Posts about: My Media Mentation (thoughts on TV Books Movies etc)
Sunday, August 20, 2017
My man is now the owner of a modern-fit suit also known as the male version of the yoga pant. We went shopping recently and after trying many on, he decided on The One. The suit which will henceforth be referred to as a/the MYP (Male Yoga Pant).
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| How am I supposed to focus on the Spirit when he is wearing this? |
Because of that, and because this is my space, I will therefore share my thoughts and a rebuttal of sorts despite being 4 years late to the conversation.
This all came up because I couldn't control my thoughts with David in his MYP. Therefore I've decided to share some modesty myths, the male version.
#1 Myth of Modesty: It's her job not to look
Men, you are responsible for the pants you put on, therefore you are responsible for the way we as women respond to said pants. The amount of lust I have is directly related to how much of your body is available to lust after. The less you advertise, the less opportunity you give me to covet your body.
Any time I attend church, I am bombarded with impure thoughts because all of the men are wearing suit pants. Some of you are even wearing skinny ties and 2-button suit jacket. How am I supposed to be able to resist that? And then sometimes there are even cuff links. It's too much guys.
Not one single man wears carpenter jeans which are pretty much the only acceptable form of bottoms a man can wear and be modest. I mean, when you sit down guys, I can't help but take notice of what's happening in your pants. And when you're teaching Sunday School and that soft, often thin fabric sits close against your skin, how am I supposed to not think about that huge...tin of breath mints in your pocket?
It is not just our job not to look: it is your responsibility to provide nothing provocative to look at. You cannot blame women for what you instigate, and it is time for men of God to start acknowledging your responsibility in this matter, taking up your cross, and honoring God with your dress..
Not one single man wears carpenter jeans which are pretty much the only acceptable form of bottoms a man can wear and be modest. I mean, when you sit down guys, I can't help but take notice of what's happening in your pants. And when you're teaching Sunday School and that soft, often thin fabric sits close against your skin, how am I supposed to not think about that huge...tin of breath mints in your pocket?
It is not just our job not to look: it is your responsibility to provide nothing provocative to look at. You cannot blame women for what you instigate, and it is time for men of God to start acknowledging your responsibility in this matter, taking up your cross, and honoring God with your dress..
Stick with your 90's suits guys. They are more appropriate and more aligned with church standards than today's fitted suits.
#2 Myth of Modesty: Setting Standards Is Legalistic
I don't want you men to email me and tell me that you wore a suit one Sunday and it was NBD. I realize that it is not my job to write your personal standards of modesty. But since we are on the topic of MYPs, let me share some things my friend commented to me when I was writing this post:
“MYPs make it difficult to focus on the spirit when the boys are right there and the pants are so tight, it’s basically like the guy is naked. A friend of mine even said when a man wears a MYP … it shows all the form and features while covering up flaws, like imperfections of the skin or a possible lack of abs. They are designed to be appealing.”Additionally, a young woman in a female group I once taught upheld this view. She told us it was tough for her to attend church activities where there are guys wearing suits, setting up tables right beside her. It was a struggle not to lust after them. She would have to make herself leave the vicinity to do her own setting up with the still-present threat of remembering their image and stumbling later on. Yet another friend told me that it pained and concerned her that her boyfriend would go to the church in his suit to work with the Primary President, but she didn’t feel she could ask him to stop without being perceived as controlling.
What is the real issue here?
Is it what not to wear? In our hearts we know it isn’t. It’s a standard of
behavior, not a standard of dress, that is ultimately missing from your lives
when you fail to be modest.
Mark 1:6
And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey;
Because John was an apostle and in the scriptures we should follow his example. John wants men to dress
with ‘camel hair and a girdle of skin about his loins…' as appropriate for men who profess to worship
God (like him). This high calling to be a man like unto John (who is an apostle) is to be your standard of behavior, which directly influences your standard of dress. It calls you to be different from the trends, the
culture, and the leanings of the modern church. It
calls you to align your spiritual life with your outward life in all things,
willing to make personal sacrifices in order to do so.
Setting standards is not legalistic. Saying
that modesty is required in order to be saved is legalistic, and regulating
others rather than looking into your own hearts is legalistic. Many men spend a lot more time telling
the women of the church to quit looking and the other men in the church to quit
dressing the way they do, and they never evaluate their own closets.#3 Myth of Modesty: Women don't care what I wear
We do care. We care deeply.
On a simple level, we like pretty things. We notice when you get an undercut or sport a pompadour. We like when you wear your chucks and cuffed jeans. We like nice things and we like when you wear them.
Because of this, you have a great power. You have the power to draw our eyes toward you for one of two reasons:
This leads me to my next point.
- For the appeal of our desire based on revealing enough of your bodies to entice us; or
- To appear attractive in personality as reflected in how you dress.
This leads me to my next point.
#4 Myth of Modesty: Lust is HER Problem
Lust is a rampant problem in the church and in our culture. Most often lust is addressed with men, but it is also a major issue in the lives of women. It simply looks different for women than it does for men. For women, it looks like a man in a suit.
Lust is a
desire for that which is not ours to have: the body of a person who does not
belong to us. When a woman ogles a man’s chest, legs, or derriere, she is
focusing on the parts of him that are not hers, and yet she takes them visually
and mentally, cheapening the man and demeaning herself. That is not
appreciation: that is lust.
When you give into your desire to for a woman’s attention, at the expense
of her endeavor to honor God, you are giving in to the lust of your flesh
and encouraging the lust of her eyes.
#5 Myth of Modesty: Modesty is Just Something I Do
“The more you cover up the more [a Christian woman] will want you. Women like some mystery, and when you reveal that mystery walking down the aisle in church, there is no reason for them to pursue you. They’ve already gotten their reward.” – My anonymous friend
Do you like to reward women with a glimpse of your body? Cause you aren't hiding much when you wear that modern suit, especially with a skinny tie. We can see all that ab.
Your choice in what you wear to church is a clear reflection of your openness to allowing God and his word affect your life. It's a bold statement. But it's true.
Modesty affects us. It affects us greatly. It affects how you are perceived, how you are respected, how you advance in your careers, and even whether you will hear the word yes to a request for a date or a marriage proposal.
When you dress in a way that causes a woman to lust, you create an unnecessary war against her soul.
Think about that for a moment.
Dressing in the way God commands – with modesty, propriety, and decency – protects the women around you from waging a needless war in their souls. When you REFUSE to accept your responsibility to protect your sisters – our brother's wives and and daughters – from lust, you are creating a war and inciting unrest in the church.
Yes, it is the responsibility of us women to turn our eyes away. So entrust us to the Lord and let Him deal with our responsibilities while you concern yourselves with your own. I am asking you to join forces with the men around you in this endeavor.
I want to trust myself around you and I want you to trust your wives and girlfriends around my husband. 
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Like I did. I started this post 2 years ago (no joke) but never finished it. These are the 10 movies that as an adult, I still think about when I'm afraid. Today in a group someone posted an image asking for members to share a gif of a movie that traumatized them. Here are all 10 of mine.
1) Never Ending Story:
via GIPHY
That dog still haunts me today.
2) The Wizard of Oz:
via GIPHY
As if a creepy witch wasn't enough. They have the Wizard and his loud voice and the Oompa Loompas. It's too much!
3) The TV version of any Chucky movie.
via GIPHY
I dont know how my sister and I got so lucky as to be home alone with that on, but we were glued to the tv although it was still psycho. No wonder we are the way we are. I was about 9 when I watched my first one.
4) The Pelican Brief
via GIPHY
1) Never Ending Story:
via GIPHY
That dog still haunts me today.
2) The Wizard of Oz:
via GIPHY
As if a creepy witch wasn't enough. They have the Wizard and his loud voice and the Oompa Loompas. It's too much!
3) The TV version of any Chucky movie.
via GIPHY
I dont know how my sister and I got so lucky as to be home alone with that on, but we were glued to the tv although it was still psycho. No wonder we are the way we are. I was about 9 when I watched my first one.
4) The Pelican Brief
via GIPHY
Maybe we should change the title of this to movies I shouldn't have watched as a kid. Lol.
5) All Dogs Go to Heaven
via GIPHY
I honestly only remember being traumatized by this movie. Not that it was scary, just really depressing,
I honestly only remember being traumatized by this movie. Not that it was scary, just really depressing,
6) The Ring
8) True Crime
10) E. Freaking T.
via GIPHY
Need I say more?
Now I know this list is not all-inclusive. Thankfully I've avoided watching IT for 33 years of my life. What else would you add?
via GIPHY
Need I say more?
Now I know this list is not all-inclusive. Thankfully I've avoided watching IT for 33 years of my life. What else would you add?
Saturday, December 31, 2016
I'm super excited about the new year! It might not even be the new year where you live but here in 2017 in Italy...my goals are well underway!
After watching the amazing show outside on our terrace, we went inside to snuggle and warm up in bed. David promptly fell asleep but shhhh... don't tell him I told you. I walked downstairs stepping over my bras on the stairs and all the toys I tried to hide from my bff and her daughter who is spending the night.
I grabbed this computer, a small amount of diet soda (I'm trying to quit) and this computer. How convenient it is that I'm on episode 25 of Season 2 of PLL! Great timing self! So that's on currently and I'm trying to settle the dog chasing her tail wildly. We are borrowing a neighbors dog for a little while in hopes we can convince the kids we don't want one. She goes crazy trying to get her tail.
Omg. The scene in this episode with the shower! Great little Hitchcock reference there! And the motel... so awesome. Good job PLL! I don't need you to judge me. If you watch PLL, please tell me and I'll be your bff. I think I'm gonna do a contest for all my frens who also love this show which means I'll probably have 5 contestants.
ANYWAY! That was a lot of pre-information. What I'm here to say is, I'm back bitches! I think that makes too many Pretty Little Liars references. I'm done.
For real though, I'm gonna get my groove even more back!
I feel pretty successful with what I've done in 2016! I thought about listing a few of them. I won't.
Let me tell you a story though. We had our family pictures taken in November. When we got them back I was prepared to hate them (because of my weight). I didn't though! I really actually loved every single one of them. (Thanks Katie @ Freckled Photos!) Even the ones with my double chins and all! This to me is the BIGGEST deal of all. And then, and THEN! Despite a little bit of apprehension, I ordered Christmas cards with a full body shot on them and sent them out. Well, some of them. I don't have all the addresses yet. I look at it like I get to carry over these positive loving feelings into the new year. I also look at it like I'm blessing the people who get them late. lol. jk. Eeeee. It feels so good friends! I mean, it is the most freeing experience I've ever had in so very long! Go me!
This is the first step to change. I've known it for awhile and I've said it but I haven't really felt it about myself. Here's to more love in 2017!!!
P.S. Speaking of love, who is watching The Bachelor starting January 2nd? 💓💓💓#TheBachelorNick
After watching the amazing show outside on our terrace, we went inside to snuggle and warm up in bed. David promptly fell asleep but shhhh... don't tell him I told you. I walked downstairs stepping over my bras on the stairs and all the toys I tried to hide from my bff and her daughter who is spending the night.
I grabbed this computer, a small amount of diet soda (I'm trying to quit) and this computer. How convenient it is that I'm on episode 25 of Season 2 of PLL! Great timing self! So that's on currently and I'm trying to settle the dog chasing her tail wildly. We are borrowing a neighbors dog for a little while in hopes we can convince the kids we don't want one. She goes crazy trying to get her tail.
Omg. The scene in this episode with the shower! Great little Hitchcock reference there! And the motel... so awesome. Good job PLL! I don't need you to judge me. If you watch PLL, please tell me and I'll be your bff. I think I'm gonna do a contest for all my frens who also love this show which means I'll probably have 5 contestants.
ANYWAY! That was a lot of pre-information. What I'm here to say is, I'm back bitches! I think that makes too many Pretty Little Liars references. I'm done.
For real though, I'm gonna get my groove even more back!
I feel pretty successful with what I've done in 2016! I thought about listing a few of them. I won't.
Let me tell you a story though. We had our family pictures taken in November. When we got them back I was prepared to hate them (because of my weight). I didn't though! I really actually loved every single one of them. (Thanks Katie @ Freckled Photos!) Even the ones with my double chins and all! This to me is the BIGGEST deal of all. And then, and THEN! Despite a little bit of apprehension, I ordered Christmas cards with a full body shot on them and sent them out. Well, some of them. I don't have all the addresses yet. I look at it like I get to carry over these positive loving feelings into the new year. I also look at it like I'm blessing the people who get them late. lol. jk. Eeeee. It feels so good friends! I mean, it is the most freeing experience I've ever had in so very long! Go me!
This is the first step to change. I've known it for awhile and I've said it but I haven't really felt it about myself. Here's to more love in 2017!!!
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Family is big on my mind these days maybe for less obvious reasons than you know. However, that's not important. What is important is the realization I had the other day about my uncle. He taught me everything I know about everything cool!
My paternal grandma and my mom were pregnant at the same time. So my older sister and my uncle are the same age which was and is really fun. I had 2 working parents so as a school-aged child I was fortunate enough to spend a lot of time at my grandma's house. Eric (this uncle), who was older at the time, was the only one home during this period of life. My aunt Amy had a room there too I think, but she was away in NYC or somewhere else exotic. Plus, her room was off limits. Lol.
The other day I was at my friends house and she had a newer Archie comic book and I swear I traveled right back in time to my uncle's room where he had stacks of comics (Dick Tracy or Mad anyone?). I would read when he wasn't home. I wasn't always sneaky. He was often really nice and would willingly let me borrow his stuff. He always let me play his Sega and Nintendo which in turn prompted me to ask Santa for one. I got a Sega Genesis and Sonic the Hedgehog became my best friend.
I've never given any meaning to my love of Hot Wheels cars until now really. My uncle had quite the collection. My most favorite game, and still is, is to park them in rows so perfectly and so neatly. Then I would remove one car and another one would come park in its spot.
When we got together as an extended family and lots of other cousins came (the perks of living in Utah and being Mormon), we would often play Ghostbusters in the basement. Eric, my sister, Andy and Dusty always got first pick of who they would be because they were older. Lame. Laundry detergent turned into ghost repellent, and hockey sticks became weapons.
Posters of Hulk Hogan and Karl Malone hung on his wall and because of that (and watching fights/games), I know who those people are. We also played basketball video games so I gleaned some knowledge there.
As I grew older, his interests shifted, as did mine. I remember the era of Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey and The Duet. It was obvious who would sing which part.
I remember the first time I saw that part in the first Scream movie that makes you wanna vomit. I was way too young to be watching it. But my uncle, who was obviously looking out for me, fast-forwarded through most of the movie which was on VHS of course, and only showed me the most scary parts.
We moved away and only came back to visit sometimes and when we did, it was always the same amount of fun with him. We have continued to wrestle our way through the years and play just as hard. I miss him and these memories.
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| This is Sadie and Uncle 2009 |
Monday, November 30, 2015
I have this whole separate idea for a blog post that involves the different types of Black Friday shoppers. Let's be honest, I probably won't get around to it until this next Black Friday however, I fit into each category of shopper, well, I used to.
Now, I live in Germany where commercialism is at a minimum (at least where we live) and I love it!
We went to the PX that day though, to get Chelsi a smokin' deal on a computer which she really needed. We went in the afternoon and it was still busy but not like I'm sure it was in the morning. I also bought batteries for this super cool Santa decoration my mom gave me a long time ago. It's super cool. I want you to see it. I'll take a pic.
I tried not to look at advertisements because I knew I'd get sucked back in. I love a good sale!
Also, I have a man cold. This is no regular cold. This is a I-want-to-lay-on-the-couch-and-complain kind of cold AKA a man cold. I'm trying not to let it get the best of me but it's sort of winning. Again, definitition of man-cold.
Living in Europe is amazing. I try hard not to brag about it too much but this season (Christmas) allows for so many new traditions for us. Christmas markets, advent, and St. Nicholas Day being a few (although I'm not sure I'm doing the latter because I don't want to have to buy extra candy lol).
Remember how last year I didn't get to see Mockingjay OR go to Christmas markets? Guess what I will be doing this year? Both of those things. Woot.
Anyway, this is a bunch of non-sense because I'm trying to stick with that goal of mine to post at least twice a week. Today is my last day before my blogging week starts. Therefore, you are welcome. Just kidding. What do you look forward to most this holiday season?
Now, I live in Germany where commercialism is at a minimum (at least where we live) and I love it!
We went to the PX that day though, to get Chelsi a smokin' deal on a computer which she really needed. We went in the afternoon and it was still busy but not like I'm sure it was in the morning. I also bought batteries for this super cool Santa decoration my mom gave me a long time ago. It's super cool. I want you to see it. I'll take a pic.
 |
| The Santa I bought batteries for on Black Friday |
I tried not to look at advertisements because I knew I'd get sucked back in. I love a good sale!
Also, I have a man cold. This is no regular cold. This is a I-want-to-lay-on-the-couch-and-complain kind of cold AKA a man cold. I'm trying not to let it get the best of me but it's sort of winning. Again, definitition of man-cold.
Living in Europe is amazing. I try hard not to brag about it too much but this season (Christmas) allows for so many new traditions for us. Christmas markets, advent, and St. Nicholas Day being a few (although I'm not sure I'm doing the latter because I don't want to have to buy extra candy lol).
 |
| Our advent Sunday set-up |
Anyway, this is a bunch of non-sense because I'm trying to stick with that goal of mine to post at least twice a week. Today is my last day before my blogging week starts. Therefore, you are welcome. Just kidding. What do you look forward to most this holiday season?
If you are nearish the age of 30, you were probably old enough to understand the Harry Potter Phenomenon. You were also probably old enough to take part in it too.
Harry Potter is central to my memories of high school, college and afterwards too.
I don't remember picking up the first book but I remember putting down that last and crying so hard about it too. Do you remember reading the last page of the 7th book? If so, we are best friends. Like, really. Automatically we become besties. It's a given.
I remember playing the Harry Potter card game at lunches and sometimes even during class (sorry Mrs. Sherwood). I remember tournaments with Tracy and Matt. I remember in-depth discussions about how to say Hermione and Voldemort. I remember making t-shirts for movie premieres and late night talks afterwards. I remember the tears over characters and their choices and in some cases, their deaths.
Harry Potter is the single most consistent piece of media that went with me through those difficult high school years, into college and afterwards into marriage. There's nothing else like that for us! Kids these days (lol) don't get to grow along side of their favorite characters like we did. We literally grew up with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Rupert Grint (Ron). (Did you see this is coming soon?)
Anyway, I have some friends who have The Love like I do. But they aren't near me. And I am sad. I haven't met anyone in Germany who loves Harry Potter as much as I do. I'm thinking about starting an official Harry Potter Book Club for People Living in Germany. Is that too long of a title? There's already this group but I'd like to have a chapter here. Wanna join?
Do you love Harry Potter? Are we best friends? If not, can we soon become so?
Harry Potter is central to my memories of high school, college and afterwards too.
I don't remember picking up the first book but I remember putting down that last and crying so hard about it too. Do you remember reading the last page of the 7th book? If so, we are best friends. Like, really. Automatically we become besties. It's a given.
I remember playing the Harry Potter card game at lunches and sometimes even during class (sorry Mrs. Sherwood). I remember tournaments with Tracy and Matt. I remember in-depth discussions about how to say Hermione and Voldemort. I remember making t-shirts for movie premieres and late night talks afterwards. I remember the tears over characters and their choices and in some cases, their deaths.
Harry Potter is the single most consistent piece of media that went with me through those difficult high school years, into college and afterwards into marriage. There's nothing else like that for us! Kids these days (lol) don't get to grow along side of their favorite characters like we did. We literally grew up with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Rupert Grint (Ron). (Did you see this is coming soon?)
Anyway, I have some friends who have The Love like I do. But they aren't near me. And I am sad. I haven't met anyone in Germany who loves Harry Potter as much as I do. I'm thinking about starting an official Harry Potter Book Club for People Living in Germany. Is that too long of a title? There's already this group but I'd like to have a chapter here. Wanna join?
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