When the style you are wearing comes in and goes out a second time, it's probably time to consider just how long one has been clinging to their favorite outfit.
I've "enjoyed" the same style for nearly a quarter of a century . . . That statement alone makes me realize it was time for an update. The fabric of my broom skirts has worn terribly thin, and many of them have become beyond repair, thus relegated to chore skirts. I've discovered when cotton threads wear thin, eventually repairing them can actually cause greater damage, so I'm down to about three that are still pretty much fit for polite society . . . I've gone with a cotton knit straight skirt now in solid colors. I still like my colors and my layered top look, so the change isn't drastic, but after all these years, I have some new clothes.
I really hoped my clothes, like the children of Israel in the desert, might not wear out for 40 years. Considering the fact that I've actually owned some of these skirts for more than 20 years, and I bought them at thrift stores and the Salvation Army, perhaps they are nearly that old. I'd say they've held up well . . . I'm also changing my head covering a bit, but my real point is, I've enjoyed having my own style rather than trying to keep up with the changing styles. As mentioned previously, I maintained my style so long, it actually came back around, but the fabric quality of the new broom skirts just wasn't the same, and the price was really more than I could justify, so . . . change came.
My head coverings have changed through the years. At one time, I had hats, then large bows, then scarves and kerchiefs, and I've always had a few feathers for special occasions. In light of the fact that our nation is receiving Muslim refugees, I'm tending toward the head covering idea that "less is more." I don't want to appear to be wearing a hijab, so the large scarves are being relegated to High Holy Day prayer "shawls" and feathers will no longer be just for special occasions. As a Native American, I'm dark, yet with light eyes, which could result in the "privilege" of being racially profiled. I believe the feathers will serve to cover my head, as well as offer the proper racial profile. I'm not talking powwow headdress here, just a few feathers, daintily arranged on a barrette.
I've been having fun cleaning the closet and wondering if anything I am tossing is even worthy of donation, but if it's in good repair, share, I shall! In this closet and dresser cleaning, I found some bras I thought I'd lost years ago in a move. They were practically new when my size changed dramatically. Since they were still built for buxom, I wanted them to go to someone who could really use the savings in a gift. Full figured foundation garments are far from cheap! I was, of course, hesitant to just post the offer on social media, so I prayed. A friend popped into mind, so I simply asked her if she or her daughter wore that size. She did, I mailed them, she called, and squealed with delight as she told me how pretty they were! She was also thrilled in the quality!
I'm also enjoying a bit of shopping in very short spurts, really thinking this may be my last make-over. I'm going full on tribal, modest, and earthy. At my age and the current conditions in the world, if this new style lasts a quarter of a century, it may be more than enough!
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Friday, January 1, 2016
Regrets and Ripples
Several folks have seemed rather contemplative this season and many downright disappointed in some aspects of their lives. I'm no exception. Most of us have made some decisions before we were in Covenant with our Heavenly Father, and those consequences can be long lasting. I have several regrets, and although I know I've been forgiven, the ripple of those regrets continue to surround my life, on occasion.
I must interject this, however; the ripples of regret no longer actively revolve around my life, but there are occasional reminders. On a brighter note, even some of my less than good choices, have not all resulted in ripples of regret. We might as well face it, very few of us have a pure testimony. Mine is far from stellar, but at 36 my life changed, and it's never been the same. Sadly, I've still made mistakes with regrets, while there are those who would continue to remind me and others of my ancient history. My ancient history compared to the life I live now, is absolute proof of the power of YHWH to change a life. I certainly didn't earn His love, but I am so grateful for His grace and mercy.
The life I now live and the stand I have taken has resulted in a great deal of rejection, but in reality, I wasn't ever that popular or well received, anyway . . . As I've considered this blog, I realized I was already failing in mainstream and certainly with relationships, long before I was rejected for my relationship with YHWH and lifestyle of following Messiah. Apparently, when one is chosen, even before they realize it, mainstream just doesn't flow well for them. A child of YHWH simply doesn't fit into mainstream society, and I think the choices they make outside of His will can be even more devastating than those who are not of Him. Abraham's choice comes to mind frequently. Getting outside of the plan when one is called of YHWH can have long lasting dire consequences.
Probably what is the most difficult for all of us who have come to the place of confessing our sins and regrets to our Creator, is the difficulty in watching others make the same choices or worse. We want to save them the heartache we've had, but we have to realize, not everyone is called or chosen and we can't save anyone . . . We can preach The Word, share a testimony and we can certainly pray, but hearing and applying is up to them.
I'm even sorting through what I believe about predestination and what that means as our lives move from our own path to His. Some of the regrets and ripples were simply never meant to be a part of our life, and therefore when we do step into His perfect Will, we'll have to let go of some things and some people, or more often than not . . . they'll let go of us. In becoming a new creation, this can cover relationship, careers, even geographical location. Messiah said we must be willing to give up everything to follow Him. Today, I realize, that also means giving up regrets . . .
I must interject this, however; the ripples of regret no longer actively revolve around my life, but there are occasional reminders. On a brighter note, even some of my less than good choices, have not all resulted in ripples of regret. We might as well face it, very few of us have a pure testimony. Mine is far from stellar, but at 36 my life changed, and it's never been the same. Sadly, I've still made mistakes with regrets, while there are those who would continue to remind me and others of my ancient history. My ancient history compared to the life I live now, is absolute proof of the power of YHWH to change a life. I certainly didn't earn His love, but I am so grateful for His grace and mercy.
The life I now live and the stand I have taken has resulted in a great deal of rejection, but in reality, I wasn't ever that popular or well received, anyway . . . As I've considered this blog, I realized I was already failing in mainstream and certainly with relationships, long before I was rejected for my relationship with YHWH and lifestyle of following Messiah. Apparently, when one is chosen, even before they realize it, mainstream just doesn't flow well for them. A child of YHWH simply doesn't fit into mainstream society, and I think the choices they make outside of His will can be even more devastating than those who are not of Him. Abraham's choice comes to mind frequently. Getting outside of the plan when one is called of YHWH can have long lasting dire consequences.
Probably what is the most difficult for all of us who have come to the place of confessing our sins and regrets to our Creator, is the difficulty in watching others make the same choices or worse. We want to save them the heartache we've had, but we have to realize, not everyone is called or chosen and we can't save anyone . . . We can preach The Word, share a testimony and we can certainly pray, but hearing and applying is up to them.
I'm even sorting through what I believe about predestination and what that means as our lives move from our own path to His. Some of the regrets and ripples were simply never meant to be a part of our life, and therefore when we do step into His perfect Will, we'll have to let go of some things and some people, or more often than not . . . they'll let go of us. In becoming a new creation, this can cover relationship, careers, even geographical location. Messiah said we must be willing to give up everything to follow Him. Today, I realize, that also means giving up regrets . . .
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