Autumn Gifts

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

 James // 1:17

We can truly see His gifts during every season. Autumn is one of my favorites! The perfect blessings from our Father can be noted even in the small things - leaves transforming into beautiful shades, chilly breezes that redden your cheeks, wonderful scarves and cosy sweaters to wear, cinnamon-scented anything. 

Even when there is overwhelming hardship, we may find eternal comfort in our Savior. He reminds us of His presence throughout every trial. The marvelous and fiery shades of fall? The warm smell of firewood? Just imagine, God created those just for our enjoyment! How incredibly blessed we are, let's not forget. 

I thought I'd share an autumn playlist. These songs will always remind me of my favorite season. 

~Naomi

Guest Post: Flower Girl - Kristina (Eccentric Owl)

 Hello, Lovely Lavender Patch readers! I'm Kristina, Naomi's aunt. I blog over at Eccentric Owl, and I'm so happy to be guest posting here today!

 Naomi mentioned that she would love to have me post about dressing stylishly while still keeping it modest and classy, so I wanted to talk about just how many options there are when you're looking to be modest yet still having great style! Sometimes it's definitely a struggle in shopping to find things that are decent; shirts and dresses can be frustratingly low cut or too short, and thrift-store finds are often a bit frumpy (for my taste, anyway!) But just a few easy modifications open up a world of possiblities!  

I tend to shop a lot from thrift stores, and over the years I've picked up on some things I can do in order to modify a dress or a skirt. Hemming has been my best friend-- this dress in particular used to be a few inches longer, a length which really didn't suit me that well. But with a quick session of pinning and snipping, it is now perfect for me!

Another option, for things that are too low cut, is taking an old camisole you no longer want, cutting out a piece from the front, and safety-pinning or sewing it behind the too-low neckline. Personally, I dislike too much layering, especially in the heat of summer! This dress cuts much to low to wear on its own, but I just happened to have a very old camisole that was ripped and ratty at the bottom. By saving just the front panel, I'm able to use it as a mock-cami for any dresses that are a bit too low, and make them much more wearable!

I've also noticed that graphic-print tee shirts (like the one I'm wearing here) tend to have a much higher neckline. And they're fun to wear, to boot!

I love thrift stores for their variety; as a plus, many of the skirts there are vintage, and longer lengths. And if they're too long, again... you can just hem them and they're wearable!

 

 

 And if you're looking to add personality to a simple dress, I've always been a fan of belts, brooches, and funky shoes (these houndstooth heels are among my favorites.) Adding the personal touch of your favorite necklace, an interesting belt, or even just some bright lipstick can really take what you're wearing to the next level, and by finding things that really appeal to you, you can make even the most common items look very personal.

That's all from me! I hope you are all having a fantastic summer, and a very wonderful day!

xo

Kristina

April Showers

My younger sister, Noelle, wanted to do a guest post on the blog, and we planned out a modest fashion shoot. 

Here is a Q and A with Noelle on modesty. (She is 9 years of age.)

 

Q: How would you define modesty?

Noelle: Modesty is when you wear clothing that isn't revealing.

Q: Do you think modesty should be a part of a Christian's life? Why or why not?

Noelle: Yes, because God says in the Bible to cover up.

Q: How can young ladies like you dress modestly, yet tastefully?

Noelle: They can wear colors they like, but have a modest cut to them. Also, scarves are very pretty and they help to conceal the chest.

Q: Who taught you to dress modestly?

Noelle: My mother and my older sister.

Q: How would you describe the way you personally dress in three words?

Noelle: Modest, colorful, and comfortable.

Q: Who do you look up to as role-models of modesty?

Noelle: Well, my family of course, but I also look up to my aunt, Ruth, and my cousin, Rachelle.

 

Q: What is your favorite Bible verse about modesty?

Noelle: 1 Timothy 2:9-10

...likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire,but with what is proper for women who profess godliness — with good works.

Q: Any final advice for our readers?

Noelle: Try to dress modestly - it pleases God!

 

That's that for the Q and A! 

 It was actually drizzling quite a bit when we took these photos, so they were a tad rushed. Forgive the photography! I'm still learning, and I was trying not to get the lens wet. 

About the outfit:

Shirt: Gift

Sweater: Gift (tag - Merona)

Skirt: Marshalls

Tights: Ukrainian market :)

Boots: Marshalls

Umbrella: Esprit

Hair Tie: DIY

 I sincerely hope you enjoyed this type of post. I've never done a fashion one before! 

 Have a blessed Easter - Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!

 ~Naomi

 

Ukraine

 I've had this on my heart for a long time and I've finally decided to post it. As many of you already know, Ukraine is going through a time of civil struggle. A country is protesting against itself. The results are revolting and most of all depressing. 

 Ukraine is a country that I love - I've lived there for 8 years now and I call it home. Even though I'm on furlough, enjoying peace and quiet, I would much rather be in Ukraine, trying to spread the Good News that Jesus has to give us! The only way that peace in Ukraine can ever be reached is if the Gospel is spread.

 It's hard for me not to cry when I know that hundreds of people have been killed in these protests. Hundreds who may have never even heard of salvation.

 This is why Ukraine needs your prayers. Please, put aside a couple of minutes in your week to remember the growing crisis in Ukraine and ask for God's hand over the government there. Christ provides peace!

~Naomi

Change

 Hello. :)

As you've noticed, I haven't been on LP for quite awhile. I've been praying a lot and have decided that I want to make my posts a bit more personal. The reason being, if I were a reader, I would want to know more about the writer and his or her life. I hope I will be able to post more often with snippets of my day-to-day life, small quiet thoughts, Bible verses that have encouraged me, and my adventures as an MK.

This doesn't go to say that I will stop blogging "formally", but I wanted to have a bit more of a connection with the readers. :)

I whipped up this post very quickly, so excuse its blandness!

Expect more from me soon.

~Naomi

PS:

Here's a verse that has been on my mind - (photo creds to my father)