Cattails, Rabbit Trails, and Thistlefish: July 2016

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

6 Tips to Budget-Friendly Fashion

Hello, Lovelies!

Jon and I are driving our last 4-hour commute back home to Sweet Virginia! We won't be home for long though... Leaving Friday for a good friend's wedding in Charlotte, and preparing for an anniversary trip next weekend!
I know, I know... we don't know how to stay in one place, do we?

So if you don't hear from me quite as often this week, you know why.
But by the middle of August we should be home for a significant stretch of time, and I am itching to get settled into our new home.

Today I'm "not" posting, but I am being featured on "Wear it Wednesday" featured on Adventurous Shelby & The Accidental Nomad Life!
So, if you like, mosey on over to one of their websites and check out my fave ways to save money over the summer!

Happy Hump Day!

Monday, July 25, 2016

The Modest Budget: 5 Things You Don't Need in Your Closet

Good morning, my lovely readers!

Taking a break from outfits today, only for the silly reason that Jon and I are in our last week of living up here in Maryland, and all of my outfits are on repeat!

But after spending a month up here with the same closet, I have been thinking about things that I will be throwing out of my closet as soon as I get back home. Living on-the-road or in a hotel with only one suitcase will give you some perspective on how many articles of clothing one gal truly needs... So that leads me to...
I centered these things on creating the "dream closet," which, for me, includes:
A closet that is completely comfortable
- A closet that can be worn a million different ways full of endless possibilities!
- A closet that I love and look forward to
- A closet that looks great on ME!
- A closet full of things I actually wear

5 Things you don't NEED in your closet

1. High-maintenance clothing

The dream closet that is completely comfortable.
What defines high-maintenance clothing? These are the pieces that require "futzing" with all day, or the constant feeling like you have to fluff/fix/resituate/or watch your clothing all day.

For me, this includes shorts or skirts that are too short and require me to watch them or tug at them all day. OR a shirt that is too low, and requires me to be pulling up on a tank top all day or making sure I'm not bending over wrong. These things typically lead to mistakes, or just feeling uncomfortable.

Another example could be skirts that are too short and have to be worn with leggings, or a maxi skirt that has to be worn with heels. If they have to be worn with anything, consider getting rid of them.

(Some of these things might not have to be cleared out, but maybe packed away for winter when layering is more practical. But if that's the case, pack them up and away out of your closet and away from creating clutter.)

2. Pieces that can only be worn one way (or only go with one piece)

The dream closet that can be worn a million different ways full of endless possibilities!
This is pretty self-explanatory, but these pieces of clothing can be such a trap. Do you have a shirt that only works with a certain skirt? And doesn't go with any pair of pants you own?

The trap is that us girls hate wearing the same outfit twice, so what this means is that this piece of clothing is hardly ever warn because this outfit can only be worn once-in-a-while.

One example, is that I tend to keep button-downs or flannels that don't fit me right (darn my broad shoulders!) so they only really fit when I tie them like a cowgirl instead of button them. This works great until you marry a man who hates it when you wear your flannels like that and you never wear the flannels in your closet...

Another example, is the one pair of high-waisted pants I own. I bought them because they were comfortable, not because I like crop-tops or the way high-waisted pants look (that fashion trend will always look awkward to me...). Because of this, even though they are super duper comfortable, they do not work with any of my shirts (i.e., normal-length shirts). These need to go.

3. Clothes you don't look forward to wearing

The dream closet that you love
Have you ever had that moment when you're going out and you're flipping through your closet and you have "nothing to wear" because nothing in there excites you? This may be a sign that you need to get rid of a few things.

I tend to hang on to dresses longer than I should because a great dress is hard to find. But just because I have a few dresses in my closet doesn't mean that I want to wear any of them! (Something that never fails to confuse and bewilder my husband!)

If you consistently don't want to wear something, just chuck it.


4. Pieces that don't fit perfectly

The dream closet that looks great on YOU
This one should be obvious, but I think every girl has items in her closet and stuffed in the back of her drawers that either no longer fit or she hopes to fit in one day. Like a shirt from high school, or a pre-baby pair of pants.

I am awful at this, because 1) I hate going out and buying more clothing, and 2) I am always optimistic that I will be losing more weight than gaining it (lol). However, it means that there are a lot of things I don't wear simply because they're too big/too tight/not right.

You don't need the discouragement of feeling like you need to lose 20 pounds (or gain them in the right areas!) every time you put it on. Clothes are supposed to make you feel more beautiful and confident, not less.

5. Clothes you haven't worn this summer

The dream closet that is full of things you wear
This is probably the hardest one for me! Like I've mentioned, I'm an optimist when it comes to clothes and how often I will wear them in the future. But truly, if there are pieces that I haven't worn all summer, what are the chances that I will wear it next summer?

Push yourself to throw out those t-shirts and those cute dresses that you haven't touched all summer (even if they were pieces you wore all the time last year).

If you only wear it once a semester or twice a year, it isn't worth letting it take up valuable space in your closet.

The Cleaner-Closet Challenge:

If you're still a little hesitant, here's a 3-step challenge:
       1. Be really, really hard on yourself and take these things out of your closet and put them in a trash bag.
       2. Hide the trash bag in the back of your car and try and create new outfits from what you have left.
       3. If you don't miss anything that you put in that bag after 2 weeks, drop that bag off at the thrift store
           (which is already conveniently in the back of your car).
       4. Don't look back!

I think you'll be surprised how few of these pieces you will miss, and how few pieces you actually need to have a cute, creative closet.

Let me know if you try it!
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Don't get me wrong, I am all for trying to "shop your closet" instead of shopping the internet. 
But I am finding that my new married life does not have the time or the closet space to hang on to a bunch of stuff that doesn't get worn properly or often. 

Hope you're Monday is off to a great start... I personally feel like I am drowning in what feels like 99% humidity and wishing I had 3 more cups of coffee, but I am excited for what this week holds.
We head home to VA on Wednesday!

And, as always, share your cute, budget-friendly outfits on Insta with #TheModestBudget!

Friday, July 22, 2016

Keeping Up with the Capra's: More Travels + a Visit from the In-Laws


Happy weekend, everyone!
These update posts have become my favorites to write every other week... since we've been living up here in Maryland, away from home, friends, church, and family, it's been easy to get discouraged and feel alone. BUT writing these posts never fails to remind me how blessed I am, and how faithful the Lord has been to us while we've been here. It builds my faith to remind myself of all that He's done for us or given us.

Good news, though...

1. We're coming home soon!

This is our last weekend up here! We will officially be done with this job next Wednesday, and we are both looking forward to getting back home.

While we are very excited to see people again and get back into a real house, I am a bit apprehensive about establishing a new schedule... I'm a planner girl!
I have no idea what the next couple of months are going to look like for us (actually, I have no idea what any part of the future is going to look like for us, haha!) but 100% that whatever it is, it's going to be good because we have a good God (who does happen to know what our future looks like)!
Our cute little house in VA!

2. Weekend Traveling (Annapolis & the National Zoo!)

We've been to Annapolis before, but we spent a full Saturday there one weekend. We ate crabs, bought hats, and gave ourselves a self-tour of the Naval Academy. It was a hot hot hot day, but we got to check a couple things off of our hypothetical Maryland Bucket List. (I posted it about the day here!)
Another thing we checked off of that list was a trip to the Zoo! Neither of us have been since we were very little, so this was definitely something that I wanted to do before we moved back home. 
It is always sad to see animals that are not where they are supposed to be, but WOW do I always have a greater wonder for our Creator God when I get to see these incredible creatures up close! He really is so creative, and it was fun to enjoy what He has given us.

3. Visits from the In-Laws

I have said this before, but I feel so blessed to have in-laws that I look forward to seeing and hanging out with! I love that Jon's family feels like my family.

The Capra's came up all of last weekend, took us out to eat, and we got to show them a few of our favorite places. One of them was the Hamilton! (Lol at the fact that we all accidentally matched!)
Another place we went was the National Harbor. Ya'll know this has been our fave place up here the last couple of months, so it was fun to share it with someone else, too.


4. Together 2016

It would have been dumb to miss this huge Christian event on the National Mall since we are living so close!
It was way too hot for me to normally be outdoors, but I was so incredibly encouraged by the event. I found myself wishing I had brought a Bible and notebook so I could jot down a few notes! I was not expecting for the event to be so thought-provoking, nor motivate me so much to pray for our country.

My faith was built up, and I am thankful for those who worked so hard to organize the event. I am also excited to hear stories of God moving in the Church/our country as a result of the prayers that were prayed on that day, and the worship that was lifted up.

5. Blogger Life

One thing I have liked about this job is that it has provided me with the structure to get back to a consistent schedule with blogging. It really is one of my favorite things to do, I am just not good at defending my time to do it!
I don't have any extraordinary news for CR&T this week, but I am definitely looking forward to continue blogging about home life and modest fashion when I get back to VA.

Last week:

This week:

Next week:
Look for my guest post on "Wear it Wednesday" on Adventurous Shelby & The Accidental Nomad Life!!!

One last thing.... Today is the LAST DAY to catch that 20% discount on all Shop Sevan products! No more procrastination allowed!;) Enter code "HEYCASEY" for the discount.

Hope ya'll have a fabulous weekend ahead of you... Jon and I are getting off work 6 hours early, so it's already off to a great start for us!

Linking up at My Bows & Clothes
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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

4 Reasons you should NOT be Modest


"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world..." Romans 12:2

I don't know about ya'll, but that one verse has the ability to convict me almost any time I read it. I instantly ask myself, "How have I been conforming lately? Where are some areas I am lazily accepting the world's pattern instead of challenging myself to live against it?"

This world we live in as Christians has a way of subtly and outright influencing us. It's a tricky path to navigate because we are not swept up and away to heaven the second we meet Jesus; we are left here with a mission to "let our light shine" and "fish for men" and "make disciples of all nations."

What glorious callings! But how difficult to live out. Especially when we don't have role models living it out perfectly.

One area that I find it particularly hard to not "be conformed to the pattern of this world" is how we, as women, dress ourselves.
(Yep, that's right, I'm going to talk about modesty. Feel free to close this tab and move on to something else.)

I've been particularly discouraged this summer to see a lack of standards amongst Christian women in the way they dress. Before you call me a hypocrite, I'll admit right-out I know I haven't been perfect. This isn't a post about pointing fingers. Much of what I'm about to say is what I tell myself when I'm getting discouraged or I find myself lowering my own standards. These are constant reminders I have to give myself.

I've written before about one of the biggest reasons I choose modesty, but I want to dive a little deeper into it today.
One reason is because I read another article today about how modesty isn't the woman's job, it's the man's job. It was written by a father who is "no longer teaching [his] sons to look away," but to somehow look at scantily-dressed women and see the woman as a highly-valuable soul. He even went so far as to point out that men who averted their eyes were somehow doing something wrong.

I feel the need to respond and to explain both the reasons why I'm modest and the not-reasons that I'm modest.
Not only that, but I believe these are reasons that go beyond personal conviction and should be applicable to every Christian woman.

4 Reasons you should not be Modest

1. Do not be modest because you are ashamed of your body

When I tell people that I don't wear bikinis, they instantly respond with "But, why? You're beautiful!" They assume that I am somehow embarrassed about my appearance.

I know I am a beautiful woman. Yes, there are areas I would change, but overall I'm proud of my body and the way that I look! On top of that, my husband says he's proud of the way I look. If that doesn't give me double the reason to want to show it off, I don't know what does.
So shame is not a reason I am modest.

2. Do not be modest because it is your duty 

This one may seem strange... But another typical response I get to modesty is, "But it's the guy's job to guard his eyes/thoughts, so why make it your job?"

Easy. I'm not making it my job. Someone who is struggling with lust is going to struggle with lust whether I'm on the beach in my underwear or not.
But if I can be a safe place for a Christian man's eyes to land for two seconds, then, even though I'm not trying to get rid of the struggle, I may be making it a little easier on him.

3. Do not be modest because your body is an object

The author of this article accused modest women of treating their bodies as objects. I have also had people accuse me of agreeing with "rape culture," which, in a nutshell, claims that rapes wouldn't happen if women were more modest.

I know I am more than a body. And I know that my body is "fearfully and wonderfully made." But it is because I know that my body is more than an object that I work so hard to keep it sacred. (Peep the last point)

4. Do not be modest because you think "men can't help it."

I am not modest because I think men are animals, or carnal brutes that can't control themselves. I come from a family with 6 awesome brothers, a god-fearing father, and I am married to an amazing man. I know men of self-control and men who are daily walking as Christian men ought to walk.

But these men aren't perfect, and they need women who are going to stand alongside of them and support them, not just say, "Hey, I know this is hard, but try to focus on my face while I lay out and get a tan in whatever I want to wear."

6 Reasons you should be Modest

1. Modesty loves and serves the Christian men in your life

I am surrounded by Christian men; brothers in Christ. They are daily fighting the good fight and striving for purity. I want to do anything I can as a sister in Christ to encourage that fight for purity, not discourage it. 
Having so many biological brothers, it upsets me to no end when I see the Christian girls in their life that show off their beautiful bodies around them. It speaks so much disrespect to the purity they are trying so hard to attain.

Find one Christian young man who can look at you in the eyes and tell you that it is easy to walk in purity when there are half-naked women around every corner. 
Then ask them if modesty makes a difference in their lives.
Then make your decision.

Again, I can't emphasize this enough, it is not my job, but my honor to serve them in modesty.

2. Modesty requires humility

Ya'll know me; I love fashion. I love learning how to dress my body type and throw as many colors and patterns into one outfit as possible. 

But when I go out in whatever I want to wear because I want to wear it, it is so, so selfish. Ephesians 2:3 calls us to do "nothing out of selfish ambition," and goes on to encourage us to use Christ as an example!

If I am called to lay down my life to serve those around me, it should seem obvious that laying down my right to wear whatever I want when I want to wear it is far easier than shedding my lifeblood. 

Paul was willing to give up his right to eat meat!
1 Corinthians 8:12-13 says, 
"sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brothers stumble," (ESV, emphasis added).

I want to have this humility that is willing to lay down anything destructive in my life if it means I can love others better. Even if it's something like eating meat or wearing what I want.

3. Modesty doesn't hinder the Gospel

Again, in 1 Corinthians, Paul says
 "we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the Gospel of Christ," (9:12, ESV). 

I am called to "be not conformed to the pattern of this world" and let the light of Christ shine in my life. If I look like the world, what good does that do? I am making myself an obstacle in the way of the Gospel! 

How humiliating would it be to reach heaven, be in the presence of my King, and for Him to say, "Casey, you blended in"? 
I don't want to just make it to heaven, I want to be so different and full of light and so desperately in love with God and humanity that I am taking a crowd to heaven with me. Light doesn't make a difference when it shine into light, and light doesn't make a difference when it tries to blend into the darkness or not "make waves."

Light is bright and offensive and the complete opposite of the dark. 

Ladies, this means we need to look different. If we are blending in and looking like everyone else, we will not be living out the Gospel effectively. And this means we need to have this attitude that is willing to give up anything in order that the Gospel may flow effectively in and out of our lives.

4. Modesty serves my husband

One of the greatest gifts I can give to my husband is a 100% right to my body. Completely and entirely to no one else. This does not just mean sexually, but visually as well.

Even before I knew Jon or knew he would be my husband, I knew that one day I was going to be married to a man who was thankful that I saved myself for his eyes, and his eyes only.
And now that we are married, Jon has told me over and over that my modesty honors him and shows him respect.

My modesty tells to the world that my body is for one person to look at, admire, and enjoy.

5. Modesty serves men's wives and future wives

It's a shame that if Jon and I go to the beach, I won't invite some of my Christian women friends.

Why? Because I know that they won't be modest and respect my husband's eyes. 

But it is so refreshing to be around a group of women who are respecting me by respecting my husband.
My husband does not need them to be modest; he is a man of character who runs hard after purity whether they are modest or not. But it shows an above-and-beyond act of respect to me when they are standing beside me contending for my husband's purity.

In the same way, respect the single men's future wives. Be the kind of girl their future wives would be proud to have around them, supporting them as single men in their efforts to save their eyes for their future wife.
Ladies, let's be the women that these men's wives and future wives would be thankful for.

6. Modesty respects your body as a temple

This is the most important reason why I am modest.

My body is not my own.

When I became a Christian, my body became an instrument for God's purposes, a holy place of worship.
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?... For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple," (1 Corinthians 3:16, ESV). 

Why would God want His holy, pure, and unselfish Spirit to reside in a scantily-clad temple? One that is not even thinking of her Christian brothers (or their wives) when they get dressed in the morning? How does that bring Him glory? How does that make Him proud?

I want to be a glorious temple for His Spirit. I want Him to point at me and say, "Wow, she's representing me well."

At the end of the day, I can't make others holy. Being modest does mean the men around me don't fall into sin. But it honors God that His temple is holy and is encouraging holiness around her.

My last thoughts...

"Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness," Romans 6:13

I want nothing more than for my body to be an "instrument of righteousness," and I want to run far, far away from my body being an "instrument for unrighteousness."

I know I fail, and I get lazy about what I wear. And I am so thankful that I married someone who will remind me of how important it is to treat my body like a holy temple when I don't feel like wearing anything but leggings. But I am always going to be striving to make this temple one that is more holy, and one that is used as an instrument of righteousness and not unrighteousness.
Linking up with Pumps & Push UpsTucker UpJersey Girl Texan HeartThe Red Closet DiaryEast Coast NatDoused in PinkMix Match FashionHappiness at MidlifeMomfessionalsSept-FarmBright on a Budget, More Pieces of MeElegantly FashionablePink SoleFizz & FrostingNorthwest BlondeStill Being MollyMy Bows & ClothesGaray TreasuresWhy I Do DeClaireSandy a la ModeMyriad MusingsTwo Peas in a BlogA Good HueThe Pleated PoppyPumps & Pushups50 is not oldTucker UpJersey Girl, Texan HeartCappuccino & Fashion, & The Closet by Christie

Monday, July 18, 2016

The Modest Budget: Neon Shorts

Since Jon and I have been staying up in Maryland for the month of July, a conundrum I had was packing pieces that I like wearing more than once, but that could also be "mixed up."
These neon green shorts were one of the easiest pieces to choose!

Not only did they work well for a date day outfit last week, but they worked for our Sunday morning errands and Sunday evening dinner on the hotel patio.
Shirt: Old Navy (3 years ago)  // Tank: Target ($8 clearance)
Shorts: H&M (last year) // Shoes: BOBS ($22 clearance)

Neon colors can be a little intimidating, but I have found that they consistently go with more than I expect. They are especially great for pairing with neutrals when you want an outfit that is less busy but still colorful.

Adding a neon takes away the pressure of having to add a pattern or a statement piece (even though they can be worn with patterns and statement pieces, too!).

Neons can be tricky near your face, so pay attention to what color complements your complexion. The only neon that works near my face is neon pink! So I like that these shorts add some color without having to complement my skin tone.

White is definitely not a color I look best in without first being super tan, so I preferred this outfit with the light, chambray shirt. But seriously, ya'll, this shirt is so comfortable, I didn't feel like changing out of it when the day got hotter!

Also, I've never owned a pair of "real Toms," but I sure have gotten my money's worth out of these rip-offs!

These pieces aren't online anymore, but I linked some similar looks... all under $25!! (Except for the Toms)
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Have you been wearing any neon looks lately? 
Tag me on Instagram at #TheModestBudget!


Thursday, July 14, 2016

The Modest Budget: It's a Pretty RADSwim Sale

Hey ladies!

So today I have to share with ya'll this cute and modest RAD Swim bathing suit that is on sale!
(Do you get it now? "A pretty RAD Swim sale?;)

I'm not a big fan of bikinis (I'll tell you why on Wednesday!) so a suit that is modest without being drab is such a win for me.
RAD Swim is a new-er company, and their focus is on high-quality suits that are classy and modest. This suit was definitely a success in these two categories. It was super comfortable, and I didn't have to worry about it slipping or shifting into all the wrong places.
The back is my absolute FAVORITE part about this bathing suit... It's so different! Halters are typically my favorite strap style for bathing suits, but this one was unique, easy to adjust, and much less hazardous than a tie-yourself stringy strap!

I wore this to my parent's house over the holidays, and I can prove to you that it's perfect for a lot of things!
 Can't do THAT in a stringy two-piece!;)

This particular suit is on sale for $24, and a great investment. But they have a bunch of other cute suits, and there are rumors they're working on peplum tops! #muchloveforthepeplum

Here are a few more of my current faves:

 Ella (on sale for $24!!) // Breanne (new!!)


  Taylor (on sale!!) // Sydney in coral 

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Hope ya'll are having a fabulous week! The weekend is just around the corner!

What are some of ya'll's fave modest swimsuits? Tag me on Instagram at #TheModestBudget!
(This post was sponsored by RAD Swim with a discount on my purchase, but all opinions are 100% genuine)
Linking up with Happiness at MidlifeStylin' in St LouisPenniless SocialiteMix Match FashionDoused in PinkEast Coast NatThe Red Closet DiarySept FarmClaire JustineBright on a BudgetThe Closet by ChristieTwo Thirty Five DesignsJolynne ShaneAdri LatelyRachel the HatPosh Classy MomBirdie ShootsLizzie in LaceMore Pieces of MeStill Being MollyElegantly FashionableFizz & FrostingPink SoleNorthwest BlondeMy Bows & ClothesGaray TreasuresWhy I Do DeClaireSandy a la ModeMyriad MusingsThe Fashion CanvasTwo Peas in a BlogThe Pleated PoppyPumps & Push-Ups50 is not oldTucker Up, & Jersey Girl Texan Heart

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Marriage is Teaching Me... Confession

I was talking to an engaged friend a few weeks ago as we talked about her wedding plans and excitement to be married. Somewhere within that conversation we started talking about the perfect and endless analogies that God put in marriage to reflect His desired relationship with us. They truly are endless! And it's because God Himself designed marriage to be, not just one big analogy, but a million little analogies that are just waiting to be discovered and wondered at. Why shouldn't this amaze us?

All that to say, I am continually humbled and amazed by both my own sinfulness and the Lord's great grace and love towards me. It's a perfect balance that simply leads me to greater dependence on Him, the desperate kind of dependence that is like jumping into His arms and throwing everything I have into His love and protection.

Humble pie

Last week was another moment when marriage taught me one of those oh-so-humbling lessons.
Jon and I have only been married 11 months, so to say we are still figuring out the balance of a financial-life-for-two is an understatement. It requires a lot of discussion (probably more discussion than we give it) and one of those discussions left me feeling a flurry of emotions.

I wasn't exactly angry or hurt, and Jon technically hadn't done anything wrong... So before I let my emotions explode over something that wasn't really a problem or a wrongdoing, I took a step back to do my own heart investigation with the Lord.

And of course, in the sweet way that only Jesus can, I came to realize the embarrassing reasons that I was upset, and they were all ugly and selfish and materialistic.

I wasn't upset with Jon, but I almost wished he had done something wrong so that I could blame it on him, get upset, and that would be it.
But no, my emotions had risen because my own selfish purposes had been revealed.

I certainly could have acted like it was still Jon's fault. I'm good at coming up with reason why I should be upset, and justifying why I should succumb to my emotions. But this time I knew I needed to confess to him what was on my heart, even though it was a tad bit embarrassing.

Confession

Confession is something that we read about in the Word, and sort of nod our heads at like, "Yes, confession, that's a good thing, yep." And I think confessing things to God is a comforting practice that many Christians perform, something like "Hey God, I messed up again; I failed, but I know You never do; please teach me to lean on Your perfection instead of striving to perform my own." And that kind of confession is a good thing.

But there's something in us that hesitates to confess to others. Personally, my hesitation comes from the fear that people will think I'm judgmental or hypocritical, that they'll think I have some hidden motive beneath my confession. Or I'm afraid they'll be hurt because of what I said.

Confession in Marriage

Confession in marriage, though, isn't an accessory. It's a necessary act, and one that needs to be done very often. Not just the kind of confession of "I was wrong, you were right; will you forgive me?" but the kind of confession that is brutally honest about what has been going on in your heart and mind.

Jon praying over us as we took communion at the end of the ceremony.
Confession is hardly ever fun. Jon's opinion means more to me than anyone else's on the planet, and I want him to always think and believe the best about me. Confession is literally pointing out specific areas in my life that I am still allowing sin to reign.... Why would I want him to see those areas??

But I'm finding that confession to my husband is necessary because we are one. Spiritually, before God, Jon and I are one and inseparable. If that's the case, how could I assume that my sin does not affect him?

I can't, because it does. My sin affects him, not just in my every day interactions with him, but spiritually. In the same way, his sin directly affects me, too (even more dangerously because he is the head of our household and accountable for what goes on inside of it.)

How could I, as a part of the oneness that happens in the Jon-and-Casey-Capra spiritual relationship, expect for my sin to somehow be separate from him?

This may seem simple or elementary, but I hardly ever hear people teaching on confessing your sin to your spouse, and not just your accountability partner or whatever. I more often see couples who are confessing their sins and struggles to other people who are outside of that oneness, and then never telling their spouse. Or telling their spouse that they are "handling it with their accountability partner."

Here's my thought beneath all of this...
If confession is necessary for the wholeness of the Body of Christ, why wouldn't I start with the part of the Body that I am directly conjoined to for the rest of my life? What good is it to confess my sins to someone outside of my marriage, when my husband is the one directly affected?

More than unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ I desire a deep, deep, deep unity with my husband.
What follows is that he should be the first one I'm confessing to.

The goal

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 
John 8:12

The goal is to walk in the light because Jesus is the light. 
The goal is not to keep things in the darkness, because those are the things I am not letting Jesus transform!

I am not good at this, but I want to get better.
I don't want to let the enemy tell me that I should experience shame because of my sin and selfishness, because those aren't the words of God towards me!

My God says that at confession I am free of the sin and free of the shame.
Yes, sometimes it's embarrassing to admit to other humans, but by staying quiet - especially to my husband - is agree with the enemy's words, not God's.
Linking up with Sept. FarmClaire JustineBright on a BudgetThe Closet by Christie, My Bows & Clothes, & Jolynne Shane

Monday, July 11, 2016

The Modest Budget: Summer Date Day in Annapolis

Instead of going home on the weekends, Jon and I are staying up in Maryland until we finish this job. This means we have more time to study/do homework, but it also means we can have some time to go exploring a little bit, too!

This past Saturday we took a much-needed date day to Annapolis, MD. We're been working 12- to 14-hour days, so even though we are up here together, we haven't been able to spend a lot of relaxed time together.

It was so refreshing to have some time together (and just check out the hot lunch date I had! *all the heart eyes*)
Shirt: Forever 21 // Shorts: h&m // Sandals: Trendsetter // Bracelets: Alex & Ani and Francesca's
(Similar links below)
One of our goals before we leave MD was to get some crabs (duh) and we checked that off our list!

We walked up and down streets, wandered around the Naval Academy, bought some t-shirts, and admired expensive clothes. To finish it off, we drank Starbucks on the steps while we watched this adorable kid named Tad play the ukulele.

My long sleeves probably weren't ideal for a day in the sunshine, but the lightweight fabric was perfect. And how fun are these neon shorts? Quickly becoming my favorites; I'm finding they go with almost anything! (Both things were from a year or two ago, so I linked some similar looks below!)
It was a great date day and the most restful weekend we've had in a while. I love married adventures!
How was your weekend? Do anything crazy?;)