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)

50 Random Facts About Me Tag

 Hello, everyone! I was tagged by Rachelle at Beloved Bluebird to do this post. :) I thought it would be a good way to get to know my readers a little bit better. 

 I tag any other bloggers to do this tag if they please. :D

On to the main event!

1. I love any Japanese food.
2. I've been to more countries than states. 
3. I take tennis lessons.
4. Autumn is my favorite season.
5. I've been in a public school two years, a private school two years, and homeschooled five. :)
6. My middle name is Maria.
7. Rachelle is my cousin. :D
8. I've visited the Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
9. I aspire to have a career in children's ministry as a missionary.
10. I used to have two pet fish named Jacque and Gemini. :)
11. When I was in first and second grade, I wanted to be a soldier.
12. I've broken my wrist once. :P
13. I'm double-jointed. 
14. I'm a perfectionist. :)
15. I asked Jesus into my heart when I was 5 years old, after AWANA.
16. For some reason, I'm not very fond of shopping.
17. I'm very fond of reading, on the other hand. :)
18. I hope to visit Japan someday.
19. Some of my favorite authors are Charlotte Bronte, J.R.R. Tolkein, Jane Austen, and C. S. Lewis.
20. I'm still not quite sure what a Nintendo is...
21. My favorite beverage is hot apple cider. 
22. I absolutely love literature!
23. I'm definitely very far from adept concerning fashion-related topics. ;)
24. Our family is flying to the States in less than 1/2 month!
25. One of my favorite books of the Bible is Psalms.
26. My favorite color and flower is lavender, hence the name of this blog.
27. I ride a unicycle for fun.
28. In my opinion, being a missionary kid is a blessing and I love it!
29. I spent most of my toddler days at my grandparent's house. :)
30. I'm a Whovian and Sherlockian. 
31. I used to take ballet class.
32. When I was 7-8 I put up an iced tea stand and earned money for an American Girl Doll.
33. I could organise things all day just for fun. :)
34. I'm allergic to feathers, dust mites, and cats...
35. The church that I attend here in Odessa is called Hope For People.
36. My birthday is the same day as Neil Armstrong's.
37. I was a teacher in an English club at our church.
38. I would love to live in a small, simple cabin in a pine forest somewhere on the seashore...
39. I've once sorted my friends by continent!
40. I love watermelon and anything watermelon-flavored.
41. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 36:5.
42. When I was younger, I would obsess over Nancy Drew mystery books. :)
43. I drink a cup of Earl Grey almost daily.
44. I'm extremely bad at figuring out computers and how to work blogs, etc...
45. "Come Thou Fount" is one of my favorite songs.
46. Once, when I was about 2-3, I ate a worm in my grandparent's back yard.
47. I asked my brother and sisters to describe me using one word, and they all said, "Nerd." :)
48. Culture shock is something I highly dislike.
49. I would rather be by myself than with a large group of people.
50. Christ is the center of my life, and I would have no hope without Him.

Wow! If you read all of that, you have certainly earned my respect. :) This tag was harder than I thought. 

 Once again, I tag any other bloggers who desire to do it. :D

Blessings!

~Naomi

Guest Post: What Every Girl Should Know About Relationships

Hi, my name is Christina Suko. My family lives and serves as missionaries in Ukraine. My husband, Caleb, and I are a part of young local church "Hope for People". (By the way, you may better recognize me as Naomi's mom ;D )

There are some questions that are easier to answer and easier to discuss when boys aren’t around.

This past Sunday our youth group kicked off the new school year with a girls only and a boys only fellowship.  The topic was

“Are There Boundaries in Boy/Girl Relationships?”

I had the privilege of speaking with the girls and helping them answer their questions from a Biblical perspective.

About 20 girls showed up for this time of questions and answers.

Here are some of the questions the girls asked and a brief summary of how I/we answered them.

• Is there is there one specific guy that God has predestined me to marry?

Too many girls worry that they have missed their chance because that one guy has slipped through their fingers, however the Bible never says that there is one predestined spouse for each person.

Rather than looking for the one guy that you’re supposed to marry look for that one type of guy who has a strong faith, Christian character and lives by the principles of God’s Word.

• All my friends are dating and I’m still alone. I’m afraid that I might never get a date or get married and be lonely for the rest of my life. What should I do?

This is a fear that many young women deal with but they don’t have to. When you fear loneliness you are saying that you don’t believe God can give you the companionship that you need, you are saying that God is not enough, you are saying that a husband or boyfriend can do for you what God can’t do for you.

The sad reality is that many girls would have been much happier if they didn’t rush into marriage with a man who was less than godly.

Instead of fearing loneliness learn to focus on building a deeper relationship with the God who is always by your side, start serving others, which will help you get your focus off of yourself.

• Is it ok to kiss before we get married?

While the Bible doesn't give specific instructions on kissing before marriage it is wise to wait.  The physical aspect of the relationship is meant for marriage and when young couples start pushing the limits it can quickly progress beyond a “harmless kiss”.

• If we kiss before the wedding do we lose a blessing?

The best way to think of this is like a present. Say your parents bought you a new dress for Christmas. They wrapped it up and put it under the tree. You wanted to know what was under the wrapping paper so badly that you sneaked in at night and opened the present to take a peek.

You were excited to see the new dress, but you had to put it back in the box and pretend you never saw it.

When Christmas day comes around you once again open the present. You’re still excited to have your new dress but the initial euphoria has already passed.  You may even fake a little excitement so that your parents don’t know that you had already peaked at the gift.

No, kissing before marriage won’t ruin your future marriage, but it will change your experience as you stand at the wedding altar and share that “first” kiss!

~Christina

Leave a comment if there are any questions you would like me to answer!

FAQ: What's It Like To Be a MK?

Hi everyone! I'm very sorry for not blogging more often. I've been pretty uninspired lately, so if you have any ideas for new posts, please let me know in the comments!
 Alright, on to the main event...
I get asked this a whole lot. Don't get me wrong, I am not annoyed with the questions at all! But to make things just a bit simpler, I've decided to write a post on this certain topic - hope you enjoy.

My sisters, Anastasia and Noelle, and I celebrating Ukrainian Christmas.

Q: What's it like to be a MK (missionary kid)?

A: First of all - it's absolutely amazing to be the child of missionaries because you know that you're doing exactly what the Bible says in Mark 16:15 ~

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

 Now, that is one cool career.

 Second of all, I am very fond traveling. "Fond" might even be an understatement. I mean, seeing new lands, visiting foreign countries, touring famous sights... I could go on and on - what's not to love? (Besides the occasional car/airplane/sea sickness, of course.)

 Along with all the long trips, you get the chance to meet loads of new people. Making new friends is always fun. I've once even tried to sort my friends and acquaintances by continent! Unfortunately, Antarctica didn't make the list. Let me know when one of you decides to move there, alright? ;)

 Once you decide where you're going to be a missionary, it would probably not be a bad idea to try to learn the official language of that certain country. If you become a missionary to an English-speaking country, you've got it nice and easy! :) Learning a new language is sometimes always a challenge. You need to dedicate time and hard work to be able to have everything down pat. I loved trying to learn Russian and Ukrainian, and now I can speak to all my Ukrainian friends freely!

 Okay, guys, this is the fun part - the food. I'm not picky when it comes to food, but when you see a plate of shark meat in front of you while visiting Bulgaria, well, let's just say that you're not particularly excited to dig in. On the other hand, sometimes you taste something totally new and it ends up being your new favorite food! Trying out new exotic foods was always something that I looked forward to.

 To sum things up, I'm so glad that I'm a MK! :)

 Here are a few questions for you guys:

• If you were to become a missionary, where would you go?
• What sorts of odd foods have you eaten?
• What countries have you traveled to?

 I would love to hear from you in the comments!
Have a blessed day,

~Naomi

His Perfect Plan

Hello everyone!
 Having a great spring break? I know I am, even though there was a sharp turn in events this week.
 I have been constantly reminded these past few days that I need to put everything in God's hands.
 Here's what happened...
 Since last fall, my family and I have been looking forward to traveling up to the Carpathian Mountains this spring for a missionary conference. We couldn't wait to see all of our wonderful missionary friends! Everyone was day-dreaming about skiing in the thick snow, hiking in the mountains, and sledding down the steep, white hills.The date was getting closer and closer. I could hardly sleep from all the excitement! It got down to the last few days and I was practically counting the hours. All of my necessities were packed the day before and I was completely prepared, but when we looked at the weather reports, things started to get scary. Nothing but blizzards was the forecast. How could we possibly drive in conditions like this? There was still a small grain of hope that we might just be able to go if the weather cleared up the next day. I prayed as hard as I could. I prayed that we would be able to make it to the mountains and that we would all be safe on the trip. I finally stopped and realized what I was doing. Why am I praying, "Lord, give us this, give us that. Let this trip happen."? No, this was not right. I quickly changed my words.

"Jesus, I know you have a perfect plan laid out for this event. I'm putting everything in Your Hands. If it doesn't work out, teach me not to be disappointed. I love you."

Whatever happened, I knew that God would handle it all.

 The next evening my mother told everyone, "Okay, unpack your bags." I was obviously very sad that I would not get the chance to go on this wonderful trip! Last night I remembered to thank God for his perfect plans, even if they didn't work out the way I would have liked. But what am I compared to the almighty Creator? We tend to forget to thank Him when we don't get our way, but it's always for the best that God makes certain things happen.

Thank you, Lord!

~Naomi

Guest Post: Planting Seeds of Blessings

Spring is just around the corner.  Can you almost smell it in the air? Fresh rain, hints of sunshine and small bursts of flowers are pushing through the ground.  During this time of the year I began thinking about my garden and planning which flowers and herbs I want to cultivate.  Browsing through seed packets at the store is always a delight! 

Have you ever thought that you could plant a garden with out using seeds, dirt, or water?

Yes it is true! The seeds that I am talking about is being a blessing to one another in the small things.  Giving someone you love a small gift or doing a kind act is just like planting a seed.  It may be little but reaps great joy and blessing on those who receive.  The best part of blessing someone else is that it strengthens your relationship with God and the individual, causing both of you to grow! 

There are so many different ways you can bless others in the small things and the best place to start is right in your own home!  It might even be the place where some would least expect it. Just like the delight you get from browsing through seeds at the store, it is exciting to think of different seeds of blessings you can plant in others lives. Here are some ways you can plant seeds of blessing.

1. Write a thoughtful note to someone and list the character qualities that you appreciate about them and pair it with your favorite verse.

2.  Ever seen the trash can cascading with garbage? Take out the garbage and surprise the one who usually does this special duty!

3.  Ask a mother with little ones if you can help watch their kids while at church or come over to play with the kids and do some simple jobs.  I am sure she can think of a few, sweeping, wipe counters, dust, pick up toys : )

4.  Make a latte/cup of tea for someone who loves it(like me!!) and deliver to them.  I love surprising my husband with a creamy latte on his desk.  It always puts a smile on his face to receive this sweet treat.

Don’t know how to make a latte? Here is the recipe:

Vanilla Latte

1 cup of milk.  Heat till steaming on the stove or in microwave.

2 teaspoons of sugar

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

1/4 cup extra strong coffee.

Swirl together and enjoy!  You can also use mocha powder or caramel sauce for the sweetener.

So how will you plant little blessings this spring? 

- Ruth Rogers, www.BeautifulForGod.com

Blogs I Reccomend

Hello, everyone!
 I've seen a lot of inspirational, godly, and beneficial blogs lately, so I thought I would share with you my finds.

•  Suko Family

 This is my family's blog. My father, Caleb, is the main one who posts on it. We are missionaries to Ukraine and updates on what's happening in our ministry are sent out if you choose to subscribe!

• Beloved Bluebird

 Run by my lovely cousin and friend, Rachelle, this wonderful blog contains Bible verses, DIY's, recipes, and much more! I'm sure she'd be thrilled if you visited. 

• Beautiful In God's Eyes

This blog is owned by a Christian girl named Alexandra. She posts mainly about modest fashion that pleases the Lord. Photography is also one of her skills! Go ahead and check her blog out.

• One Bright Corner 

 The writers on this fine blog are twin sisters, Lauren and Mikaela. The posts are so inspirational, uplifting, and straight to the point. Focused on what God wants in our lives, this blog has many amazing devotionals and stories.

These are currently my favorite blogs. If you have recommendations for more, don't hesitate to let me know what they are in the comments!

~Naomi

Tips On Being Diligent

Hello, once again!
Today I've decided to write a post with a few suggestions on how to keep up with your tasks and not fall behind. Personally, since my mom is homeschooling my siblings and me, it gets a bit challenging to be diligent and not get distracted with little kids running around the house. (But I do adore them!)
 Now, without further ado, on to the tips:

• Get rid of the distractions

 That's right, you heard me. Close that Pinterest tab... Good. Now the Facebook. You're getting the hang of this! Without distractions, any task you're attempting to complete will take much less time to accomplish without interruptions.

• Get motivated

 Set aside a small, special treat for yourself for once you finish your task. Remind yourself about it during the process to get you motivated.

• Set a time limit

 How long do you think it will take you to complete your task? If you have several chores to complete, set a certain amount of time to do each. This will also keep you motivated to get the task done. Don't be in too much in a hurry! Remember, quality comes first.

• Pray!

Last but certainly not least, ask the Lord for help beforehand. He is always willing to uplift and encourage. Even the Bible talks about working hard:

And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and commandments, seeking God, he did with all his heart, and prospered.

~2 Chronicles 31:21

Phew! Doesn't it feel good to have all those tasks of your back? I know I always feel relieved.

I hope that you found this post helpful! If you have any more tips, please comment. It would be greatly appreciated. 

 Posts from a new author and guest posts on Lavender Patch coming soon!

~Naomi

Does God Care About My Wardorbe?

Hello, everyone. :)
 I'm hoping you're all having a great week. The other day, I was out and about and I noticed that a lot of young girls and women were wearing very showy and revealing outfits. As a Christian, I found this to be very disturbing and was saddened at the thought of what God saw in them. Awhile ago, I'd read a lovely and godly book on this specific topic called The Look: Does God Really Care What I Wear? given to me as a gift by one of my aunts. I would strongly recommend it to any young woman. The book, by Nancy Leigh Demoss, shows one that what you wear does matter to God. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3:3-

"Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear..."

This means that we shouldn't strive to be pretty on the outside (by loading on tons of bling or spending hours on making your hair just right), but perceive to be inwardly beautiful, which is most pleasing to the Lord.

 Being inwardly beautiful doesn't mean that one must dress on the outside in a long, limp gray sack and wear your hair in a strict-looking style. God says that our bodies are His temple and we should take good care of it. Try to dress in ways that please the Lord and wouldn't make a person pay too much attention to your physical appearance; instead, act kindly and let your inner woman of faith shine.

  I really enjoyed writing this post for all my readers and hope to blog again soon. :)

 Until next time!

~Naomi

❀ Book Review ❀

Hello, everyone - did you have a great week?

Today I've decided to do a book review on Bruchko:

 Bruchko is an autobiography, written by Bruce Olson, about his adventures and trials in evangelizing to the savage Indians of Colombia.

 No one believed nineteen-year-old Bruce would survive when he said he was going to bring the word of Jesus Christ to the stone-age tribe of South Americans, named the Motilones.

 Everyone knew that any person who had gone before Bruce, had not returned alive. But Bruce trusted that the Lord was calling him to reach out to these Colombian Indians.

 During his time in the wild jungles of South America, Olson faced countless difficulties, but God was always by his side.

 In Bruchko, the name the Motilones gave Bruce, he was confronted with disease, grief, kidnapping, and torture, but his journey made an astonishing impact in the mission field.

 Bruce Olson was an amazing inspiration for me in his book. He showed me what blessings God will give us if we surrender ourselves to His great will.

 If you are interested in reading this book and finding out what happens as Bruce evangelizes to the Motilones, visit this link.

 I hope you enjoyed this book review! Please leave a comment on what other books you would like me to write about.

 Have a wonderful day!

~Naomi

❦ Verse To Ponder ❦

Hi, there! It's Naomi here - presenting my first post! I hope you enjoy... :)

Today, as I was doing my devotions, I read a verse that really caught my eye:

 Joshua 1:8

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Okay,  this verse may be a little hard to understand; this is basically what it means:

 The "Book of the Law" in this verse, means the Bible. If we are diligent to read the Bible, try to understand what it means, and apply God's principles in our lives - it doesn't necessarily mean we will be "prosperous" in the sense of being rich and wealthy, but it means that we will be blessed abundantly by the Lord! What a great promise He's given us, wouldn't you agree?


Well, that's about it for the spiritual nutrition I've prepared for you - here is my recommendation of the day:
  This is one blog that I very strongly recommend to anyone looking for fun, DIYs, good devotionals, contests and lots more!

 This wonderful little blog that I'm currently doting on is called Beloved Bluebird!(It is owned by the one and only Rachelle Marie.)

Thank you for your attention - I'm looking forward to posting next time!

~Naomi

Welcome!

Hello, everyone!

Welcome to Lavender Patch - a haven of DIYs, Bible verses, and pure fun!

Here is a word from Naomi and Bethany:

Hey, all!

Here are some of my fave websites that y'all may not have heard of...

wimp.com

americangirl.com

whitsend.org

skitguys.com

pluggedin.com

And the last one isn't really a website (it's a YouTube channel) but here it is anyway:

http://www.youtube.com/user/thepianoguys?feature=results-main

They are AWESOME!!! I LOVE the Piano Guys!!! Have fun with the websites!

Well, that's all I have to say for now! Till Saturdays!

~Bethany

And hello to you! This is Naomi - I'm a teen daughter of The King; I absolutely love reading, The Hunger Games,  photography, and weird things like unicycling. At this lovely little blog I'll try to post every Sunday. So excited! 

I'm so glad that you've stopped by Lavender Patch today - I hope that you have a fabulous time exploring!

~Naomi

Sincerely,

Lavender Patch