Austen Inspired // What do YOU follow?

   Hello all! I'm going to make the first part of this post to the point, because I wrote something rather long below. So, please scroll down to see this week's outfit. :)

 In a nutshell, this outfit is reminiscent of the time of Jane Austen, though it is definitely not a Regency costume (see it styled more as a costume here). The dress, which has always reminded me of the era, was handed down to me by my Mom. It was the base for last Sunday's "best". The rest of the outfit elegantly fell into place, and it's finally something that isn't blue! ;)

Outfit Details: Dress ~ From Mom; Cami ~ K-Mart; Cardigan ~ Gift; Shoes ~ Target; Necklace ~ Gift; Hairband ~ Gift

  We live in an age in which a man can say that he's a woman and be applauded for his courage when he decides to physically transform. A boy can can be told that he looks sharp in feminine skirts and a woman can be encouraged in her romantic relationship with another woman. Human beings can be killed in incomprehensible numbers before they are even born. And the world thinks that it has "advanced".

   The truth is, the world is crumbling on all sides. It's going further and further downhill. Into what? It crumbles into the last days of plagues, death, war, and judgement. I don't pretend to know when that will happen, but I do know that it will, and it is apparent that the 21st century resembles the "perilous times" described in I Timothy 3:1-4.
 
   But I'm quoting from an ancient book now, aren't I? Today I want to encourage you to read that ancient book. If you believe one part of it, believe all of it. And if you believe it, obey it. Have you not yet trusted in Christ for salvation? The Bible will tell you how. Have you trusted in Christ? The Bible now forms your worldview. Ancient the book may be, but it is the word of the God who has always been and always will be.

   And yet, Christians today have mixed the Bible with worldly philosophies. What they say and do often looks just like the rest of society. Even those who could be called "conservative" Christians seem to have let the opinions of the world sway their own opinions. This isn't to say that it's bad to use the brain God gave us to study and learn, but when the Bible says something is black and white, who are we to make it gray?

  Christian friends, don't buy the into world. Instead, sell out the world for the word of God. The world is headed for ruin, but the words of the Lord last forever (Matthew 24:25). Following the world will only lead to an empty heart, hurt your witness for Christ, and bring you pleasure that lasts but a moment. Following God's word will bring you joy in the Lord, cause you stand out for Christ, and store up for you eternal treasure in Heaven. Instead of being disappointed by all you invested in the passing world, may you someday hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."

    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:

Fear God and keep His commandments,

                              For this is man’s all.                                                               

Ecclesiastes 12:14