and Dad always told you.

However, be on your guard. Many college professors do not believe in God, and they use their classroom as a platform to preach their belief system. they often take delight in posing impossible scenarios to Christian students and watching them struggle to find the "correct answer." It's easy to sit under their instruction and begin to doubt your core beliefs. By all means, learn from them as it applies to the class they teach, but if they proclaim their opinions on morality and God, and those beliefs don't line up with scripture, then close your ears. This is an attack on your faith and you must defend yourself.

Why is this so important? ...for out of it (your heart) spring the issues of life. Your heart is the seat of who you are and what you believe. Your beliefs about right and wrong, sin and salvation, and countless other issues all flow from the contents of your heart. People change in college, and many change for the better; but some do not. Some people get caught up in the social environment, or the "new idea" environment, and it weakens or destroys their faith.

If you have experienced Jesus Christ personally in your life, if you have heard His voice and felt Him lift the weight of sin from your shoulders, then you know the truth! Remember that ...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (I Corinthians 1:18). Unbelieving people cannot understand, no matter how many degrees they possess, so cling to God's Word as the standard of truth and don't apologize for what you believe.

Think on These Things- Girl Talk!

2011-04-15T21:30:00.005-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things (NIV).

Have you ever felt alone when facing a problem? Did you ever have questions you wanted answered, but didn't know who to ask? You might have feared being laughed at, or, if it was a serious enough problem, maybe you kept silent for fear of rejection.

This week I wanted to talk to you about a feature of this website, just in case you haven't discovered it, or you weren't sure how to make use of it. I'm talking about the Girl Talk page. It can be found right next to the Testimonies tab, and it's there to be a help to you.

Basically, it's a message board; a place where you can post questions, opinions, or express needs and everyone can get in on the conversation. Don't worry, it is completely anonymous. If you choose to post a thread, we request that you create a pseudonym to place in the name box; a "fake" name. (In fact, if an actual name is listed, the comment cannot be published. We feel strongly about the importance of identity protection.)

The great thing about this message board is, everyone can help everyone else! Your questions and concerns are often shared by others. Also, believe it or not, people have been where you are. They've made it through, and have valuable information to pass on to you. Ladies of all ages, yours and older, can offer helpful advice, and hopefully make your struggles a little easier. No one can post anything offensive or obscene, because all posts are reviewed before being published.

One of the greatest weapons the devil can use against us is fear. In the realm of sexual purity, he wields this weapon like a pro, whispering to our heart that "if anyone really knew you struggled with this, they'd have nothing to do with you." Fear of other people's reactions can keep us bound up by sin, but expressing our struggles frees us! Jesus tells us in John 8:32 that ...the truth shall make you free (NKJV).

You can check out the message board by following this link, or you can go to the Girl Talk tab at the top of the page. The message board isn't just for deep, dark secrets, though. If you need information on anything, be it college questions, modesty questions, fashion questions or anything else, feel free to ask! People from all walks of life with various special interests and skills are available to help.

One more thing: the Armed and Virtuous ministry has a team of prayer partners who wish to pray for your needs. If you need prayer over any concern, yours or someone you love, feel free to email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org. We'd love to pray for you, and support you in your struggles.

Bottom line? Don't be a loner. You need support, be it through your family, your church, your friends or somewhere else. God loves you, exactly the way you are, and He died to free you from sin. Build a support group around yourself and lean on them when you're weak. If the Armed and Virtuous ministry can be of help, it would be our pleasure!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Drop us a line or leave a comment, and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- Lyndie's experience, part 2

2011-04-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

Welcome back! Here is the rest of Lyndie's interview. In this portion, she gives us an idea of how to stay strong in your faith while in college, how to combat peer pressure, and she ends by answering all the other wonderful questions you asked. Lyndie's college experience is at a Christian college, so she has some boundaries established by her school which might not exist in other college settings. In the next few weeks, we'll talk with students from public universities as well. Hopefully this can help you decide which college situation is best for you, while helping you realize that it's possible to remain a faithful Christian in any college setting. Thanks again, Lyndie, for your willingness to share! If you enjoyed her interview, if you learned something, then leave a comment and let her know!

Next week you'll get to hear a little more from my heart on this subject. Hope to see you then!

Think on These Things- Why Men Want Us to Dress Modestly!

2011-04-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (NIV).

Have you ever wondered why modesty is important? Sure, your parents think you should cover up, but what do you really think? Is modesty just an old-fashioned idea being imposed on the younger generation, or is this truly an important issue?

As women, it's easy to think It's just fashion. If I look good in something skimpy, why not wear it? If you've ever wondered why modesty matters, then check out this video! What you do with your body affects so many more people than just yourself. It can cause others to sin, and can completely negate your Christian witness. I hope this gets you thinking, and maybe even affects to contents of your closet. Watch this with an open mind and spirit, and God Bless!

Thanks, All Are Precious In His Sight!

What other "things" would you like to see highlighted on our weekend posts? Leave us a comment or send an email and we'll discuss the things that interest you!

The College 411- Lyndie's experience, part 1

2011-04-06T20:45:00.002-05:00

So glad you came! Today we're posting the first of several college student interviews. Thanks for all the great questions! Lyndie will be giving you her answers tonight...at least the first half of your questions, anyway. Her interview will be concluded next Wednesday. If you missed the first post of this series you can read it here.

I hope you enjoy! Feel free to ask any follow-up questions either as a comment, as a thread on the message board or through email. Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you, Jason Anderson for putting together such a great video, I love you (Phil. 1:3)!