happy spring!

Earlier this spring (May 11th, 2013) Stuart and I dug out evergreens out of the #34 highway ditches. We made two trips to be able to haul them all home. On the second trip we stopped for soft ice cream at Horseshoe Cafe which ended up being our supper. We planted the evergreens along the fence line. Our soil is pure clay so it took a bit to dig a hole big enough.

Last one and a 5 gallon pail of water. The garden hose didn't reach so we had to haul for the last couple. Stuart came up with a wonderful watering idea. We heard that a soaker hose just plugged up with dirt so we bought more garden hose and drilled holes into it where the tree was and it waters perfectly! All we have to do is give the tap half a crank. That part's easy :) We keep the alfalfa down by tilling.

The row completed! All 25 of them 15 feet apart. Now to grow big! So often I want to wish time away because I want them big now. I have to remind myself to enjoy the moment I'm in. Same goes with everything else that's been planted. June 17th, 2013 a Goodland apple tree and a Battleford apple tree were planted (bought from Jefferies Nurseries). The same day I finished a perennial flower bed of silver mound, sentimental blue balloon flower, and white clips in the front. Day lilies, allium, lavender, irises, gamma grass, chives, green spice coral bells, and false indigo in the middle with delphiniums in the back. Thanks to my Grandmas and aunts for letting me dig perennials out of their flower beds. Hardly can wait till there is no longer any soil showing. Everything seems so small now. This was the inspiration for the flower bed that was made:

image via pintrest

Modesty

As summer rolls around the question of dressing modestly comes up. Being a girl and loving fashion I struggle with this greatly! It seems no one cares about modesty any more and I am tempted to go along with the world's view 'if you've got it, flaunt it'. Here are verses that spoke to me and the questions I have to ask myself DAILY!




I encourage any readers to open up your bibles and read 1Timothy 2:1-10.
Paul's desire here is God's desire. (verse 4 to 6) "who will have all men saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
He say's verse 9 and 10 because of the gospel!

Any biblical discussion of modesty begins by addressing the heart NOT the hemline!

How does a girl discern proper dressing? Start by asking yourself these questions.
Whose attention do you desire? Whose approval do you crave?
Wardrobe choices start by your intent. Examine your goals and motives for dressing the way you do. Does it show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Does it reveal a humble heart devoted to worshiping God? Are you flaunting your beauty? Who inspires your clothing? Who through your clothing are you identifying with? Are your role models godly women of scripture or worldly woman of our culture?
A woman's attitude and motive is emphasized by what she wears. Your wardrobe is a public statement of your personal and private motivation. Modesty is humility expressed in dress.

1Timothy 2:10b "becometh women professing godliness with good works."
Modesty in clothing choices and a woman characterized by good works is a result of desiring what God wants. Serving others is more important than what you wear!

How I understand 1Timothy 2:9-10:
Paul's not just addressing modesty, but that more time and energy needs to be devoted to our spiritual lives, specifically through good works. 
Ask yourself these questions.
What am I noticed for? Clothing or good works?
What am I more pre-occupied with? Serving others or shopping?
What am I known for? Fashion or good works?
What is eye catching about me? Clothing or Character?
One day, what will my daughter be learning from me? Latest fashion or a heart for God?

Proverbs 31:30-31(KJV) "Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.