Empowered Traditionalist

continued from part 1
Does the Bible talk about makeup?
Nowhere in the scriptures are we commanded to wear, pursue or apply makeup. But neither does it prohibit it. In fact several women who were honored in scripture took time and attention for their appearance.
The Proverbs 31 woman is dressed is high quality, beautiful clothing
Ester underwent 12 months of beauty treatments, 6 with oil and myrrh and 6 with cosmetics
The Bride in Song of Songs wore jewelry
While these things are not prohibited,
Peter teaches us that our primary attraction should not be our external appearance but the unfading beauty of a meek and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3,4) We are also told that we are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16, 1 Cor 6:20) our bodies are not our own. That excludes all harmful or dangerous procedures. But it also reminds us, we are to beautify His dwelling place. We as women were created from the beginning, to be beautiful. We reflect that aspect of God’s character.
Notice that last phrase: “glorify God in your body”
We need to find out from HIM how we should think about and care for our appearance.
What makeup and how much? What glorifies God!
It all returns to the heart.

Understanding Makeup use:

As far as I see it, there are two types of makeup usage: 1) Concealer and 2) Enhancement

Concealing:
The truth is, blemishes weren’t always the bane of our mornings. There was a time when acne and scarring never tormented a female face, when baggy lids, chapped lips, or blotchy skin were inconceivable. Before the fall, imperfections did not exist. But with the fall came the demise of the perfect world. Our world is broken, waiting for it’s final restoration. While we wait we do our best to camouflage some of the negative effects on our body.
It is foolish to believe that appearances don’t matter at all. For the same reason we exercise or use proper hygiene we also apply our concealer and lipstick. It is perfectly acceptable and even advisable to gently correct some of our facial flaws. Walking about town with “tired eyes” or untreated blemishes does not reflect the beauty of Christ nor enhance our opportunities to share the Gospel.

So we do the bare minimum, what about makeup enhancement?

Applying make-up is a fun, creative activity. It serves the function of an accessory.
There’s nothing wrong with enhancing, or sinful in applying eyeshadow or liner if done in moderation and from a heart that has put Christ first.
There’s nothing inherently bad about a man working out to strengthen his muscles. But spending hours in the gym striving for perfectly defined tone is not a good use of one’s time or body. So with our makeup.
I am an artist, and love expressing my personality through trying different makeup ideas. And honestly, my dad and brothers appreciate it. They see girls in the world wearing it all the time, and it’s nice to come home to a woman who put a little extra into her appearance. (This is a preference only, the men in your life may prefer otherwise)

I would like to close with 1 Cor 10:31
I think we can safely paraphrase the words of Paul, Whether you wear makeup or refrain, whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. “

Occasionally, only occasionally I participate in things of this sort- but I need a break from working so here goes:

7 Random things about me:

1. I play electric guitar and classical piano. I play soccer and love high-heels. I love working so hard I almost die, and I love reading books for hours.  odd contrasts

2. I’ve jumped off 2 waterfalls and gone skydiving

3. I don’t like Chocolate unless it’s dark.

4. I deathly afraid of moths (to create this blog header was torture)

5. I square dance, line dance and swing dance.

6. I’m going to Victoria Canada in the Spring

7. I have a clothing line but can barely sew a bib.

Back to Jen at A Daughter of the King

My dear sister, Hannah Farver, from Beauty From the Heart launched this video in preparation for her book.

It touches an issue many of us are familiar with.

Beauty from the Heart: Faces

Women in America spend 7 billion dollars on cosmetics a year. An average of $100 per woman, per month. That’s a lot of money! From models with airbrushed makeup to Gramma’s who get their eyebrows tattooed, obviously women care immensely about their appearance.

And today, women care more than ever before.

Is this is a biblical desire? What is a Christian stance on makeup?
Our teaching elder, Gregg Harris, remarks “we are to have a “theology” for everything”. What does makeup have to do with the Great commission or showing the love of Christ?
I believe the answer to all of these questions begins with the heart.

Your outward appearance, including your makeup usage is public display of your personal motivation. If your heart is set on serving God, and honoring Him, your appearance will follow. As John McArthur writes:

A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. [or wears makeup] Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshipping God? Or is it to call attention to herself and flaunt her beauty? Or worse, to attempt to allure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshipping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance”

Allow me to interject, it is perfectly ok to refrain from wearing makeup altogether! Makeup wearing or not wearing is a liberty for you to decide. But, again, it comes back to the heart. We all must ensure that our choice to refrain is coming from a heart that desires to honor God.

So some questions to ask yourself as your facing your mirror:
-Do I wear makeup to appear older, more professional etc?
-Am I trying to hide some insecurity/dissatisfaction in who God made me?
-When was the last time I thanked God for how He created me?
-Why am I wearing makeup? Whose compliments do I desire or whose approval do I crave?
-Is the amount of time I spend in my makeup and beauty preparation excessive or it God-honoring?
-Do I spend too much on cosmetics or is the amount I spend God-honoring?
-Is my makeup usage point to the beauty of Christ or my fascination with the world?
-Am I showing moderation and self-control or am I distracting others from the inner beauty of the heart?

Once we honestly answer and assess our hearts we are able to move forward in an application and use of makeup that is God honoring.

Part 2, coming Tuesday…

I wrapped my shoulders in it’s silky warmth, snuggled it up against my bare neck. The vivid turquoise reminded me of lapis luzuli, the “liquid gem, as it caressed my arms. I draped the pashimina about me and instantly saw myself as Eleanor Dashwood gliding about her country cottage or strolling beside her handsome Mr. Ferrars…

Wait! -Hold it- Stop Tape! A simple shawl could do all that?!?

::chuckle::
Every girl has certain items that make her feel feminine, I just discovered the loveliness of wearing a shawl. Every time I wrap myself in it I feel like a queen. A pair of cargo pants definitetely does not have the same effect.

My point is simple, find and cherish those items that make you feel feminine. Perhaps it’s a long skirt that skims over your hips and swirls about your feet, perhaps a certain pearl necklace, or pair of high-heeled shoes, a delicate apron, or even a beautiful shawl.

Encourage your femininty, nurture it, draw it out.

Let others see the beauty of a feminine woman and enjoy your gracious presence.

A woman of true beauty is a woman who in the depths of her soul is at rest, trusting God because she has come to know him to be worthy of her trust. She exudes a sense of calm, a sense of rest, and invites those around her to rest as well.” Stasi Eldredge, Captivating

One thing our culture discourages is anticipating and planning for marriage. The tradition and charm of the “hopechest” has all but been forgotten, but not here. Many of you probably have a wooden chest, or plastic box or someplace where you have begun to invest in the future. Here’s a little inspiration for more items you could add to your treasure trove.

I have sought to compile the complete and all-encompassing list of Hopechest ideas. But naturally, no list will ever be perfect as it must be catered to each individuals tastes, ideals and plans.

-Serving Dishes, serving bowls, (especially wooden bowls), pitchers, vases, serving tray (breakfast in bed)
-Colorful eating dishes, dessert dishes, drinking goblets, mugs, mismatched or otherwise- Italian painted etc.
-Gifts for your future husband, something for him specifically or something for you that’s really for him
-Candle sticks/candles (not just the plain glass kind, but beautifully painted pewter and ceramic holders of varying sizes, colors and heights)
-Table linens, cloths, napkins, runners, placemats (for the different holidays or seasons)
-Specialty or niche cookware/ utensils (artisan cheesegrater, cake decorating materials, cookie cutters, whip cream dispensers, intricate chopsticks, sauce dishes, salt and pepper shakers, spice racks, mixing bowls,  etc)
-Handmade work, embroidered linens- “His” “Hers”, crocheted washcloths, wall hangings, stitcheries, quilts, throws, dresser scarves, doilies, pot holders, tea cozies,  etc
-Memorabilia- things your daughter would want. The custom sewn dress you wore at graduation, your photo albums, vintage hats, gloves,  etc.
-Cookbooks, we have our own  “Timeless classics from the Taylor Table”, add you’re favorite recipe collections
-Books (though they should be stored separately), including completed journals/diaries/memoirs
-Aprons, vintage, handmade,
-China, I limit it to a few tea-cups cream and sugar bowl, and a teapot. My mother has never used china so I havn’t found any use for it.
-Garden supplies, misc specialty tools/ seeds, flower labels, bulbs etc
-Sewing supplies- quality scissors, sewing basket/ box, sewing machine
-Art, paintings, calligraphy, I have collected art as I have traveled and have a growing stash of paintings, wood carvings, book ends, etc.
-Baby supplies, handmade bibs, crocheted sweaters or hats, baby quilts and linens, cradle
-Picnic basket/supplies
-Decor (only classics), polished rocks/agates, throw pillows in basic colors, rugs, beautiful frames
-Larger items, juicer, wheat grinder, bread machine, Cuisinart, Kitchenaid- you name it.
-

Do:

-Throw a  “hopechest’ party for your birthday- We have done this for every one of our daughters and enjoyed it immensely.
- Read “The Hopechest” by Rebekah Wilson
-shop at Garage sales, Antique stores, boutiques, Bizzars, Flea Markets, Estate Sales, Kitchen Supply or Restaurant supplies, Craigs list, Ross, and the occasional find at Goodwill!

Don’t:
-expect everything to fit in your box or chest (you will probably out-grow it quickly)
-invest in trendy items or lots of Decor, they may be out of style by the time you leave your home or, what is more probable, your tastes will change (tight color schemes are not a good idea)
- get so much stuff that you need a Uhaul space just to store it.

Any idea you would like to add?

Using Random.org we have selected two winners for our C-T giveaway!

Congratulations to our first place winner:

Rachael

and also congratulations to our second place winner:

Laurel

If you are one of the winners, you have received an email notification.

To claim your prize:

1. Reply to the email including your “Ship to” address, email, and phone #

2. Expect with anticipation your gift card via email!

3. Tell all your friends what your won!
Note: As of Oct 20, we still have not heard back from Laurel, if no one claims the prize in 10 days we will redraw a second play winner.

The C-T winners will be announced tomorrow morning!

Who will it Be?!

Makeup is a touchy issue for many and I have received numerous queries on the subject so I am endeavoring to write out what I believe to be is the “biblical theology” on makeup.

If you would like to help me in this endeavor please list your questions regarding makeup below. For example:

“Is eye-liner too seductive?” or “Is makeup modest?”

The more specific, the better.

One of the curses of our culture, in America, is banality.
Cuteness, cleverness.
Television is the main sustainer of our addiction to superficiality.

My issue with TV isn’t so much sex and violence, I wouldn’t go there, but what I really susceptible to is banality.

You have to understand how vulnerable I am to banter, to the perfect comeback.
I am a sucker for repartee. I love those “make-over shows” and the surprises of American Idol, I know my weakness.

So what can I do to guard myself? Because if I go there
What use will I be to anybody except: “here is another entertainer”.

That is not what I’m after.

Turn it Off
So I’ve got to turn it off. My family and I have never had a TV. Now some TV won’t kill you, occasionally we watch TV at other peoples homes, but we never have a steady diet because of the harm it does to our souls.

I do not want be entertained by trifles so I lose my taste for deep, stunning, awe-inspiring, moments when God’s greatness floors me, when the wonder of creation, or the beauty of quality literature moves me to tears.

Earnestness is not excessive in our day.

In 2006 the average person spent just over 147 days worth their year on some form of media
Is there something that you are easily addicted to? (Myspace, Facebook, Chatting, Youtube, Magazines, Romance Novels…)

Do you have any helpful tips on combating distractions?

______________________
Adapted from John Pipers 9th message on TULIP.