If you just became a Christian or simply want to be modest/more modest for whatever reason, you can sometimes feel a bit lost on where to start and what to do. Well, here are some tips!
1. Learn/find out what your modesty values are.
Find out what YOU think is too immodest for YOU to wear, not what others think is modest or immodest. But, if you don't know where to start, try to not have the neckline of your shirt much lower than your collarbone. Maybe try to have your pants be at least ending at your mid-thigh or even lower (your knee, maybe?). I try not to have my bra or bra straps showing if at all possible - even if i'm wearing a sports bra. Maybe try to cover up your shoulders a bit. But, these are just my modestly values. You don't have to abide by these if you don't want too, they can just be a place to start if you don't know where to begin.
2. Layers are now your best friend.
Even if it is hot outside, light layers are great. If you have a shirt you really want to wear, but you think it shows too much skin/cleavage either just normally, or when you bend down/over, etc try adding an undershirt or camosel underneath and BOOM! That shirt is instantly modest. Or try adding a sweater, a shawl, a light over-shirt, etc. I have a dress many others would consider modest, but because of my values I cannot wear it with at least shorts (even short shorts) and a camosel/undershirt underneath. But if you looked at me, you wouldn't even know there was anything underneath.
3. If wearing it around certain people/certain groups of people/in certain places/while doing certain activities or positions makes you in any way at all uncomfortable, don't even wear it. Or, add layers.
4. Get a full-length body mirror. Before you leave the house, put on the outfit you want to wear that day and stand in front of the mirror. Jump, bend over, run in the spot, try to touch your toes etc. Does doing any certain position show anything in the mirror you wouldn't want someone to see? If so, change.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Why You Should Spend More Time w/ God
Here is what I mean by spending more time with God: more prayer, first of all. More talking to Him. More Bible reading, more reading His teachings, His lessons, His stories, His word. Think of the Bible as God's love letter to us/a Father's love letter to His children. If you think the bible is boring (which I once did very recently) find a book in it that isnt, and start with that. For me, it was Phillipians and Ephesians. I've now read all the way from there straight into Hebrews (don't know how far that is? Check the table of contents in your bible), and I'm not done yet! Trust me, there will be at least one book you can manage to read and, eventually, even get into to start reading it regularly. And, also, worship. Which could mean a variety of different things. It is anything where you personally feel close to God while you are doing it or something where you are praising Him while doing it. That includes a lot more besides singing. Find out what it is for you. And, finally, simply sitting in silence, absolute silence, and listening for Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you and/or to tell you something. His voice is often a very soft, gentle whisper. You have to be still, silent, and calm to really hear it sometimes.
Now, that was how you can spend more time with Him. Here's why you should.
There was a period of time where I would wake up half and hour earlier and spend 30 minutes every morning with God. It was the only time where the house was quiet and free of distractions. Then, I would also pray throughout the day. Doing this consistently, every single day, made my relationship with God much stronger. It took quite a bit of time, and sometimes I even wondered if it was making a difference. But soon, I had no problem thinking of things to talk about or say while I was praying. I began to actually enjoy reading my bible. I felt happier, calmer, more relaxed and slower to anger during the day. At one time I had thought that I would never truly get legitimately close to God, but it was finally happening. It was changing how I thought of people, and how I reacted to them and treated them. Sure, I still struggled with things, but it was now actually possible to help minimize those problems with others in my life. And when it all failed and my day was horrible, I had God to fall back on, to talk to and cry with, to forgive me and to help me back up.
And that is why you should, and how you can, spend more time with God. :)
oh, and PS the reason everything is in past tense is because tbh, I haven't been great in keeping up with this lately. I've fallen away, fallen astray, and my God time in the morning has fallen to the wayside. But don't worry, I'm going to start it up again (or try to, anyway). And now I have more motivation; I know it works, and I know what it feels like when it does! :)
Now, that was how you can spend more time with Him. Here's why you should.
There was a period of time where I would wake up half and hour earlier and spend 30 minutes every morning with God. It was the only time where the house was quiet and free of distractions. Then, I would also pray throughout the day. Doing this consistently, every single day, made my relationship with God much stronger. It took quite a bit of time, and sometimes I even wondered if it was making a difference. But soon, I had no problem thinking of things to talk about or say while I was praying. I began to actually enjoy reading my bible. I felt happier, calmer, more relaxed and slower to anger during the day. At one time I had thought that I would never truly get legitimately close to God, but it was finally happening. It was changing how I thought of people, and how I reacted to them and treated them. Sure, I still struggled with things, but it was now actually possible to help minimize those problems with others in my life. And when it all failed and my day was horrible, I had God to fall back on, to talk to and cry with, to forgive me and to help me back up.
And that is why you should, and how you can, spend more time with God. :)
oh, and PS the reason everything is in past tense is because tbh, I haven't been great in keeping up with this lately. I've fallen away, fallen astray, and my God time in the morning has fallen to the wayside. But don't worry, I'm going to start it up again (or try to, anyway). And now I have more motivation; I know it works, and I know what it feels like when it does! :)
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Why I Became a Christian
I became a Christian when I was 6 or 7 years old, at Camp Arnes, in the Wigwam, and I could even show you almost exactly where I sat in the bleachers when I did If I wanted to. Why did I become a Christian so young? Why did I become a Christian period? Was I being 'brain-washed' or 'manipulated' as I grew up in a Christian home, going to a Christian elementary school, and going to a Christian camp (Arnes) every year in the summer since I was 5 or 6? no. I became a Christian because I truly believed God existed, that Jesus was his son, and that he died and rose again to save my sins, that He really wanted a true, real, relationship with me, and that I needed Him. I was and am a guilty sinner who needs a Saviour. And let's be honest; from what I had heard, Heaven and life on Earth with God by my side sounded pretty awesome and amazing. And yes, I probably didn't completely 110% totally understand what I was doing and why (at least as not as much as I do now). But I did know what I was doing and why to some degree, and I did make the decision of my own regard; it was my decision. I just know more so now 7 or 8 yrs later after i've really thought about what it means to follow Christ. But, that's not the only reason why I became a Christian. That day as I sat in those bleachers looking down on the speaker (I honestly can't remember for the life of me who he was...) and heard him talking, I was moved. He was talking about Jesus, and God and life with them/Him and his own testimony on how God drastically changed his life (or something like that). As I listened to him, and as I sang these beautiful songs about His love and forgiveness, I felt His presence there. He was next to me, around me, He was everywhere in that room as we belted out praise and listened to an inspiring life story. That was the first time I had ever felt His presence. It was subtle at the time I think, but I knew it was Him. It was peace, it was love, it comfort, it was joy, it was, above all, truly indescribable. And then, I just knew. I knew I wanted a life with Him, following Him, loved by Him. I never had an 'earthly father' as we Christians say. He had died in a car crash before I was born. After I accepted Christ into my heart and into my life, he became my Father. He became the perfect Father I never had, the only friend I felt/feel like I could/can tell truly anything to, and go to when I need(ed) someone to talk to, and cry with, and be comforted by in the middle of the night. He was and is the only one who has truly always been there for me through absolutely every little and big thing.
He is my saviour, my father, my comforter, and my best friend.
And that is why I am a Christian. :)
He is my saviour, my father, my comforter, and my best friend.
And that is why I am a Christian. :)
Why You Need To Stop Arguing & How to Stop
Trust me, I get it. If you have siblings, I totally understand why this is super difficult and seemingly impossible at times. They just are so annoying sometimes, and they get on your nerves and anger you so much you explode, and you are surprised you didn't spontaneously combust earlier (ok, slight exaggeration). But, after an argument, even if you got the last word in and seemingly 'won' (whatever that means), or just had a screaming match, you always feel horrible. Mad, angry, upset, frustrated, sad, insulted, etc. Why would you keep actively engaging in something that wastes your time and leaves you feeling like that?
I struggle with this too. I have an older brother, and we never really got along. I've said somethings I regret, he's said some horrible things too, and sometimes I wonder if we will ever truly get along and be friends. Or, as much friends as siblings with a bad past can be. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever really want to be his friend after some of the things he's said. I too am working on trying to argue with and yell at him less, but i'm not doing amazing. And don't even think about completely forgiving him yet, that won't be happening for quite some time. But, the fights are usually pointless and about something stupid. They waste both of our time and never actually accomplish anything besides wrecking our relationship even further. It's not currently as bad as it once was, its definitely been worse, but they still occasionally happen.
Trust me, if there is someone where you are constantly at each others throats, it does get better. But it only gets better if you put in the effort to make it better. Continuing down the current path and neither of you changing anything will never make it better. You can't make them change or change them, but you can start to change yourself for the better today. When an argument happens next, leave. You may be able to diffuse the situation. If so, do. If not, leave without another word. Go somewhere else away from the person and distract yourself. Do something you love to do. Do something to improve your mood (see my previous post on ways to improve your happiness).
If you are a Christian, follow my previous advice, but also pray. Vent your frustrations and anger to God, instead of to another person. He will listen to you and comfort you. Talk to Him about it. Talk to Him about why you are mad, what started the argument, and ask for peace of mind to calm you. Ask for forgiveness for what you said or did to that person, and ask for strength and courage and help to not have an argument or get mad next time. Then, if you can, forgive whoever you were arguing with and ask God to help you do this. Trust me, it is a process - not a one time decision. Then, try to forget about it, let it go, stop dwelling on it, and move on. Enjoy your life, your week, and your day. Don't let what happened negatively affect you or your day. Bye! :)
I struggle with this too. I have an older brother, and we never really got along. I've said somethings I regret, he's said some horrible things too, and sometimes I wonder if we will ever truly get along and be friends. Or, as much friends as siblings with a bad past can be. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever really want to be his friend after some of the things he's said. I too am working on trying to argue with and yell at him less, but i'm not doing amazing. And don't even think about completely forgiving him yet, that won't be happening for quite some time. But, the fights are usually pointless and about something stupid. They waste both of our time and never actually accomplish anything besides wrecking our relationship even further. It's not currently as bad as it once was, its definitely been worse, but they still occasionally happen.
Trust me, if there is someone where you are constantly at each others throats, it does get better. But it only gets better if you put in the effort to make it better. Continuing down the current path and neither of you changing anything will never make it better. You can't make them change or change them, but you can start to change yourself for the better today. When an argument happens next, leave. You may be able to diffuse the situation. If so, do. If not, leave without another word. Go somewhere else away from the person and distract yourself. Do something you love to do. Do something to improve your mood (see my previous post on ways to improve your happiness).
If you are a Christian, follow my previous advice, but also pray. Vent your frustrations and anger to God, instead of to another person. He will listen to you and comfort you. Talk to Him about it. Talk to Him about why you are mad, what started the argument, and ask for peace of mind to calm you. Ask for forgiveness for what you said or did to that person, and ask for strength and courage and help to not have an argument or get mad next time. Then, if you can, forgive whoever you were arguing with and ask God to help you do this. Trust me, it is a process - not a one time decision. Then, try to forget about it, let it go, stop dwelling on it, and move on. Enjoy your life, your week, and your day. Don't let what happened negatively affect you or your day. Bye! :)
Ways to Be Happier :)
(in no particular order)
1. Do things you love doing
This is an obvious one. Doing things you enjoy doing and having fun will obviously make you happier, but sometimes people forget to do that when they get caught up in the busyness of life.
2. Exercise (see link at bottom of page)
3. Get more sleep!
Getting more sleep helps your body recover and repair itself from things you did during the day, it also helps you focus and be more productive, AND you are happier, more energized, and less sensitive to negative emotions! (see link at bottom of page)
4. Go outside!
A study suggested that being outside when it is 13.9 degrees Celcius or higher maximized your happiness and gives you a major mood boost! It also broadened thinking and improved working memory apparently. (see link at bottom of page)
5. Don't argue
i'm doing another post on this topic right after this one.
6. Spend time with friends
Talk to your bff or just any friend of yours. Hang out and spend time together. Do something you both love doing - it will be even more fun with a friend. Even just call the and talk to the on the phone. Or text them, Skype them, facebook message them, whatever! Just talk or hang with them!
7. Listen to high-energy music that you love in a playlist on shuffle.
I dont know about you, but last time I checked ever single person ever gets some sort of mood boost when they listen to their favorite songs, especially when they are high energy. Maybe combine this one with # 4?
8. Forgive and forget, let go of regret! (ha, I just rhymed!)
No one feels great when they refuse to let go of something someone did to them and just forgive them. When you carry around all of that baggage, it weighs you down. Why not just let it go and put the bags down? Now trust me, it wont be easy or instant. The fraise 'let it go' (Who else just though of the song from Frozen? I love that song, its currently my ringtone:) makes it sound like it will be easy and a decision you only have to make once and then everything will be amazing and great. It won't. To forgive someone for something horrible they did is a decision you will have to make countless times. Every time you see them, think of them, talk to them, or interact with them in any way at all. And if you see them or think of them and the first thought or feeling that pops up is a negative one, you haven't quite forgiven them yet. Everyone feels lighter, happier, and is mentally healthier once they've finally let go of other's wrongdoings. Oh, and if there is something you did or didnt do in the past and you still are mad at yourself about it, dont forget to forgive yourself too. You will never be able to go back and change what happened, and not forgiving yourself is just weighing you down and is self-destructive.Also, if you are a Christian like me, ask God to forgive you for that sin too. Ask Him to help you forgive yourself and just forget about, leave the past in the past. He wants to forgive you, He is just waiting for you to ask for it and accept it. If you have to forgive someone else, ask God to help you forgive them too. Ask Him to help you forgive, forget, move on, and never turn back.
9. Spend time with animals!! :) Watch this vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QWu1OJCmMA
It's awesome!
10. Similar to #7, blast your favourite (or one of your favourite) songs and sing along as loud as you can or want! Belt out those lyrics (maybe when you're home alone or just alone though)! I was in a really bad mood recently, and I tried this. By the end of the song I was very happy. It was awesome! :)
11. Check out this link! It has a lot more options too! Also, ask Google! :)
http://blog.bufferapp.com/10-scientifically-proven-ways-to-make-yourself-happier
1. Do things you love doing
This is an obvious one. Doing things you enjoy doing and having fun will obviously make you happier, but sometimes people forget to do that when they get caught up in the busyness of life.
2. Exercise (see link at bottom of page)
3. Get more sleep!
Getting more sleep helps your body recover and repair itself from things you did during the day, it also helps you focus and be more productive, AND you are happier, more energized, and less sensitive to negative emotions! (see link at bottom of page)
4. Go outside!
A study suggested that being outside when it is 13.9 degrees Celcius or higher maximized your happiness and gives you a major mood boost! It also broadened thinking and improved working memory apparently. (see link at bottom of page)
5. Don't argue
i'm doing another post on this topic right after this one.
6. Spend time with friends
Talk to your bff or just any friend of yours. Hang out and spend time together. Do something you both love doing - it will be even more fun with a friend. Even just call the and talk to the on the phone. Or text them, Skype them, facebook message them, whatever! Just talk or hang with them!
7. Listen to high-energy music that you love in a playlist on shuffle.
I dont know about you, but last time I checked ever single person ever gets some sort of mood boost when they listen to their favorite songs, especially when they are high energy. Maybe combine this one with # 4?
8. Forgive and forget, let go of regret! (ha, I just rhymed!)
No one feels great when they refuse to let go of something someone did to them and just forgive them. When you carry around all of that baggage, it weighs you down. Why not just let it go and put the bags down? Now trust me, it wont be easy or instant. The fraise 'let it go' (Who else just though of the song from Frozen? I love that song, its currently my ringtone:) makes it sound like it will be easy and a decision you only have to make once and then everything will be amazing and great. It won't. To forgive someone for something horrible they did is a decision you will have to make countless times. Every time you see them, think of them, talk to them, or interact with them in any way at all. And if you see them or think of them and the first thought or feeling that pops up is a negative one, you haven't quite forgiven them yet. Everyone feels lighter, happier, and is mentally healthier once they've finally let go of other's wrongdoings. Oh, and if there is something you did or didnt do in the past and you still are mad at yourself about it, dont forget to forgive yourself too. You will never be able to go back and change what happened, and not forgiving yourself is just weighing you down and is self-destructive.Also, if you are a Christian like me, ask God to forgive you for that sin too. Ask Him to help you forgive yourself and just forget about, leave the past in the past. He wants to forgive you, He is just waiting for you to ask for it and accept it. If you have to forgive someone else, ask God to help you forgive them too. Ask Him to help you forgive, forget, move on, and never turn back.
9. Spend time with animals!! :) Watch this vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QWu1OJCmMA
It's awesome!
10. Similar to #7, blast your favourite (or one of your favourite) songs and sing along as loud as you can or want! Belt out those lyrics (maybe when you're home alone or just alone though)! I was in a really bad mood recently, and I tried this. By the end of the song I was very happy. It was awesome! :)
11. Check out this link! It has a lot more options too! Also, ask Google! :)
http://blog.bufferapp.com/10-scientifically-proven-ways-to-make-yourself-happier
Saturday, May 10, 2014
What this blog will be like (for now)
Hello, this is my first ever blog post on my first ever blog! My name is Victoria Wolf, I am currently 14 years old and live in Manitoba, Canada. On this blog I will (for now) be posting about my interests, my thoughts and feelings (the ones I want to share anyway!) and my life as I walk through it with God by my side. My interests include animals, my pets, nature, writing (though I don't do it super often), reading, drawing, and hanging with my friends. This blog will probably change in the future. I may at some point decide to make my blog on a more specific and focused topic or decide to stop blogging altogether for a short time. Just a warning for the future. Don't expect me to blog on a schedule or at specific times of the week or month. The posts will be random and at random times on random topics that will probably have nothing to do with the previous post. Enjoy! :)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)