I would describe my family’s modesty standards as “moderately modest,” meaning we are more modest than most, but not as modest as some. I let my children wear shorts, skirts above the knee, and tank tops in the summer.
We talk about modesty and being appropriate with our kiddos from time to time. I’ll never forget the day we were at the store and a scantily clad lady walked by and one of my kids yelled out, “MOM! THAT LADY IS NOT MODEST AT ALL!” The introvert in me died a little inside; however, I was glad that they remembered the lessons I had taught them.
Anyway, a couple of months ago I was on the hunt for some cute swimsuits for my children to wear while they spent their summer months splashing away in our kiddy pool. I easily found adorable little swim trunks for my sons. When I made my way over to the little girls’ section, however, I was pretty surprised by what I found.
The aisles were filled with the itsiest, tiniest swimsuits I had ever seen, and they weren’t tiny just because I was in the children’s aisle. Brightly colored string bikinis hung everywhere. The swimsuit selection for little girls was pretty much identical to what could be found in the junior’s or misses’ departments.
Did I mention that my daughter was five at the time? FIVE!
After rummaging through the selections, I managed to find two cute little swimsuits that fell somewhere in between string bikini and Duggar-style swimwear, and I considered the day a success.
I don’t consider myself overly prude about things, but I couldn’t shake the fact that the swimsuit selection felt oddly inappropriate to me. When I was a kid, I’m pretty sure I rocked my summer days wearing an overly shiny, rainbow one-piece with two-inch straps.
I am fully aware that a bikini on a little kid fits differently than it would on a teenager. However, I think it is important for me to set modesty standards early on in my children’s lives so there is no confusion when they are older.
If you find yourself on the quest for modest swimwear, here are 5 things to consider:
1. Before going swimwear shopping, decide what your modesty standards are for your family. This is not a one-size-fits-all kind of a deal, so pray about it and decide what you feel is appropriate for your family. If you pray about it and feel that bikinis meet your modesty standards, that is your call. If you feel like a one-piece with shorts is more appropriate, then go for it!! It’s no one else’s place to judge your decision. That’s between you and God!
2.Make sure the swimsuit fits appropriately. Swimwear that is too big can often times be very revealing. The same goes for swimsuits that are too small and ride up.
3. Shop early in the season. Shopping early gives you access to a better selection, giving you a better chance of finding what you are looking for. Now that we are approaching the end of swimsuit season, be sure to skim over the clearance racks too! You might find a rocking deal!
4. If you are shopping online, know the return policy. Sizing can run differently from store to store, so you may need to return or exchange your purchase for a different size. The last thing you want is to be stuck with something that doesn’t fit, or having to pay a fortune on return shipping!
5. Check out sun-protective swimwear or athletic shorts. Sun-protective swimwear often comes with a little more coverage than the typical swimsuit, and there’s also the huge bonus of having extra sun protection. Win-win! Athletic wear shorts are great to wear instead of bottoms or can be worn over a one-piece. Athletic shorts are many times a little longer than shorts that are made specifically for swimwear.
What are your swimwear modesty standards for your family? Do you have a hard time finding modest swimwear?
We want you to be able to spread the Creating a Great Day cheer with this beautiful t-shirt from Embroid Me located in Yukon, OK that was designed by our very own McKenzie R. from The Lettered Light!
These are my go to verses. Good days, bad days, happy, sad, completely stressed out…this is where I turn first. It’s like God’s hugging me. So many promises in eight short verses.
~Cynthia R.
Psalm 121:1-8
1. I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
2. My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
3. He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
4. indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
5. The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
6. the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
7. The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
8. the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.
We want to hear from you! Do you have a favorite Bible verse? Send your favorite verse and 5-10 sentences explaining how that verse impacts your life to info@creatingagreatday.com!
This is one such day for Kristie’s family. Fifteen years ago today, she was murdered. Although she got to run into the arms of Jesus and leave the difficulties of this life behind, her family was left to deal with the trauma and hurt that her sudden and tragic death brought.
The best ways to encourage a family on the anniversary of their loved one’s death is to:
celebrate their loved one’s life
share memories and not let the loved one’s memory fade.
In honor of Kristie and her love for our Lord and Savior, today we want to remember her and all the lives she touched.
The Book – Windchimes & Butterflies
“Following the brutal murder of her sister, Michelle shares her personal experiences in an attempt to help those riding the roller coaster of grief and loss. The story of a Christian family’s journey through the unthinkable, Windchimes and Butterflies is intended to bring hope and peace to the hurting, by delivering an up close and personal perspective from someone who knows what it’s like to cry out to God for answers.”
After reading this book, you will not only be encouraged by Kristie’s life but if your like me, you will have a better understanding of how to approach and love your friends through heart-wrenching times.
What are some ways you have found to be comforted
or comfort someone after a loss?
Enter now to win a FREE copy of Windchimes & Butterflies or purchase your copy here.
Creating a Great Day was not compensated for this post. This is something we feel others should know about and Michelle graciously donated several copies of the book to giveaway.
Hello all! I am an Oklahoma girl, through and through! I was born here and after 5 years in Texas for college, I missed Oklahoma too much and just had to come back home with my Oklahoma husband to raise our Oklahoma babies! I met my husband in high school and fell we in love in college. We have 2 beautiful kids that are full of life and make me such a proud momma. I love to craft, journal, paint furniture, and decorate our Edmond home! See some of her creations at The Lettered Light www.etsy.com/shop/theletteredlight and IG:theletteredlight
1. What is your favorite Bible verse?
This is hard, so many have spoken to me at different times of my life. My husband and I have always looked to Philippians 4:6-7. It was the scripture on our wedding program and seems to always surface in our lives no matter the circumstance. Oh, and I’m a worrier so it’s helpful for me to remember that it’s not my plan but God’s plan that is being followed out.
2. Who is the most relatable Bible character to you and why?
This is probably a wrong answer but I feel like that relate so closely with those in the bible who seem to forget how great their God really is. My life has been full of things that have made me wonder what God’s plan really is. Especially being a planner, its hard to not be able to see God’s to do list and weekly planner. I’m not sure what character that may be. Several, I think.
3. What is your favorite go-to easy meal?
We call it “Jumbalaya” but I am not even sure if, by definition, that is really what it is. Sauté onion, green and red peppers, with turkey sausage and serve over a bed of rice or quinoa or couscous. I like to add a little bit of fresh salsa for a kick. It is so easy and so fast! We love it.
4. What are your hobbies?
CRAFTS! Bible journaling, furniture renovations, decorating, painting (anything!), and even shopping for craft supplies!
5. What is your favorite tv show or movie?
Grays Anatomy, Blacklist, Scandal, Friends(duh!), and Pitch Perfect
6. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
If I have at least 30 min I usually do some Bible Journaling. It really helps me get in touch with my creativity and my God. I love to eat at fun restaurants with my hubby and go grab coffee and browse Barnes and Noble.
7. Who is your role model?
My mom. I am so very blessed to have her in my life as I navigate motherhood, woman-hood and wife-hood. She has been an inspiration to me ever since I can remember. She reminds me in stressful times that God has not left my side, ever, and He won’t through anything. And rejoices with me in the joyful times! She has helped with my kids, helped me clean, taught me to cook, she labored with me when my daughter was born, she has been there through unemployment, business openings and closings, job changes, hard days, long days, fun zoo days, proud mom days, and is cheering the loudest on the sidelines for all of my personal victories. Like I said, very blessed to get to be her daughter!
8. Would your rather vacation at a mountain cabin or a beach house?
Beach! Give me that scorching sun, cool pool, and fresh lemonade
9. What is the best thing about yourself?
I can be a very detailed person and crave order. If you have a dream, I will help you make a plan of action. My husband and I work well in this way. He dreams, I plan!
10. What is one of your favorite books and/or what are you reading right now?
My very favorite book is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, it is really thick but I read it so fast every time I pick it up. I just started The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown, so far so good!
The aisles were filled with the itsiest, tiniest swimsuits I had ever seen, and they weren’t tiny just because I was in the children’s aisle. Brightly colored string bikinis hung everywhere. The swimsuit selection for little girls was pretty much identical to what could be found in the junior’s or misses’ departments.
