Sunday best vs. casual dress

Do not get this story “twisted”, it is meant to point out the extremes of Casual and Sunday Best dressing (this website may be a little ‘over-the-top’ for some). There’s a problem when we come to the Lord in anything other than our “Sunday Best”.

Once upon a time, people use to put on their “good clothes” before attending church. Preparations usually began on Saturday or before bedtime that night. People would lay out their clothes, get their hair styled or cut and then go to bed early because you didn’t want to get caught ‘nodding’ in church. That was called getting out your “Sunday Best” and getting ready for church.

Today it’s called: “Casual Sunday” and some churches have it more than once a year. It is a designated Sunday (or Saturday) when people can ‘dress down’ or maybe even don some sort of “theme apparel”. It’s a day of worship that people can come as they are, yet some bounce into church looking as if they just rolled out of bed and their clothes have never seen an iron. Men have gone from an open collar shirt & jacket to athletic wear. Some women come dressed as if they just stepped off a treadmill.

Why come into the house of the Lord wearing just any old thing? Do you suppose the Magi, who came to visit Jesus after He was born, wore wrinkled, oversized, tattered clothing? Sure the shepherds wore working garb, but that’s all they had and it was their best.

If your very best presentation before the Lord is jeans and a tee shirt, then by all means, come to the table and sup; but if you can do better – wear your best. Men and women who own cattle ranches & farms in the southwest know how to make a pair of jeans and a cowboy hat look real choice on a Sunday morning.

Remember “Little House on the Prairie” and other shows from the past where the children (and parents) had their “Sunday-go-to-meeting” clothes that they took care of and wore just on Sundays or special occasions?

It’s bad (and that doesn’t mean good) when you see more glitz and glam or ‘so-called fashion dressing’ at a high school basketball game (5 inch stilettos, false eyelashes and more weave than you could imagine) than you would see coming into the house of God. Recall how people dressed to go to a club, well that’s what you may see. {Please put your rocks down} There’s nothing wrong with a little enhancement, but when your attire at a high school ball game looks more like a ‘wanna-be red carpet event’ – something’s amiss. Is this only happening in Jacksonville, Florida?

It’s a little extreme, but the money that went into those outfits could be spent on a couple of mix-and-match (conservative, everyday) outfits. You like “name brand” merchandise? Designer fashions can be found at ‘thrift shops’, ‘resale stores’, ‘outlet malls’ and ‘vintage shops’. Also, going to a department store when merchandise is 50 – 75% off (and if you wait you can sometimes catch an addition 25% off of the sale price) is a good economical thing. Bargains can be found in these stores. Budget your money for something that won’t fall apart in the first wash.

What ever happen to the phrase, “Dress for Success”? Do we not want to be successful when coming to church? What are we showing others if we don’t give them something to strive for?

Even in the business world, Swiss bank “UBS” has revamped its dress code handbook on the importance of impressing customers with a polished presence and sense of Swiss precision and decorum. Is there anything wrong with wanting to impress God with the way we come before His presence?

Days of “white gloves” are long gone and “hats” have almost been eradicated. There use to be a time when women would always wear something on their heads until we discovered that our hair was a covering. So hats went bye-bye. Coming to church doesn’t have to imitate a fashion show, nevertheless; put on your ‘Sunday Best’.

There is even a television show named “Sunday Best”. Would you want to watch something entitled “Sunday Worst”? Neither would the King of Kings. He deserves our utmost Best. Why use attire to be a deciding factor for coming to church anyway? Yes, it’s true that man looks at the outward appearance; notwithstanding, God sees a man’s heart (I Sam. 16:7). But would you want to be like the person who is “barely making it” or would you like to be that prominent individual the others want to follow (as you follow Christ)?

Have you noticed how TV anchor people, sports casters and some entertainers dress on the air? They’re dressed in shirt, ties, and suits. Would you want to hear what they have to say if they were wearing ‘casual attire’? Would you take them seriously? Maybe – but why risk the chance? Other areas besides Jacksonville, Florida may be seeing these changes too. Is your area one of them?

A long time ago, men would go to church to find a well-dressed young woman to meet and consider dating and bringing home to Mama. Would a pair of Nike’s turn them on today? Oh, maybe the places have been reversed from the church to the gymnasium.

This writer is privileged to attend some exclusive cultural spots in Jacksonville and people come “dressed to the hilt”; so why short change God just for comforts sake? If you desire to dress down – then at least go Business Casual.

Let it be understood that we never pass judgment on someone when they don’t have something nice to wear – that’s the time to be charitable and be tactful in giving a person something. It should be something that you would want to wear. How you present the gift to the person is another thing. Get to know them first and don’t think of them as a person ‘needing a handout’. (It’s not good to be prideful, but everyone should have a little pride - VJP)

So let’s give God our “Sunday Best” and reflect the light. He is a God that will supply for all of His children, but the children have to desire those good and perfect gifts that are given freely to us. You’ve got to show what God is doing for you in order for others to desire those blessings. Don’t just hoard blessings – give some away. What do you have to say???

Happy What? 2011

Today is January 5, 2011. It is only five days since we welcomed in the New Year. Have you wished anyone a “Happy New Year” since January 1st? On January first (and maybe on the second) we bid each other a prosperous look towards the future. Well, why not continue to bestow greetings of great expectations until maybe “Happy Valentine’s Day” rolls around?

Try it! Continue to say, “Happy New Year” to the grocery clerk, to your doctor, to your hairdresser & manicurist and yes, even to someone you don’t know who passes by you in the street or at your local department store. You will be amused & amazed to see the smiles and maybe even a few puzzled looks of confusion. What harm will it do? It may be the only positive affirmation that the person will receive all week. “We can say Happy New Year this late in January - It’s gonna be alright”.

Even though the world continues to come out of a “recession”, we as Christian believers still, have no connection with it. Continue to pray for those who do not know Christ. Continue to "Thank God" for all that He does for us and others - only if we allow Him to.

And if one of your “New Year’s Resolutions” is to read the entire Bible in a year, consider going to this site from Vivian Herron (Bible Study Examiner) and subscribe for daily email notifications. Here you will also have a chance to participate in discussions on the Daily Bible Readings.

What are your expectations for this New Year of 2011?

Kindly click “Subscribe to Ms. "V" Blog” at the top of the Blog page for an “email alert” to receive monthly Blog notifications by: Ms. “V” (Victoria Thomas Poller.) Contact Ms. "V" by email, or on her Official website. Please check back later – Ms. “V” answers all comments.

Christmas Cards – why?

Some people may have already started decorating for Christmas, yet in some households the traditional time to “deck the halls” comes right after Thanksgiving.

There are also cards to send out (although a lot of people have evolved more to cyber greetings then using the standard Christmas card). Or are people waiting to see who will send them a card first? Sending cards should not be a chore or an obligation. It’s a time to “reach out and touch someone”.

Yes, the cost of stamps has increased; yet take note how the number of your friends, relatives and associates may have dwindled. Some people may have died or just aren’t doing as well as you seem to be doing. They may be “too busy” (now that’s a sad and overused expression – we’re all busy these days), they might have lost your address, or they may have lost their joy – ‘Bah Humbug’. Your card may be the only tangible thing they receive, and can look at throughout the year, knowing that someone still cares.

Cyber cards are fine; however a hand written card is exceptional. It may take a little time, effort and money (you don’t have to get expensive cards); nonetheless it shows that you thought enough to send the very best (sounds like a slogan doesn’t it?). Even if you get your secretary to do the work for you, it’s better than putting all you addressed in “CC or BCC”, adding a cute little graphic and hitting the “send button”.

You may not want to “stay-in-touch” anymore (because the other person didn’t respond last year or they just ‘ticked-you-off’), but give the communication effort a couple of years before you decide to disconnect. You may need to let the other person know that they offended you; then do it with kindness, forgive them and move on with your life. The question to ask yourself is, “Who are your friends or who are mere acquaintances that you no longer have a ‘common bond’ with?” Sometimes it’s a tough decision (does the person need your friendship, or are they just sucking the life out of you?) After the second year of no response, it’s time to let it go.

Instead of thinking how horrible your life may be right now or how you wish you were like ‘so and so’; consider that you may be better off the way you are (hold that thought until you watch the video to your left). Whatever the reason, this is the season to forgive. You still should have someone that could use a kind word from you this year.

If you’ve been blessed to have someone’s physical address, then go ahead – send them a card. The longer you live – the shorter your Christmas card list may become. It shouldn’t be hard to stay in touch at least once a year. Take a little time out of your busy schedule and send a card today. It’s good to get something in the mail besides bills and advertisements.

Vote - November 2, 2010

There use to be a time when politicians would tell you what they were going to do if elected into office (even if they lied); today it a ‘blame game’. “Ads get meaner as election gets closer”, was a title of an article on Yahoo.

“Sad Sam is the scum of the earth. He has never kept his promises.” “Ranting Alice can’t run a city commission, so how can she run a state?” - “Yes, I can!” “Mario was kicked out of office because of xyz… – do you want him as governor of your state?” And the political slurs ramble on and on.

Even if you didn’t vote him into office, President Obama had a positive & supportive campaign. People who hadn’t voted in decades, came out in groves to support him and the same for JFK too (Catholics stuck together).

So what is a citizen to do? Take time to review each candidate; eliminate the losers and chose the one who is still standing. You may want to say, “None of the above”, but don’t use that as an excuse not to vote.

Pray, take your time, and use your constitutional right to vote in Jacksonville, Florida and in your community this November 2, 2010.

Qur’an Burning in Florida - Prayer Still Changes Things 9/11, 2010

James 5:16 (King James Version, Biblegateway.com) “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”.

Much has been happening here in Florida and I’m covering the local events in Gainesville. If you would like to read what a Muslim has to say concerning the “Burning of Qur’ans on the 9th anniversary of 9/11; go to the site on Examiner.com Koran (Qur'an) burning in Florida - update - Jacksonville Christian Living | Examiner.com, VOTE and leave your comments.

Continue to be blessed in order to be a bigger blessing.
Ms. “V”

Righteous Indignation, what is it?

Righteous indignation is typically a reactive emotion of anger over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. It is akin to what is called the sense of injustice. In some Christian doctrines, righteous indignation is considered the only form of anger which is not sinful, e.g., when Jesus drove the money lenders out of the temple.

It happens to the best of us. Someone says or does something to you or one of your family members and your flesh begins to crawl. You get ‘hot under the collar’. You may even want to ‘slap someone’, but is that going to bring someone closer to Christ and His teachings?

Should righteous indignation be allow to run rampart and uncontrolled? Do we go out and ‘smack’ the person behind you in the theatre who is constantly kicking your seat? Do you catch-up with that person on the highway and run him off the road because he cut you off? Would putting your fist through a wall justify that you didn’t get that raise you were promised? Sure, other people can be annoying, but sometimes we can be a pest too. No one is exempt.

Few things get this writers’ goat, but recently being ignored in a professional manner was the straw to break the camel’s back (or should one say fingers). Once you’ve said something, typed something, or written something, and you send it out – it can’t be reeled back in. Look at things said, or written by celebrities & politicians. You’ve got to be discrete in the manner that you handle a matter.

So when you are tempted to retaliate over injustices that have been done to you, take a moment and calm down, think of the repercussions, and if you need to let that other person know of their wrong-doing; do it in a way that will benefit you and that other person too. Prove to that other person that you can show love. If you have to say something to a person – say it kindly and respectfully. Don’t let thoughts fester (our thoughts can be as a ‘cancer’ if we allow them to). “Say What You Need To Say”, forgive, report any abuse, let it go and then refocus on the positive.

Romans 12:9-21 (King James Version) 9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

What are some things that get your ‘righteous indignation’ in a knot?

Are Children Grateful?

It has recently come to the attention of Ms. “V” that some children believe that their parents owe them something. They think that they should be given Prime-rib instead of 50% ground round; French onion soup in lieu of Ramen noodles or the Hampton rather than the Dew Drop Inn Motel (it’s clean and it isn’t a one night stand establishment).

Some young people consider that their elders should cater to their every need, and no gratification ever crosses the minds of those children. Grandparents send money in a birthday card ($10.00 is all they had at the time) and the child says, “Is that all they sent?” Parents take their savings to get the child a new pair of shoes that they asked for. Someone gives them a compliment and the child thinks that they are ‘God’s gift to humanity’. Not even a “Thank you” said.

Do not think that this writer is speaking of ungrateful young children under school-age. No. While a child is in school (usually until they graduate from high school) their parents are responsible for the basic necessities: food, clothing ( and it doesn’t have to be a high-end labeled clothing) shelter, a basic education and what the Bible instructs parents to supply which is love and an understanding of who God is in their lives.

• Deuteronomy 7:9 (King James Version) Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

• Isaiah 54:13 (King James Version) And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

Children have a responsibility to their parents, elders, community and also to themselves.

• Proverbs 22:6 (King James Version) Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

It’s up to those mature adults to continue to let young people know when they are doing something wrong. Tell them and show them in the way that they should go. If their pants are hanging off their butt – let them know that it’s not acceptable. Cussing in your presence – ask that they please stop polluting your ears. Being disrespectful – let them know that they too will be elderly someday if they live long enough.

It does take a village to raise a child and we’re all part of that village.

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on: The Examiner.com

Testimony of “Waiting on the Lord”

YOU ARE WHAT YOU THINK – Posted Tue 5/18/2010 5:01 AM, from BTW email scripture

"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he..." Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)

The thoughts of man help determine his course in life. If he thinks of himself as unsuccessful, incapable, and beneath others, he will behave in that manner and manifest failure in his life.
God wants the best for you, but He has given you the power to decide the course of your life. Do you have what you want? If not, what are you saying? Change your thoughts; change your life.

You were Born to Win! FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER, Bishop George L. and Pastor April R. Davis, 8985 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211, (904) 725-3636

I started writing for “The Examiner.com” on September 23, 2009 (I remember the date because I keep my important paperwork filed away). Usually I get paid according to the number of articles that I post weekly, the number of times and duration that people come to visit my column, and if the person subscribes to receive email notifications when I post new articles. In order for me to make a paycheck, I must accumulate $25.00 within a months’ time. It’s not “fast money”, but it’s what I enjoy doing.

Yesterday, May 19, 2010, I posted an article entitled: “Oil Spill (Golf of Mexico) clean-up solution 2010” and the response has been phenomenal. God has blessed me to achieve a wonderful readership following and it hasn’t been easy, but through perseverance, it finally paid off.

Today, May 20, 2010, I went to thank the person who gave me the lead on the story and to take a look at my status. Well, today I’ve made more money in one day than I make in one month. Praise Jehovah Jireh for He gets the glory and honor. Amen.

The thought for the day that Faith Christian Center sent spoke directly to me and confirmed what I’ve been doing. I’ve thought of my writing as being successful and the fruition of my goals is in manifestation. TBR!!! Trust – Believe – Receive; that’s what faith is all about. You’ve got to believe it before you see it. Hebrews 11:1 (King James Version) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on The Examiner.com

Down But Not Out (Pt. II)

Situations or circumstances can lead you into a positive or negative direction. The Choice is up to you. You can choose to suck on lemons (doubt) or add some sweetener (faith) to make lemonade.

From the last Blog, I forgot to mention that our dog Pugsley stayed by my side when I fell. He licked me and whined until Van got to me. And speaking about Van – God has enabled Van to be off from work when need be. God is giving him exceptional strength to fill in where I left off plus taking on extra duties for home, church and the rest of the family. God has blessed me with a ‘super-dooper’ help mate. I love my husband.

It was two weeks after the accident and compared to the pain of childbirth, I’d rather have the broken bone. I was scheduled for Day Surgery (and I was in the hospital the whole day) on April 8, 2010. Two metal plates and some screws later, I moved on to another semi hard cast and a little leg exercises. I try not to depend on pain meds, but after the surgery some relief was needed, but not to dependence.

On April 22, 2010 I went to get the ‘staples’ removed from both sides of my ankle and now I have to get my ROM (range of motion) exercises done three times a day or more. The best news is that I won’t have to have a ‘hard cast’ put on. Praise God for modern science. I’m still not able to bare any weight on my right leg so the ‘walker’ is still my companion. In two more weeks I will get a “walking brace” and I’m looking forward to driving, exercising, helping out, going out, doing my household duties and getting back to my active life once again. Praise God for He is good and faithful.

So I will continue to do as the Doctor says now so that I will heal properly and not have any problems in the future. This injury is just temporary. There are other people who must make permanent life changes to maneuver around (those in wheelchairs or missing limbs) and I have a renewed respect for them.

Thanking God thoughts while off my feet:
1. Narcotics and crutches don’t mix – Just Say NO!!!
2. Prayer gives up the “perks” to the justified. Prov. 15:29, James 5:16
3. I had gotten a little “melancholy”. I cried when I saw my child & grandbaby leave for Easter Sunday service. I welled-up during a Publix (grocery store chain) commercial [a brother told his sister that he was going to miss his sister when she was about to leave for college], so sad ;(
4. Women should not break their leg and expect to go to a ‘public restroom’. One cannot “squat” over an open hole on one foot. Try it if you dare.
5. I’m so glad that I wasn’t on a cruise ship somewhere at sea when I broke my ankle. Can you imagine? People having fun and now you have to sit on the deck & take in the sea air and wonderful foods; well, then again, that’s changing lemons to lemonade.
6. Thank God that my “Bone Density” test results are in good standing.
7. Nail salon still won’t touch my feet. Thank God I have the stuff to ‘do-it-myself’.
8. NO PAIN – thank you for all the prayers that you said on my behalf.
9. Depression wants to come and visit often, but I refuse to open the door and let it in. I’ve got my research, my writing, praying and other positive things to focus my mind upon (Phil. 4:8).
10. I’m so thankful that we’ve got Military insurance and retirement benefits. Thank you Jesus.
11. Thank God we weren’t still living in the RV when the accident happened. There were 3 steps outside and 2 steps inside to climb.

Yesterday (May 6, 2010) was my Doctor’s appointment. Praise God that the x-rays (see Examiner article) are excellent. I am now able to bear weight on my right leg with the assistance of a “Rocket Sock” (support used by some athletes). It’s also time to massage each incision site to loosen the skin around the area and get better ROM.

If you like Ms. “V”s Blog, come read her weekly column on The Examiner.com
Ms. "V"s Examiner Articles

Down, But Not Out

This may be April the first, but this is not a joke.

It was Friday March 26, 2010, just four days after my sixtieth birthday. So good to have seen 3 score years go by and to proclaim the victories that have occurred within a little more than a half-a-century. God has been, and still is good.

On that Fri, I had gotten up, cleaned our home, changed the bed linen, did all the laundry, ironed some clothes and was prepared for an evening out with my Hubby. We were going to a formal sit-down dinner at an exclusive golf resort. Tickets were purchased months ago: Fun, fun and more fun. Little did I know what was to be in store for us during the rest of the evening.

As I dressed, time was ticking away, but finally I was ready. Van was trying to finish a late scheduled assignment from work and we had it all planned out. I then left the house to do a couple of errands; and returned home to do one more thing. Van had gotten home and got ‘decked out’ and then went to the car awaiting my arrival. Well, here I go running through the house like Cinderella going to the ball (remember your Mama saying, “Don’t run through the house!” – well, it’s true; don’t do it!!!). I get to my dining room (parkay floors/3 inch heels), slide, fall into the marble kitchen floor, little “pop” – “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.

Thank God there was no carpet (it was a blessing in disguise). I looked down and ‘no blood’, no pain; what’s up? I lifted my gown from off my foot and my right foot was turned at a 90 degree angle to the right. Not good – Don’t want to think about how it will feel once the nerves communicate with my brain.

Now Van was being patient and didn’t want to rush me so he sat in the car, windows down with music playing softly. I don’t know exactly whose name I called more: “Jesus” or “Van”. I was feeling a little needy by now, so I pulled myself across the kitchen floor, reached up to open the door, pulled myself across the laundry room, opened the door to the garage and screamed Van’s name again. He heard me and remained calm as always, yet caring. He saw what was going on under the gown and immediately we went to the nearby ER.

All we needed was “the red carpet”. Van was dressed in a white suit, white shoes and tie that matched my lavender gown. We did get noticed & after my assessment, I received a little anesthesia and my ankle was pulled back into place and a soft cast was applied. I have to stay off my feet (which is hard for me), but I will be obedient. I don’t do “Twitter” because you don’t need to know how I got to the bathroom or what I did an hour ago, but I will keep you posted here.

Today is Thursday April 1, 2010 and I’ll receive my hard cast next Thursday when the swelling goes down. So until then (and my next Blog) ask any questions, read my articles on Examiner and feel free to keep me posted you YOU and yours.

Thoughts: Walking with crutches may have a person thinking that they have an ailment under the armpit and chest areas. “Narcotics & crutches don’t mix” – just say NO! “Prayer gives up perks to the justified” James 5:16
Thanking God……That I’m alive.
…This didn’t happen in the winter.
…For people who love me (family, friends and acquaintances).
…I lost some weight earlier & was more flexible through exercise (it could have been worst ;)
…For a good pedicure.