No comments left, no follow-up needed.
'Til tomorrow!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Ruba' Dub' Dub'
Topic: If you had a rockin' shower, would you miss your big tub?
When we were looking to buy our house we must have looked at over 100 homes. We were very picky. It was a scary investment. We didn't want to make the wrong decision. We ended up putting offers on 5 different homes. I see now why each on needed to happen and why the ones we didn't get didn't work out. We were blessed.
While some homes were much nicer than others, all of the homes were pretty much guaranteed to have two things in a particular room. The master bedroom baths all had huge tubs and carpet on the floors and around the tubs.
I will never get the carpet in the bathroom. It is just really disgusting to me. I would love to rip ours out, but that is a project a few years down the road. Other projects are more pressing at the moment.
I am not a big bath taker but when I was pregnant with Jack I decided to take a bath to relieve pressure from the heavy "load" I was carrying around. You can imagine my extreme disappointment when I found our water heater only has the capacity to fill my monster tub about 1/8 of the way before running our of hot water. What is the point of that? Why would you put a tub in that is too big to fill with hot water?
Thus the plans to re due the master have begun in my head. I don't think I will miss that tub one bit when we finally take it out. Where it now stands I want to put a big, beautifully tiled shower with an awesome shower head and glass doors. The dilemma is do I put a tub somewhere else in the bathroom to appease future buyers?
What are your thoughts. If you were looking at homes and walked into one that had a total master bath makeover with a rockin' shower, but no tub, would that make you think twice about buying the house and why?
When we were looking to buy our house we must have looked at over 100 homes. We were very picky. It was a scary investment. We didn't want to make the wrong decision. We ended up putting offers on 5 different homes. I see now why each on needed to happen and why the ones we didn't get didn't work out. We were blessed.
While some homes were much nicer than others, all of the homes were pretty much guaranteed to have two things in a particular room. The master bedroom baths all had huge tubs and carpet on the floors and around the tubs.
I will never get the carpet in the bathroom. It is just really disgusting to me. I would love to rip ours out, but that is a project a few years down the road. Other projects are more pressing at the moment.
I am not a big bath taker but when I was pregnant with Jack I decided to take a bath to relieve pressure from the heavy "load" I was carrying around. You can imagine my extreme disappointment when I found our water heater only has the capacity to fill my monster tub about 1/8 of the way before running our of hot water. What is the point of that? Why would you put a tub in that is too big to fill with hot water?
Thus the plans to re due the master have begun in my head. I don't think I will miss that tub one bit when we finally take it out. Where it now stands I want to put a big, beautifully tiled shower with an awesome shower head and glass doors. The dilemma is do I put a tub somewhere else in the bathroom to appease future buyers?
What are your thoughts. If you were looking at homes and walked into one that had a total master bath makeover with a rockin' shower, but no tub, would that make you think twice about buying the house and why?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Some Rules
As was exhibited by the last topic, there are things that readers and commenter's are going to disagree on. I don't have a problem with that. Overall I feel like it was a good discussion and one that generated some "feelings". The purpose of this blog is to get input on different subjects and also to get people to maybe think about things that they may have not really examined before.
However, I feel a need to state a rule.
I have no problem with comments that are left that disagree with what someone else has stated on this blog. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. What I do have a problem with is when a specific person is targeted by name and information from an outside source - other than this blog - is used to discredit them (i.e. going to their personal blog to find information on them that may refute what they said). You may make a statement targeting a specific comment left, but I ask you not to state the persons specific name in so doing.
An example:
Correct way: "I find it hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round some still think it is flat."
Incorrect way: "I find is hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round that Sally still thinks it is flat."
I realize that if someone were to read the comments they could tell who made the statement, however, when a specific name is said it does take on a bit more of an accusatory tone.
There are several circumstances in life that we often know the right answers and know what we should be doing, yet our actions are not quite up to where we know they should be. There have been instances in my life where I have stated things in the past that convey one view point, but as I have grown and learned things, that perspective has changed. I would hate for someone to use my past actions against me in refuting what I may now feel. There also may be cases where having a subject raised here may cause people to truly reflect and rethink the way they thought about something, while their actions in the past may not reflect that change. They should not be blamed for that. So please keep that in mind and keep comments to material stated here.
I look forward to discussing a new topic this coming Sunday.
However, I feel a need to state a rule.
I have no problem with comments that are left that disagree with what someone else has stated on this blog. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. What I do have a problem with is when a specific person is targeted by name and information from an outside source - other than this blog - is used to discredit them (i.e. going to their personal blog to find information on them that may refute what they said). You may make a statement targeting a specific comment left, but I ask you not to state the persons specific name in so doing.
An example:
Correct way: "I find it hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round some still think it is flat."
Incorrect way: "I find is hard to believe that after all the data proving the earth is round that Sally still thinks it is flat."
I realize that if someone were to read the comments they could tell who made the statement, however, when a specific name is said it does take on a bit more of an accusatory tone.
There are several circumstances in life that we often know the right answers and know what we should be doing, yet our actions are not quite up to where we know they should be. There have been instances in my life where I have stated things in the past that convey one view point, but as I have grown and learned things, that perspective has changed. I would hate for someone to use my past actions against me in refuting what I may now feel. There also may be cases where having a subject raised here may cause people to truly reflect and rethink the way they thought about something, while their actions in the past may not reflect that change. They should not be blamed for that. So please keep that in mind and keep comments to material stated here.
I look forward to discussing a new topic this coming Sunday.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
"Patterns" Follow Up
I have done some very hard thinking on this subject this week in response to the comments received. I find this subject very interesting in the fact that it can be so polarizing within the church.
Before I give my rebuttal let me say something that I hope you will keep in mind.
Ask yourself why this is even a topic of discussion?
Answer -
......because there is a living prophet on the earth today who has received revelation on this subject. If there were no standard of modesty in the church, this would not even be an issue. For that standard a good place to look is in "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Here is what it says under the Dress and Appearance section:
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act.
When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.
Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.
Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?”
Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time.
With that as a backdrop, here is my rebuttal:
While I agree with the view that the garment is not a definition of modesty, it certainly helps aid someone in being modest. One needs to ask themselves, if there were no garment, but a code of modesty, would they follow it?
A comparison was made to the fact that we teach about fasting, but don't expect our young children to fast. True, but in fasting you are actually depriving the child of something that they are not able to comprehend and that causes them discomfort by so doing. While we may not literally have our children fast, I would hope that we are teaching the principles behind fasting long before they actually fast, since that is what makes a fast a true fast. With modesty, we are depriving our children of nothing by requiring them to wear a shirt under a sundress or longer shorts. Therefore the comparison between the two is unfair.
We all engage in various activities that require us to change our dress. In the comment that compared wearing ones garments in public vs. a bathing suit, I again think this is an unfair comparison. They both denote totally different emotions. If you are going to compare the two you must compare wearing garments vs. a push-up bra and thong underwear and a one piece swim suit vs. a string bikini. Modesty is available in all settings, I think we are intelligent enough to know what is appropriate and where it is appropriate.
In regards to the comment where a friend makes baptism age the time that she introduces modesty, I do hope she was teaching it and being an example of it long before her children turned 8. Just as your friend hopes her children will chose to read the scriptures, I'm sure she knows the importance of modeling that behavior and encouraging it in her children before they have to decide for themselves.
I do agree that children will have to make choices for themselves at some point when it comes to their dress. I also know that a 6 month old will not be developing her views on modesty at that young of an age. However, I see no excuse for not dressing children modestly when as a parent you know what is modest and have the choice whether to dress them that way or not. I believe one has to ask themselves why they are dressing their children in a certain way. As said above, if garments are not the definition of modesty, than you need to ask yourself what is and apply it to your children just as you would yourself.
This leads me into my last point which is, since when is a code of modesty age dependent? Shoulders are shoulders, legs are legs, stomachs are stomachs. Other than the female chest after puberty, there is no difference from the said above body parts on my body and those on my little girl. Why should I hold myself to one rule of modesty and not do the same for her?
In closing, I leave you with one parting thought,
In regards to the Garden of Eden, it would be wise to remember who the giver of the fig leaves was as opposed to the giver of the coats of skins.
Before I give my rebuttal let me say something that I hope you will keep in mind.
Ask yourself why this is even a topic of discussion?
Answer -
......because there is a living prophet on the earth today who has received revelation on this subject. If there were no standard of modesty in the church, this would not even be an issue. For that standard a good place to look is in "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet. Here is what it says under the Dress and Appearance section:
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).
Your body is God’s sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord that you know how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act.
When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you.
Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient.
Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, “Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord’s presence?”
Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time.
With that as a backdrop, here is my rebuttal:
While I agree with the view that the garment is not a definition of modesty, it certainly helps aid someone in being modest. One needs to ask themselves, if there were no garment, but a code of modesty, would they follow it?
A comparison was made to the fact that we teach about fasting, but don't expect our young children to fast. True, but in fasting you are actually depriving the child of something that they are not able to comprehend and that causes them discomfort by so doing. While we may not literally have our children fast, I would hope that we are teaching the principles behind fasting long before they actually fast, since that is what makes a fast a true fast. With modesty, we are depriving our children of nothing by requiring them to wear a shirt under a sundress or longer shorts. Therefore the comparison between the two is unfair.
We all engage in various activities that require us to change our dress. In the comment that compared wearing ones garments in public vs. a bathing suit, I again think this is an unfair comparison. They both denote totally different emotions. If you are going to compare the two you must compare wearing garments vs. a push-up bra and thong underwear and a one piece swim suit vs. a string bikini. Modesty is available in all settings, I think we are intelligent enough to know what is appropriate and where it is appropriate.
In regards to the comment where a friend makes baptism age the time that she introduces modesty, I do hope she was teaching it and being an example of it long before her children turned 8. Just as your friend hopes her children will chose to read the scriptures, I'm sure she knows the importance of modeling that behavior and encouraging it in her children before they have to decide for themselves.
I do agree that children will have to make choices for themselves at some point when it comes to their dress. I also know that a 6 month old will not be developing her views on modesty at that young of an age. However, I see no excuse for not dressing children modestly when as a parent you know what is modest and have the choice whether to dress them that way or not. I believe one has to ask themselves why they are dressing their children in a certain way. As said above, if garments are not the definition of modesty, than you need to ask yourself what is and apply it to your children just as you would yourself.
This leads me into my last point which is, since when is a code of modesty age dependent? Shoulders are shoulders, legs are legs, stomachs are stomachs. Other than the female chest after puberty, there is no difference from the said above body parts on my body and those on my little girl. Why should I hold myself to one rule of modesty and not do the same for her?
In closing, I leave you with one parting thought,
In regards to the Garden of Eden, it would be wise to remember who the giver of the fig leaves was as opposed to the giver of the coats of skins.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Patterns
For this weeks topic, I've decided to take a suggestion from one of my "many" readers. The following question was posed,
"Should one wear tank tops (i.e. immodest clothing) before going to the temple?"
For the sake of writing ease, I'm going to act as if you are all LDS. If you aren't and have some questions, feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer them.
My answer is a huge, capital, NO!
I have always found it strange when parents and leaders in the church do not make modesty a non-negotiable behavior. I realize that in today's world it is hard to find fashion forward clothing that is modest. But it's also hard to go into any restaurant that does not serve alcohol, and yet it's accessibility does not make it right for us to automatically partake. So why should wearing immodest clothing be any different?
We strive to teach our children when they are young correct principles and patterns to follow in their lives. We teach them basically from day one the importance of family and personal prayers, scripture study, church attendance, etc. I strongly feel that if we want our children (especially our daughters - since they seem to have the most temptation in this area) to respect the temple and the covenants made there, than we should start at a very young age to have them act like they have already been there. Then when they do go, no major shift in their attitudes and dress will need to occur. To me it seems like a no brainer.
I strive very hard to do this with my daughter. I have never allowed her to wear a sleeveless dress without a shirt underneath. Even when she was a little newborn. I saw no purpose in it. I have struggled greatly with finding modest shorts for someone her age. She wore shorter shorts than I was comfortable with last summer, so something will have to change this year. Fortunately I know how to work a sewing machine, so cutting off pants and hemming them may be the answer. While not the easiest option, it is an option to make sure I teach her the importance of modesty to me and more importantly to the Lord.
There is a scripture that I think addresses this subject very well. It is found in Proverbs 22:6. It reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
I see no difference in the diligence we should give teaching modesty in comparison to all the other patterns and life style choices we hope our young children and youth will learn while in our care.
"Should one wear tank tops (i.e. immodest clothing) before going to the temple?"
For the sake of writing ease, I'm going to act as if you are all LDS. If you aren't and have some questions, feel free to email me and I will do my best to answer them.
My answer is a huge, capital, NO!
I have always found it strange when parents and leaders in the church do not make modesty a non-negotiable behavior. I realize that in today's world it is hard to find fashion forward clothing that is modest. But it's also hard to go into any restaurant that does not serve alcohol, and yet it's accessibility does not make it right for us to automatically partake. So why should wearing immodest clothing be any different?
We strive to teach our children when they are young correct principles and patterns to follow in their lives. We teach them basically from day one the importance of family and personal prayers, scripture study, church attendance, etc. I strongly feel that if we want our children (especially our daughters - since they seem to have the most temptation in this area) to respect the temple and the covenants made there, than we should start at a very young age to have them act like they have already been there. Then when they do go, no major shift in their attitudes and dress will need to occur. To me it seems like a no brainer.
I strive very hard to do this with my daughter. I have never allowed her to wear a sleeveless dress without a shirt underneath. Even when she was a little newborn. I saw no purpose in it. I have struggled greatly with finding modest shorts for someone her age. She wore shorter shorts than I was comfortable with last summer, so something will have to change this year. Fortunately I know how to work a sewing machine, so cutting off pants and hemming them may be the answer. While not the easiest option, it is an option to make sure I teach her the importance of modesty to me and more importantly to the Lord.
There is a scripture that I think addresses this subject very well. It is found in Proverbs 22:6. It reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
I see no difference in the diligence we should give teaching modesty in comparison to all the other patterns and life style choices we hope our young children and youth will learn while in our care.
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