Autumn Giveaway

Reflect Visual Arts is giving away 2 card sets -- one on Facebook and one on Instagram

For how to enter on Facebook ~https://www.facebook.com/ReflectVA

For how to enter on Instagram ~ #reflectvisualarts

Buys of the Month

These buys will bring in the colder weather with ease!

Guest List Dress

Lily Dress

Black Blazer

Cream Blazer

Classic Chambrary

Tunic

Coral Cropped Pants

Pencil Skirt

Knit Sweater

Gold Tip Flats

Kitten Pumps

Boho Scarf

Dot Scarf

Global Tote

Happy Hat

**Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP. Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!**

Things Change

It's been almost two years since I wrote my first post on Silk and Purple. The design and creation of it was something I'd sneak away and work on every moment I could, because it had been an idea for four years beforehand. The ministry of this blog has reached far beyond my imagination, has reached countries closed to the gospel -- and it has and is growing me. I am a different person since 2007, but that is what we all do -- we change.

Our situations, knowledge, aspirations, style...they all change.

Before I continue with these ramblings, I must say I COULD NOT do this without my excellent team of committed individuals whose talents are used not for self, but unto the Lord! I can't tell you how many times a post by Elyse, Hope, Season, or Meghan has encouraged me. And without the countless hours of our editor making sure the posts don't look like this....

she was my frend. We where always happly engadged in games.

(Yes, this is rather close to what things look like before editing of this dyslexic writer.)

Here on Silk and Purple we are turning a new corner! We are all growing up and having new responsibilities and life paths open! Yet we still know the calling of sharing the goodness of Christ and encouraging Christian sisters in the Lord is not something we can give up.

We will be posting on Silk and Purple, but not every day as we once did. As you can tell, our posts are a little stretched out already, so we are going for more quality instead of quantity. If the Lord ever lays a post on your heart, email it to us.

Please pray for us as we start this leg of our journey, that the Lord will clearly show His direction for Silk and Purple. Things change, but our Lord never does, and that is only one of the reasons why we do what we do.

F.S. ~ A Way with Words

Mistakes in grammar and vocabulary, especially in our speech, are common topics in our households. As an English major and grammar fanatic, I often point out the tiny mistakes we make every day with our words. The gradual acceptance of misused forms of words is frustrating. Verbage has become the commonly used variance of verbiage. Snuck has become an accepted past participle of sneak, when sneaked is proper. Creeped is often used as the past participle of creep instead of the correct form crept, and the list could go on and on. So why have these words sneaked their way in?

We have become, in many ways, lazy or careless in our speech. I recently spent 10 days in England listening to the British accents, and I realized we have lost much of the beauty that we admire in their speech. It does not take much thought to insure that our pronoun use is correct and our past participles are proper. A well-spoken person gives the impression of a well-educated person. Perhaps we should give more thought to preserving the aspects of our language that keep it from deteriorating. A good writer aims for eloquence; a good speaker should do the same.

We Can't Stop

Sometimes I can be blown away by our culture's outlandish displays of sinful ambitions!

I heard a song by a rather popular singer who I will not name, because regardless of who sang the song or who wrote it does not matter -- what matters is the song's effect on our hearts.

This song talks about a loose lifestyle with no boundaries and the only purpose in life is to party. Not surprising its rising popularity when many young people believe just that. 

Party hard, then die.

Here are some quotes from the song:

We like to party
Dancing with Molly
Doing whatever we want
This is our house
This is our rules

And we can't stop
And we won't stop
Can't you see it's we who own the night?
Can't you see it's we who 'bout that life?

And we can't stop
And we won't stop
We run things, things don't run we
Don't take nothing from nobody
Yeah, yeah

It's our party we can do what we want
It's our party we can say what we want
It's our party we can love who we want
We can kiss who we want
We can sing what we want

It's our party we can do what we want to
It's our house we can love who we want to
It's our song we can sing if we want to
It's my mouth I can say what I want to

I could continue, but would not wish to expose you to any more.

The tune is catchy and definitely appeals to a young hip person. This is not an uncommon song. There are MANY far worse songs out there, but this song pulled a heart string in me.

This song is true.

We can't stop and won't stop. Our sinful hearts are born on a rampage to satisfy our desires. Though we may try to suppress it because we are around others who choose morality, imagine what you would do if you knew there would be NO consequences. No judgment, reproof, or repercussions for our thoughts, words, and actions.

Well, this is not the case. We live in a world with many consequences and rewards that even go on to eternity with us. God judges our actions, words, and guess what, our thoughts. A good judge doesn't let those things go unpunished. His standard is PERFECTION because He is PERFECTION.

Now, before you see God as an old white-bearded guy with a lightning bolt about to strike us all down, think about mercy.

God knows we can't and won't stop. He knows we love our sin so much that we must have a miracle. So it is a miracle. He gives us the ability to heal where we cannot heal and know what we shouldn't know. To love when we can't love. He replaces our love of sin with a love for Him, all through Christ. Once we choose to follow Christ -- learning to love what He loves and hate what He hates -- only then can we stop.

So let's twist these words.

And we can stop

And we must stop

Can't you see it's He who owns my life?

It's not my life -- It's now His

It's not my possession -- It's now His

It's not my body -- It's now His

And guess what. He will care for me far better than I can care for myself.

Trend Color Report

The best way to stay fresh is to keep updated with the colors of the season. Here are some colors to remember when adding to your fall wardrobe.

Bringing Back Black

Black is such a great neutral. It's ageless and timeless, and also is the perfect way to enter into the late summer and early fall with ease! No matter what your personal style, I'm sure you have some black garments that are longing to be worn.

Buy of the Week

The Lord gives us all types of shapes and sizes when it comes to our bodies! Trying to find trendy, flattering clothing when you are more curvy can be hard. Here are some fun items to add to your wardrobe!

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/all-that-and-demure-dress

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/easygoing-get-together-dress-in-plus-size

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/wine-tasting-weekend-skirt-in-plus-size

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/doll-about-town-skirt

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/play-attention-top-in-plus-size

http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/the-grand-tour-guide-top-in-teal

**Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP. Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!**

Never-Ending Joy

I don't know if you realize this, but NEVER-ENDING JOY is in your future! And no, I'm not telling you this because I saw it in your horoscope or I'm one of those psychics like you see on TV. I don't have to tell you this is some kind of prediction that only I can give you because I read it from the world's best-selling book, which, in case you didn't know, was inspired by Someone who lives outside of time itself.

John 16:22 says, "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy."

You know what that means? It means that there will come a day when the things and people of this world that get you down will never again take away the joy that God has given you. There will be no more sickness to damage your body or temptations to trouble your mind. The constant fight to stay pure in a deteriorating world will no longer bear its weight on you, and you will be free from all the worry and strife you face each and every day. Now, reading this, you may think I'm reflecting too much on the negative side of things, but trust me; I'm not. I'm just reminding you that even though we each have our share of troubles on earth, a time of never-ending joy is coming sooner than you think! Can you imagine it? Nothing but ecstasy and joy all day, all the time! I'm sure you can tell by now that I'm really excited about this new and perfect world. But, excited as I am, sometimes the frustrations of life prevent me from looking ahead to the future God has promised for me. If you ever feel this way, take a moment to slow down and remember that the frustrations will all be over soon. Most importantly, remember the reason why this perfect joy will be ours someday.

If it weren't for God, our never-ending joy would never come to be. It takes a perfect God and a personal relationship with His Son to overcome the opposition, and if They'd just left it at that, we'd still be too lost in our sins to have true joy. But Jesus died for us, had that time of unspeakable pain for us so that we may have joy for all eternity. On that note, I have but one thing left to tell you, and it's this. After you've read this, your life probably won't change significantly. But remember the never-ending joy coming to you, and I guarantee it will make life that much sweeter.

Bright and White

All right, ladies! I found an amazing teeth whitening trick! I stumbled upon it, gave it a try, and loved the results!

Take 1/4 cup of baking soda and mix it with the juice of 1/2 lemon and then apply it to your teeth with a q-tip. Leave on your teeth for 1 minute, then brush. This amount is more than enough for two people, so share with your family :)

Buy of the Week

Need a little elegance in your life? Try these southern lady classics.

Classic Dot Dress!

http://junieblake.com/on-sale/modest-dresses-sally.html

Long Pearls

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Jewelry/Necklaces/entity/pc/3045/c/0/sc/2601/237530.uts?refinementValueIds=1674&sortByColumnName=SortByArrival?colorCode=301464492_105

Mint Bag

http://www.charlotterusse.com/product/Accessories/Bags/entity/pc/2116/c/0/sc/2584/238688.uts?refinementValueIds=1632&sortByColumnName=SortByArrival?colorCode=301473325_001

**Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP. Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!**

F.S. ~ Traveling

Greetings from England! As I was considering the topic for this post, I ran across a book in a small store here in the UK. It was titled Etiquette for the Traveler. Of course! There is so much to be mindful of when traveling, especially internationally. Remember the basics and then travel to get some practice!

1. Keep your luggage, including carry-on, close to you. Once your checked baggage is through, you won't have to worry about it, but never leave your carry-on or purse unattended, even for a second.

2. Guard your passport (and any other ID) carefully! The experts say to carry these "on your person," if at all possible.

3. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

4. When traveling alone (and anytime really), walk with confidence. This shows that you know where you are headed and that you know how to take care of yourself. Any signs of fear or confusion can make you vulnerable.

5. Whether traveling by plane, train, boat, or your own two feet, be aware of those around you and respect their space.

6. Be aware that other countries and cultures have different customs and traditions. Phrases might be used completely differently, common words may mean different things, and certain gestures may have entirely different meanings. As ambassadors for Christ, we have to be especially careful of what we say and do. 

7. Traveling is great fun! Take lots of photos and enjoy a new place. New places and experiences will broaden your scope on life, you will find that God is much bigger than you thought, and that His creation reaches further than you ever imagined! Bon voyage!

Save the World

If you are not aware of the many problems in our world, watch the news for 30 seconds. There's no denying we have some BIG problems.

Maybe you choose to overlook those problems and go on your merry way, or maybe you are caught up in the frantic free fall, desiring to fix all the problems you can and now it has emptied you dry. Either way, you might be unbalanced with the call of saving the world.

As young women we are told by our American culture we can do anything. 

(Anything that is spectacularly amazing, that is.)

 If we are not reaching to gain the impossible, then somehow we are considered lazy and/or dumb. Even within Christian culture, we are encouraged to be "light," and I completely agree.

The Bible calls us to be that light, but oftentimes we imagine that light as a spotlight on us on a huge stage. This spotlight shows the world what we are doing and highlights our great actions and our great failures. It's a lot of pressure, and many of us have been living in that spotlight for so long that we are becoming blinded by the light and are fumbling around as the sinful world watches our weariness overtake our actions. 

We feel the presure to be "great," save the world, and still be beautiful as we accomplish such goals. We start believing that the mundane, boring parts of life are beneath us, because somehow the giving of our time is above the little things like sweeping, washing a dog, caring for the elderly, or investing in a relationship where you have "nothing to gain."

Sisters, this is not what Christ means when He wants us to be lights. Being a light does not mean you have a spotlight on you -- it means that you are the spotlight. You are the one who brings light to darkness, highlighting others and showing not your capabilities for self gain, but for Christ.

I am GUILTY of this sin. I have many times fooled myself thinking I'm an important part of God's work in saving the world... and I am, but He can do His work without me. 

He doesn't need me, but He does want me.

He wants me passionately, because I am His child, but when my ambitions become centered around my pride, then He will find another to truly share His cause. To be a light doesn't mean we are only His servants in the great things like speaking to thousands of people, writing best sellers, or becoming renowned in the arts and sciences -- let's remember our Lord, who washed the feet of His disciples, lived a life of homelessness, and humbled himself to death on a cross... all for us.

Your life will be filled with thankless jobs. It will be boring at times, but if your calling seems less glamorous, do not think it's less important. Serve Christ and build His kingdom! Be that light, but don't seek to gain the spotlight. We CANNOT save the world, but we can lovingly point those to the Christ who has saved us!

Praise Him!

Weary in Well-Doing

Are you weary?

Longing for a change? Hoping for a rest? Filled with unsatisfactory issues or simply the feeling that no one understands and that you are alone?

Instead of listening to my thoughts, I want to share with you how the Lord has been encouraging me. Because, Ladies, I am weary. No, I'm not walking around in life with a little black rain cloud over my head, but there are moments I want to keep to my room and run away from life's troubles.

If you are weary, I hope this encourages you. Rest in Him.

~~~

God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 63:1

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!

Psalm 80:3

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:4-6

Buy of the Week

Summer sales are taking off! These dotty tops have great savings on shipping!

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=sale_tops&ProductID=2023707124&VariantID=

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?Br=F21&Category=top&ProductID=2040494848&VariantID=

http://downeastbasics.com/sale.aspx

**Please note that not all items from this store are recommended by SnP. Happy Shopping, but be mindful of what you purchase as an ambassador of Christ!**

There's No Place Like Home

When I was little, my favorite movie was The Wizard of Oz. The excitement of the journey to Oz, the frightening Wicked Witch and Dorothy's lovable companions, and the thrill of a sudden change from black and white to color made me so excited that my twin sister and I watched the movie every day. Each time I watched it, it was like a whole new story, and my favorite part was when Dorothy would click her heels together and say, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home." As a little child, the word "home" brought images of my earthly home in Alabama to mind, but now that I'm older, home has a brand new meaning to me. It's still the same neighborhood that I've known as long as I can remember, but it's also a place I've never been that's too wonderful for me to imagine.

Even though we try to stay focused on what is to come, we Christians often forget that this earth is not our permanent home. We get so caught up in our daily lives that it can be hard to remember that the best is yet to come, and that our home on earth will someday cease to be. The reason this happens is because we are only human and it's hard for us to imagine any home besides the one we are accustomed to, especially if that home is one that is so different from ours. But we must be aware of our home-going so that we can prepare for it.

John 14:2-4 says, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." According to this, not only is God coming back to bring us to our new home, but we know how to get there. And although it's not quite as simple as clicking our heels together, it's not nearly as hard as many people make it out to be. All we have to do is have the same child-like belief that Dorothy had and admit the need for our Savior, who, unlike the "Wizard" of Oz, is completely real and will never fail us. Instead of following the yellow brick road, we follow Christ. If we do this, then God will get us Home when the timing is right.

It's always important to keep in mind the meaning of home. They say that "home is where the heart is," so where is your heart? Is it here on earth, where nothing is permanent, or is it stored up in heaven for all eternity? Because someday soon we will leave our home on earth for a home where we will be united with our Father forever and ever. And I don't know about you, but from what I've heard, this new home is a pretty fantastic place. So no matter how busy you get with the things of this world, take a little time each day to remind yourself that "there's no place like Home."

 

F.S. ~ Packing Lists

Sun Bathing Goddess

Tan is beautiful.

If you don't believe me, then look at these ads. They agree!

Well, what do you think? Obviously when you have a tan, guys carry you around on a surfboard like a sun goddess...

...hummmmmmmm.

Girls put a lot of time, and thought, into the color of their skin. We lay out at the beach or poolside and oil ourselves down to soak a brown glow. Or we hit the tanning beds in the cold seasons. American girls are fascinated with being brown, but what about if you can't tan? Are you an outcast?

Have you ever thought about skin color? Dark, light, or creamy -- it all is like colors of dirt. 

"Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." ~ Genesis 2:7

I don't believe it's a coincidence! We were created from dirt. 

Your skin tone is beautiful, not because of what the current culture may say, but because God chose to make you the color you are. Being tan is not sinful, and wanting to have a healthy summer glow is great, but don't dislike your color.

Tan or not, it's lovely!