A Return to Modesty

I always know when summer has arrived. No, not because of the days with highs in the 90's. I know by seeing the return of spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, and unbelievably short shorts. This immodest choice of clothing is to be expected among those of the world, but it is disturbing to see it so prominent among self professed Christian women. God's word has not changed and the command is still written, "I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly...as is proper for women making a claim to godliness" (1 Tim. 2:9-10). These words clearly demand we dress in an appropriate and modest fashion and prohibit the indecent exposure of one’s body.

Clothing reflects the character of a person. (Read 1 Peter 3:1-6) Genesis 38:13-18 gives the account of Tamar putting off her widows garments and putting on the garments of a harlot. When she did this, not only was she treated like a harlot but she acted like one. Proverbs 7:10 speaks of the harlot’s attire as well. Shouldn’t this cause the Christian to admit provocative, sexually explicit clothing invites sexual activity? Besides, what message is being sent to a lost world when Christian women (men as well), who profess themselves to be godly, dress in sexually provocative clothing? As Christians we are the salt and light of the world. (Mt. 5:13-16)

But it is shocking to see the clothes that teens (and even pre-teens) are wearing these days. It is likely that teens are obsessed with "looking sexy" because their mothers have obsessed over this as well. May we return to the Bible, and may we (to borrow from Shalit's book) "return to modesty." Let me recommend the following reading on this topic for your consideration:

Read Margery Eagan's column in the Boston Herald (3/22/07) titled "Oh, Mothers! Just Act Your Age!"
Read Wendy Shalit's book A Return to Modesty (available from Amazon.com)
Read Wendy Shalit's NEW book Girls Gone Mild (available from Amazon.com)
Read Jeff Pollard's little booklet Christian Modesty and the Undressing of America (available from Amazon.com).

God help us to be the salt and light of the world,
Robert

Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman

Many of you know who musician Steven Curtis Chapman is because he has been one of the more recognizable names in the Christian music industry for almost two decades. Steven and his wife have three children and have adopted three children from China because they really have a passion for helping kids.

Yesterday news broke about a terrible tragedy striking their family when their teenage son backed out of the driveway of their house while the family was playing outside and didn't see his 5 year old sister. Sadly, he backed over his little sister they had adopted from China and she was killed.

As I'm sure you can imagine the family is devastated and in need of a lot of prayer. Events like this really make us once again face the fact we aren't promised another minute and to treasure this life God has given us and live it for Him.

Chapman had said about his song “Cinderella”, “This song was inspired by my two youngest girls. One night I was giving them a bath and trying to get them in bed. I was hurrying and became frustrated. After I got the girls in bed, God convicted me not to miss these moments because kids grow up so quickly. The song is called ‘Cinderella.’

So news of this tragedy was a powerful reminder to me as a parent to find the wisdom in his song “Cinderella.” Listen and watch it by playing the above video. Now is the time to practice the dancin’ — while she’s still in my arms.

I especially think about my middle daughter, Mackenzie who is 4 and has lately really being "pushing" and testing me and my wife’s patience and nerves. Yet, she is truly our little “Cinderella” in the house – she loves the princess characters from all the Disney movies and sings them with all our precious heart. God help me to be more patient, understanding, tolerant and loving toward her. She brings us so much joy and happiness to our lives. I need to take the time and stop and see it more in her little life. Daddy loves you so very much Mackenzie.

Also, another note of tragedy, I read today China is saying there are over 4,000 new orphans because of the earth quake. So many children without parents in a country that is so far from God.

May the Lord Jesus Christ bless and keep you all in this lost and fallen world

Robert Prater

Indiana Jones is Back!

Growing up in the 80's, Indiana Jones has always been one of my favorite movie heroes. I’m posting this trailer which previews the newest installment, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" Check it out! It looks awesome!

We've been waiting since 1989 to see the fedora back in action! Indiana Jones IV hits the theaters nationwide on May 22. I’m hoping me and my middle brother can see it this weekend in Tulsa when my family will up for the long Memorial Day weekend. My older brother might come with us except the one little “small matter” of his wife giving birth to their second child on Friday. Their so excited to be expecting their first son. I’ve also got a brother and sister-in-law expecting their first son in September, so I think the “next generation” of young boys who will grow up admiring, watching and playing “Indian Jones” in their backyards will live on!!

Robert

Acappella Lord Save Me

Another new music video from Acappella. From their latest CD release RADIANCE. The song is called, "Lord, Save Me."

This video has such great positive Christian energy! It's fun to be a Christian and in the fellowship of excited believers! Great song, great performance, great video!

Hope you enjoy,

Robert

REDNECK EVANGELISM?

There are plenty of bad church signs out there, but this "Get'r Done" sign made me laugh. Made me think of "Larry the Cable Guy."

Have you seen any funny church signs or religious bumper stickers?

Robert

A Tribute to Mom

This is a hilarious video of what a mom would say to her kids in one day condensed in 2:50 minutes!

I do thank God for my mother, who brought me up in the truth and example of Christ; my wife, who is a loving and perceptive mother to our three children (and so often to me as well); and my mother-in-law, who always just seems to know when and how we need something.

God bless all you wonderful moms and may you have a Happy Mother's Day!!

Enjoy,

Robert

Sportsmanship

A story of sportsmanship and grace demonstrated by a women’s softball team has brightened the sports news recently. What an amazing video. I hope my children will learn sportsmanship like this! In my book the names Holtman and Wallace are real champions! Now, why doesn't SportsCenter cover this?

These girls certainly practiced the spirit and principle of the Apostle Paul’s words for Christians when he said, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:4 NIV)

In Christ,
Robert