When Life is in Black&White

Dress: Forever 21 | Necklace: Forever 21

Life is not always as colorful as we want it to be.

Nevertheless, we should always be reminded to look at things in the way God sees it.

When it is not as happy as we think it should be, when everything around us seems to give us problems, we tend to focus more on ourselves and less on others.

When life is in black and white, it's easy to fail to see the bursting of colors around us.

We easily overlook the opportunities to serve God, the chances to help out people in need.

We think that when we have problems, we earn the right to be selfish.

But the real deal is that, when you give others what you can give them, like encouragement, time, effort or even material support, despite the stinging reality that you too are hurting, you witness how God works.

Witnessing how God works in other people's lives reminds us how God can also work in the things that give us distress.

So when life is in black and white, all the more be a blessing to people around you in gratitude to the Creator of everything beautiful.

'Cause you never how simply sharing an umbrella with someone could paint rainbows in both of your lives!

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:1-4

#RevolutionizingProblem-Solving

Not by force, not by strength!

Maxi: Forever 21

"So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty."

Zechariah 4:6

Modesty, as all of the other discipline we should develop for God, does not come by force, nor by strength.

You cannot force someone to involve in this pursuit, you cannot force someone to dress modestly, a relatively radical way for the modern woman to worship God..

..just as how you cannot force yourself to have the discipline that pleases God.

It is only by the Spirit that we have such discipline.

It is only when you give the Spirit control over your heart that you could experience total transformation.

Ready to be all out for God?

..it starts with just allowing the Spirit to soak you in His power.

#RevolutionizingFashion

Clothed in Christ

"Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

Romans 13:14

This verse interests me a lot because it is in the heart of my pursuit of modesty.

It is fascinating enough that the writer used the word "clothe", but the message of this verse makes it all the more beautiful!

Our clothing is what other people see on the outside, and this verse suggests that we should be seen by the people around us following the example of Jesus Christ. It conveys the importance of following Jesus every minute, no matter what we do, no matter the situation, no matter how hard it is. Ever heard of the phrase, "huhubarin ang pagiging Kristyano"? It's like putting aside your values and beliefs to do something you know you shouldn't do. It's like showing people a different version of you, one who breaks rules, in order to get what you want. In other words? .. in order to "gratify the desires of the flesh". 

Whether it's revenge, defense, or simply doing what you please.

I'm quite sure it wouldn't be worth taking off you Christianity for!

I can relate this so much to modesty, 'cause my clothes become a unique reminder of this verse for me.

Everyday, whenever I choose which clothes I will wear, I do it with a mind fixed on what would please God, and not on just what I think would make me look good. During the time I choose my clothes, I learn to beat myself, to fight the selfish desire of wearing the trendy immodest pieces.

The result?

All day, I wear an ensemble that reminds me to fight against my selfish desires,

to have that kingdom mentality,

to do everything in line with my choice to follow Christ.

Being clothed in Christ is
being clothed in power.

#RevolutionizingFashion

Who wants to be a trend-setter?

Top: thrifted | Polka-dot Overalls: Forever 21 | Shoes: Aeropostale

Be a bold trend-setter!

I wasn't always modest, but I was always an admirer of fashion. I adore how one can wear a piece of art, and I realize how much courage one should muster if she wants to be a trend-setter. Trends aren't born overnight - these are set by fashion revolutionists who are bored of the mainstream and who think that creativity is limitless.

I know how bold one should be if you want to be more creative with your clothes! If bold colors are a trend right now, like those found in runways this Summer 2014 (see this post), you would need the guts to color-block in the midst of the pale crowd! Sporting a trend can mean having your passion rule over your insecurities and fears.

But what is your passion?
What should be your passion?

Be passionate about the most beautiful thing in the world! Yes, be passionate about something even more beautiful than fashion itself!

Fix your heart on the Designer of everything beautiful! Be passionate about God more than anything. 

Your clothes can be a very bold expression of what you're really passionate about.

Are you more passionate about fashion, following the newest trends? Or are you more passionate for God, using fashion to glorify God?

It's your choice.

I don't know about you.

But for me, if I am bold in sporting a bright orange shirt in a scandalous polka-dot overalls,
I choose to be bolder in sporting a timeless trend called modesty, all for the glory of the Lord!

#RevolutionizingSettingTrends

Stand Out

It's really hard to pursue modesty in this season. How can you survive the heat without having to compromise dressing for God? And it made me thinking.. Many girls would stop being modest when they are left to be the only one doing it. This season, everyone is splurging on the escapable summer trends (yet are unquestionably really comfortable). Short shorts, tube tops, tank tops, low v-necks, etc. And man, I know how hard it can be when everyone around you is in the pieces you vowed to say no to, seemingly comfortable and fresh. What challenge it is to stick to the more modest summer choices! Talk about peer pressure!

So what can make you stay modest in summer? If I haven't reflected on this a lot yet, I would say, buy the prettiest maxi dresses that would make you choose them over shorts! But I realized, there is a better reason to be modest in summer.

Do it for the glory of God!

Because worshipping Him through your clothes never goes out of season.

Yes, even when you're the only one doing it - it's okay to stand out if it is to worship your Creator.

#RevolutionizingSummerFashion

It's a give and take

Black stockings was a no-no for me before, because it looks overdone. Going through more modest fashion choices, I think tights could be a best friend that could add a certain flavor to your look!

This outfit brings me back to being a kid - feeling like a princess with purple and pink stuff plus anything that glimmers! Haha

Balloons from my nieces.

  

Bright + White

His grace allowed me to renew my fashion style - a style that gives me freedom from my old self.

Top: F&H | Bracelets: Accessorize | Pants: SM Dept Store | Shoes: Unlisted

These jeans are as comfy as your favorite leggings, but it isn't as form-fitting as that.

Great alternative!

For a hot weather, wear white.

To show the world how happy you are in the Lord, bright colors! 

Beyond your Skin

I wanted to take a break from skirts last Sunday, so I wore this attention-getter pants. The print was crazy, because it had a lot of colors and textures. So I wore a plain black top over it. Here's a long sleeved dress spiced up by the sheer fabric and made it modest yet exciting.. Yes, you read it right. The top is a dress! Who says you can't wear it as a top? :P

I wore these pair of shoes because of the nude color, which somehow neutralizes the wildness of the pants, and the animal skin texture, which matched some patches of animal skin on the print of the pants.

I really like this gold cross necklace. I'm fond of necklaces, especially when they're gifts from special people. :)

That's our dog Maki. Half-Japanese Spitz, Half-askal.
Haha she stared at me as if she's asking what I was doing! :))

Pretty shoes! They also come in dark brown.. My sister, Ate Ann, has the dark brown version. :D

Dress worn as top: Forever 21 | Printed Pants: Terranova | Shoes: Charles & Keith 

Because of the animal skin prints, I thought of this thing I want to share to you regarding modesty.

Enjoy! Take it to heart. ;)

Modesty is not only skin deep
(click link to read article on modesty)

Love Month Modesty :P

Are you more comfortable with leggings, like me? :)

My pants are now too short for me, or too faded already. That's why I started wearing leggings more often. However, I realized that leggings could be a stumbling block, especially when your top is fitted, and a little shorter than it should be.

Here's one way to make leggings more exciting yet more modest.

An exceedingly loose top could be as immodest as fitted tops when worn without undergarments. So I wore my quite fitted skirt (that I never use alone after God changed my heart) under it, so that I would be comfortable when times come that I have to raise my arms. :) I would not be too nervous that my tummy and behind would be exposed when a wild wind blows my loose top.

Cross Necklace: Gift from Mr. Kwanhyeong Cho | Bag: Elle | Watch: Skechers

Plus, the cross necklace! Thanks Mr. Kwanhyeong Cho for this lovely necklace. I am now deeply appreciating stuff with crosses. :)

(Just make sure that it won't appear to have an inverted cross, so it wouldn't send the wrong message)

Modesty is very important when you are in a relationship with a guy.

We have to have the heart to help them guard their hearts and thoughts.

Mere friendships with guys could be helped a lot by modesty from us girls.

Mere friendships.

How much more do we girls need to help guys who are emotionally inclined to us.

(Hahahaha funny how a phrase like that makes it seem serious and harmless.)

When feelings are present, when he is showing his motive through his actions (women's intuition, sistah!), when he already confessed to you his feelings, or when he is courting you, or when you two are already dating,  temptations are stronger than ever!

Lust is the number one weapon of the enemy to ruin relationships and rob you both the joy from a relationship that delights in God.

But there is one reason why a lady could have a hard time being extra modest when she is with her gentleman.

You become extra comfortable when you are with them.

Being comfortable with someone you trust inevitably comes.

However, its advantages end at some point. When you are too comfortable with them, like you are not bothered at all when you wear some of your skimpy outfits, you put an uninvited entry point for the thief in your relationship.

You could be so comfortable with wearing your shorts, mini skirts, tube, with the guy you "trust" to respect you, and forget that you are putting him in a place where the enemy could easily trigger man's common weakness. Lust.

You may be comfortable, but when your guy who tries to do his best in pursuing purity is nudged by the enemy to lust at you, I don't think he would be as comfortable as you.

Also, sometimes, we think that showing some skin would appeal to them. Sometimes, girls tend to beautify themselves for guys they like. But that's not the way it should be. Firstly, we should think of being beautiful for God's glory, not for our own! Secondly, a real godly gentleman would not want you to show skin. He would be the one telling you to cover up more. He would be the one to appreciate you even more when you choose modesty over vanity! :)

Moreover, why let him see what would have been a pleasant surprise on your first night of marriage? Don't spoil the moment in the future by losing all the excitement today. And besides, what if God has someone else in mind for your marriage? It would have been a nice gift if he knows you saved yourself purposely for him. :)

That's why when you are with your boyfriend, or one who admires you, be all the more picky of what you wear! There's nothing like a relationship that is offered to our King. When your relationship is laid down at his feet, His hands would embrace you both as He protects the pure joy He intended for relationships. :)

It's not yet too late to changed the way you dress up when you're with him. What are the pieces you would never want to wear when you're with him? :)

Modesty Servant

I particularly like this shirt (although the print is already giving up) because it has a very special verse in it.

"If your gift is to serve, serve them well."

- Romans 12:7

I bought this shirt for a reason. It was sold last year to raise funds for Ate Janary Suyat, one of our youth pastors, to be used for her mission trip to Meso-America. She was chosen to be one of the 12 young people, among many other applicants around the globe, to be sent to Meso-America and serve 7 places there. Read more of the awesome work of God in 12:7 Serve at their Facebook page. You could also visit Ate Janary's blog and find really good reads! :)

The 12:7 Serve mission trip was last year. But, buying this shirt, I am constantly reminded of the meaning of the mission trip's theme verse. "If your gift is to serve, serve them well."

This shirt is my favorite shirt when there are outreach programs and stuff. Because this shirt constantly reminds me of a very important concept.

Servanthood.

This word can never be understood by people who were blinded by darkness. The Enemy always wants us to learn how to satisfy ourselves, and be an oblivious slave of his dark ways. But because Jesus Christ chose the Cross to shed light to us who were once doomed to die, we are given an opportunity to grasp the meaning of servanthood. More than that, His grace also warrants us the riches we enjoy when we learn Christ-like servanthood.

What does it mean to be a Christ-like servant?

1. Being humble in recognition of the sovereignty of his Master.
2. Dying to self. A servant allows the desire to serve his master to overpower all the selfish desires in his heart.
3. Christ-centered servanthood. This kind of servanthood does not come from our personal strengths. This kind of servanthood is the overflow of Christ's transforming power in us.

 If you look at it closely, modesty is also a way we serve God, our brothers, and even our sisters. These three things that makes one a Christ-like servant are very important in pursuing modesty.

1. Humility. I read how a person allows change in her life. After gathering information about the things that she should practice, there would be disturbance. The organized principles you are currently standing on would be greatly disturbed. Before, you were confident about what you wear, until God told you a fresh idea called modesty. You have your usual practices disturbed as they are re-evaluated by this new idea. It takes so much humility to continuously allow God to transform every flawed perspective and let Him transform our hearts! 

2. Self-denial. If you pursue modesty and realize its beauty, you would be willing to deny yourself. All the selfish desires you have, would be willingly put aside (but that doesn't mean it would be easy. but you will be willing to do so, nonetheless). We women have different reasons why we were immodest pieces. However, if we decide to look at modesty as a way to serve God and people, we should stop following what we want, and start following what God wants! Before deciding whether certain pieces are modest, make sure that you first put aside your own bias, and assess it according to God's standards! 

3. Christ-centered. Nothing can ever inspire a person to pursue the kind of modesty that transforms lives, besides Jesus Christ. No one can ever learn to use modesty to serve God, if God is not the center of her modesty. Long skirts, long sleeves, and everything else that covers the physical are not as powerful as when a person is enveloped by the majesty of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, no one can serve people consistently and mightily, if he does not get his resources from Jesus. :)

 I like wearing statement shirts like this because it tells everyone that Jesus lives and His Word is alive and kicking in our world today!
I think that statement shirts are best worn in a modest way. I remember seeing a guy wearing a Christian statement shirt while smoking and saying all the bad words available in the world. It's similar to when we wear statement shirts with shorts/mini skirts. It defeats the purpose of sharing God to people through the what we wear, right? :)

Shirt: City on a Hill Creatives || Skirt: Forever21

Visit City on a Hill Creatives' Facebook Page ;)

How does modesty become a service to men and women? What are your opinions? :)

Modest Alternatives

Would only be running errands? Do you only need to buy a few stuff from your nearest supermarket?

I know the feeling.. You don't want to make your favorite clothes dirty just to do random tasks.

But are shorts the only solution? No! :)

This attire in the picture is what I wore when I had to do a few stuff in SM Taytay last Saturday. It was an ensemble of leggings, mini skirt, black camisole and jacket (it was rainy, so it was weather-appropriate).

And it felt super comfortable! (I also felt quite pretty, haha)

If I was still the old immodest me, I would have worn denim shorts, a shirt and jacket. As I go through this modesty challenge, I realize.. Why wear immodest pieces when there is a more modest alternative? :)

When I go jogging, I no longer wear my favorite university shorts/nike shorts. I wear jogging pants/leggings.

When I go swimming, I no longer my favorite swimming shorts over two piece bikini. I wear a new favorite beach dress (with shorts underneath) that is knee-length. :)

When I have to run a few errands, I no longer wear the easy favorite, shorts + shirt. I wear leggings + a longer ensemble.

You see, fashion gives us a wide variety of choices. As I've said before, its vastness can cater modest women. We do not really have to join the competition among women of who can rock the most fashion trends.

If you realize how beautiful you are in God's eyes, you no longer have to be slaves of fashion.

Rather, you'd make your fashion choices as your slaves.

You become more mindful of what you wear, not because of the compliments from people, but because you know how much God is glorified with a simple fashion choice made by a radically God-loving heart! :)

In my opinion, modesty is not defined by the place you go or by the task you do. It

 is defined by a heart timelessly devoted to God! :)

Happy me :)

 

 Mom had so much fun taking jump shots. She insisted that she takes more jump shots even though I was so tired already.. Hahaha!

“I do not wish them [women] to have power over men;

but over themselves.” 
― Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

What are the immodest clothes you usually wear that needs to have creative more modest alternatives? :)