1/31/13

Fashion with a Purpose ~ Take a Stand

(Although I often do product reviews, this is not one. This is my own post for my own purpose.)

I believe that this company and its mission is worth not only our attention but our support.  I was watching the 700 Club (yesterday's) and saw this piece on "elegantees.com."

Their fashion mission is to provide modest tops and dresses for girls/women that still look great and are today's styles.  Their faith mission for the shop is to provide jobs for women in India so they can avoid the sex trafficking industry. I believe in BOTH of their missions!

To "top" it off, the prices are great!

Here are some of the tops that I like:
Price: $22.90


This top is on clearance for $17.90



Dress: $44.90
Check it out for yourself:
Photos via: www.elegantees.com

1/16/13

Everything Beautiful

Here are some of the latest additions to my shop! 
These designs make perfect gifts for that special someone. 
Maybe that special someone is you!

www.janetpowers1.etsy.com

1/14/13

Practicing Hospitality ~ What is it anyway?



I've been thinking about the concept of practicing hospitality.  What is Biblical hospitality?

Over the years I've come across many people who try to put hospitality in a box.  Basically, the message that they send is that hospitality is having people over to your home or church and serving them.  I always picture Martha doting around at a gathering, making sure everyone's needs are taken care of.

But didn't Jesus say that Mary chose the "good part", to "listen to His word?"  I picture myself more like Mary.  At church functions, the last thing I want to do is dote around serving food and cleaning it all up.  Actually, I feel lost in that area.  It's just not me.  Do we need Martha's? Absolutely!  Nothing (in the physical) would get done if we only had Mary's.  Everyone would have to grab a sub sandwich!

I am a Mary.  I sit at the feet of Jesus (the Word) and absorb all I can. When it comes time to serve others, I have a tendency to minister in my gifting and that is exhortation.  (You can read about the spiritual gift of exhortation here.)  Most times what happens is we have an event/dinner and I end up spending 80% of my time ministering to one person out of God's Word.  The other 20% of my time is practicing the Biblical meaning of hospitality. So what is that?

Hospitality is much broader than what people give it credit for.  The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenos and it means "hospitable, generous to guests."  It comes from two different words.  The first one is philos which means "friendly." The second is xenos which means "a foreigner or stranger."  Let's put them together: being friendly and or generous to guests and or strangers.

So, the Biblical definition of being hospitable is being generous and friendly to guests particularly strangers. That may or may not include food. That may or may not be in your home.  That may or may not be in your church.  That may or may not be in the bathroom at WalMart!

My husband is always cracking up at me.  It never fails when I go into a public restroom I always come out with a "friend."  It not a real "friend" but someone I was able to encourage, minister to, or talk to in some way.  Many times over people have unloaded some issue from their lives into my listening ear and I, in turn, make them feel loved by God in some way.  That is hospitality to strangers. That is also exhortation.

For all of you Marthas out there, thank you from all of us Marys.  Thank you for your serving and hospitality.  For all of you Marys out there, thank you for your serving and hospitality as well! Both are needed.  Both are appreciated.


How do you practice hospitality?  When you examine it, do you see your other spiritual gifts surfacing? 

1/11/13

Friday Favorites



If you decide to join me in listing your favorites from this week, leave a link in the comments so we can all read yours and be blessed.

What are my favorite things from this week?

1.  My favorite Scriptures ~ I just finished reading through Ruth.  I loved all of it but especially chapter 2.  As I read through the book of Ruth, I looked at everything from the viewpoint that Boaz represents Jesus and Ruth represents us.  WOW! This is deep!  I think I'm going to have to read it again.

Look at verse 8.  "Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids."  God doesn't want us looking for our needs to be met in "another field."  He wants us to stay in His field and get what we need from Him.  Praise the LORD!

2.  My favorite moment ~ Ok, I can't really pic a favorite moment, as I had MANY wonderful moments this week. So, I'll make a mini-list:


  1. Prayed for deliverance for a woman.
  2. Huge hugs from youngest son. His ear was imprinted on my skin below my neck. LOL
  3. Went shopping for cosmetics and out to eat with my Mom.
  4. Prayed for healing with a man at the place where we serve dinner to the poor and homeless.  The Holy Spirit rushed over me and I was overwhelmed by His presence.  I felt like if I were to touch someone, I would electric shock them!

3.  My favorite physical blessing ~ The week is sooo not over so for now I will post 2.

  1. Someone gave me a monetary gift!  That's always nice.
  2. I found out my jewelry will be put in a Christian book store.  Yeah!!!!!!

4.  My favorite food ~ Welllllll... I am fasting so... I really like the juice I make out of cranberries, ginger, beet, carrot, apple.  MMMMM......

5.  My favorite place ~ I guess I don't have a favorite place this week.  Not yet anyway.

So, what are your favorites from this week?  (Use my list or make up your own.)




photo credit: seyed mostafa zamani via photopin cc
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