october exemplify magazine issue
TRANSCRIPT
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Exemplify MagazineThe Seasons W
The Seaso
Motherh
How
Re
What
R
Meet Michelle Be
Desig
Extraordin
Tips for Submit
to Magaz
Color Me Gre
Finding Satisfactio
God No Matter Y
Marital St
A Look Inside:
Meet Babu & Learn How You
Can Help Minister in Southern
India
see page 6
living lives that glorif
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E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N
Exemplify Online & Magazine
editors welcome
Fall has always
been my favoriteseason.n my home Autumn is an event. It calls for
ecorations, warm apple cider, delicious
esserts, harvest activities and, of course, the
nticipation of Christmas wishes!
rowing up, my Dad would have my
rothers, sister and I sit down to make our
hristmas lists in October. We would playhristmas music, get out the Sears Wishlist
atalogue and get to work!
No wonder my parents were the envy of all
my friends!
he thing is, I probably couldnt name what I
eceived those years for Christmas to you if I
ied. But I remember every single year I sat
own with my siblings, my Mom and Dad
nd took part in our fun family tradition.
dont think it is an accident that even nows an adult something very real fills my heart
n these months.
omething beckons me to wait before my
Heavenly Father with joyful expectation.
ust as my Dad would usher excitement into
ur home during these Fall months, so does
ur Heavenly Father!
Just take a look around and see how our God
shows off during this season! He makes trees
resemble burning bushes.
He allows the air to crisp over so that our
homes are all the more cozy.
He causes ocean waves to crash with more
weight and pumpkin patches to spring to
life.
Squirrels begin building their winter nests
and birds go on vacation.
All of creation gets in on His Autumn Song.
Even Starbucks joins the tune and serves up
a Pumpkin Spice Latte! Have you tasted that
thing? Its bliss for your taste buds.
It seems everywhere we turn, the Lord
invites our conversation with Him during
this season.
He invites us to sit down at His table and
listen to the song, while we share our hearts
with Him.
If I have learned anything from my Dad, it is
that.
I encourage you this October to take sometime to get alone with your Father God
and share your heart with Him.
Draw near to Him with a sincere heart.
Open up your life to His outstretched
arms and receive the bounty of His
harvest.
This issue is overflowing with goodness! I
am pleased to feature the writing of L
MacMath of All You Have to Give and
Internet Cafe. Lori works behind the s
at many of the ministries youve come
know and love. Her piece this month beautiful telling of the seasons of
motherhood.
Alisa Hope also shares with us the ove
that comes from pouring ourselves ou
the lives of others and Tara Rachel, a s
writer here at Exemplify, is sharing the
of Babu, a man who is changing the liv
hundreds of orphans in Southern Indi
is a story you do not want to miss and
that calls for our involvement.
As always, it is my joy to present this Exemplify Magazine to you. Our them
month is in keeping with the season:
Autumn.
Come celebrate the beauty of this mon
with us!
In King Jesus,
Kristen Schiffman
...let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our heartssprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure wate
Hebrews 10:22
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E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E
Exemplify Online & Magazine
Get to know
our teamonline!
Founder/Editor in Chief
Kristen Schiffman
Assistant Editor/Family Column
Andrea Mitchell
In 10 Minutes or Less
Carol MoxleyAdvice Column
Christine Johnston
Singles Columnist
Christy McGraw
Sanctuary Columnist
Christy Klein
Marriage Columnist
Jenifer Jernigan
Fashion Columnist
Jennifer
Interview Columnist
Judith Roberts
Ministry: Online! Columnist
Amy Bayliss
Devotion Columnist
Kara Cox
Book Review Columnist
Kate
Fiction Columnist
Tara Rachel
Health Columnist
Shannon
Bible Study Columnist
Victoria Jenkins
How-To Columnist
Wendy Miller
Andrea MitchellChristy McGrawVictoria JenkinsPatty WysongMarsha HarwoodJoanne Sher
Wendy MillerSonia Chacon
Shane SchwichtenbergKelli ReaganChrista AllanDaisy Olsen
Do you vlog? We are looking fordeo bloggers to join our team!hoot us an email with a link to adeo sample at [email protected]!
Blog Team
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E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E
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Editors Pick
features
olumnsWays to Welcome Autumn in 10 Minutes or Less
Vibrant Beauty:Devotional Column
The Book Nook: The Practice of the Presence of
God
Color Me Green: Singles Column
Linda Osborne, Woman on a Mission: Interview
Painting Your Sanctuary: Home Decor Column
Firsts & Lasts: Family Channel
How to Retain What You Read: How-To Column
Seedtime & Harvest: Bible Study
Falling in Love Again: Marriage Column
Tips for Submitting an Article: Editors Note
Babu: Laborer
The Seasons Within The Season ofMotherhood
All You Have to Give Blog Feature
Gathering Empty Pitchers
Meet Michelle Beck: DesignerExtraordinaire
615
17
20
22
4
5
7
9 22
6
As Tara Rachel shares the story of
her friend, Babu, the very mission o
serving the least of these springs
to life.
I must call attention to the ministry
of Babu and encourage each of us
to somehow get involved.
con
en
s
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Bye-bye, summer! Hello, fall! With a few minutes here and there, you can be preparedwhen cooler temperatures blow in from the north.
Break out the throws and afghans. If they were
clean when you packed them away, a quick toss in
the dryer with a dryer sheet will freshen them up.
Lay them out on sofas and beds to prepare for that
first cool front.
Have your heater checked. Call toschedule service for your heating system
before you actually need it.
Let there be light. Check to make sureflashlights work and you have candles onhand in case of power shortages. Whileyoure at it, re-light the pilots on the gas fireplaces.
Create a little ambiance. Decorative,scented candles create a sense of warmthduring cooler months, so pick up a few nexttime youre out shopping.
Check the dcor. Pull out the falldecoration and do a quick inventory. Toss outanything that is no longer useable. Decoratelater when you can take your time.
Make a grocery list. Keep frozen and non-perishable items on hand for your favoritecold weather meals. When the cool front
blows in, youll be ready to make that chili orstew!
Swap out makeup. Time to change fromthose summer tones for fall ones. And dont
forget to replace old mascara that may beharboring bacteria!
Warm your tootsies. As you move fromsandals to boots, wipe shoes down with a one-
step polisher or soft cloth so theyll be ready togo when you are.
Swap your closet. Dont have time toclean out the closet? Simply move spring/summer garments to the back and bring thefall/winter clothes to the front. This can bedone quickly as you pull out items you nolonger wear for donation. Now yourwardrobe is ready!
Box up donation items and put them in thecar. You can drop them off next time youreout running errands.
Start your Christmas gift list. By keepingit in your purse or hand-held, youll always beprepared to shop-as-you-go throughout thefall.
Sign up for a Bible Study! The kids aregoing back to school; why not take a class,too? Many of todays studies havehomework that takes about ten minutes eachday to complete.
A study doesnt fit your schedule? Saside ten minutes each day to read yourBy giving the Lord back some of the timhas given you, you allow Him a little mcontrol over your schedule. And He ne
messes it up!
Even the stork in the skknows her appointed seas
and the dove, the swift athe thrush observe the tim
their migration.Jeremiah 8:7a
_____________
Ways ToWelcome AutumnIn 10 Minutes 0r Less
Written by Carol Moxley
Married 22 years, Carol is m
teen and a tween. She is als
Registered Nurse, a Bible st
leader, volunteers at her kid
plays electric bass in two ro
and gardens her acre in the
In her spare time, she does l
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What if your parents abandoned you
s a child?
What if the only way you could learn
Bible verse is to memorize what
omeone else read?
What if you could only eat one meal a
ay, and that meal was rice?
What if you didnt eat at all unless
omeone left an egg in your offering
late?
What if you had to go to church
nderground because you would be
hrown in jail if the government
aught you?
What if your home got burned simply
ecause you preach the Gospel?
What if your children were abducted
ecause of what you believe?
What if you didnt live here? You
ved there.
How then would you live?
How should you live now?
And Jesus went throughout all the cities
and villages, teaching in their synagoguesand proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom
and healing every disease and every
affliction. When he saw the crowds, he
had compassion for them, because they
were harassed and helpless, like sheep
without a shepherd. Then he said to his
disciples, The harvest is plentiful, but the
laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly
to the Lord of the harvest to send out
laborers into his harvest. (Matthew9:35-38, NIV)
***
The young boy stood, six years old,
starving, on the side of the road, the
stench of poverty all around him. His
stomach protruded from malnutrition.
Others passed him by; his skin color
told them he was not worthy of their
time or trouble.
He had not been worth the trouble for
his own mother.
He stared as a couple a man and
woman stopped when they heard
his cry. They were strange to him,
with their ivory skin and fair eyes.
They spoke a broken version of his
language and beckoned him to come
with them. They offered to take him
off the streets, to feed and to clothe
him. He didnt know them. He didnt
know if he could trust them.
The one thing he did know was that if
he didnt go with them, he would
surely die.
***
The boy was lower than the dust of
the earth in the eyes of his native
people, but in the eyes of God and in
Gods family, he was accepted. For
the first time in his life, he was
accepted.
The boy grew under their care. As he
aged he learned that they were from a
faraway nation called Finland, and
they had come to India to do the
Lords work. He did not unders
this work they spoke of. He did understand their Lord. They rev
this Jesus as God, yet there was n
shrine or temple erected to Him.
Jesus was greater and mightier th
the rat god, than the snake god. T
Jesus could not be contained in a
temple.
Babu: LaborerWritten by Tara Rachel
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young man studied with the other orphaned
t children the Finnish couple had taken into
home. He was given rice to eat at each meal,
e provision than he had ever dreamed of. He
educated by them, medicated by them when he
ll. They gave him clothing to cover his body.
they told him of Jesus. He listened, drinking in
tories of God come down in flesh. They spoke
is power, His healing, His life. How Jesus came
paid for our sins our wrongdoings so that welive forever with God. They spoke of the
ness of the life to come, if one would only
ve.
the boy believed. When he was a teen, the
ish couple laid their hands on him and prayed
him, speaking the Lords words that this young
would grow up in the most holy faith and be
nstrument God would use to reach southern
a. The peace and power of God settled over the
His calling had been received.
ral years later the young boy had grown into a
ng man, and at his discharge from the orphanage,
ed a life of his own. He married a young woman
a wealthy, higher-caste family. It was unheard
r a Dalit, a person lower than a common dog, to
y up. The only reason this happened is because
oung woman and her entire family were
vers in Christ.
young couple spent the first several years living
bamboo pole home with leaves for the roof and
for the floor. She had left a home with concrete
s to come to this hand-built hut with her new
and. He had a calling on his life, and she
ed God that He would fulfill that calling.
young man stood one day, looking over the mass
e the city used to bury the impoverished and
t dead. The stench was overpowering. Then he
d the voice of the Lord speak to him.
k out, My son, for this is the land I am going to
you for you to do My work in this place.
young man could have disagreed. He could
said there was no way any would could have
done in a place of death. How could life exist
re death reigned?
he didnt. He lowered his head and prayed,
d, Your will be done.
s a hot morning and he was walking to preach
Gospel to the village. His heart was heavy, as his
had told him that very morning they had no
left. As he passed the field, he heard a breaking
He stopped and saw two infants abandoned in
rty. They lie dying in the field, crying to a non-
existent mother. He continued to walk, as this is a
common site in India.
The Lord spoke again: Go back and get those
babies.
He could have said no. He could have said there was
no food. The children could die in the field or die in
his home. Either way they would die.
But he didnt. Instead he picked up the babies and
carried them home to his wife.
She met him at the door, her eyes swimming with
tears. After he had left, a rice truck had driven by
the house. Two bags of rice had fallen off the back
of the truck right in front of their home.
They had food. The Lord had provided.
He looked at the two babies as his wife cleaned them
and wrapped them in blankets. He knew what he
had to do. God wanted him to reach his country, and
he would start with the orphans. He would start
with the least, working for the greatest.
***
Trials met him at every turn. His son, who was born
deaf and mute, was abducted. By the grace of God
he was returned before he was sold into slavery. He
praised God for the return of his son, instead of
cursing Him for allowing the kidnapping. The
Hindus persecuted him mercilessly. Even though he
was helping children, they despised his work
because with his work came the Gospel. Slowly,
surely, with the help of donations from a family in
Oregon, he was able to build an orphanage, on the
very land the Lord had promised to him.
The Lord broke down the social and caste barriers inChrist. The young man rose up and became a leader
in his community, and subsequently in his entire
state. As young men left his orphanage, they became
pastors, ministering the Gospel to villages. Each
week they would spend three days traveling many
miles on foot to eleven or twelve different home
churches, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to
anyone who would listen. The women would teach
other women, sharing with them the things of God
they learned in their time at the orphanage.
And the former Dalit boy, rejected by the world and
accepted by God, continued his work of ministering
to the orphans. As his Finnish parents did for him,so he did for the next generation of Indian orphans.
He clothed them, he fed them, he educated them, he
medicated them, he sheltered them.
And he gave them the most important thing anyone
can give another person: knowledge of the saving
grace of Jesus Christ.
***
Persecution increased over the years as the C
southern India continued to grow. Children
too close to the gate around the orphanage w
abducted, sold into slavery or prostitution, b
and even killed. Pastors received even wors
Burning of homes, murder of family membe
destruction of home churches. One such pas
captured by the Hindus, covered in oil, set o
and dragged through the streets. He sang pr
God over the burning until they finally used
silence him. All because he believed in Jesu
He sings still, in the heavenly choir. Directly
Jesus, whom he gave his life for.
***
The young man was growing older, his child
grown and getting ready to leave the home.
could see a greater need as the Church contin
spread and grow.
The people need Bibles.
And so with the help of American churches,
started an annual conference, bringing Amerpastors over to teach and share their knowle
the end of the conference, each Indian pastor
teacher received a Bible in their native langu
The first year the conference was held, enoug
money was raised for 600 pastors.
At the last conference, over 4,000 pastors wer
attendance. They were able to listen to the W
God being taught. They received a Bible in
language that they were able to take back to
home and churches.
For the first time in their lives, they could op
Bible and read it for themselves, and not justwhat someone else had said.
***
There is a revival going on in southern India
Gospel is spreading like wildfire in the remo
villages, through a people who are worthless
eyes of men but beautiful in the sight of God
and women die each day for their faith. The
struggle to feed their families. They live wit
constant threat of persecution from their Hin
Muslim brothers. They know any moment c
their last.
And they have next to nothing. Many dont Bibles. They rely on oral testimony and reci
the Word of God.
And still they preach. Still they pray. Still th
labor.
And the man with the orphans?
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Currently Orphans Faith Home houses00 children. The man has to, due tonances, turn away thousands ofhildren a year from begging mothersecause they know their babies willeceive better care from him than they
will from the mothers. The orphanages 100% donation-supported from
American churches and believers. Iteceives no stipends or grants from the
ndian government. Everything theyave, they have because of theenerosity of American Christians.
ouls are being harvested daily inouthern India, because one manetermined to be obedient. One manecided that, against all odds, againstverything the world told him, he
would believe God and His Word.
He knew the power of God, because theower of God raised him from nothingnd made him something. He saw withis very own eyes how God makes
eauty from ashes.
His name is Babu.
And he is a laborer.
For more information about Pastor Babus
ministries, visit the Orphans Faith Home
site at: http://www.indiapartners.org/partners/ofh.php
If you are interested in supporting Pastor
Babus ministries financially or have a
specific question about his ministries, please
contact the Exemplify team at
[email protected]. Please put India inthe subject line of your email.
Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to
accomplish his work. Do you not say, There are yet four months, then
comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the
lds are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and
athering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.
or here the saying holds true, One sows and another reaps. I sent you to
eap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have
entered into their labor. (John 4:34-38, NIV)
___________________
Tara Rachel is a born-and-bred Southern girl who loves sweet
tea, Jesus, and football - and not necessarily in that order.
Visit her at Musings of a Future Pastor's Wife, where she
blogs about her day-to-day life as the wife of a seminary
student/youth pastor and mom to a precious toddler girl, and
the daily truths the Lord teaches her.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.indiapartners.org/partners/ofh.phphttp://www.indiapartners.org/partners/ofh.phphttp://www.indiapartners.org/partners/ofh.phphttp://www.indiapartners.org/partners/ofh.php -
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Autumn. I love everything about the season. The
ights, the smells, the events, the temperature, the
eaves! I think a sweater looks better on me than
horts. I think apple cider is more divine than iced
ea. I prefer warm, filling soups to cool salads. I
dore pumpkins. I relish leaf covered lawns.
All this autumn meditating has me daydreaming
bout trees today. Leaves on trees, actually. Right
now every tree in sight is a bright green. But I know
hat by the time you read this, many of them will
have unleashed a display of crimson, gold and
mber foliage that sends my heart into shivers of
delight. And I just cannot wait. So on this incredibly
hot, dry end of summer day Im thinking about
eaves. I know, Im a weird one.
marvel at much in Gods creation, and colorful fall
eaves are no exception. How beautiful is the bright
ed maple? How incredible the yellow gold of the
eech tree? Oh, the imagination and creativity our
God puts on display! Like viewing an awe-inspiring
unset, these trees proclaim our God is a God of
eauty and purpose. I believe He delights in
howing us His wonders in nature and I dont want
o miss any of it.
What God has brought to my attention today as I
was daydreaming is the process of leaves changing.
Did you know that those brilliant colors are there in
the leaf long before Autumn arrives? As summer
draws to a close and the days get shorter, less and
less chlorophyll (which gives the leaves their green
hue, thank you Coach Rickard, biology teacher
extraordinaire!) is formed, thus resulting in the
dramatic display of color Ive come to love.
God takes us through similar seasons. The times
when what is really on the inside is hidden, waiting
for the big reveal. We may appear to look like
everyone else, but we are wildly unique and God is
preparing us for His individual purposes. Its not
easy to sit back and wait during these times, but we
can rest in this promise found in Ecclesiastes 3:11:
He has made everything beautiful in its t ime.
Rest assured, there will come a time when God
unveils you in all your beauty. I dont know aboutyou, but I want to be ready for that unveiling. I
dont want to just wither, I want to radiate!
During the summer leaves take in certain nutrients
that determine their color. For instance, the maple
stores a lot of glucose that causes the vibrant red.
We are much the same.
What we store in our heart is going to come out.
Luke 6:45 says it well: The good man brings good
things out of the good stored up in his heart, and
the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored
up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart
the mouth speaks. If I want the vibrant beauty
Jesus Christ to come forth in me, Ive got to get
word into my heart. I shudder to think of the
alternative.
Another truth I pondered about the leaves is th
destiny. Oak leaves cant decide they want to lo
like Maple leaves and maple leaves cant decid
be birch leaves. Just as I cannot decide that I wa
be you when God calls me to be Kara. It would
futile of me to try. If Im gold I can speak red an
think red and act red but Im still gold. Ive bee
given my own color to shine forth, and when I
joined up with all of the rest of the body of Chr
we make a glorious display. Its such a beautifu
honor just be a part, dont you think?
______________________________
Vibrant BeautyOctober is the month of painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world. As fruits and leaves and the day itsacquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year near its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight.
-Henry David Thoreau
Kara is a single, thirtysome
follower of Christ who loves
laugh and makes others lau
the process. She is devoted t
things Autumn and thinks
pumpkins, fallen leaves and
TV premieres are a highligh
life. She would also like you
know she is the most extrov
introvert you will ever mee
Written by Kara
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!e Practice of"
Preence of Godby Bro$er LawrenceReview by Kate
n the late 1600s, a French monk on his deathbed told those around him, Im doing what I shall do, through all eternity- blessing God, praising God,doring God, giving Him the love of my whole heart. It is our oneusiness, my brethren, to worship Him and love Him, without thought ofnything else. That monk was called Brother Lawrence and even thoughe lived over 300 years ago, his words and thoughts are preserved in a slimook titled The Practice of the Presence of God. This little book is soacked with wisdom and practical truth that, when I began highlightingy favorite lines, the book ended up looking solidly orange.
rother Lawrence, who lived from 1614 to 1691, was born Nicholaserman in the Lorraine region of eastern France. At the age of 18, he saw
he condition of his soul reflected in a bare tree, seemingly dead, oneinters day. Like the tree, which would be granted new life by God in itsroper season, he himself could be renewed through the power and gracef God. Six years later, he joined the Carmelite monastery in Paris andok the name Brother Lawrence.
rother Lawrence was well aware of his sinful nature, and he believed thathe austere life of a monk would serve as a punishment, as he wished touffer for his sins. For the first few years, his heart was heavy withhoughts of the punishment he deserved and with wondering whether he
as saved. By the grace of God, he was gradually able to shift his focusom himself to his Creator with what he called the practice of theresence of God.
his book consists of three parts: First are notes by one M. Beaufort, a
rand vicar, recounting conversations between himself and Brotherawrence. Second is a collection of spiritual maxims written by Brotherawrence and intended to teach others how to practice the presence ofod. Finally, a chapter entitled The Character of Brother Lawrence,
hought to have been written by M. Beaufort, describes Brother Lawrencend his teachings. Although each part is written in a different style, theyl convey the same three virtues:
o all things for the love of God. While at first it may seem difficult tolate to a monk who lived in the 17th century, it is interesting to note thatrother Lawrence was assigned the job of cooking meals for the monastery,espite a natural aversion to cooking. He recounts occasions on whichveral people were asking different things of him simultaneously while heas trying to get dinner on the table. Can you relate? Brother Lawrence
as able to handle these challenges with peace because he lived as though
there was no one else on Earth but himself and God. He performed ethe simplest tasks for the love of God. As he said, Our sanctificationnot depend upon changing our works, but in doing that for Gods sakwhich we commonly do for our own.
Develop the habit of the practice of the presence of God. By this BrothLawrence refers to the habit of continually focusing ones thoughts onHe initially had great difficulty cultivating this habit: he admits that hthoughts continually wandered, even during appointed prayer times.(Again, can you relate?) Brother Lawrence offers this advice: In ordeform a habit of conversing with God continually, and referring all we Him, we must first apply to Him with some diligence; but that after acare we should find His love inwardly excite us to it without anydifficulty. Whenever Brother Lawrence realized his thoughts had
wandered, whether during prayer times or in daily living, he simplybrought his mind back to God. By reminding himself whenever herealized his error, he developed the habit of continually thinking abouGod and enjoying his presence.
Accept the forgiveness offered by God. Although at first Brother Lawrwished to suffer for his sins, he soon came to accept the complete andperfect forgiveness offered by God through Christ. M. Beaufort recoufrom one conversation, That [Brother Lawrence] was very sensible ofaults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to God, bdid not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, hepeaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration. Insteadfeeling guilty for his mistakes, Brother Lawrence simply confessed anmoved on. With Christ, there is no need for guilt; only love.
It is remarkable how well todays woman can relate to a 17th centurymonk. Brother Lawrences maxims are as relevant now as they were o300 years ago, and The Practice of the Presence of God is so full of wisand so practical that it deserves a place of honor on every Christians
bookshelf. This is the kind of book that can be read repeatedly, with nwisdom being gleaned with each reading. Much of the wisdom of theChristian living genre is summed up in this book, and much of this is summed up in its last sentence: Believe me, count as lost each dayhave not used in loving God.
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riend was not a Christian and I started whining
es my sisters, I was whining) to God about how
did not even have a relationship with Him and
they were living together and that was a
.and the whining went on and on. I am sure the
ds, its not fair, came out of my mouth more than All of the sudden I hear, in a commanding voice,
are you any different? Here I was doing one of
ery things I hate most, judging others. Judging
out of a jealousy that was consuming me. When
is that I am a sinner too. Just as I was saying
were. Even more I am cognizant of it. I know
am a sinner but even more than that I know I
been redeemed.
ave swept away your offenses like aud, your sins like the morning mist.urn to me, for I have redeemed you.ah 44:22, NIV)
oes that. For us. Sadly the friend I wasplaining about did not know of this truth yet. I
Because of my relationship with my Abba Daddy
w when I sin and at times I choose to sin
erately. And there are times it sneaks up on us
before we know it there we are.
urse it was not very long before I was turning
n again..
I realized how much of a problem I was having
the jealousy I went to Him about the issue, often!
owly revealed to me that as much as I was
us over what others had He was jealous over the
time I spent wanting what they had. Even more He
was jealous over the time I spent wanting a husband
and a family. The Bible tells us, more than once, that
our God is a jealous God. In fact Exodus 34 tells us
one of the names of the Lord is Jealous.
DO NOT WORSHIP ANY OTHER GOD, FOR THE LORD,WHOSE NAME IS JEALOUS, IS A JEALOUS GOD.(EXODUS34:14,NIV)
One of my most favorite of songs says this at the very
beginning:
He is jealous for me (How He Love Us, John Mark
McMillian)
Resonate on that line for a minute.
He is jealous for us sweet sisters. He wants to spend
time with us. He wants to dance with us, He wants to
hold us, He wants to have conversation with us, He
wants to LOVE us.
More often than not I was so caught up in my jealousy
that I was not spending time with Him. I was not
letting Him hold me, talk with me, love me. Because I
was too concerned with wanting other things I was
missing out on the very best thing in my life, Jesus!
Over the last few months this has been something I
have worked on diligently. I prayed about it
consistently and I started holding my thoughts of
jealousy captive. To be honest there are still times I
struggle with being green. Kermit definitely knew
what he was talking about when he said, Its not easy
being green. Things are much better than wh
once were. Could they be better? Of course!
along with all of the other things He has been
me are a part of this journey.
So what do I do now when I feel the jealousy c
up.I automatically go to the Word. I have sp
scriptures I have memorized. Ones that tell of
Love, a reminder that while I am striving for t
of others He already loves me more than I can
begin to comprehend. I also start spending m
time with Abba Daddy. After the revelation o
He is jealous and wants to spend time with me
something I am diligent about. I remember th
when I wanted to spend time with others arou
and they were too busy. I know how much th
at times. Along the way I have realized that G
feelings just like we do. And while He is God
still hurt Him. I dont want to hurt Him and th
what I was doing every time I thought other th
earthly things, could satisfy my needs. Nothi
truly ever satisfy my needs, all of my needs, bu
______
Christy is on a journey to becoming a woman after
own heart. She delights in books, photography, her
and her friends. Christy has a heart for young wom
single women. She also loves emails!
Of all the things about being single, for me, one of t
hardest things is being jealous of others. I dont wa
to be jealous but there I am so many timesgreen
with envy at the couple snuggling at the movie thea
or the woman showering kisses over her childs face
While I may not want to spend time being jealous,
do. Before I know it it has consumed my thoughts.
I can vividly remember when it struck me how mucof a problem I had with jealousy. I was complainin
to God one day about a friend getting married...
Color Me GreenWritten by Christy McGraw
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ave you been in touch with your inner creative diva? Do you want to learn to express yourself through paintediums, culinary masterpieces, vibrant rooms or maybe through your own life as the canvas? Well, you can gpired here.
hether you feel stuck in a rut or just dont know where to begin we can help. Im confident that many of youile of unfinished projects or maybe put offdoing things simply because you feel you dont have the time. Wve all been there and can definitely relate. We would like you help get some momentum going so that you cgin to create and design no matter what your canvas preference is.
Learn how to:
develop your God given talents and giftspush past creative blocks
further your education in the area of your choice (at no cost)
be more productive
be more focused
let your light shine!
Speakers include:
Tricia Goyer, author of Life Interrupted
Larissa Lam of Beautiful Faith, On the Way Up, and Larissa Lam.comKarla Porter, of Modern Media Mom
Tania Willis, Pinecone Press scrapbook author
Rhoda, of Southern Hospitality
Carolyn J. Carleton, of Unlimited Potential International
Leslie Valeska, of Simple Journey Ministries
Kathryn Bonner, author of Confessions of a Pastors Wife
Kathryn Lang, of Successful Freelance Writer
Jill Novak, owner of Remembrance Press
Kris Rhoades, of The Well Ministries
Angela Parsley, of Refresh My Soul Ministries
A Woman Inspired
ConferenceOctober 5-9 2009
http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/
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was the Baptist Collegiate Minister atuisiana Tech University in Ruston when I metseven years ago. This Mississippi State and
dwestern Baptist Theological Seminarymna is well-known in the Baptist ministry as aman who, with the help of God, can get thingsne.
da Osborne, a vivacious blonde with anectiously-optimistic personality, almost always
a smile from ear to ear, is barely containingrels of energy, and, for a woman whos beenving in the ministry for a little over 20 years,
often gets mistaken for a college student.
currently serves as national collegiatenistry leader something none of us whonded Louisiana Tech when she was Baptistlegiate Ministry director were surprisedut. Lindas always had a joyful heart and ise to make her bold dreams for the future comeife. I have no doubt her abilities are valuableets to the national organization.
ensed God's call into full time ministry as ahomore in high school while leadingkyard Bible clubs for sweet, energetic,hurched kids in my hometown, this mother
of two said. As a college student, I went on agazillion mission trips and got my hands dirty ina variety of ministries. Ministry seemed to be anatural fit for who God made me.
She served as associate BCM director at ArkansasState University and BCM director at FloridaState, the University of Louisiana at Monroe andTech before making the move to Nashville.
Having a blast in college, I always thoughtcollege life would be incredibly fun withoutclasses. Being a BCM director gave me a bit ofthis life, Linda said. Some say the most changein an adults life happens between high school
graduation and the following Christmas. Peoplemake such life shaping decisions during theircollege years: lifestyle, career, relationships,religion. Walking alongside students during thissignificant time in their life is an honor.
Even though being a minister to so manycollegiate students is not always a walk in thepark, Linda said remembering Gods call for herlife keeps her going.
Seeing a student decide to include God in thisprocess in incredible, she said. Taking studentson short term mission trips has always been a
treat. There are so many discoveries for stuon these kinds of trips learning the worldbigger than once believed, seeing great neethe first time, and really getting that Godsis to use people in responding to such greaneed.
Shes already imparting some of this wisdoher two children, Julianna, who is in middschool, and Evan, 8, both whom she adopt
Adoption is something that interested mein life, Linda said. Julianna stole my heainstantly. I had read that being a mom washaving your heart walk around outside of
body. I got that when I looked at Julianna ffirst time. It was a fun surprise that she loolike me.
Evans big brown eyes were captivating are! He has very expressive eyes that drawand make you wonder. Evan was born righ9/11, which made it an interesting time to child whom God placed in your care. I waswith both extreme joy and concern.
Evan and Julianna have picked up on theirmamas teaching techniques, too.
Linda Osborne,Woman ona Mission
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I love to catch them being good makesointing out less than good behavior easier,inda said. Often, Evan will say, Mom, Iicked up my toys. You forgot to catch meeing good. Then, Ill say, Caught ya! andun give him a hug. Its fun.
And while she doesnt Twitter (I have waymore things to say than 140 characters worth,nd I dont think people really want to know
when I am buying milk, she said.), she isctive with Facebook as is Julianna.
Facebook is a great tool in college ministry. Itmakes keeping in touch with students, formertudents, and college ministers much easierhan pre-social networking days, Linda said.Julianna is my friend on Facebook. I have herasswords. She knows that I randomly reader inbox, etc. This is a healthy boundary for
his season as she navigates her way througharly teen years.
ack in my college days, not that long ago, Iemembered how easy Linda made everythingook. She never seemed to tire, always had aositive attitude and words ofncouragement, and even had time to be a
mom to hundreds of college students, not juster two kids living at home!
It surprises me that it seems effortless. Youaw me on many frazzled, bad hair days, sheoked. I like to organize, and I work hard atalance. I think a person can do it alljust not
n the same day. I do try to look at a week or amonth or even a year to see if there is balance.
recognize that certain seasons are busier atwork, and certain seasons require more
ttention at home. Looking at the big pictureelps with balance.
rom spending quality time with her kids toraveling around the globe witnessing tothers to helping college students find their
way, Linda O is one of a kind. Shes a goldmine of information and energy and did Imention she has dressed up as Superman?
Judith Roberts has been married to her collegesweetheart for four years, and both she and herhusband are active in their church. She is a collegeinstructor pursuing her doctorate and hopes to mirror
Jesus in her everyday life.
Are you running a womens
ministry or making a difference
in your community? Have
something to share with our
readers? We love interviewingwomen who are living lives that
glorify!
Contact us [email protected] for more
details!
Oh, Linda O. Whatw%ld we do wi$%t
y%?
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Wise is the woman who cherishesach season and cheerfully anticipates
the next. ~ Author unknown
As the leaves begin to delight us with theirolorful hues, and the scorching sun begins torepare for a much deserved respite, autumn
s a season like no other. The changes are
vident and obvious as we look around andnlike spring, autumn prepares us for aifferent kind of change, much like thosehanges that we experience in motherhood.
While spring is a season of birth and renewal,utumn finds us surrendering and embracinghe changing winds. After all, there is notopping either!
easons of our lives are ever changing. We livehrough a difficult situation as we live throughhe long nights of winter, only to emerge
stronger and better in our springtime. In theautumns of our lives we see unpredictableand magnificent changes that have us looking
back to the days of the summer season, whenthings were quieter and predictable.
When we become mothers, we enter a Seasonof Motherhood which will last for the rest ofour lives. It is the beginning of a season ofnew submission. We find ourselves submittingto the needs of another human being, a
helpless human being. It is, in many ways, ourspringtime. Babies will do what they do best,they grow. They toddle, they tantrum andthey teach us to notice things along the waythat weve perhaps not taken notice of in avery long time. But soon, they toddle out ofthat and are fully immersed in the life that ischildhood. With all of its bumps and bruises,its a time of delight. Trees are climbed anddolls are dressed, indeed a special time. Alltoo soon it seems, those tea parties and dressups are traded out for more grown up sortsof things. The talk soon turns to, How do I
look? and these babies of ours begin to nthe changes themselves.
Autumn has me reflecting on these changthe changes that we experience in thisamazing journey of motherhood. While wtend to see the seasons of motherhood cleawe often dont recognize the seasons witthe seasons. It is within each stage we hathe opportunity to experience the seasonsour children's ever-changing lives, but on
we are carefully observing. I am drawn towords of Mary, Jesus mother;
But His mother treasured all thes
things in her heart.
Luke 2:51
The Seasons Within The Season of
Motherhood
Written byLori MacMath
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Quiet Wintertends to draw us allinward. We find ourselves at home,
lingering and enjoying all that is withinour homes. So too we can see the Winteras our little ones quiet down after a bath
d cuddle up to share stories. As those babies grow, we cherishinter when life finds them having heart to heart talks with us.he life of a teen, winter blahs can seem to last forever, and itsto us as moms to notice that they just may be feeling the chillt winter can often bring. As our children leave home, we may
ve to help them endure their own hard Winter, that is after allat mom is there for.
All too often we let the hurried and rushedpace of our lives remove us from the
spectacular season we are living.In eachstage of mothering life, well see the
ring!In all her glory, we will see the newness that each stagengs. From learning how to crawl or walk, to learning how tove, to walking down the aisle. Spring bursts forth in new skillsstered and new independence found. Take time to notice theing within the season, it is full of wonder and excitement. As
se children of ours take wings and fly out into their own lives,continue to embrace the Springtime that God has in store form.
As Spring moves into Summer,so doour children. They have energy that iscontagious whether they are toddlers up atdaybreak to greet the sun and experienceall of lifes surprises to the athlete whobrings home a gym bag full of stinky,
sweaty equipment. There is nothing thatmplifies the spirit of Summer like the act of doing. Embracese sweaty socks, and when you find yourself bathing a childo is dirty, even behind her ears, know that you arenessing Summer in the seasons of motherhood. As mothersknow full well about the lazy days of Summer and as ourldren grow and mature, we celebrate with them those times inir lives where its all going well. The sun shines and the pace isaxed.
Then in all her glory, Autumn
in a brand new season. She stands in
splendor, dressed in color and even stirs up breeze. She also stands preparing us for wh
know will come, Winter. Its in our Autumn days that we notice tchanges in our own children too. One gives up a pacifier, or the nsneak down to mom and dads room, while our teens literally cha
before our eyes. Little girls seem to change overnight into young wand our boys voices are as if someone has replaced them with a sEven our grown children find themselves in seasons of change. Twinds do blow, but the colors of change are magnificent, nothing like them. Again as mothers we must embrace those little changesometimes quietly sneak in like a slowly changing fall leaf, at the time weathering the cool breezes that surprise us.
God planned it as such.
There is a time for everything, and a sfor every activity under heaven.
(Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The seasons within the seasons. They are there. They areembraceable, but only if we are tuned into them. If we are nwatching, the years pass on without a notice, until one daylook up and realize just how many miraculous seasons wemissed.
I encourage you to spend some time this Autumn to discovseasons within the season of motherhood regardless of wseason you are in. Regardless of whether you are in theSpringtime of motherhood as a new mother, living theSummertime of young children, in the Autumn season of cwith teenagers. Perhaps you are standing in the Winter ofmotherhood, waiting for the next Spring to arrive (in the fograndchildren). Wherever you are, I encourage you to takeof the seasons within. They are remarkable, just as each has her splendor, so do the moments of each day.
The seasons of our lives are ever changing...
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Lori's mom insists that she came out of the womb 'talking' and has not stopped since. Lori howeveinsists that over the past 41 years she has learned a thing or two about listening as well. Especially,
when it is God who is doing the talking. Hearing the voice of God has led her out of a 'desertplace' and into a garden full of praise for the King.
People often compare Lori to the "energizer bunny," but she is quick to comment that the energythat she has is from the LORD..."if HE is going to supply it, I'd better use it...lest He think that Idon't need it...and I do!!"
Lori claims the phrase, "no storm can shake my inmost calm, when to this rock I'm clinging..." andinsists that she will "take it Lord, ALL you have to give...." Praising HIM every step of the way....
She encourages you to enjoy the journey with her at her personal website, All You Have to Give,where she can be found daily... enjoying each and every season to its fullest!
Visit Loris Blog,All You Have to Give!
www.allyouhavetogive.com
http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/http://www.allyouhavetogive.com/ -
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As I stood there with paint roller in hand staring at
he blank-slate-of-a-wall in front of me, I began to
onder the delicate art of painting a room. Much
ke people, every sanctuary is unique in its design,
tyle, and personality. No two sanctuaries are
xactly the same and each one is uniquely dressed
y its inhabitants. But there is one commonality
ou are sure to find in every sanctuary, and that one
hing is paint.
like to think of paint as a rooms eyeshadow.
o me, the paint color you choose for your walls is
ne of the most important decisions you make when
ecorating a room. It often dictates what type of
ersonality the room will take on and sets the mood
f the room long before one stick of furniture is
moved in. A well chosen paint color can serve as a
wonderful source for inspiration, too.
Many people make the mistake of selecting a wall
olor based on what is hot that season. Try to avoid
oing this unless the color youve selected is one
ou really love. Color trends change from season to
season, and year to year. So if you pick a color
simply based on the current trend, you will find
yourself disappointed and discontent when the
trend changes. Youll then feel compelled to repaint
again and your loved ones will feel compelled to
smother you with a pillow.
I believe that every color has a personality. Its up to
you to determine what that personality is and if it
will work for your room. I will often sit in the room
Im thinking of repainting and imagine different
colors in that space keeping in mind the
architectural details and the furniture pieces th
in the room. By doing this you will be able to ru
out certain colors completely. Once youve got
or four color possibilities, its time to go to your
local hardware store and raid their color sampl
Caution: Be prepared to feel like a thief as you w
out with about 40 color sample cards stuffed in
your purse. But its okay, thats what they are th
for. Grab dozens of different shades of the same
color. The variations in hues may seem too sub
matter, but trust me, there is a huge difference.
This is usually where I spend dozens of hours
obsessing over color cards waiting for one to sp
to me. Play with your color samples. Put them
against the furniture pieces, see how each one l
with your flooring, and ask yourself if it works
the rooms nearby. Tape your samples to the wa
for a day or two. Soon, you will find yourself g
back to the same one. Congratulations your c
has spoken.
Painting Your
SanctuaryI like to think ofpaint as a roomse eshadow.
Written by Christy K
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ow all thats left is the actual paintingocess. I cannot stress to you enough how
mportant it is for you to take your time onis. One of my biggest pet peeves in home
ecorating is a bad paint job. Nothing is morenattractive than messy edge work, paint boo-os on the ceiling, door frames, andseboards, and missed spots where thermer color is peeking out at you. When Ialk into a room that has been painted inaste and shows the telltale signs of it that isl I see. It brings the entire atmosphere downcouple of notches. It doesnt matter howautifully decorated a room is if the paint
b is a mess the room is a mess.
ake the time to properly prep your wallsfore you start. Patch all of the nail holes,ake sure the walls and ceiling are free from
ust and cob webs, and slap on a coat or twoprimer if the current wall color is dark or if
s a semigloss. Once your walls are prepared
en its time to get painting. Many people useat blue painters tape to tape off their edges.
his does not work, ladies. It does not matterow well you tape around your frames andseboards paint always manages to seep in.rsonally, I tape off nothing not one singleing. Take your roller and get as close as youmfortably can to the edges without having
ny boo-boos. After all the walls have beenlled, go back with a small bristle paint brush
nd fill in the rest stopping about 1/4 inchway from the edges. This is when I get out ane artists paintbrush, and with a steadyand, slowly and lovingly paint a very
mooth line around the edges. I know itunds about as fun as removing your ownisdom teeth using nothing but a spoon andme Tylenol. But trust me, you absolutelynnot beat the results. You will end up with a
aint job that is so perfect no one will evenotice and that is the point.
Last quick tip: Keep a container of baby wipes handy while
painting. These will clean up any painting boo-boos if caugh
right away. As I go around the edges with my tiny brush, I ke
wipe in one hand so I can immediately take care of any litt
mistakes that I make. Theyre also great for getting small pai
spots and smears out of the carpet.
Christy is lucky enough to be married to the perfect guy (for her).Together, they are raising two children for the Lord. Christythrives on turning trash into treasure, loves thrift stores, and canoften be found wondering the aisles of Home Depot with a lightbulb gleaming over her head.
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Women are constantly serving the needs of
thers.
Almost every night we fall into our bedsepleted of energy and devoid of passion. Were completely empty, and we wonder how
well find the strength to make it throughnother day.
ve had many nights like this. Out ofbedience, I pour into the lives of family andriends, and I fulfill the many obligations thatome with life. Hands continuously grope athe fleeting seconds of my day, and Iesperately search for the scraps. When there
re no leftovers to be found, I hold my emptyands up to God and cry out, Lord, there isothing left for me!
As I contemplated more ways to hoard myttle scraps, God taught me a beautiful lesson
hat has forever changed my life. He taughtme how to gather empty pitchers!
read the story about Elisha and the widowound in 2 Kings: 4.1-7.
A prophet died and left his wife and sons with
a considerable debt. The debtor was going tocome and take the widows sons away to payfor the debt. The widow came to Elisha andasked for his help. Elisha asked the woman ifshe had anything of value, and at first thewoman said no; but then she admitted tohaving a little oil. Elisha told the woman togather all the pitchers she could find and takethe oil and fill each of them. The oil pouredout until there were no more empty pitchers.The woman was able to sell the oil and keepher sons.
When I read this story, I imagined the woman
carefully pouring her oil into each pitcher. Asshe held one of the pitchers and poured oil toits rim, she cried out, Another pitcher,please! But there were no more. I could seethe desperation on the womans face as sherealized how very few pitchers she had filled.
I felt the womans anguish over not havingmore pitchers. I wished that she would have
been more prepared. If she would have takenElishas words more seriously, she would have
spent weeks or even months gathering em
pitchers. Thats when I felt God say to meYou are gathering empty pitchers.
I didnt quite understand what God meanbut I knew He was about to give me hopemy obedient emptiness.
I meditated on the story for several days,discussing it with God and friends. Finallyfelt the last puzzle piece fall into place andamazing image of empty pitchers appearemy mind. I figured out how I could gatheempty pitchers! At long last, I understoodhow I could find my true self by sacrific
myself!
Jesus said, Anyone who intends to come w
me has to let me lead. Youre not in the driv
seatI am. Dont run from suffering; embr
it. Follow me and Ill show you how. Self-he
no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my w
to finding yourself, your true self. What goo
would it do to get everything you want and
you, the real you? (Luke 9.23 Message).
Mauris egestas lacus sit ameVivamus pulvinar, purus ultricies ultrices ullamcorper, dolor diam euismod
nisl, vel consectetuer eros mi sit amet lorem. Quisque MassaGa$
e&
ng Empty Pitchers
Written by Alisa H
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ow could self-sacrifice be beneficial to finding my true self?
God is my Creator and the Creator of all things, wouldnt it stand toason that He knows me better than I know myself? And if He
esigned me for a specific purpose, wouldnt it be to my benefit that Iurrender to His will completely?
ut why does it seem that God would have us continuously poururselves into those around us? So many times we want to be like theidow. She didnt want to let Elisha know that she had a small jar of
l at home. We do the same thing. We dont want to let go of the littleme, resources and energy we have because were scared there will beothing left for us.
ut this is not the case. Every time we pour our lives out for Godsory, we leave an empty pitcher for God to fill. Every time we servee needs of our children, we leave an empty pitcher. Every time wecrifice our bodies for our husbands, we leave an empty pitcher.
very time we pour into the lives of our friends, we leave an emptytcher. Every time we give resources to the poor and disadvantaged,e leave an empty pitcher. And every time we surrender our desiresthe Holy Spirit, we leave an empty pitcher.
e constantly mindful, though, that you do not try to get others to fillour pitchers. Wait on Gods hand! If we expect others to give usmething in return, God will not bless our actions. He only fills emptytchers (Matthew 6.1).
ometimes God fills those empty pitchers immediately, and we arestantly blessed for our sacrifice. However, most of the time, the
mpty pitchers gather. God allows them to gather because He knowsat He is about to open the heavens and pour down the blessings. Heants you to be ready with a bunch of empty pitchers, so you do noty out, Another pitcher, please!
his revelation has helped me because now I look forward to leavingmpty pitchers. Every time I serve those around me, I open myself toe blessed by God. And the most awesome part about pouring myselfut to others is that God loves my emptiness! He can complete His
vine work only in my emptiness! The real me shows up when Iave nothing left to hoard!
ometimes we forget that God is the everlasting Creator. He specializescreating something out of nothing. In the Old Testament God
eated life out of emptiness: Now the earth was formless and empty,arkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God wasovering over the waters (Genesis 1.2 NIV). And in the Newestament God created new life from an empty tomb (John 20).
we are constantly pouring ourselves into the lives others, God is ablecreate something beautiful within our emptiness. So many times weink we could do a better job than God can at molding us. We pray tood to make us more like Him; then, we scold Him for not doing
ings our way (Isaiah 29.16). God created life! How could we possiblyp that? Whenever we try to take control, we just create chaos andeartache.
od in His infinite wisdom knows that we want to meddle with Hiseation, so He ensures our humbleness by keeping us continually
oured out to others. Our brokenness allows the Holy Spirit to easilyour through us, and it makes us more malleable so that God canmplete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1.6).
od is so awesome because He made our self-sacrifice doubly good.od blesses us when we sacrifice for others because we are able toave empty pitchers for Him to fill and He blesses us when wecrifice for others because He is able to create us into His image. Its
the best two-for-one-deal in the entire universe! This is why Jesuthat the only way to find your true self is to sacrifice yourself. OGod knows our true self and only He can complete His design.
So the next time you feel exhausted and your lift your empty handto God, cry out to Him, God, create life in me! And if you feel likyouve messed up the life He has already given you, lift up your hto Him and cry out, God, create new life in me!
If you can stay broken by continually pouring yourself into the liv
others, God will be able to bless you and create your emptiness inthing of beauty. Dont hold anything back! Trust God with all youand start gathering empty pitchers!
_____________
Alisa Hope Wagner gave her life to Jesus at the age of 14 in a small Baptist church
South Texas. All she wanted was to be loved, and she found that love through Jesu
Christ. Alisa has never felt unloved since that day!
Alisa has her BA degree in English from A & M - Corpus Christi and her MA deg
English - Applied Linguistics from the University of Houston. She has taught En
to every age group: elementary, junior high, high school and college.
Alisa is a full-time mother who is able to write while raising her three vivacious
children. She has a God-given passion to write, and she loves to write about what
Holy Spirit is currently teaching her.
Alisa has published devotionals, articles and poetry; and she is continuously tryin
reach people for Christ with her writing. She has also written her first novel and i
currently seeking publication.
Alisa is the chief editor of the Granola Bar Devotional and is always looking for n
ways to help people share their faith story. She is also a contributing writer for th
Internet Cafe and Take Root and Write.
Alisa married her high school sweetheart and has been married for over ten years.
husband is the greatest supporter of her writing ministry. Alisa's twin-sister, Chr
is her ministry help-mate. Alisa's two sons and daughter offer her constant joy an
continuous lessons on the Fruits of the Spirit. Alisa's true hope with her writing
through it people are brought closer to God!
http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/http://www.takerootandwrite.com/http://granolabardevotional.blogspot.com/http://www.affordableblogdesign.com/http://www.affordableblogdesign.com/http://www.takerootandwrite.com/http://www.takerootandwrite.com/http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/http://www.internetcafedevotions.com/http://granolabardevotional.blogspot.com/http://granolabardevotional.blogspot.com/ -
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Michelle Beck
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Meet Michelle Beck:
DesignerExtraordinaireWritten by Jennifer
ecently, I had the privilege of interviewing Michelle Beck,
signer extraordinaire to talk about her fabulous headbands,
shion, and what defines her. You can check out Michelle's Etsyop at lillybeck.etsy.com. Sit back & enjoy the creativity of
Michelle.
ase tell us a little bit about how you goto making these fabulous headbands?
ll, I have always loved hair accessories. Ink it adds a fun and cute flair to an outfit. Ie headbands the most. I even wore one forwedding. I actually started making mydbands in 2008. I was looking in a store and
w a very cute but way overpriced headbandd I thought to myself, you know, I couldbably make my own headband, foraper:) So I did! I wore it to church that next
nday. I got so many compliments on it and aof girls asked me where I bought it. When Id them I made it, some of them asked if Iuld make them one. It was then when Ilized I could start making my own uniqueigns and start selling them as long as ladiesnted to buy them. I am still making them,
d it is so much fun!
here does your inspiration for theadbands come from?
ll, I love fashion from the 1920s era. Mydbands remind me of the headpieces anddbands ladies would wear during that time.ve that look. I am also really into anythingive American these days. I think the beading
d feathers are so beautiful. I also love brightors and mixing patterns together. There aremany feather headbands out there right now
so I like to come up with different things tomake them stand out, whether it is addingvintage buttons or putting colors together thatyou wouldnt normally put together. I thinkthat is what makes them unique. I really try to
come up with my own individual designs thatwill stand out.
Do you enjoy fashion? Are you a fashionista?
I do enjoy fashion. I guess you could call me afashionista. Fashion isnt something I live for,
but I do enjoy putting together outfits andexpressing my personality in the things that Iwear. I love to take fashion risks.
Do you have a favorite piece of clothing? Ifso, what is it?
Lately I have been wearing casual dresses allthe time. I have this one totally cute vintagelooking floral dress that I adore. I never reallyhave one favorite, but I guess dresses are myfavorite for now.
Would you prefer a new pair of shoes orchocolate?
Oh wow, chocolate is good, but I would have tochoose the pair of shoes. Shoes will last a while,chocolate is gone in a second. I would
especially love a pair of vintage boots orgladiator sandals.
Is there anything else you would like ou
readers to know?
Clothes and accessories dont define me, Iknow who I am in Christ and thats the mimportant thing I want people to know. I
believe it is OK for Christian women to hafun with their clothing and wear things thwill express their personalities, as long as appropriate. Be yourself and be confidentChrist. Make sure your focus is not just onearthly possessions and the things that yowear, but on your relationship with the Lo
If you have a creative side and have alway
wanted to do something crafty like this buhave never tried, go for it! God gave you tgifts and talents and you need to put themuse. The Lord will bless your efforts!
______________________
Jennifer is a major chocoholis so happy that flats are bacstyle and believes that the iPone of the greatest inventionYou can find her at So ManBooks So Little Time, whlove to pass along her thouga good read.
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I normally love fall.
I love how the leaves turn their beautiful reds,
oranges, and yellows as they lose their chlorophyll. I
love the crispness and the scent of the air (Well,usually. I do live near several dairy farms!). I enjoy
the return to routine as our regular activities pick
back up again.
But this year I find I am dreading the change in
season. And as much as I am looking forward to
getting back into the swing of things, I am finding
there is one day above all others that I would rather
put off as long as possible, if I had a choice.
My sons first day of Kindergarten.
My babys first day of Kindergarten.
I know what youre thinking. Its not really that bigof a deal. And I did manage to survive both my girls
starting school, although barely.
My son, Ethan, is beginning to get excited about
going to school with his sisters. This is a big,
momentous first for him.
But it is a big, momentous last for me, for this is the
last child we will be sending off to Kindergarten.
Ever.
Ive never been very good at these last firsts. I cried
when I weaned my boy from breast-feeding (even
though I was also secretly relieved it was over!).
I cried the first time I cut my daughters baby fine
hair off.
I cried when Ethan switched to a big boy bed from
his crib.
I even cried this Spring when we sold our baby
bathtub, the one we hadnt actually used in four
years, because I realized my babies were babies no
longer.
I blame hormones. I havent been the same person
since I found out I was pregnant the first time. I
mean, I do cry at just about everything. It can be
rather annoying, especially since my new, organic
mascara is not waterproof!
But still, there is something bittersweet about our
children growing up. On the one hand, I am so
excited for them to discover the world around them,to discover who God is making them into and all
His wonderful plans for them.
But on the other hand, I just want them to stay six
months old. Is that really too much to ask?
It is so tempting to try and keep our children to
ourselves, to not allow them to grow up and spread
their wings. And yet that isnt Gods desire or plan
for them at all.
When all of my children were born, I offered them
up to the Lord. Like Moses mother, I realize that my
time with them will be limited. Like Hannah
to instill faith in God in them while they are
they are prepared to serve the Lord when the
older. And like Mary, I will be called upon to
children go and carry out the plans God has them. Even though it may be the most difficu
I ever do.
I know that I still have my children with me
hopefully some time to come. And yet sendin
off to school just seems to signal the beginnin
the end. As I begin to adjust to this new seas
our parenting, I am frequently calling out to
Father, begging Him for my childrens prote
and for each of them to live lives that glorify
And maybe to let me hold them just a wee bi
longer.
__________________________
Andrea Mitchell is a coffee dJesus-loving wife and stay-amom of three in constant sea
just the right mug for her br
You can find her at her blog,UnderGraceOverCoffee.comshe shares the love she has fo
Jesus, along with the caffeinerandomness that makes up tmajority of her day. Grab yoand come on over!
Written by Andrea Mitchell
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ts a privilege to be able to read. The next
ime you select a book off the shelf and curl upn your couch in hopes to be inspired or takeno the world inside your book, remember
what you read not only influences you, itelps shape you and has the power to
ransform your thinking. If youre like me youont have difficulty selecting good books.ve read more good books than I couldossibly count. The difficulty comes when I
ry to remember plot lines or great lines fromhese books. Most of the time I recollect the
message but there are times when I want toemember more. I want to retain what Iveead. Im going to present examples of ways
ve strengthened my reading retention.ut before I do that, I want to address why wehould even care about retaining what weead. Remember my first line, Its a privilegeo be able to read? (Im testing you already) Ielieve whenever weve been given a gift were responsible to use it wisely. How can weet what we read truly impact us if we arentbsorbing it or applying it to our lives? Other
more simplified reasons for wanting toegister what we read include having excellentinner party conversation starters, sharpening
memory and building on intelligence. But the
reason I care most about is my hope to
remember more of what I read in order topositively influence Gods kingdom.
Youve probably heard of memorizationtechniques like the Rosetta Stone, or programsfor children like Hooked on Phonics. Youmight have even heard of setting lessons tomusic because children remember more whenthings are accompanied with lyrics. As Iprovide my examples, youre likely to seetraces of all of these techniques and thensome.
Underline
Regardless of whether you want to rememberScripture, a solid piece of advice from aninspirational non-fiction or an excellentdescriptive line, one of the best ways to makesomething stick in your mind is to underlineit. The reason this works so well is becauseyou are stopping. You arent skimming aheadmindlessly. Underling something requires youto physically grab a pencil or pen and make amark on the page. This is an uncomplicated
but powerful gesture because of what itcommunicates to your brain. Theressomething important on this page, something
to pay attention to, and even perhaps
something to return to.Strike up conversation
People, both introverted and extroverted awired to be in relationships. One of the keways to preserve something youve read igrab your husband or friend and talk abouwith them. Say, Have you ever heard ofanything put more beautifully? I love dothis with Bible verses. Recently, one verse particular greatly impacted how I took onprojects. It might sound like Im cheating
because its Jesus speaking two words, Tcourage! but the more I talked about thes
words, the more they became ingrained inactions and how I chose to behave. Sharinverses and or favorite paragraphs from bowith others invites a pleasant accountabiland potentially rich conversation into thememorization process.
A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a p
a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude
counselors.
~ Henry Ward Beecher ~
How to Retain What You ReadWritten by Wendy Miller
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PUT YOURSELF IN NEW SHOES--EMPATHIZE
There are few things I find to be as universal
or helping people understand one anothers learning to empathize. Not only does thiswork for understanding people in the world
round you, but by putting yourself in thehoes of the character or Biblical figure youransfer what might have begun as annemotional and distant experience ofeading into a personal and influential one.y empathizing we not only gain aeightened awareness of what we read, but
we have the potential to become moreumble and forgiving individuals. Take
David for example. How easy is it for us toudge him as he was with Bathsheba, then
ending her husband to die? As I completedBible study on David years ago, the leadereminded me that David was a man after
Gods own heart and how overwhelminglywilling God is to forgive.
A library is a hospital for the mind.
~ Anonymous ~
MEMORIZE FAVORITE QUOTES
very week during the summer my childrennd I have picked a Bible verse for them to
memorize. I bet you know whats coming.Yes, they have their verses memorized and
uess who has all of them down pat as well?You guessed it, me. One of the most effectiveoutes to recalling what weve read is byntentionally trying to memorize it.
Two of the best ways I can suggest to helpmemorize what you read are:
Writing note cards and affixing them inbvious places. Youve heard of writersaping inspirational sayings near computers.
Why do they do this? To be inspired. To benfluenced. Other noticeable places includen the mirror, on the inside of a cabinet, onour dashboard, on your bedpost and onour bathroom mirror.
The second way I alluded to earlier. Sync upwhat youve read to music. Im not talkingabout concocting a rap out of the psalms oryour favorite line from Crime andPunishment. What I am suggesting is that ifone line really speaks to you; find a way to
connect it to music, a song you like with abeautiful rhythm. Ive also heard somepeople do this to memorize peoples names(which I am horrible at).
REFLECTION TAKING TIME TOTHINK ON IT
In this fast paced society it can be temptingto jump from book to book just to say youveread something or to check it off somefloating list in your mind. I think somethingis lost in translation when we do this. We
lose the precious time it might take to allowthat remarkably worded sentence that sentshivers down the spine to sink in, to stir andultimately dwell within us. Were only doingourselves a favor when we step back fromsomething that overwhelms us withpunctuated truth or beautifully writteneloquence and allow for it to simmer and toenter all corridors of our thinking.
Force yourself to reflect on what you read, paragraph
by paragraph.
~ Samuel Taylor Coleridge ~
WRITE ON IT
Much like jotting down sentences or verseson a note card, journaling or writing aboutwhat youve read is sure to cause you toremember it more readily. This one is likeempathizing because you are personalizingthe words youve read somehow andapplying them to your specificcircumstances. We are engineered to caremore about something if it somehowinvolves us. I know, embarrassing to write,
but true nonetheless. So next time you readsomething you suspect might havesubstantial meaty promise, keep a journalclose by.
Reading furnishes the mind only with materials for
knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read
ours.
~ John Locke ~
REREAD
Lather, rinse, repeat. Remember thoseinstructions on the back of shampoo bottles?(Here I go testing you again!) Thosedirections might still be commonly listed onshampoo bottles; I havent bothered to lookin awhile. Like the set of steps for washinghair, we can read, reflect and repeat if need
be. It would be absurd to suggest we alwaysneed to read a book twice, but it certainlycant hurt to do so. Several years ago, afriend told me she read the book,Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend threetimes. It should come as no surprise that thiswoman has excellent boundaries in her life.My point: theres a time for everything andsometimes if the book or verse is just thatgood, it might be worth rereading. (This isespecially true of Bible verses)
Thats your step by step guide to learninghow to retain more of what you read.
UNDERLINE, CONVERSE,
EMPATHIZE, MEMORIZE, REFLECT,
WRITE AND IF ALL ELSE FAILS,
REREAD.
________
Wendy Miller is a butcher (ofas she edits her novels), a bakbirthday cakes and treats for h
beloved family members and fand a candlestick maker (not but she enjoys crafts of all kinappreciates the outdoors, writilaughing with loved ones. Wenmission statement is to a live apassionate life filled with compgrateful to be called daughter Most High God. Visit Wendyhttp://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.comhttp://wendypainemiller.wordpress.co
http://wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/http://wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/http://wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/http://wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/http://wendypainemiller.wordpress.com/http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ -
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Seedtime & HarvestBefore we dive into the riches of Scripture, lets join together in prayer. It is so important to seek
Godly wisdom before venturing into His Word. Let us not lean on our own understanding, but on
hat of our Lord.
Father, as we study from Your Word
today, we ask that you would fill us
with Your supernatural wisdom so that
we might understand the lessons you
have for us. Lord, please give us ears to
listen and hearts to obey as we seek to
apply Your Truth to our lives, daily.
Thank you for this time in fellowshipwith those who walked the streets with
Christ Jesus. Your Word amazes and
were so grateful to be able to nourish
our souls with these precious
Scriptures. It is in the name of Jesus
that we pray. Amen.
Autumn. Just the mere mention has meall aflutter with anticipation of rewardsto come. The changing leaves, in alltheir God-given beauty, line the streetsand fill the yards with the promise ofrest. All summer, weve tended to ourlawns and gardens; the crispness of theautumn air invites us to savor theharvest of our efforts. Sharing what theLord had revealed to him, Mosesinstructs Gods people on how they can
best care for their promised land.
If you will only heed His every
commandment that I am commanding
you todayloving the Lord your God,
and serving Him with all your heart
and with all your soulthen He will
give the rain for your land in its season,
the early rain and the later rain, and
you will gather in your grain, your
wine, and your oil; and He will give
grass in your fields for your livestock,
and you will eat your fill. Take care, or
you will be seduced into turning away,
serving other gods and worshiping
them, for then the anger of the Lord will
be kindled against you and He will shutup the heavens, so that there will be no
rain and the land will yield no fruit;
then you will perish quickly off the
good land that the Lord is giving
you (Deuteronomy 11:13-17, NRSV).
Dear One, through these same words,God is urging us to prepare our heartsand souls for His spiritual gardening.Lets harvest the goodness of His Wordtogether, finding each Living Breadcrumb our Father has left in order thatHe might lead us home.
If you will only heed His everycommandment that I am commandingyou today
These commandments and otherreligious laws were rigidly sought afterin the time before the Resurrection.Moses was only given TenCommandments to teach Gods people,and His people fell short; we all fallshort of the glory of God. Since our sinmust be covered in a veil of innocent
blood in order to keep our iniquities
from separating us from our Fathmany sacrifices were made in ordatone for the inevitable sins of maHow fortunate we are, as the bloo
bought saints of the Living God!Having been ransomed by Christdeath on the cross, we are freed f
the shackles of the rules of old. Wto love Gods commands and strimeet them, but the only sacrifice must make is to die to ourselves ieffort to live for our Lord. A heallove for the Lords statutes is likefertilizer that fuels our spiritual g
The cornerstone to any garden grthe Spirit is loving the Lord youand serving Him with all your heand with all your soul. If we ewant to make it to autumn and al
rewards, we must first and foremlove our Heavenly Father. In mylife, it took a while to connect on level with the Lord. Eventually, tlove that God lavishes on us throScripture helped me to experienclove like Ive never known.
Reading in Ephesians always leavfeeling so loved that I simply canhelp but reciprocate!
Written by Victoria Jenkins
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ive yourself to God, in all encompassing love,hen He will give the rain for your land in itsason, because the Creator knows just whenwater His creation. He sees when our thirstoverwhelming and He knows when we willnefit most from each refreshing and life-staining drop. He is faithful to provide ourery need; the early rain and the later rain,
aking the soul more penetrable for plantingnd pliable for the harvest ahead. Submit yourork unto the Lord in loving obedience and
ou will gather in your grain, your wine, andour oil; it is our responsibility to seek thewards that God wants us to receive. Seekim as you work toward His commands withart and soul devoted in service, and He willve grass in your fields for your livestock, and
ou will eat your fill.
ivine Provision is one of many riches withhich the Lord is waiting to graciously blessis children.
Take care, or you will be seduced into turningway, serving other gods and worshipingem, before yo