Courtney Joseph's Book Launch!!!

I am so excited for tomorrow!!!! "Women Living Well" by Courtney Joseph is released tomorrow!

I am part of her launch team and I cannot even begin to describe how this book has changed my life! She is truly walking with the King!

This book has inspired me in all aspects of my life. Mothering, being a wife and homemaker, being the daughter of our one true King,  there is just so much in this book I can't even put it into words.

If you need help in your walk with the King,  I cannot urge you enough to go on Amazon and buy this book right now! Will be doing another more detailed review in the next week :)

God Bless and Keep Smilin
Stephanie

Bible Study books!

With so many authors out there,  it can be difficuly to choose a good bible study book.  I have some guidelines I use to help you choose:

1. Check reviews of the book.  Pretty much anyone can write a book. People can write whatever they want. Go through all the reviews online to make sure that this particular study will work for you.

2. Research the author. Are they affiliated with any Christian groups? Do they have views that line up with God's word?

3. Ask your friends! Those who use study books usually have a favorite.

I love the Women of Faith series, anything by Steve and Wendy Backlund, Courtney Joseph, and Kerry Shook.

Share your favorites with me!

God Bless and Keep Smilin
Stephanie ><>

S.O.A.P

I am so excited to do this short series on bible study methods. I figured I'd start with the one that I enjoy the most :)

The SOAP method is awesome. This has helped me to understand scripture deeper than just reading it. So here's how it works:

S: Scripture - write out the verse or passage you are studying.

O: observation - what do you see in this passage? What jumps out at you?

A: Application - how can you apply what the passage say into your life?

P: Prayer - write a prayer and say ot put loud. Ask God to show you what he wants In your life in line with the passage you read.

This method has helped me understand the Good Word so many times and has helped me make serious changes in my life. You can use select verses or do the entire Bible this way. I've done this method on a topical level. Verses on hope, love, trust, etc. This is a good way to learn the  scripture of the fruits of the spirit ;)!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>

New Series! Bible study!!

What methods do you use when it comes to studying your Bible? There are a few methods that I use. I will go into more detail on each one in it's own separate post.

Methods I use to study my Bible
1. SOAP method
2. study books
3. apps
4. The Upper Room
5. Good ol' pencil and highlighters :)

As always, I am always up for new ways to study God's word. I will got in detail of each method one post at a time. If there is anything you want more information, you can contact me at any time here in the comments :)

In addition to this, I want to thank all of my readers. I started this just as fun. I have some loyal followers and I truly thank you for taking the time to read my posts. My mission is to spread God's word and hopefully help all of you find the light.

God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>

Pre-Order!!!

I am part of the launch team for this book! It is absolutely incredible. Pre-order and get some awsome freebies!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie><>

Modesty in Your Appearance

There has been a scary trend showing itself in the last few years. I have seen way too many young ladies wearing not much more than undergarments as their outfit. I walk through the stores and cringe at a lot of the clothing on the racks. In such an immodest world, how do you stay modest in your appearance?

I know a lot of ladies that have gone the dress only route in their clothing. Biblically, dresses only is what we are told to do. I own more dresses than I do pants. I have not gone to dresses or skirts only yet but that will be something that I will be working toward very soon. All of my skirts/dresses go below my knees which is part of my modesty. My jeans are not too tight as to show every curve but fit properly so nothing shows that shouldn't be seen.

When it comes to tops, I have a rule that I follow. If my shirt is lower than two fingers from my collar bone, I need an undershirt on to cover myself. Some women do not go sleeveless, I do. I wear tank tops but the arms fit properly and are not low cut. I am a "layerer" anyway.

I have also done research on headcovering which is something that I will address in a different series. This is something that I have been reading on and asking God's help with whether or not to permanently cover in respect for my husband and God.

 

There is one other thing I would like to address. Bathing suits. I know the summer is winding down, but I was living in Florida for the last two years. I am a tankini or one piece type of girl. Not big on bikinis. That is mostly because of my own convictions. I don't think it is necessary to wear nothing more than undergarments in public.

Every person I have ever talked to about modesty has a different opinion to what dressing modestly means. Some assume that you wear clothing similar to the Amish community or that you are completely covered head to toe with the exception of your eyes. My view is this, if you show what it meant for no one but you and your husband, then you are being immodest. 

 

Here is my rule of thumb: Do not draw attention to your self with how you look. Clothing is meant to cover, not to show off. I wasn't always this way. I followed the trends until I realized, this is not ok. I have more respect for myself and my husband than to show the world what they are not meant to see.

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Please keep comments and questions clean.

 

**I don't not claim ownership to photos in this blog**

 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

Modesty in Your Relationship

Hello again! Here is a question for you, if there is a ripple in your marriage, who do you turn to?

I know, it seems like sometimes it's easier to talk to others about a problem in your relationship. While it may seem that way, you're actually doing more harm than good. Being modest in your relationship is so important. The only other place you should be turning to is your BIBLE for guidance.

When you talk about your problems to others, you are disrespectful to your husband. Have I been guilty of this? Yes! Did it make things worse? Absolutely! 

My husband and I now talk to each other in the midst of a problem. We turn to our Bibles a lot!! We have a pretty trouble free marriage due to our modesty in speaking and knowing that with God and each other, we can get through anything.

The one place you can always find answers is in God's truth!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie><>

Modesty in your speaking

Hello again everyone! Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, I was at my best friends wedding :)

Have you ever thought about what you sound like when you speak? What kind of language you use? Who is listening? I want to address some of this tonight with everyone. This is something that I myself still work on day to day.

When I talk about Modesty in your speaking, I am talking about a number of different things. Let's go through them one at a time:

1) Tone: The tone of your voice says a lot about you. Are you often sarcastic? I am guilty of that more often then not. When you don't monitor the tone of your voice, you may come off as something you are the total opposite of.

2)Volume: This is a big one. Are you a loud talker? Some people can see that as threatening. Do you speak at a volume slightly above a whisper? I try very hard to make sure that I am not talking too loud or too soft. I have some hearing deficit which I always let people know of the first time I meet them. This way, I don't come off as loud and obnoxious when that is not my intention at all.

3)Vocabulary: I will admit, I had an awful mouth until about 2 years ago. I am not ashamed to admit my faults. Due to the nature of this blog, I will not list the foul words I have used or that I hear on a regular basis. But I think y'all get the idea of what I mean. I heard myself on a recording one time and realized a few things: I don't sound like a lady at all speaking that way and I sound very ignorant and unintelligent speaking that way.

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.~Proverbs12:18

 

4)Manners: I know how this may seem off in this discussion, but hear me out. When someone comes to you for help, do you help or criticize? Manners when speaking are one thing most people don't think about. Please and thank you go a long way. Also, when you are speaking with someone, letting them know you are not there to judge or criticize opens a huge door to communication to really help someone.

 

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~Ephesians 4:29-32

 

 

5)Gossip: From time to time, everyone has been guilty of gossiping.  Here is my question to you, can you really trust someone who continuously gossips? Gossip doesn't help anyone.

 

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit. ~ Proverbs 15:4

 

 ***I do not claim rights to photos in this blog***

 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

 

Stephanie ><>