My beautiful sisters in Jesus, as we get to the end of the year, its time to receive tons of gifts and release the negative things that have happened this year as we get ready for 2013. I know lots of shopping trips and new outfits are in your future, so I hope you take sometime to focus on having a surrendered wardrobe. This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series, and it is going to be focused on what a surrendered wardrobe is. The next part will be a fun illustration of what a surrendered wintered wardrobe looks like.

                   

1. A surrendered wardrobe realizes that its goal is not to draw attention to herself but to Jesus Christ. This should be the foundation of our fashion choices as daughters of the KING. We are called to represent Our King in everything and our fashion is no exception. I would highly recommend writing this out and putting it somewhere visible ear your wardrobe, because if your reason for wanting to be fashionable is a guy, or other friends, you will be utterly miserable.
2. A surrendered wardrobe is one that lets Jesus and not people determine how she dresses. The culture today has many trends, and many popular magazines have ideas on what looks “fashionable” but do we look more to them, or more to the Holy Spirit in us to guide us when we go shopping or when we are putting outfits together? 
3. A surrendered wardrobe does not hoard. When we realize dear sisters, that we have been given everything we have, its easy to let go of that pretty LBD that has become too snug, its so easy to give away to others who are less fortunate, and if you have a “plato's closet” near you, you can make some money while getting rid of excess clothes. In my family, my mom has always made us give away some old clothes whenever we buy new ones. With every new outfit you buy, you have to take an outfit out of your closet and give it away. Although I didn't particularly enjoy it at first, it has been a huge blessing in helping me decide when to spend my money, and also a lesson in realizing that nothing should be too precious to give away.
4. A surrendered wardrobe realizes that her clothing houses God's temple. When we realize that we are literally the dwelling place of the LORD and the way we choose to dress is the first reflection of that temple that others see, it changes everything.  I remember the first time I really started studying how to bring glory to God in the way I dressed, I was shocked when I realized that God wanted me to look cute. But when we get back to the old testament and see how God wanted His temple to be adorned and decorated, we kinda get the idea that He would like to be represented in a pretty looking temple.
5. A surrendered wardrobe is not inward focused. There is such a tension between being cute and making cuteness an idol. When I realized that there was freedom to be cute as a Christian, I noticed that I eventually made it an idol. I would spend a couple of hours on Saturday night trying on and putting together outfits, and then I realized that the whole point of 1 pet. 2: – required that I spent more time on my heart, and my relationship with God than I did on my wardrobe. I still enjoy shopping, still enjoy putting outfits together, and still make an effort to look cute but I spent way more time with God than I do with my mirror.
6. A surrendered wardrobe is creative. Now hear me out on this one. You may feel like you are not super creative, but I strongly believe that every lady has some sense of creativity in her, no matter how small. God, the creative one lives in you so ask Him. He has created everyone with a special sense of style, so dig down deep sister...You've got the creative God in you to teach you to how to best represent Him with the right clothing choices for you

Finally, dear sisters, remember that wearing the right clothes and having a surrendered wardrobe will not magically make you beautiful. You may be drop dead gorgeous on the outside, but if your inside is not being transformed by Jesus Christ, your beauty is meaningless and will only cause the wrong people to be attracted to you for the wrong reasons!

Blessings, Joy, and peace...Be watching and waiting for part 2 coming soon!

Many of us struggle with our way of dressing, and many wonder what is truly acceptable to God. We also struggle with being comfortable in our own skin. I like to take pride in my appearance and I often see nice young ladies who may fail to realize that they are a child of a King, and we should present ourselves as such. But as we all know, society would lead you to believe it is about being scantily clad and showing off your body! There is nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself and expressing that in your way of dress; however, when is it too much or too revealing? What kind of image are you portraying to your future Adam? What are people thinking of you?

Now, it is understood that we should not care about what people think, but at the same time, there is a certain way you should carry yourself in the presence of the Lord and in our daily lives. God loves us and you should take the time to respect yourself and not use your body as fuel to gain any unwanted attention. 

Question you may ask, “well, what is appropriate dress?” Honestly it is something that you need to determine for yourself. I’m not going to tell you that you need to be covered from your neck to your ankles; wear a big toga and God is going to love you even more. God loves you just as you are and he is making you in his like image. So don’t worry.

Luke 12:23

“For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing”

Life is way more than what you wear day to day, but it represents who’s you are. I was coming home from class the other day and I saw something that just downright disturbed my soul. I saw this young lady in 50 degree weather in some sequin booty shorts and a very revealing top. She was thicker in the legs and her bottom was out of her shorts. LADIES, I’m telling you that you do not have to dress like this to attract a man or attention. Just being from man’s rib will attract enough attention! There are ways to dress to please God while being sexy and confident.

I will say that I have never really dressed extremely provocative. Yes, I have pushed boundaries and with certain things, I still do. However, you will not catch me in the extreme cold or in the hot, hot, hot summer, (because here in Sacramento it can get up to 108 degrees) wearing shorts or skirts that are so short that you can see my genitalia. This is what I see from time to time and it makes my heart sink. If a man truly cares for you, he will like and love you for you – not for keeping up with the latest labels or wearing revealing clothes. Let’s face it, men will be men, they will look, but they will be thinking of you in the wrong way at first.

There are plenty of cute and fashionable styles, so you can get rid of the cloak and uncomfortable clothing. Here is a list of my favorite must haves that are cute and classy:

These are all of my must have items! I love them and wear them often! This is the naked truth: you have to be comfortable in your own skin first and foremost. If you don’t love what you are wearing, then you won’t be confident! The key is to be confident in anything you wear.  Have fun creating your own style!  

Remember, you are special! Your style should define you, make you happy, and of course, please God!

Tis the season for Joy, Peace, Love and vamping your holiday style! As we begin a new season and New Year with gatherings at the office, church and the Christmas ball. I gathered some of my favorite pieces to show that you can shop on a budget and still bring in the New Year with style. Curvy Ladies –take notes! I found some great deals on these pieces that you can generally wear all year round.  You don’t have to stick to the seasonal colors of Red, Green, White, Silver and Gold.

Many of you may have to attend Holiday parties while you are at work. So, I thought of a style that was inspired by Jackie-O or Michelle Obama.

A long Jessica Mclintock, dressy overcoat shown below from Ross Dress For Less ($12.99) over a royal blue sleeveless dress from Dillard’s ($36.00) is appropriate for the day and evening. The accessories are all from Ross: Bracelet ($10.00) and Liz Claiborne Leather Crocodile Purse ($24.00) are both a steal. The Boots are by Steve Madden.

Cocktail Attire from Macy’s ($50.00). This royal blue dress is appropriate for any occasion and is great for a quick change between the office and a late afternoon cocktail party. The purse is from target ($16.99).

And finally, I love the holiday season for all of the fun events and opportunities to wear formal wear. I found this dress deeply discounted on clearance for $109.00. It was initially $358.00. Great Deal Huh? I found it at the White Room Too in East Nashville.

Hope You all are having a safe and happy holiday season! Remember that the true reason for the season is JESUS and above all of your style and holiday attire, your best accessory is your SMILE! Be true to You (BU!) most importantly and show the world that you are Beautifully Blessed by the one True God!