Hello Dear Worldwide Readers!
I have opened up a CafePress shop and would love for you to check out what I have to offer. At this time, I have only 1 design loaded and I am in the process of adding more. Please check it out! Look for products by OneHotGothMama at www.cafepress.com! Also check out my own newly created shop at http://www.cafepress.com/onehotgothmamasuniqueart. I am having difficulties getting some designs loaded. It seems the links don't want to work. But hold on to the link and check back often. I will keep you guys updated here.
The designs are all my own. They are primarily paintings, but I will be adding more items in various categories as soon as I can get this thing working! Please stand by! Oh, and in the meantime, check out my affiliate link to find other wonderful products at CafePress!
The Hardworking Housewife
Friday, November 8, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
The Nuns Are Coming!
Actually, it's one nun, and this one is special! Thus far, she has visited about 4,000 homes, gently inviting people to attend Mass. http://www.catholicsun.org/2013/07/17/catholics-matter-intrepid-sister-goes-door-to-door-inviting-catholics-to-mass/
I found it funny to read that article now. Just a bit ago, I half-jokingly told some Catholic ladies in a com-box (those life-sucking com-boxes) to give me their addresses so I could send nuns to their doors to lecture them on principles of modesty. (That "discussion," and the blog post where it occurred, prompted my own post on modesty). Someone in that discussion said there was no way the nuns would spend their time knocking on people's doors. I say, as brides of Christ, they'll do what they have to to bring souls to or back to Christ, as Sister Margery Therese Harkin, PVMI, has just demonstrated.
In a way, my "prayers" were answered. Of course, not in the way I had planned, but definitely for the better. If we want to evangelize anyone, we have to bring souls back to Christ, and the rest will follow, and clearly, Sister Margery is doing just that. And she does it right. We could learn a thing or two from her and what she does.
Well, that's all I can muster for now. It's getting pretty late here, so I am going to head off. Please check the link I posted and read about the wonderful Sister Margery!
Goodnight!
I found it funny to read that article now. Just a bit ago, I half-jokingly told some Catholic ladies in a com-box (those life-sucking com-boxes) to give me their addresses so I could send nuns to their doors to lecture them on principles of modesty. (That "discussion," and the blog post where it occurred, prompted my own post on modesty). Someone in that discussion said there was no way the nuns would spend their time knocking on people's doors. I say, as brides of Christ, they'll do what they have to to bring souls to or back to Christ, as Sister Margery Therese Harkin, PVMI, has just demonstrated.
In a way, my "prayers" were answered. Of course, not in the way I had planned, but definitely for the better. If we want to evangelize anyone, we have to bring souls back to Christ, and the rest will follow, and clearly, Sister Margery is doing just that. And she does it right. We could learn a thing or two from her and what she does.
Well, that's all I can muster for now. It's getting pretty late here, so I am going to head off. Please check the link I posted and read about the wonderful Sister Margery!
Goodnight!
This Muddled, Blogging World!
I'm beginning to wonder why I even bother commenting on the blogs of others. Seriously, the comments I make would be enough for several blog posts! I think, what I'm going to start doing is make a journal of commentaries, so to speak. Here is how it will work (I'm literally thinking of this as I'm typing, so bear with me):
When I do my online reading, I will make a note of points I liked and didn't like in the blog/article/etc. Then, I will read the comments to see what legitimate objections/questions/concerns I can find, and write down answers to them in this "journal," which, really, will be a dollar store notebook. Then, I will use my notes to make a blog post here on my thoughts regarding the subject matter. Of course, there will be links to the original post so anyone here can see. This way, I can write on a subject I love/know, without wasting my thoughts in crowded commentary boxes. Genius. And I give you all permission to do the same thing. All I ask in return is that you send readers my way. ;-)
Onward to blogging!
I will shoot for one more blog today using this technique. Then, I will let you know how it goes.
Bye!
When I do my online reading, I will make a note of points I liked and didn't like in the blog/article/etc. Then, I will read the comments to see what legitimate objections/questions/concerns I can find, and write down answers to them in this "journal," which, really, will be a dollar store notebook. Then, I will use my notes to make a blog post here on my thoughts regarding the subject matter. Of course, there will be links to the original post so anyone here can see. This way, I can write on a subject I love/know, without wasting my thoughts in crowded commentary boxes. Genius. And I give you all permission to do the same thing. All I ask in return is that you send readers my way. ;-)
Onward to blogging!
I will shoot for one more blog today using this technique. Then, I will let you know how it goes.
Bye!
Saturday, June 1, 2013
This Unimportant Thing Called Modesty
Wow. Just wow. First, let me apologize for the lack of blog posts, you know, because I have deprived all my loyal fans of my words of wisdom (me, wise! har har har).
But I must make a social commentary, and the subject is sure to make some peoples' blood boil. Modesty *GASP* NOT THE M-WORD!!!!!
Alas, I feel I must speak of it. It has been brought to my attention that many Catholics don't actually take modesty seriously, and genuinely feel that they are justified in wearing immodest clothing for a number of reasons.
Let me list - via paraphrase - a few:
It is not my responsibility what a man thinks about me! Let Christ deal with his lascivious thoughts!
It's hot; therefore, it is okay to wearing something that won't make me hot.
Modesty is a frame of mind, not a state of dress!
Evangelists who tell women what to wear are perverts or are trying to command women! They should mind their own business and concentrate on more important issues.
We shouldn't have to dress like the Virgin Mary to prove we are good Catholics.
It's too hard to find good, modest clothing! It's the stores' fault that I can't find good clothing! And it's too expensive to shop, especially because I need a babysitter!
These are just some of the worst excuses I have heard against dressing modestly. If I had to categorize the sins they would fall under, the sins would be Sloth, Pride, and an abhorrent lack of Charity. And I say that knowing full well I've thought similarly, so I can talk (in case you were wondering where I got my authority).
Now, let me go address each justification (because that's what they are) one-by-one:
It is not my responsibility what a man thinks about me! Let Christ deal with his lascivious thoughts!
You are right. It is not your responsibility to worry about what anyone thinks about you at any given time. It isn't even your business. However, what you say, do and wear is your business. What you project is your business. So if you project your body, and men or teenage boys take notice, you are responsible for the temptations you have wrought. The word is Scandal, and Christ takes it seriously. I suggest you do the same. Therefore, if you inspire lustful thoughts in men or teenaged boys, or if young girls are inspired to dress immodestly because of you, you are guilty of scandal. And that is your responsibility.
It's hot; therefore, it is okay to wearing something that won't make me hot.
It is never okay to scandalize others, not even if the weather sucks. If it really is that hot outside, do you really want to be outside while the sun is blaring? Besides, I have found that the less sun exposure on my skin, the less the heat affected me. I live in California where the heat is almost constant, yet I have found that is it easy to stay cool while staying covered. And since I know bathing suits are going to come up, may I recommend a simple one-piece or a two-piece that looks like a one-piece, or if those are too expensive (which they are, and I never buy them used. Yuck) then a simple immodest suit covered by a yoga top and cotton workout shorts that go to the knee will suffice. You'll have less sunscreen to put on, and the clothing won't add much weight to you. And yes, that is what I do. It works just fine and is comfortable as I don't worry about anything popping out.
Modesty is a frame of mind, not a state of dress!
Uh. No. Humility is a frame of mind. Modesty is very much a state of dress. And what you do with your body, you do with your soul, so don't go showing more than is appropriate to the world.
Evangelists who tell women what to wear are perverts or are trying to command women! They should mind their own business and concentrate on more important issues.
If you say this, you have some real issues. Evangelists who preach about modesty are doing their jobs. Christ did not say that preachers should preach to everyone except for women who might be offended. No. He said to preach to all. I am concerned when evangelists don't preach about modesty or any other form of morality for that matter (which is a real problem in the Church, but more on that later). As for more serious issues, there is no shortage. That still doesn't excuse you from your responsibility to dress modestly.
We shouldn't have to dress like the Virgin Mary to prove we are good Catholics.
Psh. Nice try. No one said you have to. When people bring up the Virgin Mary, it is to make a comparison. She lived in the desert and wore 3X the clothing you're wearing while reading this. If she can do that, then you can wear shorts/skirts to your knees or cover your shoulder blades at Mass. It's really not that hard, so why make a fuss? Stop trying to justify your position or use the Virgin Mother as an excuse NOT to dress properly. You don't need to dress like a nun (who does dress the Her), but again, that does not excuse your lack of modest dress.
It's too hard to find good, modest clothing! It's the stores' fault that I can't find good clothing! And it's too expensive to shop, especially because I need a babysitter!
This is by far my favorite and the most laughable of all excuses! And it is so for a number of reasons.
1). Catholicism, by it's nature, is not easy. In fact, it is the opposite of easy. Christ said something about taking up our Crosses and following Him. If finding clothing appropriate for a Catholic layperson is too hard for you, then consider walking away from Catholicism, because it's only going to get harder. The Church's teachings on modesty are very clear, as are Christ's statements on Crosses, and sacrifice, and letting go of this world.
2). I know the stores do not make easy-to-find modest clothing. I spent over a year looking for an affordable one or two-piece bathing suit that was shorts on bottom and that covered up to above the bust. I finally found a two-piece for 40 bucks, which is a lot for me. If you want to know what I did last year, I bought a pair of knee-length cotton shorts and a thin, opaque cotton work-out shirt and wore my immodest two-piece under them. I even wore that ensemble to the beach. I feel your pain. However, I don't think that justifies you not doing your due diligence to find something appropriate. Don't shell out big buck for clothes. But don't give up, either. I've been buying my own clothes for 11 years now, and I can tell you, if you know where to look, know how to look, and don't give up, you will find lots of good clothing. Furthermore, look for pieces you can layer over each other. Did you find an adorable but very revealing top? Great! All you have to do is find a shrug or a plain, but thin top to go under it and you are in business. A little creativity, prayer (yes, prayer) and a lot of perseverance are all you need.
3). Unless you are shopping at Nordstrom's or the Mall, or the local boutique shop, finding good clothing really isn't that expensive. Hit up clearance racks because they always get rid of their good modest clothing first (you know, 'cause it's not that fashionable). If the clothing is too big, you can get it taken in at the dry cleaner for a modest price. And of course, you can get very good, 21st century items at the thrifts stores for cheap. And when you go to their clearance sales, the prices become dirt cheap. Again, layer if you must. And yes, capris and jeans are modest so long as they aren't painted on.
As for a babysitter, really? Are you really going to pull that excuse?? I understand not wanting to take the kids out. But I can and do if I must. It says a lot about you as a person and as a parent if you use taking kids out as an excuse not to shop. Unless you are in a wheelchair, or your child is super special needs, you really shouldn't use that as an excuse. I wonder what your husband thinks knowing he's married to a woman who thinks it's so hard to take the kids shopping that she needs a babysitter..... And how are your children ever going to learn to function in society if you don't take them out into society? Do you see the problem with this excuse? It opens a can of worms, so don't ever use it, and realize that if this is a reason you don't shop, you have other problems (again, barring any legitimate health reason).
Take it from a mother living in poverty, who has spent years shopping on the cheap. And don't ever forget hand-me-downs. I love hand-me-downs, I accept them graciously, and sometimes I ask for them.
Oh! One last thing: Modesty doesn't mean plain or ugly, nor should it translate as such. I dress modesty, but I still look good, and you can, too.
But I must make a social commentary, and the subject is sure to make some peoples' blood boil. Modesty *GASP* NOT THE M-WORD!!!!!
Alas, I feel I must speak of it. It has been brought to my attention that many Catholics don't actually take modesty seriously, and genuinely feel that they are justified in wearing immodest clothing for a number of reasons.
Let me list - via paraphrase - a few:
It is not my responsibility what a man thinks about me! Let Christ deal with his lascivious thoughts!
It's hot; therefore, it is okay to wearing something that won't make me hot.
Modesty is a frame of mind, not a state of dress!
Evangelists who tell women what to wear are perverts or are trying to command women! They should mind their own business and concentrate on more important issues.
We shouldn't have to dress like the Virgin Mary to prove we are good Catholics.
It's too hard to find good, modest clothing! It's the stores' fault that I can't find good clothing! And it's too expensive to shop, especially because I need a babysitter!
These are just some of the worst excuses I have heard against dressing modestly. If I had to categorize the sins they would fall under, the sins would be Sloth, Pride, and an abhorrent lack of Charity. And I say that knowing full well I've thought similarly, so I can talk (in case you were wondering where I got my authority).
Now, let me go address each justification (because that's what they are) one-by-one:
It is not my responsibility what a man thinks about me! Let Christ deal with his lascivious thoughts!
You are right. It is not your responsibility to worry about what anyone thinks about you at any given time. It isn't even your business. However, what you say, do and wear is your business. What you project is your business. So if you project your body, and men or teenage boys take notice, you are responsible for the temptations you have wrought. The word is Scandal, and Christ takes it seriously. I suggest you do the same. Therefore, if you inspire lustful thoughts in men or teenaged boys, or if young girls are inspired to dress immodestly because of you, you are guilty of scandal. And that is your responsibility.
It's hot; therefore, it is okay to wearing something that won't make me hot.
It is never okay to scandalize others, not even if the weather sucks. If it really is that hot outside, do you really want to be outside while the sun is blaring? Besides, I have found that the less sun exposure on my skin, the less the heat affected me. I live in California where the heat is almost constant, yet I have found that is it easy to stay cool while staying covered. And since I know bathing suits are going to come up, may I recommend a simple one-piece or a two-piece that looks like a one-piece, or if those are too expensive (which they are, and I never buy them used. Yuck) then a simple immodest suit covered by a yoga top and cotton workout shorts that go to the knee will suffice. You'll have less sunscreen to put on, and the clothing won't add much weight to you. And yes, that is what I do. It works just fine and is comfortable as I don't worry about anything popping out.
Modesty is a frame of mind, not a state of dress!
Uh. No. Humility is a frame of mind. Modesty is very much a state of dress. And what you do with your body, you do with your soul, so don't go showing more than is appropriate to the world.
Evangelists who tell women what to wear are perverts or are trying to command women! They should mind their own business and concentrate on more important issues.
If you say this, you have some real issues. Evangelists who preach about modesty are doing their jobs. Christ did not say that preachers should preach to everyone except for women who might be offended. No. He said to preach to all. I am concerned when evangelists don't preach about modesty or any other form of morality for that matter (which is a real problem in the Church, but more on that later). As for more serious issues, there is no shortage. That still doesn't excuse you from your responsibility to dress modestly.
We shouldn't have to dress like the Virgin Mary to prove we are good Catholics.
Psh. Nice try. No one said you have to. When people bring up the Virgin Mary, it is to make a comparison. She lived in the desert and wore 3X the clothing you're wearing while reading this. If she can do that, then you can wear shorts/skirts to your knees or cover your shoulder blades at Mass. It's really not that hard, so why make a fuss? Stop trying to justify your position or use the Virgin Mother as an excuse NOT to dress properly. You don't need to dress like a nun (who does dress the Her), but again, that does not excuse your lack of modest dress.
It's too hard to find good, modest clothing! It's the stores' fault that I can't find good clothing! And it's too expensive to shop, especially because I need a babysitter!
This is by far my favorite and the most laughable of all excuses! And it is so for a number of reasons.
1). Catholicism, by it's nature, is not easy. In fact, it is the opposite of easy. Christ said something about taking up our Crosses and following Him. If finding clothing appropriate for a Catholic layperson is too hard for you, then consider walking away from Catholicism, because it's only going to get harder. The Church's teachings on modesty are very clear, as are Christ's statements on Crosses, and sacrifice, and letting go of this world.
2). I know the stores do not make easy-to-find modest clothing. I spent over a year looking for an affordable one or two-piece bathing suit that was shorts on bottom and that covered up to above the bust. I finally found a two-piece for 40 bucks, which is a lot for me. If you want to know what I did last year, I bought a pair of knee-length cotton shorts and a thin, opaque cotton work-out shirt and wore my immodest two-piece under them. I even wore that ensemble to the beach. I feel your pain. However, I don't think that justifies you not doing your due diligence to find something appropriate. Don't shell out big buck for clothes. But don't give up, either. I've been buying my own clothes for 11 years now, and I can tell you, if you know where to look, know how to look, and don't give up, you will find lots of good clothing. Furthermore, look for pieces you can layer over each other. Did you find an adorable but very revealing top? Great! All you have to do is find a shrug or a plain, but thin top to go under it and you are in business. A little creativity, prayer (yes, prayer) and a lot of perseverance are all you need.
3). Unless you are shopping at Nordstrom's or the Mall, or the local boutique shop, finding good clothing really isn't that expensive. Hit up clearance racks because they always get rid of their good modest clothing first (you know, 'cause it's not that fashionable). If the clothing is too big, you can get it taken in at the dry cleaner for a modest price. And of course, you can get very good, 21st century items at the thrifts stores for cheap. And when you go to their clearance sales, the prices become dirt cheap. Again, layer if you must. And yes, capris and jeans are modest so long as they aren't painted on.
As for a babysitter, really? Are you really going to pull that excuse?? I understand not wanting to take the kids out. But I can and do if I must. It says a lot about you as a person and as a parent if you use taking kids out as an excuse not to shop. Unless you are in a wheelchair, or your child is super special needs, you really shouldn't use that as an excuse. I wonder what your husband thinks knowing he's married to a woman who thinks it's so hard to take the kids shopping that she needs a babysitter..... And how are your children ever going to learn to function in society if you don't take them out into society? Do you see the problem with this excuse? It opens a can of worms, so don't ever use it, and realize that if this is a reason you don't shop, you have other problems (again, barring any legitimate health reason).
Take it from a mother living in poverty, who has spent years shopping on the cheap. And don't ever forget hand-me-downs. I love hand-me-downs, I accept them graciously, and sometimes I ask for them.
Oh! One last thing: Modesty doesn't mean plain or ugly, nor should it translate as such. I dress modesty, but I still look good, and you can, too.
Monday, March 4, 2013
Been A While!
Hi All!
Wow! It has been a while. I got offtrack with this blog thing, then just got too lazy to make a post, but I'm making a post now! Where to begin... Ah! Schedules: So far, so good. I got a good plan for homeschooling and have a set written schedule. It's a matter of me remembering that I have the schedule and following it. LOL. Also, I am going to work on meal planning this week. I figure I should give it a shot so I'm not running around at the last minute trying to figure out what to make for dinner every night. We've had a few birthdays in the last two months, and more coming up. I am working on my sewing class, more off than on, but I have projects to work on this week. And the most important update of all: I have just ordered that Square card reader (it's free) and I can't wait to start using it. I also have to get business cards for this business I want to get off the ground. It takes a while to start a business when you have a million other things to do, it seems. LOL. But, I am going to take it in bite-size pieces, get what I need to do out of the way, then build my clientele. Oh, and for Lent (because I'm Catholic), I have given up Facebook. As a result, my productivity shot up 110%. Who woulda thunk it? :-)
Well, I think that is all I can cram in terms of updates for now. I got kids to change, feed, school and otherwise entertain. I will post soon (hopefully!)!
The Hardworking Housewife
Wow! It has been a while. I got offtrack with this blog thing, then just got too lazy to make a post, but I'm making a post now! Where to begin... Ah! Schedules: So far, so good. I got a good plan for homeschooling and have a set written schedule. It's a matter of me remembering that I have the schedule and following it. LOL. Also, I am going to work on meal planning this week. I figure I should give it a shot so I'm not running around at the last minute trying to figure out what to make for dinner every night. We've had a few birthdays in the last two months, and more coming up. I am working on my sewing class, more off than on, but I have projects to work on this week. And the most important update of all: I have just ordered that Square card reader (it's free) and I can't wait to start using it. I also have to get business cards for this business I want to get off the ground. It takes a while to start a business when you have a million other things to do, it seems. LOL. But, I am going to take it in bite-size pieces, get what I need to do out of the way, then build my clientele. Oh, and for Lent (because I'm Catholic), I have given up Facebook. As a result, my productivity shot up 110%. Who woulda thunk it? :-)
Well, I think that is all I can cram in terms of updates for now. I got kids to change, feed, school and otherwise entertain. I will post soon (hopefully!)!
The Hardworking Housewife
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Drumroll Please!
Hi all! It's announcement time! And my announcement:
I'm starting a business! That's right! The Hardworking Housewife is taking her skills as a Housewife, and offering them up as a Personal Assistant Service. I am so excited to start this new year right. Last year, I was inspired to do a few things I just didn't get done. This year will be different. This year, I am going to take last year's inspiration, and turn it into something great. Come what may, this year will be the year of taking positive risks in the hope of something great happening, whether it happens this year or next year, this is the year to start. But first, I need to make the resolution to do some things differently in order to facilitate making my dreams come true.
Resolution #1
Schedule. Schedule. Schedule. I need to really make it a habit to get to bed at a good time so I can get up earlier and start my day earlier. I love getting up in the morning before sunrise. But I am also a true night owl and can easily stay up well past midnight. So it is going to take a lot of extra effort to get myself scheduled in a way that will prove productive.
Resolution #2
Follow through. Follow through. Follow through. I tend to have a weak follow through. I get very excited about something and when my excitement fizzles, so does my action. Part of the problem is my OCD. The other part is my lack of scheduling discipline. See above.
Resolution #3
Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. I am also very good at some things, but I don't do them consistently enough. This ties closely to #1 and #2. These three all require a special kind of discipline, which is the discipline of building good, strong habits.
Resolution #4
Be better. Be better. Be better. This year, I want to push myself to be better than what I am and to do better than what I can. That seems general, but I don't want to get too detailed online. ;-) But I do know that I have potential that I'm not utilizing, and this is the year to change that.
And there are more resolutions that I have, but part of establishing good habits is taking them one at a time, or in my case, one set at a time. I want to get into the habit of building good habits. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.
Think about what your resolutions are for this year. Make a list, categorize that list, then under each one, explain why you think that resolution is important. It is almost therapeutic, and may help you keep your resolve. Let's test that theory this year. ;-)
Happy New Year!
The Hardworking Housewife
I'm starting a business! That's right! The Hardworking Housewife is taking her skills as a Housewife, and offering them up as a Personal Assistant Service. I am so excited to start this new year right. Last year, I was inspired to do a few things I just didn't get done. This year will be different. This year, I am going to take last year's inspiration, and turn it into something great. Come what may, this year will be the year of taking positive risks in the hope of something great happening, whether it happens this year or next year, this is the year to start. But first, I need to make the resolution to do some things differently in order to facilitate making my dreams come true.
Resolution #1
Schedule. Schedule. Schedule. I need to really make it a habit to get to bed at a good time so I can get up earlier and start my day earlier. I love getting up in the morning before sunrise. But I am also a true night owl and can easily stay up well past midnight. So it is going to take a lot of extra effort to get myself scheduled in a way that will prove productive.
Resolution #2
Follow through. Follow through. Follow through. I tend to have a weak follow through. I get very excited about something and when my excitement fizzles, so does my action. Part of the problem is my OCD. The other part is my lack of scheduling discipline. See above.
Resolution #3
Consistency. Consistency. Consistency. I am also very good at some things, but I don't do them consistently enough. This ties closely to #1 and #2. These three all require a special kind of discipline, which is the discipline of building good, strong habits.
Resolution #4
Be better. Be better. Be better. This year, I want to push myself to be better than what I am and to do better than what I can. That seems general, but I don't want to get too detailed online. ;-) But I do know that I have potential that I'm not utilizing, and this is the year to change that.
And there are more resolutions that I have, but part of establishing good habits is taking them one at a time, or in my case, one set at a time. I want to get into the habit of building good habits. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew.
Think about what your resolutions are for this year. Make a list, categorize that list, then under each one, explain why you think that resolution is important. It is almost therapeutic, and may help you keep your resolve. Let's test that theory this year. ;-)
Happy New Year!
The Hardworking Housewife
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!
Ahh! 2012. Feels like only yesterday. :-)
Hi all! Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful celebration ringing in this new year. We made it! This is the year for new possibilities, new hopes, new dreams, new everything! And tomorrow, I will make a special new year's announcement to help ring in the new year!
So what are your New Year's Resolutions? My resolution is to be better as a person.
But I am too distracted to type right now. Look for my post tomorrow!
Happy New Year!
The Hardworking Housewife
Hi all! Happy New Year! I hope everyone has had a safe and wonderful celebration ringing in this new year. We made it! This is the year for new possibilities, new hopes, new dreams, new everything! And tomorrow, I will make a special new year's announcement to help ring in the new year!
So what are your New Year's Resolutions? My resolution is to be better as a person.
But I am too distracted to type right now. Look for my post tomorrow!
Happy New Year!
The Hardworking Housewife
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