#FASHION/Posture

Hello dear readers.

I have decided to add a blog on fashion to my Ministries website weekly.

It might seem unthinkable as much of my writing has been on sharing the Gospel of Jesus. I believe that what we wear says a great deal about us. Clothes can and do promote self-esteem and confidence. As children of the King, it is important to honour our heavenly Father with our appearance.

But does God care what we wear?

Back in Nigeria as a freelance columnist for a daily paper in the 90's one of my contributions as a writer was a weekly Fashion page. I also had a made-to-measure fashion business.

When I became born again, the question I asked Jesus was about my appearance--yes dressing. Most people I knew such as friends in Christian Union equated being believers with wearing plain clothes with no make-up or jewellery.

In response to my question, Jesus took me through the Bible to the Book of Exodus. He schooled me on the Tabernacle, how God used the best of wood, decorated it with gold, precious gems and fine linen for the curtains. The colours were carefully chosen with the priests robes designed by God.

He pointed out that God loves quality, reason He created us with such complex brains and beauty. The clothes to be worn by Aaron and his son's were made by people that God gifted with special abilities. Everything was made according to the specifications and instructions God gave to Moses.

With the New Covenant, we are God's Tabernacle or Temple. He lives in us by His Holy Spirit and as such, we must respect our body and consider what we wear or do because we carry His presence.

I love classic designs that are wearable years after purchase. It saves money and because of quality of fabric and design looks smart years after purchase-- timeless. We are doing everything in this generation to control waste and fashion is an area of deep concern.

Whether we know it or not, we have an audience, and as children of God, our appearance matters and significantly forms first impression.

We all want people to take us seriously and treat us with respect.

Presentation is therefore key.

There are simple questions to ask when shopping for a new item;

• What is the occasion.

• How much do I want to spend?

• What colours suit me and the season?

• What time of day do I need it for?

• What garment type should I consider, gown or separates?

• What type enhances my figure?

• There is the age factor.

• If going for separates, what item do I already have that can be complemented by a single purchase such as a top for existing trouser or skirt.

• What are the positive points regarding my figure, height and shape.

What to avoid

Never buy a piece of garment just because you saw it on someone and it looked good on the person when your figure, age and height are different.

Learn how to identify what suits you and the confident person you desire to portray.

Be you and make a personal statement. Appreciate who you see in the mirror, be comfortable and love yourself.

I look forward to writing the Fashion Blog every Friday.

Look forward to your company.

#2Posture/Fashion Blog

Posture is the way an individual holds their body.

There are somethings we never consider when we think of dressing and looking good in what we wear. It is not enough to buy clothes and expect to look great in them when we ignore our body and fail to put some effort into doing things that help our posture-- the structural frame that gives the garment beauty and a sleek outline.

Not everyone is meant to be slim, or like we say, have figure eight. But everyone can take time to consider what they can do to improve their physical appearance and learn to wear what suits them and encourages good image.

There are things that I have done that over the years, has helped as I get older. It has helped increase my energy level, improved my skin texture, health and youthfulness. For example, I removed sugar from my shopping list, several years ago, except brown sugar for baking. I bake my cakes and pastries with fruits or vegetables which add natural sugar to reduced sugar content.

For a good posture, there are a few disciplines we can adopt that will over time improve the structure of our body as we get older and not require surgeries later in life to look good. Afterall, our body gets better as we get older if we use it well.

Take a tree for example, for it to grow upright, will require help with a pole that keeps it upright. A good body means making decisions that enhances our physical outlook, and that with time become a habit that forms who we are.

Plan daily activities

• Simple exercises once out of bed if introduced into our morning routine take care of the loose bits. Walking a distance each day helps strengthen the lower posture. You are able to hold yourself and stand upright, maintaining a healthy spinal cord.

• A glass of water every morning and last thing at night besides through the day cleanses the system and promotes good healthy skin [Sometimes poor skin texture is due to lack of water consumption. Imagine a pond with stagnant water, and a source of water that has outlet and continuously cleans itself. The body is like that, and on average 70% is said to be water depending on age.]

• Factors we should consider is our diet--A healthy balanced diet goes a long way to improve quality of skin--radiant, healthy appearance enhanced by a good amount of good vegetables, fruits carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and minerals. Food was never meant to be about appearance and for show.

• Early consumption of home made meals by children go a long way to building the immune system, improve their appearance and physical and mental wellbeing. Improved confidence and family values.

• Add to whatever you eat, good rest at night without unnecessary worries that tear your mind to pieces, if you have faith that says, 'I have One who cares and loves me.'

• Besides quality of food, quantity is important. Don't dish out a quantity as if meant for a bird for a six foot person. At the same time don't over-fill the plate as if it is the only meal of the day. Snack on fruits and healthy snacks if hungry; a reasonable amount. Have time for breakfast, lunch, dinner; appropriate times that suit you that is maintainable.

• Avoid eating late as it gives no time for metabolism, as activity is necessary for the body to process and break down what you have eaten and put to good use.

You have more time than you think

Remember, no matter how good the food in terms of quality of content, texture and preparation, a thankful heart to the One who created the seed for the farmer and buried it in the soil and gave wisdom to the baker and those gifted the ability to process them into consumables is important. He adds blessings and goodness to the food and all must be received with gratitude.

Therefore, looking good is not just about spending money on the outward appearances, it is the whole person; mind body, spirit and soul.

It therefore requires a careful thought, as some of us are lazy and just pick up the phone when hungry.

Also, a well ventilated and regularly cleaned home adds to a healthy lifestyle.

When every step has been taken to take care of the whole person--personal hygiene [daily personal care, oral and body, regular changed and cleaned clothes, fresh appearance with a balanced diet,] will promote confidence and self-worth and respect.

After that, everything else is bonus, whatever you want to wear, respect yourself and honour your Maker.

For without health and a good posture, however well constructed the suit, garment or fashion item, it will not look good.

Fashion is the whole person for out of a sound mind flows the confidence to love yourself.

When you love yourself, you'll take care of it and will not envy someone else and make yourself a fake copy.

Find who you are by abiding in your Maker--John 15:4-11. He defines and completes you.