October Exemplify Magazine Issue

8/14/2019 October Exemplify Magazine Issue

1/32

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


2/32

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


3/32

E X E M P L I F Y M A G A Z I N E


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


4/32


Exemplify Online & Mag

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


5/32



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


6/32



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


7/32



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?


8/32



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


9/32



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


10/32


!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.

Exemplify Online & Ma


11/32



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!

[email protected]

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
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


12/32

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/
http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/http://www.awomaninspiredconference.org/


13/32



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

Written by Judith Rober


14/32


4 Exemplify Online & Mag

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%?
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


15/32



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


16/32



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...


17/32

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/


18/32



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


19/32



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.


20/32



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


21/32



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/


22/32

Michelle Beck


23/32



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.


24/32



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


25/32



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


26/32



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/


27/32



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


28/32



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

Date post:	30-May-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	kristen-schiffman
View:	223 times
Download:	0 times

October Exemplify Magazine Issue

Documents