Frazzled Fridays!

True Colors

Welcome frazzled friends!  This week I have a real treat for you!  I have an awesome give-a-way just for you... read on...

Do you remember the days of Color Me Beautiful or the seasonal color analysis?  Shari Braendel, author of Good Girl's Don't Have to Dress Bad, my trainer, mentor and friend, developed a way to analyze our true colors (Dominant Color Characteristic = DCC).   Shari has worked in the fashion industry for 20+ years and has seen all the different ways to analyze which colors look best on people.  Using the Color Me Beautiful approach, she developed her own placing women in six categories rather than twelve, offering more color choices.  It works!  And it makes SO much more sense.  

So your dominant color characteristic (DCC) is based on the color/intensity of your hair, skin and eyes.  That's it - real simple.  Our natural, God-given coloring is what determines which colors make us look youthful or aged, radiant or washed out.

If asked, what would you say is the most "universal" color?  Most would say black.  Did you?  We've been told that black is slimming and that everyone should own a 'little black dress'.  Lots of stores offer lots of clothing choices in black, therefore it must be the best color, right?  Not necessarily.

There are six different DCCs.  Light, Deep, Soft, Clear, Warm and Cool.  In order to determine which category you are in, you must be completely honest about your natural hair color.  We will get into the whole highlighting/lowlighting thing later.  For now, what is your current God-given natural hair color?  If your hair is 75% or more gray, silver or white, that is your natural hair color.  If you color your hair, then your natural color is the closest to what it was before turning gray, silver or white.  (Not what color hair you had when you were in elementary school).  Please be honest with yourself... it makes a big difference!

Once you have determined which category you fall into, there are 36 shades of colors that have been expertly chosen for you!  These are the colors that will most flatter you.  I will give you a very quick general guideline, but you may want to consider getting your own "Color Swatch Shopping Guide".   I have had my color swatches for over 2 years and keep them in a special pocket in my purse at all times.  You never know when you will need a new red t-shirt (because yours has faded) and you are in Target and they are on sale... so having my color swatches I can pull out that particular swatch and be sure that I am getting the right shade of red.  Store lighting can be very deceiving.

Now to the color analysis (DCC): 

If you have fair skin, light eyes and light hair (blonde) then you are a LIGHT.  You want to stay with light to medium intensity colors – those look great on you!  Beware of black!!  Keep it away from your face. Break up with white/black or pop color.  If you are changing or enhancing your natural hair color, highlights/lowlights are good (no more than 2-3 shades lighter or darker than natural).  Be careful of all over color which might look fake.  Your best pop colors: turquoise, pink, lavender, sapphire blue.

 In contrast, if you have dark hair, dark/medium skin and dark eyes you are a DEEP.  Your best colors will be medium to deeper shades and some brights.  You can wear black!  Stay away from muted colors.  Your dark natural hair color is best, so if you choose to highlight I would suggest no lighter than a caramel or toffee and not too many around your face. Your best pop colors are purple, true red and royal blue.

If you have light/medium hair (sometimes called mousy or dishwater blonde), light/medium skin and medium intensity eye color, you are a SOFT. Wear medium intensity colors. Never, ever, ever, not ever wear BLACK!  Black ages you and drains you of your beautiful color.  Sorry, but it's true!  I suggest charcoal grey, medium brown and camel as your neutral base (instead of black).  Also be careful of wearing very bright colors.  These will overpower your natural coloring.     If you choose to color your hair stay with medium highlights and lowlights (you could do several shades but be careful not to go too copper.)  Your best pop colors are mint green, coral, teal blue and butter yellow.

I don't know her natural hair color, but here she is a soft

If you have dark hair, light/medium skin and bright eye color you are a CLEAR.  This group can wear bright colors or those with high contrast like black and white.  Beware of wearing browns and beiges together.   Your dark natural hair is the absolute best for you!  This group is the only one that I suggest not get highlights.     Best pop colors are bright purple, true red, sunny yellow, hot pink and royal blue.  As a side note, I am a clear.  When I speak I show my driver's license to my audience (sometimes when I doing color analysis depending on the size of the group).  My hair is well, sorta brownish and blonde-ish.  A poor attempt at trying to look younger.  Since going back to my natural hair color I have received more compliments on my hair color than I can count.  I'm telling you from experience friends, stay with your natural color!!

If you have red, golden blonde or brown hair with reddish highlights (maybe some freckles), you are a WARM.  Your should wear colors that you see in the fall when the leaves begin to turn. I would suggest chocolate brown instead of black (or at least keep the black away from your face).    Wearing pink is a big no-no.  What? But you love pink?  Well, it doesn't love you back.  Pink clashes with your natural coloring and ages you.  Go for more coral or peach. Absolutely stay with your natural color!  You can add copper highlights if needed.  Your best pop colors best pop colors are rust, butterscotch, copper, turquoise. 

If you have silver, gray or ash brown hair, light to deep skin (usually pink undertone),  and anywhere from light to deep eye color/intensity, you are a COOL.  You should wear colors that are light to medium in intensity staying with those with a blue or pink undertone.  You can rock some black!   Please, oh please keep your hair it's now natural color!  It's beautiful!  Your best pop colors are ocean blue, royal purple, a blue-red, and soft pink.  I would suggest staying away from brown/beige, yellow and orange.  

Whew, I no this was a long post but I do hope you gained a lot of knowledge and don't hate me for the whole black or pink thing.   And since I am absolutely crazy about my color swatches, this is my give-away this week!  To be entered into the drawing to win your own personal color swatch and guide, just leave me a comment which could include anything from a color/style/fashion question or whether you like the length of the blog posts, pictures ok?, should I continue doing Bible segment or just stick with fashion (or just stick with Bible teaching *smile*)!

Next week I will discuss body types.  Do you know how best to flatter your God-given body shape?   I will also announce the winner of the drawing. 

If you are reading this via Facebook, I would love for you to share my post with others in your area.  

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

The Body Armor of God

The Sword of the Spirit
(What do you carry at your side?) 

Welcome back my Frazzled Friday friends!  (say that three times fast!)

The Lord has certainly blessed me earlier this week with less activity.   I also was very blessed to have the privilege of ministering to the women at the St. Giles Presbyterian MOPS group here in Charlotte.  What a wonderful group of women!  I so love doing what God has called me to do!!!

As we finish our series on the wearing the Body Armor of God, we will focus in on the second part of Ephesians 6: 17 which says, "and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."  Chip Ingram explains the definition: 

"The sword of the Spirit is the Word (rhema – spoken word, or words given to us by the Spirit of God) to do close, hand-to-hand combat with the lies and deceptions of the enemy. The truth of God’s Word quoted and applied to the specific lie or deception of the enemy will allow you to take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”" (emphasis mine)

 God's Word IS our defense against the many lies of the enemy.  If we do not have God's word in our heart and mind, then we are at a significant disadvantage against the enemy, and he knows that - because we are defenseless in some area(s).  I don't know about you, but I sometimes have a hard time memorizing things.  I think for the most part the reason for this is that my mind is crowded by trivial things compared to the desire to read and memorize God's truth.

I really like the way The Message reads for this verse: "God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

Now after reading God's Word daily and throughout the last two years, I realize what a complete advantage it is to know Truth!   "But where do I start?", you might ask.  I am not an expert on memorization or specific verses or books of the Bible to start with.  But I do know that there are Bible reading outlines available either on-line or through your church (even our local Christian radio station 91.9).  Or use the Chronological Bible which I personally recommend.  Before you begin reading each day ask the Lord to help you understand what He specifically wants you to know and remember.  And write it down.  Write down what you remember like a special verse that jumped out at you.  It's ok if there isn't a verse that jumps out each day.  But do know that God loves you and wants you to know Him better through reading His Word.

There are also a number of on-line devotional options.  My personal favorite is Encouragement for Today.  But find the one that you like best and begin to write verses down.  I keep a small spiral bound note card-size book filled with verses for specific topics like fear, truth, hope in my bathroom by my mirror.  And since I look in the mirror everyday I always see it and flip through to find a verse that covers the emotions going on at the time.   

Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, ... It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."(emphasis mine)  Now that's the kind of sword I'd like to have defending me!

So what do we carry around by our side, strapped around our shoulders?  Our handbags!!

Here's the key to handbags... remember balance and proportion.  If you are a small woman don't carry around a handbag that's big enough to carry a small child in!  

People see the handbag coming before they see you!  In contrast if you are tall or maybe wear a size 14 or larger, don't carry around a little purse. 

It will make you seem larger.  You definitely can rock the larger bags!  If you are somewhere in between, stay with medium sized handbags.

But what color or style??  The style is really up to you, from casual to fancy-smancy.  As for color, either go with one that closely matches your hair color (except for those who are blonde or have very light colored hair - you would need to stick with tan/beige/taupe or a charcoal color).  

Or, pick a pop color for that season that looks great on you.  I will be covering Dominant Color Characteristic (DCC) beginning next Friday.  Do you have to have a handbag for every outfit?  Again, that's up to you.  I do encourage you to have a spring/summer bag and a fall/winter bag.  Linen or straw bags do not look right in the winter any more than wool looks good in the summer!  I am seeing some leather and canvas mixed bags coming out for the transition into spring.  But this bag really reminded me that spring is coming!!

Tune in next week when I will explain more about DCC.  You don't want to miss it... I'll have a give-away!!

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

The Body Armor of God

Hats and Hair Styles

Whew!  I believe this was the most frazzled Friday I've had since I began blogging!  Ever have just one of those weeks when there was more to do than were days of the week?? Ugh!  However, there were blessings along the way for which I am most thankful.  I had the pleasure of ministering to a precious group of moms in Kernersville, NC.  All I can say is "supernatural"; that's it.

Onto our continuing topic of the body armor of God.  We have been breaking down the passage in Ephesians 6:10-20.  Verse 17 says, " Put on salvation as your helmet,".   In John Wesley's commentary he says, "The head is that part which is most carefully to be defended. One stroke here may prove fatal. The armour for this is the hope of salvation."  The word hope in Greek translates confidence in, trust, faith.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:8, Paul calls the helmet our hope (certainty) of God's deliverance.

In Chip Ingram's series on the Invisible War he explains that "The helmet of salvation is the certainty of deliverance from sin and the protection of our minds in the battle."  He goes on to say that this is not something that we can do, but something we allow God to do in our minds.  The daily battle is for our minds. (and there are many days that I know that I'm losing mine!!)  The enemy (Satan) wants us to believe his lies.  So what does a Jesus girl do?  She focuses on prayer, worship, God's Word and scripture memory and fellowship with other believers.  Chip Ingram goes on to say that "Christians who are not filling their minds with Scripture are like warriors going out to battle without a helmet."

I encourage you to make it a point to study God's Word... it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  I'm telling you, the Chronological Bible is awesome!  I'm starting my third year of reading it and there is something new in each day I read, different from that date when I read it last year and the year before. 

Since we are talking about helmets and heads I thought it would be fun to take a look at the current hat-fashion!  And then cover a few things regarding hair styles.

If you are like me, and have the "big hair" thing going on, then you may not wear many hats!  That's ok!  Even I will throw on a conductor cap every once and a while.

For many, many years hats have been a fashion statement.  From bonnets to pill boxes to big hats we see at the Kentucky Derby. 

My encouragement would be to make sure your hat is proportional to your body frame.  No great big hats for a smaller frame body and no little hats (i.e., pill boxes) for a larger frame.

So what about the hair hiding under that hat?  Your hair is generally the first thing people notice about you! When was the last time someone gave you a compliment on your hair (outside of your family)?  If it's been longer than 2-3 weeks (seriously) then you need to make an appointment for a cut, color or general shape up.  The reason I say "other than your family" is that sometimes our well meaning family "likes" our hair a certain way and we leave it that way to please them.  When in fact, it really is not the best for you!  You need to choose your cut and color because its looks good on you or you just love it!  NOT because a family member loves it.  That is SO not fair to you!  Please understand that I am not suggesting that you be disrespectful to your husband.  If you would like to look your very best from head to toe... you need to start with the head! *smile*

There are four face shapes: oval, round, square and heart shape.  Disclaimer for the pictures below:  These are example haircuts not color.  I don't necessarily think that the color is appropriate for each model; nor do I think that they may actually have the specific face shape for that cut.

If you have an oval face shape you can generally wear any style.  Just make sure it is age-appropriate.

Those with round faces look nice with a straight style with some height added to the crown which creates balance.  Stay away from really short haircuts.  Off center parts with lots of layers are best.   Try an angled cut styled away from your face with no fullness (which will make your face look rounder). 

For those with square faces (hey - and it's hip to be square!  I loved Huey Lewis.  Sorry couldn't resist) stay away from cuts that end right at your chin, or long, straight hair.  Short to medium length cuts are great that draw attention to your cheekbones creating softness around your jawline and with some fullness and lift at the crown creating balance.   

Then those with heart shaped faces.  Bobs are fantastic!  Make sure it ends right at your chin which creates balance.  No fullness or left at the crown for you.  

So what now?  While you are out and about look for someone who has a similar shaped face as you.  When you see someone with a cut/style/color you like be bold and stop her and ask her where she gets her hair done!  *Maybe* ask if you could take a quick picture for either your or her hairstylist.  Otherwise you can always find some styles in magazines, particularly ones that are specific to your face shape. 

Next week:  The Sword of the Spirit!!  

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

The Armor of God

Shield of Faith

Happy Friday everyone!  If you are in the Southern part of the country, you may still be digging out from the first snow storm of the year!  And if you are a little further North, well bless you... you are dealing with blizzard like conditions!  And regardless how much snow any of us have had recently, most of us will need a coat of some sort, length or weight.  

This week we continue our series on wearing the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20.  In verse 16 it says, "In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil."  What in the world is a shield of faith?  When one by faith (sight unseen) accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and allows Him to be the Lord of their life and save them from being separated from God forever, that faith, becomes a defense against the devil who is wholly evil, who wants us to believe his lies that we are not good enough for God's grace.

So our shield of faith is believing that we have been saved by grace.  This shield becomes stronger the more we read God's word and pray becoming more and more aware of His love and direction for our lives.  Because He has plans to prosper us and not harm us; plans that give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)  I so love that truth!  It continues to sustain me in so many ways.  

During these cold, winter months we physically wear coats to protect us from the cold.  (Unless of course you are a middle schooler who wants to wear shorts and t-shirts!  What is up with that!) 

With coats the thing to keep in mind is proportion.  Wearing a color that is a neutral based on your DCC (Dominant Color Characteristic) or one that is a "pop" color that makes you look amazing!  I will write about DCCs very soon.  

A word to the wise, you want to make sure that people see you before your coat... not your coat first and then your face.   Be careful that your coat does not overwhelm you either by size or print. 

If you are 5'7" or taller you can wear the bigger coats and/or larger patterns.  

If you are 5'4" or under you will want to stick with coats that truly fit your body frame and if there is a pattern, a smaller one.  Peacoats are a great idea for this group.

Corduroy is the new denim this season.  I've included a few pictures of a few that I like...

 

That's all for this week.  I am very excited to be preparing for two speaking events this month!  One next Thursday with a MOPS group in Kernersville, NC and another one the following week with a group here in town!  It is an honor for me to be able to share my passion for fashion as well as my passion for Jesus!  I would love it if you would pray for me as I continue to prepare.  I know that there will be moms attending that do not know Jesus.  Wouldn't it be just the coolest thing ever if they all experienced the love of Jesus, maybe for the first time!!  May it be so Lord.

Blessings,

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Dressing in the Armor of God
If the Shoe Fits... (and it does)

Happy New Year to all my old and new bloggy friends ("sistas" in Jesus)!  I haven't said this before, but I am honored that you would take the time to read and follow my blog.  Thank you!

I am continuing my series on wearing the armor of God based on Ephesians 6:10-20.  Verse 15 says, "For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared."(NLT) The New International Version says it like this, "and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of  peace." (emphasis mine) I love that the gospel (Jesus came to earth in the form of man and lived the perfect life (never sinned), died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead and broke the power of death and eternal separation from God) gives peace to distressed minds.  I don't know about you, but my mind all but stays in a state of distress!!

The EasyEnglish.info commentary explains that "The Roman

soldier’s shoes were short leather boots. These would grip the

ground and they would keep his feet firm on the ground. They

would prevent him from falling. The idea is that we should

stand firm in the war (daily trials).  But this is not all. We

should also tell the good news to other people. Our gospel

boots should be a proper fit. We fight the war. But we send 

out the good news about peace at the same time." (emphasis

mine)   Now I love the term "gospel boots"!  Now that's a

great excuse to go out and find a well fitted pair of boots!

haha, just kidding! 

 In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter says much the same... "always be 

prepared to give an answer to everyone. Be ready when

they ask you. Be ready to give the reason for the hope that

you have".If we continue to pursue the LORD through prayer

and Bible study our footsteps are more likely not to slip. 

When the peace of God rules in our hearts (Col 3:15) we can

walk through the rough times, holding tight to the end. 
 

Oh how I love me some shoes!  Shoes wonderful shoes!  However, I have found that as I get a little older and I am only 42, that sometimes those wonderful shoes are a bit uncomfortable.  Ugh.  One really does not have to choose because not all comfortable shoes are frumpy which you probably already know.  There are occasions, however, there are times when certain shoes are most appropriate (i.e., a wedding).   We all need some staple shoes in our closet such as flats, heels, tennis shoes, and some good looking boots (you know, gospel boots!).

A general rule of thumb if you don't know what color of shoe to wear, match the shoe color as close to your hair color.  This makes a nice finished look.  (By the way, this also goes for purses, but we'll talk about accessories another time.)  The only exception to this rule are for those with blonde or white hair should wear light camel, taupe or charcoal colored shoes.  

Now this does not mean that if you are wearing brown pants or a black skirt that you must wear light camel, etc.  You can certainly match the brown or black, but could wear charcoal flats with black pants or light camel/taupe with a brown skirt.  

Next week...the shield of faith!

Blessings!

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Dressing with the Armor of God
The Body Armor 

I pray you all had a Merry Christmas and are making plans for your New Year's celebration whether it's with family and friends, or quietly at home.  I have some exciting news about the New Year that I will share in just a few minutes. 

Today's post will be the second installment of my series on dressing with the armor of God from Ephesians 6.  If you missed my earlier post click here.

In Ephesians 6:14 (NLV)  it says, "Stand your ground, putting on ... the body armor of God's righteousness."  The New International Version terms the body armor as the breastplate of righteousness.  So how do we "put on" God's righteousness?  Because God sent his son Jesus to live the perfect life on this earth and then die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and then was raised from the dead breaking the power of eternal death and separation from God, those who believe by faith in Jesus Christ and trust Him as Lord and Savior of their lives HAVE God's righteousness infused into our very being!  Now, does that mean that we are perfect?  No.  Does that mean if we make a mistake or sin that we are going to be separated from God forever?  No! 

But the enemy whispers lies to us all day long making us doubt that we are loved by God and are saved by His grace.  But the Bible says in Romans 8, "Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

And in Romans 10, the Bible says, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." 

Can I just get an "AMEN"!!!  That's the real TRUTH folks!!

Is there any better way to start the new year but with a new bra?   Not sure how to segue righteousness to wearing the proper bra - but stay with me here...  wearing a professionally fitted bra can make all the difference in an outfit.  Much like protecting ourselves from the enemy's lies and firey darts by learning and ingesting God's truth from His Word (the Bible).

The bra is the most important piece of clothing we own!  Yes, it is true.  Having the proper fit of your bra could very well make you look 5 pounds lighter.   Does that get your attention?  If you have never had a professional bra fitting, I strongly encourage you to contact a department store or specialty shop and make an appointment to be fitted by someone who has been trained.  I would recommend Dillard's or Soma Intimates.  They both have trained staff to properly measure and fit you.  If you are uncertain, nervous or otherwise, take a friend with you!

Bra experts recommend that we have at least three bras in our wardrobe.  The one you are wearing, one waiting to be washed and one in the drawer waiting to be worn.   I found this very interesting... when you wear a bra two or more days in a row, you run the risk of the elastic stretching out which causes the bra to wear out sooner.  And you know that these things can be quite expensive.  But the way I look at it, we wear them everyday so they are worth the money!  Giving a bra a break by not wearing it a day or two allows it to regain its shape and last longer.

Other tips and tricks:

• A flesh tone bra is the best color, although you can add other colors.

• The best way to care for your bras is to hand wash them.  At times you could put them in a lingerie bag with the clasps done and close the bag and put into a hand wash cycle.  Make sure to dry them flat, cup side up.  Do not allow them to hang on a doorknob or hang off a drying rack.  This pulls on the elastic and causes it to stretch out.  Below is an example of what not to do with your bras!

• Your "girls" should sit halfway between your elbows and your shoulders.  Take a side look in the mirror.  Where do yours sit?   The band should be even all the way around your chest.  Does that help?  If not, you need to be fitted immediately!  Try tightening the straps or loosening the clasps/back.  You may need to go up a cup size or down a band size.

• To keep "the girls" from stretching out and losing their elasticity, it is very important to wear a sports bra when exercising so they are not bouncing around - seriously!  And, just as important, you should wear a bra to bed!  Wear a comfortable one of course, but one that does not allow drooping or sagging.  In the summer I get tank tops that have built in bras or wires or shelves to wear to bed.

• If you've had a mastectomy, ask your bra specialist to show you how to insert gel pads as there are lots of pretty bras that will fit you.

• If you have "spillage", check to see if you are getting full coverage.  You may be in the wrong style of bra and/or you need to go up a cup size.

OK - NOW for my exciting NEWS!   As a certified image consultant, I am offering everyone the opportunity to host a "style party"!  What is a style party you ask?  Invite up to 4 or 5 friends to get together for a fun time learning about body types/frames, accessorizing, developing a needs list for your wardrobe and a FREE color analysis!  I will be working to bring in a professional bra fitter as well.   At the party I will have color swatch kits available as well as copies of Shari Braendel's book "Good Girls Don't Have to Dress Bad".  The cost will be minimal and you and your friends will learn valuable information including your dominate color characteristic, discover the best way to dress your body shape, and learn to be intentional in your shopping.

As the hostess with the most-ess, you will receive a free color swatch kit to use when shopping to ensure you are purchasing clothing in the right colors, and right shades that look best on you!

You can contact me either by phone or email: 

(704) 821-5399 or dawntugman@windstream.net

Blessings,

Dawn

Frazzled Fridays!

Dressing with the Armor of God
The Belt of Truth

Well, happy really, really frazzled Friday!  The closer we get to the blessed holiday of Christ's birth, the more frazzled I become.  And admittedly, that is not a good thing.  In my prayer time each day I ask the Lord to make Christ's birth first and foremost in my mind and, for the Holy Spirit to whisper this reminder as often as I begin unraveling the frazzleness (no that's not a word) of my nerves and attitude.  Basically constantly!

I was reading recently in my One Year Chronological Bible in Ephesians where Paul is writing to the Ephesians  to put on the armor of God .  This got me thinking about how our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and therefore, we should dress it appropriately in, you guessed it, the armor of God!  And since there are so many pieces of this armor I will take them somewhat individually and do a series on it.  Whatcha think? 

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT)

"Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

  Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.  Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.    Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (emphasis mine)

According to Matthew Henry, "Truth, or sincerity, is the girdle. This girds on all the other pieces of our armour, and is first mentioned. There can be no religion without sincerity."  The girdle referenced here is defined more as our belt worn in current fashion.  Truth in this passage refers to being filled with the knowledge of the Word of God, THE Truth.  Without continually studying, memorizing, and reading God's Word we can be rendered "less strong" in our stand against the evils of this world.  It is significant that the belt of Truth is the first piece of armor mentioned.  Most of the other body armor attaches to the belt. It is a foundation garment. Truth is what holds our faith together.  If this belt of truth is not securely fastened, the rest of our armor will be weak.


And knowing, reading and internalizing God's Word is not as hard as it may seem.  As I mentioned earlier I am reading through the One Year Chronological Bible.  This is my second year reading through the Bible and have learned so much more this year than last.  I intend to read it again next year and pray that the Lord will open my eyes even more this coming year!  It is written chronologically and is more in story form.  That's the way I would describe it.  I would encourage you to order your copy today!  Here is a link to the Proverbs 31 website which is one place you can order a copy.  Chron. Bible   My friend Wendy Pope has been doing a vlog (video blog) all year walking women all over the world through the Bible this year.  She will be teaching through her vlog again in 2011.  You should check it out - its fabulous!! 
 
(Sorry, it's Christmas time so I couldn't resist this photo! )

Belts.  Some love them and some don't.  If you are a body type b, you should not like them!  If you don't know what the whole body type reference is all about click here 

Belts come in all kinds of size and materials.  Belts can add so much to an outfit.  

For O body types "if" you tuck in your shirt make sure to wear a skinny belt.  However, if you are a little curvier you should avoid belts altogether so not to decorate the area you don't want to draw attention to.  Although you "could" wear a belt at an angle and slung low. 

For d body types belts look great on you as they accentuate your smaller waist.   Also those with an x body type can wear belts of all kinds and sizes, definitely a great accessory for you!

I will probably not post next Friday, so I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!  I look forward to hearing how your belt of truth has been strengthened.

Blessings!

Dawn