Interview with Lucia Marie, from the blog "From Under My Little Umbrella"

So Lucia, how have you been doing?

Well. And that is the truth. :] Busy, stressed over school, dampened by the constant rain, but, altogether: well. And praise the Lord for that!

Coffee or Chai? Ooh, I am an avid disliker of Chai. I don't know why..oh, my. Okay, enough with the rhyming already. ;) I am not a huge drinker of coffee, either..just haven't gotten into it, yet! Mom says that's a good thing..? ;)

 If you could make a new law in America, what would that law be?

Well, like alot of people on this side of the blogging world would say, I would outlaw ABORTION. It is beyond sad that our country gives the death sentence to someone who murders a one-year-old, but says it's a "mother's right" for her to kill her unborn child..even eight months into the pregnancy. :/ DEFINITELY something we all need to pray about.

 How are you using your blog for God's glory?

When I first began my blog, I knew nothing. I was totally inexperienced, and only knew that I had no future whatsoever in becoming of those big, "popular" blogs--I only wanted to share a little about my life with others. I really don't know how it happened, but my readers began to multiply, and I realized that many eyes at least scan my posts everyday--from all around the world. What better way to witness for Christ, then through my words? Since then, I have been striving to write heart-searching articles, reflections, and show the world my love for Christ alongside my fun/random/daily life posts. I have gotten lots of positive feedback, and it lifts my heart to know that I am an encouragement to others! <3 

Do you know what you want to do for the future {as in occupation, marriage, etc}?

I am now completeing my sophomore year of hi-school, and the future looks big, scary, and not ready for me yet. o.O But, I know God has something amazing out there for me~~I am totally unsure what, as of yet, but if it were up to me: become an English major through online schooling and/or a nearby college. Become a wife and mother. I have loved children since I was a child myself, and my utmost dream is to become a mother, LORD willing. But, who knows? Before that blessed day, I may have a wild ride, yet..

What is your favorite scripture?

Oh, it always depends on what is happening in my life/what I am going through, but for now, one of my favorites is Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." That verse has guided me through many decisions, and has always been a comfort to me.

If you could say one thing to the readers of this blog, what would it be?

I don't consider myself as someone you would go for to get advice, but these past months I have been getting alot of questions from girls who are discontent. They want to follow God's plan for their life, but one thing keeps getting in their way--appearance. I seem to come across as a very "confident" girl, so they all want to know--"Why are you so confident? I try, but I just can't escape the fact that I'm not ____." ..You fill in the blank, but I think that what that blank always holds is the word "perfection." Every girl wants it, whether they admit it or not. I did, too. Until you admit to yourself that you are never going to achieve outward perfection, and start loving what you have and how God has made you, you are going to be discontent--unconfident. Coming from someone experienced with that feeling of being "not as pretty as ____." So, if there is one thing I would say to your readers {once I finish my little sermon, hehe..}, it is this: don't you know you're beautiful? Inside is what counts. Remember that, and you'll have a confidence that makes you more beautiful than Elizabeth Taylor. <3

White, Dark, or Milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate is my "one weakness." ;) I know dark seems more romantic and is waayy more healthful, but I just can't help myself. :] "Forget love..I'd rather fall in chocolate!"

 Do you speak any languages besides English?

I can't say that I "speak" another language, for that would be somewhat of a fib. But, I am learning German, and have been immersed in it since I was a young child. My dad and mom speak it fluently, and lived in Germany for many years. I hope to master it, someday..

Favorite Color?I'm an "every-pretty-color-girl," so I would have to say..every pretty color is my favorite color. :] But, one that I admire above all the rest is a good, deep, royal purple. I want a dress in that shade..

Would you rather wear a skirt and blouse, or a dress?

I'm not really a dress person~~they tend to be less comfortable than a skirt and blouse. So, I would have to go with the latter. But, if it is..say, a regency DRESS, or a Civil War DRESS, or a cute summer DRESS, or any of those lovelies...send 'em over! :]

Thank you so much for doing the interview Lucia!  Make Sure to Check out her awesome blog!

Book Review: Freedom's Stand by J.M. Windle

     What would you do if you, a thirteen-year-old girl, were being forced into a marriage as one of the many wives of a very aged opium addict? This frightening scenario opens the first scene of the book, and sadly, this is the unbelievably inhumane case for many young ladies living in Afghanistan.  This book focuses on three people:

      Jamil, the former jihadist turned doctor, ever proclaiming the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.

      Amy Mallory, the director of the New Hope foundation, struggling to maintain the hope of women and children. And Finally there is

      Steve Wilson, the veteran special forces agent simply looking for a purpose in life; he just wants it somewhere other than Afghanistan.

In a twist of fates, these three people will work hard to find love and freedom, which could cost them their lives

     I liked reading the happenings of the nameless girl’s destination of running away from her fiancés. Although this book was written extremely factually, it was somewhat hard to get into after the prologue. I believe it would have been better were it slightly less chaotic. It took me quite a while to figure out what was happening in the story. On a happier note, the cover was incredibly stunning! I could not believe the beautifully bright colors, much less the strikingly clear swirls. Overall, I thought it was a good book once you got into it, and the truthful displays of Afghan hardship. This book could really help the Afghani people!

Tyndale Publishers gave me this book for free to honestly review.

My Dear Sweet Followers;

Dear Friends,
I am so apologetic for not posting that much these past few weeks. Life has been CRAZY. I have been reading more books then I thought possible, and have had so many graduations and parties it is insanity. So, to catch you up with some announcements:

• I am going to the Desperation conference in June! Yahoo! I can't wait to see Kari Jobe again :)
• I am officially obsessed with Fair Trade products. My mom bought me this awesome bag. That was the end for me....
• I am having 3 relatives stay at my house next week from Thursday until Monday. It will be even more insanity, but still fun :)
• Wanna know what drink I can't stop drinking? C2O Coconut water. I:am:addicted:
• I would love to have a huge giveaway in honor of my blogaversary ( In July!) so I will be needing sponsors for that :) 
• My offer for a free blog button still stands! I love making them, so long as you check your email often :)
• I am going to Seattle this summer with my family!
• I am going to be a SENIOR next year. Now whisper it Senior!  Now shout it! Senior!So SO excited!
• I am on an outdoor volleyball team starting on June 2nd. EEP! Crazy eights with tie-dyed jerseys. Just sayin'. 

I also have a couple of (hopefully) interviews coming up :)  See you all soon!

Book Review: Radical by David Platt

     What would you do if I told you that in this day and age, many Christians aren't taking God's word with it's literal meaning? What would you do if Jesus asked you to sell everything you had and give the money to the poor. Would you do it? Or would you join thousands of other Christians in this misinterpreted version of the Bible? David Platt explores just that in this two-hundred and seventeen page book. He uses examples of Christians around the world who are suffering for Christ; and they are suffering more than just by unkind words. If you are a Christian who wants an amp on your Christian life, then this book is for you.
    
     As a book that was written by a, well, radical human being, this book challenges me to examine the scriptures for myself, and to take their meaning literally. This book completely turns the average person's idea of the "American Dream" upside down (Hence the upside down house on the cover. Don't feel bad,  I thought it was a mask too:).One of the questions I had while reading it though was, "What would happen if every Christian in America did everything in this book?" It would most likely change the face of the earth. However, I must say that I do not agree doctrinally with everything he says, though I won't go into detail.  Overall, with this books useful tips and convicting message, I think it is a good book, despite the few doctrinal errors.

Make sure to read the first chapter here.






Waterbrook Multonomah gave me a free copy to honestly review.

Book Review: The Fight of Our Lives by William J. Bennett and Seth Leibsohn

      What would you say if you knew that since 9/11, there have been numerous more attacks based on "doing allah's will"? What if I told you that rather than fighting ferociously against this obvious threat to American Citizens, America is just ignoring the drastic happenings of radical islam? Sadly, this is the case with many, if not most Americans. This eye-opening book uses many different true stories, which were violent acts of terrorism, yet when questioned about the acts, not one were the words Radical, muslim, or Terrorist used in a tv interview. Our own President not only is ignorant of this saddening islamic ritual, but he bowed to a known supporter of terrorists.
     This book was very good. I never realized the dire effects of ignoring radical islam. It was unbelievably interesting how  some American people can be so worried about appeasing the muslims, that they forget when George Washington mentioned that everyone should have freedom of religion, AS LONG as they remained peacefully with America and her laws. Overall, this book really inspired me to stand up against radical islam, as it daily endangers many of my fellow Americans. I learned that as Christians, and as proud American citizens, we need to rise up, and stand against this vicious, brutal, and merciless sort of a religion.
    

P.S. Booksneeze gave me this book for free to review honestly.
P.P.S. I refuse to capitalize muslim, islam, or allah. I apologize if the freaks out the grammar part of your brain.

Frolic Bog Party :)

I thought I should Join :)

• Favorite thing about summer?

 That would be Swimming, and this summer my family is going to Washington!

• In your opinion, the best scent in the entire world?

    Rain, without  a doubt is the best smell ever!

• An embarrassing moment:

     Have you ever had a joke gone wrong? What happened to me was this: I was teasing my friends that I was changing my name. When they asked what I was changing it to, I said the nearest thing I saw. It just happened to be one of the brothers of the friend I was talking to.  Not a good thing :) They were staring at me, and asked if I liked him. Of course I didn't, he just happened to walk by right when I was thinking of a name...

• This is a bit overdone, but, what's your clothing style?

     I am really into the Bohemian look.  With a modest addition obviously :)

• Deep question time: vanilla or chocolate?

Depends on whats in it! I actually like both together. I think I like chocolate more altogether

• What do you think: is the Twilight fad dying out?  And if it is, are you dancing over its grave?

     I pray the twilight fad is going out. And yes, I am  definitely dancing over it's grave. Let's see about the plot. An old blood-sucker stalks a teenage girl. Not creepy at all. Actually, that's somewhat freakish.

• Favorite quote?

      "I don't Like oysters.I want my food Dead. Not Wounded, not Sick, Dead."
Woody Allen

• Best thing that has ever happened to you and why?

     Receiving Jesus Christ as my personal Savior was the best thing that ever happened to me!

• Traveling: where would you want to go?

     I would love to go to Hawaii, I always have wanted to go there!

• Favorite food?

     Hmmm, I would have to say bread :) lol

• What type of music do you like?

     I Like KJ52 a lot, and I mostly like Worship Music :)

• Canon or Nikon? (If you're not a photographer, don't feel like you have to answer this...)

      Canon, like totally!

• Are you a squeamish person? Any stories?

     I am squeamish around spiders. Blech. One time I was washing off a deck, and was spraying the power-hose into a wood post, when all of a sudden, hundreds {literally} of baby spiders came crawling out. they were hatching. Needless to say, I freaked out.

• Flipflops, bare feet, or heels?

     Definitely bare feet.  Though flip flops are nice too. My feet have the cracks to show for the bareness :)

• Do you like old black and white films?

     Not quite as much as color, but they are alright.

. 

• Skirts or jeans? 

      Depends on my mood, but usually skirts.

• Fresh or saltwater?

Guess:

That was a ton of fun! Y'all should do it :)

Chivalry and Feminism: Friends or Foes? Guest Post by Kaylee Michelle Sickler

Chivalry and Feminism: friends or foes?

Women in the twenty first century gripe and complain about how men are “pigs” and that they do not know how to treat women with respect, courtesy, and manners. This seems to be a hollow accusation considering the cry from women for independence, equality, and strength to do anything and everything. “Anything you can do I can do better; I can do anything better than you.” That cute little song is practically drilled into children’s heads it seems. One may recall the dozens of commercials in the nineties in which that song almost became the young girls’ anthem. Sure, men are not very familiar with how to be kind, chivalrous, and polite. One can concur with that statement. However, the blame cannot be placed solely on the male population. Men will be gentlemen when women learn to become ladies. It is time for women to assist and liberate men in their search for the proper and adequate conduct in the presence of and towards a woman. In Generation Y, chivalry is allegedly dead because feminism has caused men to question their knowledge of what is acceptable treatment of a woman.

Saying this is not to attack feminism nor to down play or disregard the beauty of feminism at its best. Women absolutely deserve to be considered equal and have a fair shot at success. The longing for heterogeneous equivalence has been engrained in the minds of women since the birth of feminism in the late 1800s. Figures such as Lucretia Mott, Angelina Grimke, and Susan B. Anthony are all monumental in the eyes of the typical feminist for their hard work and accomplishments in the women’s suffrage movement as well they should be. What an honor it is for women to have role models who attained the title of being some of the first feminists. To these ladies may one say, “Well done.” Unfortunately, the rise of feminism over the past two centuries has grown to the extent of making some men uncomfortable. Thus, they have had to cope and adjust to the rise of extreme independence in women which has, in some aspects, crippled men of gentlemanly nature. The intention of feminists is certain to have not meant harm to the noblemen in their midst; unfortunately it appears as though it has done so to a greater extent than could have been expected.  A student at Metro State College in Denver, Colorado, mentioned that the mindset (in more than one situation) of those who are raised in a certain environment and with certain morals and ideals, mature and age with the thought that that is how things ought to be – even to the degree of considering them proper and necessary. Could it be that the lack of wanted propriety from men and the intense amount of liberated will-power from women has simply become first nature to Generation Y? There are those who claim to be a feminist but also a supporter of gentlemanly behavior who could stand in strong opposition to that assumption.

Generation Y has been raised in a society where their mothers had participated in providing financial support by working just as much as or more than their paternal figures. Women in the work place have been portrayed as the strong, emotionless, solo artists in practically every aspect and occupation. The goal of being equal to men has leaked over into the realm of their emotional expression in the way of not appearing to be weak and sensitive by revealing how they feel about a certain occurrence. Equality comes at a price. Single mothers reign as the heroine of today; some of them go to school full time, work and still raise their children sufficiently. Practically all would agree that what these women do is amazing and deserves to be recognized and rewarded with kind thoughts and a realization of how much they truly achieve on a day-to-day basis.

It can be questioned, much like in the article by Charles Clark, “Feminism’s Future: Is the women’s movement growing or losing power?” regarding feminism as to whether or not women still face sexism. Sure, there will always be that group who is going to thoroughly stand against any movement that is brought into existence. In all honesty, women have a greater advantage in most situations compared to men in the present. All women really have to do is claim that someone was being sexist in order to get her way in the majority of circumstances. When a police officer pulls an individual over, the chances of a man getting off are slim to none compared to that of a woman. Men cannot flirt and manipulate their way into bars and clubs as easily as women. In the work place, women have made great success as far as advancement, promotions, and holding leadership positions. There is still some debate on the equality of pay rates; in all reality, one must look at the accomplishments in the past few decades. According to a graph shown in Sara Glazers article, “Future of Feminism: Are women returning to a 1950’s mindset?” in 2004, pay rates were almost the same for men and women alike. Obviously, when it comes to physical ability, men are going to have a higher rate of dominance. Biologically men were created for strength and agility in strenuous activities. Women, do not have has much upper body strength but possess a greater emotional resilience over the long term. It cannot be helped if there are different standards for men and women in the areas of sports, military, and related fields. It is not necessarily done out of sexism, but out of natural ability and somewhat of a protection. Women were created with the incredible ability to host another human being during his/her gestation period. As one can see, there are many invaluable differences that cannot easily be compared. Men and women are unique but equally as worthy and beneficial.

There is a proposal that has been presented by some: getting back to the basics of gender interaction. It would be in the interest of both males and females to consider what this would entail. This is not necessarily suggesting that society takes it to the point of taking up the stature of being an “old-fashioned hippy”, but merely to define mannerly behavior. Modesty is one of those things to be considered. Some women become enraged when they catch men looking at their “valuables” when they are wearing a low cut blouse. Others enjoy this sense of power and control that women possess over men by simplicity of body language. One must consider the kind of behavior and feedback longed for from the opposite sex. It must be determined and premeditated what kind of response is being encouraged by ones appearance. Of course men need to control their lustful desires but along with that, women need to help men along the way. If one plays with fire, they are sure to get burned. Women can cause men to think, “What I see is what I get!” Individuals must be weary not to advertise what they are not willing to sell.
“Heralds in the Age of Chivalry” portrays men in the Middle Ages as individuals who deserve to be honored and commemorated for their acts of bravery and noble presentation of their manliness. The men shown in the images and described in the stories sound like a group of fearsome bodies to behold. The illustration of these warriors brings to mind the characters from childhood story books and films. Prince Charming is surely on the minds of several young ladies who are hoping to be swept off their feet and carried away into their happily ever after. Men like these can vaguely be labeled as manly men; these figures are strong and yet caring, protective yet confident, indulgent yet tender. Manly men seem to be few and far between in the eyes of searching women. Some men have the appearance of having given up on being chivalrous. Maybe there has been a few too many turn downs in their quest for a woman to care for. Perhaps they have come to the conclusion that they are not searching for an affectionate relationship but rather a no strings attached dating excursion. Whatever the case may be, some men have determined that "If chivalry is dead, it's only because feminism is alive” (Hyde).  While there is some legitimacy behind this statement, it is a sore excuse.

There are some incidents when a man genuinely wants to be a gentleman. Too often though, women become highly offended and will occasionally send a guy on his way if he offers an act as simple as opening a door or paying for dinner. Independence appears to come with a steep cost now-a-days. Women almost have to choose between being independent and having a gentleman. Some women ought to wonder if the tradeoff is worth the rate. Surely there must be a peaceful center betwixt this confusing predicament.
The galvanizing website titled The Art of Manliness is quite intriguing in the fact that it motivates men to regain that sense of noble dignity and encourages them to look beyond the expectations of society. With articles including the broadness of common sense clauses, correctly tailored suits, pipes and what a man ought to do when his wife is pregnant, this site clearly covers much ground on things a man may want to know. However, it is not a sexist or bias organization at all. None of the content is targeted to suppress women and their views. On the contrary, their goal is to simply “[Revive] the lost art of manliness” (McKay). One can relish in the fact that there are individuals who are in fact looking for this sense of balance between the sexes. Certainly, there is more to the relation amongst men and women than eternal competition and bickering about equality and liberating oneself in the opportunity to trample the opinions of the opposite sex.

“Okay, if men are manning up, what are women going to do to follow suit?” (McKay). In the article, “What Can Manly Men Expect of Women?” the authors cover some important aspects in the quest for equilibrium. The McKay’s discuss the idea that if women are expecting men to step up and better themselves that they have to be willing to do the same. Rather than becoming easily offended by ignorant remarks made by men, women can take it as a grain of salt and work alongside those males whom they would like to see develop and mature. There is a cartoon graphic within the article in which it shows a man and a woman having a conversation. The woman is shown describing how she wants her man to have a nice car, a great body, be a gentleman and be romantic. The man responds saying that he is favorable towards a woman who can cook; of course, the woman gets offended and calls him out as a sexist.  There is something wrong with this picture. It appears as though women have become very sexist themselves in this struggle for equality and rights. Men deserve respect as much as women deserve it; that is a statement which if argued, would be done so out of arrogant chatter. “Some feminists still seem to hold to this idea-that men and women are equal, but really-wink, wink- we all know that men are actually pigs” (McKay). That doesn’t exactly insinuate a uniform idea of civil rights. This double standard is somewhat an exhaustive excuse in the selfish longing for some of the bigot minded women participating in the belief of this ideal. There is a hope that one can be empowered and yet accept polite gestures at the same time. Seemingly, this is a plausible achievement that is not far from society’s grasp.

One must determine how they would like others to construct an opinion of them. It is a well know fact that first impressions make the lasting impression. Men and women concurrently must be cautious of how they present themselves if they desire a certain opinion to be made. Consider that which one longs from the critics whom operate within every human being. If one is not currently the person who is desired to be seen, then something must be done to change that. It is a valuable asset to be knowledgeable and aware of the aspired speculations from peers.
Both men and women need to work hard to excel their actions towards one another; different characteristics need to be dealt with in different ways depending on the person’s unique attributes. The diversity of the issues at hand does not lessen their importance in any way, shape or form. Just as parents must teach their children, so society must train themselves to be concerned about the problem which belongs to them. The act of informing an acquaintance of a splinter in his/her eye does no good if there is a plank in the eye of the beholder. Hypocrisy is not an easy fault to dismiss.

Undoubtedly feminism and chivalry have battled over the years for their place in society. It is a reasonable inquiry to wonder if they can survive in each other’s company. However, the idea cannot be a long way off from thought when the goals of feminism were once a farfetched dream in the minds of few. There were many who protested the idea of women’s rights and detested the thought of women speaking unless spoken to. The idea of equilibrium between chivalry and feminism could be looked at as a step back for women and all of their accomplishments. On the contrary, if this serene symmetry were to be reached some could support and declare it a great accomplishment in appreciating diversity. Open-mindedness and understanding others is a praised property in the land of the free. Indubitably, feminism and chivalry can become a famed pair aside of their differences and past struggles in the near future.

 By Kaylee M. Sickler


Works Cited
Clark, Charles S. “Feminism’s Future: Is the women’s movement growing or losing power?” CQ Researcher 7.8 (1997). CQ Press. Web. 20 Apr. 2011.
Glazer, Sarah. “Future of Feminism: Are women returning to a 1950’s mindset?” CQ Researcher 16.14 (2006). CQ Press. Web. 20 Apr. 2011.
Hyde, Cody. 1 May 2011. “My motto for the day: "If chivalry is dead, it's only because feminism is alive" – Me” http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000581576448
Keen, Maurine. “Heralds in the Age of Chivalry.” Chivalry.  34.3 (1984): 133-39. EBSCOhost. Web. 25 April 2011.
McKay, Brett and Kate. “What Can Manly Men Expect of Women?” The Art of Manliness. 2010. Web. 25 April 2011.
Severin, Jessica. 5 May 2011. “I want my rights and opinions, and I also want Prince Charming.” http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=617919812

Algebra 2, the challenge, peep addictions, and life.

So my dear blogging blog followers, I have not posted for a while. I just finished US Government, now I need to finish Algebra 2. I would rather drink lava. I honestly see no purpose in it other then to
severely hurt strengthen your brain. After this semester though, I will be DONE! Haha, for the summer. Actually, the reading is not stopping on June 1st, because I am doing, The Challenge! What is this Challenge you might ask? Well it is where a bunch of young people are trying to read the most books and memorize the most scriptures in one year. We all started on January 1st, but if you want more information, or would like to join, make sure to leave a comment here. My peep addiction. I can literally sit down with 12 and eat them all within 5 minutes. It is not a bad thing to be addicted to like. I will definitely be posting more, except next week, starting Thurday, I will be CRAZY busy. Here's my schedule:
Thursday:Graduations:7-?
Friday Six Flags: 8- about 8
Saturday: Teens Write Conference: 10-6
SUnday: Graduation party for 2 siblings
Monday: Alive at 25

And then the next weekend is even busier! I am attending about a billion more parties! Lol :)

I {really} Need your help!

My dear followers, if you would rank this review honestly {perhaps, a 5 star? :) } It would dearly help me :)

Spring Gala Blog Party!

 


1. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Hawaii! I love love love hawaii, and always have wanted to go there!

2. What is the oldest item you own?

I honestly have no clue! Probably a vintage children's book :)

3. If you had to pick one hero, who would it be?

Mary Slessor :) I wrote a ten page paper about her my sophomore year :)

4. If you could have dinner with any three people, living or dead. Who would it be?

I think it would be Mary Slessor, KJ52, and Nate Saint

5. Which do you like better, Coke or Pepsi?

Hmm, Neither? lol :) I think pepsi is the best :)

6. What would you rather have- chocolate or a cookie?



I would have to say cookies :) Me gusta las galletas :)








7. What is your favorite season?

Hmmm, I would have to say spring!

8. What's your favorite thing about Spring?

The Smell of Rain! It has to be the best part of the year!

9. What's your favorite music?

I like Christian. Especially worship music such as Kari Jobe and Klaus Kuehn

10. What's your fashion/personal style?

I would have to say bohemian/vintagey :) I love the look! With an added touch of modesty of course :)

The Truth About Swimsuits.

By this time of the year, every female being is searching for a swimsuit that is cute, and fits perfectly. Through all this shopping, many of us tend to forget modesty within the search. My whole life I have a a mindset that swimsuits just have a different design then clothes. They are nearly always modest with a skirt over them. I was wrong. I never realized that swimsuits are no different then clothes when considering modesty.A Bikini and Bikini bottoms show just as much skin as wearing just a bra and underwear. Consider these quotes from guys when considering bikinis.

      "When you're basically wearing underwear (or less than that) all you do is show off your body. 99 percent of guys see all of you, regardless of what body parts you think you're covering, when you wear that kind of swimsuit."

     "These are as immodest as they get. Please stay away from these; they show way too much skin and act as a stumbling block to guys."

     " From a guy's standpoint there is no difference between walking around in a bikini and walking around in your underwear. There might be a difference, but to a guy, there is not. That is how revealing it is to a guy"

(All quotes are from the Modesty Survey, and these quotes are from ages 17-40)
      As you can see, in a guy's mind there is no difference to a guy between a bra and a bikini. Even  if it is a yellow polka-dotted one *tear* As young ladies, we don't want to be treated like trash. but if we walk around in our less-than-underwear bikinis, it is hard for us NOT to be treated that way. My standard for modesty regarding swimsuits is due in part to "The Lost Art of True Beauty." Basically, keep everything you wouldn't show at church covered :)