Discover the Mystery of Christmas
Ten Tips To Successful Shopping
Find an Easy to Manage Beauty Schedule
Table of Contents….
Letter From The Editor
Ky’s Holiday Treat
By Kendel Garcia Page 1
By Kylie’s Ramos Page 24
Debu Inbox
Cross Culture
Page 2
By Mandy Hinkle Page 27
Contest
A Poem: Shadows and Light
Page 3
By Ashley Bicket Page 31
Chuckles With Christiana
The Mystery of Christmas
By Christiana Shaw Page 5
By Melanie Knapp Page 33
Breaking Chains
Siblings
By Anonymous Page 7
By Kylie Ramos Page 37
Beautifully Made
Working With Your Hands
By Kylie Ramos Page 10
By Melanie Knapp Page 39
But Why?
Is Jesus In Your Playlist?
By Molly Metzger Page 12
By Hannah Ruzicka Page 41
Adventurous Femininity
Testimonies
By Sierra Brewer Page 16
By Tiffani Hockings Page 44
What’s Your Color
Your Body Will Sag
By Kylie Ramos Page 19
By Elizabeth Shafer Page 48
Held in the Palm of His Hand
Ten Tips For Successful Shopping
By Melanie Knapp Page 21
By Kendel Garcia Page 51
Our mission is to inspire teenage girls to surrender their entire lives to Christ and live radically for Him. Page 1
A Letter From the Editor Dear Debu Sisters, I can’t believe it is already time to be writing to you again! Life goes by so fast, and as I look back on this year I see how true that statement is. 2011 is creeping to a close and I wonder how it managed to go by so fast! Does anybody know? As I see how quickly time goes by, I have one thing to share with you this issue: Savor time. Live intentionally. Don’t let a day slip away without praising your Savior, loving your family, and stopping to smell the roses. God only gives us one life, a certain amount of time. It is up to you what you plan on doing with that time. Will you use the gift wisely? Or will you throw it away? It’s up to you. This issue is focused on the birth of Christ,; we hope that you approach this season with reverence and thankfulness. Remember Jesus’ sacrifice and live in light of His grace. Give with all your heart. Love with all your soul. Laugh with all your spirit. Share with all the people whom God
has put in your life. Hold nothing back. Our next issue will be a special edition that you won’t want to miss! It’s going to be quite amazing, so tell all your friends. Take the rest of 2011 and praise God with all you have. Time is too precious to hold back. Your Sister in Christ, Kendel Garcia Founder and Editor in Chief of Debu Magazine
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Debu Inbox We got a ton of response after our last issue, here’s what some of our Debu Sisters had to say about the magazine. Hey,
have looked it over, but not read the whole thing yet, though it looks very promising! I I loved the first issue, it was fabulous!!! just read the letter from the editor, and at Your articles were fantastic as well! the bottom, was the verse Isaiah 7:9b. "If I was wondering maybe if you could put in you do not stand firm in your faith, you do not stand at all." I just wanted to say that I dear Abby thing or a contest or was very blessed by that! Isaiah 7:9b is something....Wonderful Mag! one of my various life verses. "Firm Faith" -Juliana is kind of my motto! I have been very challenged, yet blessed by this verse in the last Editor‘s Note: Check out our contest on few months! It is absolutely AMAZING. I page 3. have never (until this morning) heard anyone but myself quote it, or use it, I was I was very impressed I was awesome!! So just blessed beyond words to know that others do read the prophets of the Old proud of the magazine and what it‘s Testament (which is hard reading) and not becoming! just the New Testament and etc. Anyways, -Audrey I am not sure if all of that made sense, but I was blessed by the mention of that verse. Keep up the good work! It was really awesome, thanks so much for doing this (:The articles were really good, -Hope and your pictures were amazing <3 Editor‘s Note: This is an amazing verse Thanks again, it was awesome knowing and it is so challenging. It is super that there are other people out there trying important to read the whole Bible, Old and to do what's right as well (: New Testaments. Keep up the good work in your studying of God‘s Word! -Tara I really liked Debu Magazine. I think that my favorite thing was that I could email it I loved the last issue and I definitely want to my kindle and read it there. I liked all to see more. I didn‘t read it all at the same the articles and I can't wait for the next time…so it was kind of like a devotional… issue!! it was great!!!-Vicki Jo Thanks, Liz Hello, my name is Hope, and I have received the first issue of this magazine. I
Hey Debu, I loved the first issue, and the photographs were fantastic! However, there is one thing. There weren't any fiction parts. My favorite part of a magazine I read when I was younger was the funny and often meaningful fiction stories they contained. Another neat idea if possible would be an advice column where girls could write in with questions and get them answered. Thanks for listening to my suggestions. God Bless, Tamrae Editor‘s Note: We were unable to get a Q&A column in this issue, but that is something to look forward to in the upcoming issues-. As for fiction, we are still working on trying to make that a reality, but right now we don‘t have a fiction writer. We do, however have the poem Shadows and Light on page 31 Wow, i just downloaded the mag and skimmed through it... love it already!!!! So glad you were willing to follow God!! Keep on serving Him. -Amy
I received your magazine today. Honestly, I LOVED it. It was encouraging, beautiful, and brought so much glory to the savior. When I first heard about the magazine I got excited. A magazine for teenage Christian girls like myself! We need such reminders of Gods plan for us. I loved the Editor‘s Note: What a neat idea! I am an avid Kindle user myself…now I have to go first issue...keep them coming! try it out! -Neeley Page 3
Want to win an amazing Debu t-shirt or wristband? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how: Contest Dates: November 2nd, 2011-January 1st, 2012
What to do: Get as many of your friends to subscribe to Debu as possible (make sure they reference your name when the subscribe on the website www.debumag.com) for every 5 friends that subscribe you will get one entry into a drawing. Prize: First prize is a Debu t-shirt, two second place winners will receive a set of Debu wristbands, and three third place winners will receive one wristbands! Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six opportunities to win! Page 4
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened to you. -Matthew 7:7 Page 5
By Christiana Shaw
“It‘s the most wonderful time of the year!‖ Yes, Christmas is coming soon, the weather is starting to shift, the sweltering summer sun is slowly sinking into the sunset (nice alliteration I know), last years sweaters are being dusted off and hung up in anticipation of the winter chill, and I started listening to Christmas music in July! Over at my house my dad is starting his routine which somewhat looks like this: get tree out of garage, put in living room; get wreaths out of garage, put in living room; get ornaments out of garage, put in living room; get lights out of garage, put in living room; take break until December 23rd.—Ahhh preparation! Every year, when dad finally does get around to putting the lights up, it reminds me of an earlier time. It was 1998, the good ole‘ days when I was at the tender age of 4. I was minding my own business (not that I had much business in 1998) when dad called me downstairs to help him untangle the Christmas lights. Of course, I was a willing little helper, not knowing what exactly I had gotten myself into. I eagerly followed him outside ready to serve wherever I was needed, which ended being on the driveway in front of a foreign mass of what may or may not have started out as Christmas lights.
Success. Ok. So maybe more was expected of me, but hey, I was 4. And something better had come along, chasing roly polies. It would be safe to say that I had somewhat of an obsession with roly polies. I kept them as pets...but the real fun was the hunting process: find, catch, keep. A few days later they die and the process begins anew! I knew I should have been helping my dad, but it was high roly poly season! How could he want me to assist him, when there was something I could do that would profit me (hey, roly polies were a big deal). The more I think about it, the more this sounds like us as Christians. At times in our life God asks us to carry out a task; it may be to help a friend or stranger, or to do something outside of our comfort zone. Through our earthly eyes it may seem difficult, and we go at it half-heartedly. Then, when we don‘t immediately see the end result, we get tired. And then something better comes along, something with immediate rewards, a quick thrill that just as quickly fades. A thrill that God can just as easily give us, but His is a thousand times better, and lasts for a lifetime. But if we‘re selfish, we‘re left unfulfilled.
This Christmas season I challenge you to sit in the driveway and untangle those lights! In other words, when you feel that tug on your heart to go out and give your time to someone Unperturbed, I began my mission, weaving my agile fingers through the hopelessly tangled wires. I was a machine, a child other than yourself, get out there and finish the task set before genius, if you will. My brain, without my prompting, analyzed you. I know I will, and who knows, maybe this year dad and I will get the Christmas light up before New Year‘s!* the lights, finding open routes and quickly carrying them out, until finally I had done it. One Christmas light bulb was free.
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Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. -Matthew 5:16
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Breaking Chains “Valiant For the Truth” By Anonymous
The Breaking Chains column is anonymous on purpose. We think it best that the young man who writes the column be hidden from you girls to guard your purity and hearts. Please refrain from inquiries about his identity because you won’t get it out of us! Page 8
"Oh, that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! Oh, that I had in the wilderness—a lodging place for travelers; that I might leave my people, and go from them! For they are all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. 'And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me,' says the Lord" (Jeremiah 9:1-3). Jeremiah was correctly titled the weeping prophet. Here we see why such tears are well warranted. Israel was a nation blessed with the presence of God. No nation ever had the utmost privilege of having God so near and so active amidst its citizens. In fact, Scripture states that Israel bore the name of God. They were titled God's beloved people—His children. Yet even with such a majestic and wonder-filled past of God's Mighty and Active Hand, we find these people forsaking their Heavenly Father. They left their heritage, their identity in God, for what was more pleasing to them in the flesh. The people bent their words to lies, walking from evil to evil. Israel started chasing god after god. Because Jeremiah's words and tears do no even suffice in expression, I can only imagine the heartbreak, the jealousy, and the anger our God experienced as He watched His sons and daughters chase after mirages, wolves in sheep's clothing, hollow desires, and deity that are valued below dirt compared to Him. How could they sell themselves to such fake, limited, disposable, man-made "truths", when the God of the Universe redeemed them with love beyond human comprehension and offers life as it was meant to be?.....But although many of us could read Israel's history and shake our heads, I believe we are not too far off from what was being seen in the eyes of Jeremiah. Solomon was too wise and apt in saying that "nothing is new under the sun.‖ What Jeremiah was sobbing over parallels the culture we now reside in today. Christians left and right complain about the church they see. We so easily point out the faults of our American Lukewarm nature. We share and show people from around the world and those of history who are living a much more God and faith-filled life. Yet, nothing is new under the sun. These encompassing circumstances are a mere reflection of what God has seen repeatedly with His people, starting way back with Israel. Now, we have carried on the legacy. Generation after generation, the truth continues to be watered down, and nobody catches it. Why? Because too many of us depict our lives in Christ only with sitting in a pew on Sundays and youth group attendance. Few can say that they actually have an active relationship with their Savior. Active can be defined as a continual walking forward, seeking the truth and the tasks at hand that we were made to courageously fulfill. All to often, however, we sit on the sidelines and somewhat cheer for those who do act and feel satisfied with where we are. What has deprived us of actively walking after our God? What has made us miss out in understanding and living for the bigger picture? The answer, I believe, is that we have been following after other gods.
Although these gods may not currently be titled as Baal, Ashtoreth, or Molech, we find the gods we serve are self (me, myself, and I), lusts, passions, dreams, money, sex, drugs, romance, success, apathy, complacency, etc. Our world is polytheistic, under the banner of post-modernism. And guess what? Whether we realize it or not, the church has followed suit. And when I say church, I am not pointing out and around me; I am pointing at me. We as individuals are the church. You can complain all you want about the sad circumstances of the body of Christ, but whether you see it or not, you and I are a part of the problem. Honestly, contemplate your life. Reconsider. Can you objectively say that in every aspect of your life you are seeking the truth, to know God intimately, and you are living solely for the glory of God? I am not talking about perfection. I am asking about dedication. What god is being worshiped in each area of your life? Is it the One True God? Or is it self? If your answer is an enthusiastic, "Yes! I am wanting to give my King my all," then please be all the more encouraged to push forward! Do not be discouraged, but strengthened and empowered by God's Spirit to live a life pleasing to our Lord! But if you have a hesitant answer, a response that might admit some compromise and gray in your life, do not fret. Re-evaluate what you believe and how you live, so that you can reform and be transformed for the glory of Jesus. In this column, I want to dig deep into the aspect of purity and how it relates to us as teenagers and young adults. But before we even dive into those issues, our hearts must be addressed. God can show us all the realities and wisdom of how our lives are called to be lived according to His Perfect Word, but if our heart is hard, where is the pliability that is sensitive to seeing and living in light of it? Oh God, may You repel all the blindness, the scales that we have subtly allowed to be placed over our eyes, so that we might see and live for the Truth. For You are Truth. May we know You, and forsake any hint of darkness, so that we may abide with You in Your Light. Lord, may we be faithful servants. May we be Your children..... Such is the prayer of my heart. Will it be yours? God wishes to do a mighty work beyond us in all His Children. He wants to use individuals who are willing and humble to shake the pillars of this universe, to be love in a loveless world, to be people after His own heart, to exemplify His truth and grace in all that we are...but it all starts with you and me. What will you do when God calls you to stand? What will you do when God calls you to change? Will we cause more tears to be shed or will God and all the angels be rejoicing as we join the battle? I want to stand. Will you join me in breaking the chains of our generation and be the ones who are valiant for the truth? Breaking Chains, ~Anonymous Page 9
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul, He guides me in paths of righteousness for His names sake. Even though I walk through the valley of The shadow of death I will fear no evil For my God is with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4 Page 10
Beautifully Made “Beauty Schedule” By Kylie Ramos Our time: such a hard thing to balance. But somewhere in there is time for you. With all the things our generation does no wonder we have little or no time to take care of your body and maintain its beauty. What I mean by maintenance is time to do your nails, eyebrows, do a facemask or something like that. So, I decided to make an ―easy to follow‖ routine. Everyone‘s schedule is different so feel free to tweak it for you. The Daily Routine 1) Start the day off by washing your face Tip—it helps with waking up if you‘re not a morning person like me, and with cleansing the face. 2) Next I would suggest taking a shower to be refreshed and ready for the day
4) After you have your makeup done, style your hair. Tip-the reason I also suggest the bathrobe is if you are using hairspray for your hair it tends to stick to your outfit, not good. 5) The only thing left is your outfit. Tip—I strongly suggest that you have an idea of what your outfit is going to be the night before, so that when you get to this point you have everything laid out and ready to go. This cuts down on a lot of time in finding the perfect outfit. 6) Don‘t forget when you get home from your day, before you go to bed, take off your makeup.
Tip—if you have curly hair it does help to wash it before you got to bed. After showering, if you braid your hair, put it in a bun, or roll in curlers; it can make your hair nice and wavy or curly for the next day.
The Weekly Routine The weekend seems to be when we have the most amount of time. So, at some point during your weekend, it would be a good idea to paint your nails and do your eyebrows. If you have 3) After showering, I like to put on a bathrobe for extra comfort. extra time, do a facemask. If not, do one on a certain day every week. While in your comfy bathrobe put up your hair. Also, if you have bangs, it is best to pin them back as well. Now, apply your Tip—it is helpful to your skin to use a facemask at makeup. least once a week. Tip—if you are using a hair styling tool this is the time to turn it on.
This is a good time to put the homemade facemask recipes (from Debu‘s last issue) to the test.
Tip-do your makeup from most important product to last so that if you do run out of time you have what is most important.
Don‘t forget to take time for you. God loves you and you should too. *
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully Made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139:14
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By Molly Metzger
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―But, why?‖ I think this is one of the first phrases we learn to ask as young children. Whether out of curiosity or annoyance, this question often comes out of the mouths of old and young alike. For me, I love to ask questions. I am a fairly skeptical person and also very opinionated, so I don‘t like to do or believe something without first knowing why. However, this concept seems to have been lost on our society. Although we doubt the most obvious things (such as God‘s existence), we seem to have no problem going along with the trends and fads that come and go in the world. One of the worst things a Christian can do is to not test his every decision against the Bible. Without God‘s guidance we are lost, right? So why would we go along with what the world has to say without ever batting an eye? I have a passion for writing about modesty. To me, it is a huge issue in our culture, and I believe it goes deeper than physical appearance – it is a heart issue. When I made my own guidelines for modesty, I first read about modesty in the Bible, and then went to my mom for approval. I was blessed in that I was born with no desire to ―flaunt‖ my body, but at the same time, it is easy to just buy what is trendy, rather than what is modest. When I went to the Bible to check my standards, I realized that there is actually not that much about modesty in the Bible. Sure, it says not to braid your hair or wear excess jewelry, but how does that translate into today‘s world? Why doesn‘t it tell us exactly what we should or should not wear? Wouldn‘t that be a whole lot easier? Well, maybe, but actually the Bible has a lot to say about modesty. But, you can‘t look in your concordance under that particular word. Instead, try the word ―honor.‖ Truly,
dressing modestly has nothing to do with how you look; instead, it has everything to do with honoring two very important people. Obviously, dressing modestly has much to do with honoring God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says, ―Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.‖ Young woman, do you understand this? God CREATED you as temples of the HOLY SPIRIT. Do you think that God feels honored when we put on tight, revealing outfits? Do you think we are honoring the Holy Spirit when we desire to look ―sexy‖ or ―hot‖? No! We are called to be holy and pleasing to God. As a Christian, you are set apart so that you can set an example to the world. Our desire should be to honor God, not look like the world. The second person we are to honor is our husband (or future husband, if you are not married). I am seventeen and waiting for my Prince Charming, but while I wait, I want to make sure that I am honoring him and preparing for him. Yes, you can honor your husband before you ever meet him! It is easy to become complacent and forgetful when marriage is not clearly in sight. But, while we wait we should be asking what we can do for our future husbands now. Dressing modestly allows no other man to look at you in a way that is inappropriate or disrespectful. I read an article recently that stated that women should not be expected to dress modestly because it is the man‘s fault that he cannot control his eyes. My jaw literally dropped when I read this article. Ladies, it is very true that men should try and control their minds, but if you were bombarded all day every day by images that are less than wholesome, how do you think you would feel? It is impossible to never look at someone dressed Page 14
immodestly. If men were to control their minds, they would first have to control their eyes. So does that mean they should look at the sidewalk only, just in case an immodest woman walks by? Uh, no! It is our responsibility to dress as modestly as possible so we do not cause our brothers to stumble!
husband and the people around you. I beseech you, as young ladies of Christ, to consider what is in your wardrobe. How do you think it matches up to God‘s standards? If you were meeting Christ on the street this very night, would you be proud of the outfit you have on? Do you look like a temple of the Holy Spirit?
In the book Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America, Jeff Pollard states, ―You are NOT your own, if you are a Christian. Your whole being – body and soul – is the purchased property of Jesus Christ; and the price paid for your body was the breaking of His…‖ Young woman, you are sanctified. You are holy. You are the property of Jesus Christ. God desires for us to be honoring toward Him, because he has ransomed us from our sins and our pasts! No matter what you may have done, God will forgive you. Never forget that. Even if you have lost your purity, God can redeem you. No, you will not be pure again, but in God‘s eyes you are forgiven. Is that not the most precious gift of all?
I do not want you to condemn yourself for any past clothing choices. We all make mistakes; I am just asking you to learn from them. As a fellow sister in Christ, I cry out to you to equate modesty with honor and self-respect. Don‘t lower yourself to the world‘s standards. Rise above and be the beautiful, honorable young woman that you are! Never forget to ask WHY you are doing something; be alert, and get the answers necessary to make wise decisions.
Modesty is about HONOR. Honoring God and your
Ephesians 4:22-24, ―You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being interupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.‖*
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But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we will have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. -1 John 1:7 Page 16
Embroidery versus Digging in the Dirt By Sierra Brewer
When I was about seven years old… my Marmee (mom) said it was time for my sister and I to be wearing dresses to church. I can‘t tell you it wasn‘t a battle of the wills. At the church we were then currently attending, there was almost no one who wore dresses/skirts to church. I thought for sure it was going to be the end of the world if I was the only one wearing a long, flowy skirt (in all actuality, young-lady church appropriate attire) to church. I didn‘t see how not wearing those things would hurt… but in truth, I was afraid. At that young age, I had already been exposed to people who changed my outlook. ―Afraid?!?‖ you‘re probably asking. ―It‘s church!‖ You might be surprised at how pin-pointed you can be if you take what has turned into a conviction, and follow up on it. A few months later I realized my mistake with my Marmee, and repented of it… and let me tell you, I have found much joy for the past several years, wearing flowy things not only to church, but in everyday life… all that to say~ There‘s a big struggle going on in Christian and non-Christian circles all the time… but it can be so subtle, I can‘t blame you if you don‘t notice it. It‘s the topic of femininity. Girls and women are having a difficult time out there—and guess what they‘re worried about? That silly little word: equality. Yep. That‘s it. But its had such an impact on the world of femininity, there‘s no way to get around it now. The view of femininity is abused, and looked upon as someone who just wants to be
weaker (I have even heard it addressed as ‗laziness in a skirt‘). Laziness? That‘s a hard blow! I want to take a few minutes and address that thought. In my book, an example of laziness is a person who is resistant to work or exertion. While, granted, we will all feel that way sometimes, if it‘s not a
after the fall—not so. Work is a blessing and gives a purpose for us. That is why God created women as help-meets to our families and future husbands. If our parents give us chores, they are really helping us to prepare for our future homes. ―Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.‖ –Ecclesiastes 9:10. One of my favorite Latin phrases is soli Deo gloria- meaning, ―to the glory of God alone.‖ We are to do all things heartily—for His glory. Think of what we just saw— that work gives us a purpose. If God‘s purpose is for us to glorify Him and we refuse to do it through the job He has given us as His daughters, are we not disregarding Him?
―The life of the pioneer woman was hard, and its scope was narrow, but that scope was filled to its utmost bound with the nobility of duty and bravery...instead of fainting at the sight of blood, these women could act when the need came, and bind up the wounds of husband, father, or lover. Here was the field where, instead of shuddering at the rifle's sound, a woman's hand should dexterously load, and if the worst came, constant whine of, ―I don‘t want to work!‖ she should be able to surely aim and fire I don‘t see how femininity fits into that the unerring weapon of the frontier." category. A young woman who doesn‘t Noelle Wheeler, Daughters of Destiny , pg. like to work (or in my case, ―improving 33 my little home‖—i.e. my room) is going to have a hard time following God, beLet me ask you a question. Which cause—get this—He likes it! Some believe do you think is considered "more‖ that work was God‘s curse on mankind feminine: embroidering pincushions, or Page 17
going on a dinosaur graveyard expedition? You think about that, and by the time you finish reading this article, I‘ll get back to it. Let‘s think about the above quote from Noelle Wheeler. In Proverbs 31, we read about the virtuous woman, not going around dusting in frilly aprons (I mean, of course that was probably part of her routine!), but showing diligence, trustworthiness, respect, compassion, economical knowledge, and courage,
with God‘s purpose for your life? I would say digging, if it was helpful to your home and family. One of my heroines is Eliza Lucas Pinckney. She may or may not sound familiar to you, but she has greatly impacted me, as she truly was a virtuous young woman.
The Bible talks about the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, when the master gives three of his servants some talents. The first went and multiplied and invested his talents until he had ten. The second multiplied and invested until he had five. The last servant buried his talent, and in the end the master took it away Girls, imagine your response if from him and gave it to the servant who your father left you, his nearly-fifteen-year had ten. I believe Eliza Pinckney was a -old daughter, in charge of his four young woman who went and invested her plantations in South talents until she had ten; she is one of the Carolina while he ladies who I think of when I think of a went back to govern virtuous person impacting my personal the West Indies. Well life. that‘s exactly what Eliza Pinckney‘s Girls, we may not be in the pioneer era, father did. Eliza was but what about today, and our future? Do instructed to simply you greet your father or brother or mother ―oversee‖ the with a cheerful heart, ready to bless and plantations, as well as respond to their needs? Will you lay your to take care of her hands to the distaff with a willing heart mother and several and a song on your lips? Are you ready to younger brothers and answer when your little brothers or sisters sisters. need your help, no matter what it might take you away from? And last, but not In and of least, are you ready to answer the call of itself, this would show God, to act on it, and receive your peace her virtue. However, her mantra seemed to among other character values. If you and confidence from Him? Sitting with re-read the scenario I placed you in above, be, ―why do this, when I can do this?‖ Jesus in the quiet to listen to Him is Eliza Pinckney spent her time figuring out you can probably distinguish many of something that always gives peace, the planting of the fields. When her father those traits. The pioneer women were direction, confidence, joy, and yes, sanity clothed with strength and dignity. Though came back several years later, she showed in our (let‘s admit it!) crazy lives. Let's be him many years‘ worth of prosperous many came from comfortable, if not pioneer women, and look for ways to be privileged, homes, they were not afraid to fields, and a beautifully developing home. uniquely feminine in a God-oriented Now remember, she was born in Antigua, get their hands dirty. They adjusted way—soli Deo gloria. accordingly to the wild, albeit beautiful life in the West Indies, so she had absolutely "Though dreary their lives, and on the frontier—all in ankle-length familiar with peril rather than skirts, I might add. They could‘ve pleasure, their souls were noble, their responded with repetitious pleas to go hearts steadfast, and their actions home...but instead, they followed their irreproachable. They may have been husbands submissively, and encourunlettered, and untaught in frivolous aged them. When the crop failed, they accomplishments, but truly feminine didn‘t retort with an, ―I-told-you-so,‖ they were for all that." but with a response of encouragement and reassurance, and perhaps a soft-Noelle Wheeler (Daughters of spoken suggestion. Destiny, pg. 33, paragraph 4) no idea just how to plant seeds. She Remember the question from became known as the first female above, about needlework versus digging in agriculturalist in the United States. What May our Abba bless each of you. * the dirt? What‘s your opinion? While there would have better served her family in this is no right or wrong one, the answer still period? Would it have been better for her might surprise you. What is more in line to be a planter or sewer? =)
“They were not afraid to get their hands dirty”
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Rejoice at all times. -1 Thessalonians 5:16 Page 19
By Kylie Ramos
Winter
Summer
Today, there are many different types of fashion. Yet, the best type of fashion is one that meets God‘s standards. God calls all women to be modest & to save what is yours. Now, I get that this may be a tall task, but if God said it, we are called to follow it. (1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, ―I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.‖) In my experience, when modest clothing comes to mind people think ―boring,‖ but that isn‘t true. Modest clothing doesn‘t mean simple, it means covering what belongs to you. Color is a great way to make simple clothing more interesting. Have you ever wondered what colors look good on you? This is an easy way to decide. To find the colors that are best suited for you decide what season you are under. Your skin tone, eye color, and hair color determine this. First, are you cool or warm? Cool skin tones have pink or blue undertones and the veins you can see are usually blue in color (the easiest veins to determine the color on are the veins on the underside of the wrist). Warm skin tones have yellow tones and their veins tend to be a green color. Next, are you clear or muted? If you are clear there is a big difference between the color of your skin and hair, such as black hair and porcelain skin. The muted skin tone has less of a difference between your hair and skin color, this would be like tan skin and brown hair.
Autumn
Summer
*Winter- is cool and clear. Winters are more suited for true white, true black, cool grays, navy blue, deep reds, bright pinks, jewel tones (emerald, royal blue, royal purple), and icy pastels. Avoid beige, orange, gold, and brown. *Summer- is cool and muted. Pale pinkish skin, ash blonde or brown hair, and light eyes. People with this skin tone usually tan easily and are mostly natural blondes. Colors that look good on people with this skin tone are lavender, rose, mauve, pale yellow, and light blue. Avoid black and orange. *Autumn- is warm and muted. Autumns are people with light golden skin, red or brown hair, and brown eyes. Autumns also have dark honey colored hair or golden blonde hair with blue eyes. Colors that would be flattering to you are caramel, beige, burnt orange, gold, dark reds, olive, ivory, and rich brown. Avoid pink, black, white, and cool colors. *Spring- is warm and clear. This person has light blonde, auburn, and strawberry blonde hair and clear light blue or green eyes. This individual also usually has light skin, and may have freckles with rosy cheeks. Colors that look best on you are ivory, peach, true reds, clear blues, caramel, light pink, coral golden yellow, golden brown, aqua, and bright greens. Avoid dark dull colors, especially black and white. *
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Holding fast to the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able to exhort un sound doctrine and refute those in contradict it. -Titus 1:9
Held in the Palm of His Hand By Melanie Knapp
It‘s a rainy day in the state of Tennessee. I‘m cuddled one; it‘s more than she could bear right now.‖ And, up at my desk with a hot cup of mint tea, chewing ―I‘ll bestow this joy because it will help heal [her], away at my bubble-mint gum, and clicking away on but not this one. Although [she] really wants this, it our dear old laptop. would hinder [her] The smell of fresh spiritual homemade bread has growth.‖ (Myers, crept into my room Thirty-One Days of from downstairs; the Drawing Near to melody ―Songbird‖ God, 72) by Jillian Edwards is Ah, what a sweet floating through my promise: ―He holds room dancing in the our lives in the air as I type. hollow of His The rain is slowly falling outside. If only those tiny droplets would turn into the icy snow so many of us love dearly.
hand, and into that place of security brings the blessings and troubles we need…‖ (72). Do you really believe this truth? Do The spirit hanging over the outside world today is the you trust His promise that ―When you pass through spirit of my heart lately. Calm. Absolute, utter peace. the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through My sweet sisters, I think I am learning what it is to the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame rest in the palm of His hand. scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior‖ (Isaiah 43:2-3a). One of the ways the Lord reveals Himself to us is ―simply through the circumstances of daily life. God What He has been revealing to me wants to enrich us through is that He is enough for my heart. knowing Him better and I am truly safe, here, in the palm becoming more like Him. To of His hand. Life‘s circumstances this end He arranges our days are simply the things He places us with the proper mixture of joys in to cause us to gaze into His and trials, gains and losses, eyes and run to the safety of His pleasure and pain. He holds our arms. He‘s slowly revealing to lives in the hollow of His hand, me reasons I didn‘t understand and into that place of security brings the blessings before. And He‘s teaching me to rest when I don‘t and troubles we need: ―I‘ll let this trial through,‖ He understand things. says, ―because it will strengthen her. No, not that
“He is enough for my heart. I am truly safe, here in the palm of His hand.”
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He‘s quieting me with His matchless love. A verse that has been resonating within my heart lately is the following: ―The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing‖ (Zephaniah 3:17). He‘s revealing to me just how much He loves me. He‘s showing me just how true His words to me are. He‘s teaching me that when I bring my anxious thoughts before Him, along with faith and thankfulness, ―the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus‖ (Philippians 4:7).
I feel like I‘m drifting on a solemn breeze. Circumstances would stand for the drafts that would throw me off course, but rather, He has me slowly sailing along on the peaceful waves of tranquility and waiting upon Him. He‘s showing me how to die – what it means to die to myself. I see the ―self‖ in me manifest its ugly form so often in my life. But I also see Him gently refining me and teaching me what it means to let go of the ―self‖ within me and take hold of ―sacrifice and servant hood.‖
So I sit here gazing out at the rain, and instead of feeling dreary, I imagine the soft drops slowly pattering on my face and arms, rinsing the filth from He‘s showing me more and more of Himself as I run my heart, and washing me whiter and whiter as I seek to Him for answers and comfort. He‘s drawing me to become more like my Jesus. The excitement of life nearer and nearer to His heart. And as I seek to rest in with Him is overwhelming at times. This peace is Him, He‘s granting me a peace and calm that I haven‘t beautiful. felt in a long time. Yes, I am safe in the palm of His hand. And so are you, my friend.*
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Watch your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life. -Proverbs 4:23 Page 23
I love to bake for my family on holidays. Here are a few simple recipes to make your holidays extra special.
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Christmas Tree Pops This recipe is a fun way to bring joy to your family. (Psalm 68:3 says, ―But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful.‖) Sugar Cookie Recipe Ingredients- 1/3 cup butter, 1/3 cup shortening, 2 cups flour, 1 egg, ¾ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, dash salt, food coloring and cookie cutter. 1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2.
Beat the butter and shortening with a mixer on medium to high speed for about 30 seconds. Mix in half of the flour, egg, sugar, milk, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix till smooth. Mix in the rest of the flour. After flour is thoroughly mixed put in a few drops of green food coloring and mix.
3.
It is suggested to divide the dough in half but this isn‘t necessary. Cover in plastic wrap and chill for 3 hours.
4.
After 3 hours use a cutting board for dough. Lightly flour board and rolling pin. Roll out dough thick enough to place a stick in bottom of cookie. Flour cookie cutter and cut dough. Place shapes on baking sheet. Take a toothpick and make hole in bottom of shape. Take out toothpick and replace with pop stick.
Pumpkin Cake This cake is perfect for thanksgiving. (1 Chronicles 16:8 says, ―Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.‖)
Ingredients- 1 pkg. cake mix (any flavor), 1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter (softened), 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 flat bottom ice cream cone, food coloring, and a bunt cake pan. 1.
2.
3.
5. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until edges lightly brown. Follow directions for cake mix on box. Grease and Let cookies cool. flour cake pan. Pour cake mix into bunt cake pan. Bake as directed on box. Let cake cool in pan. Recipe is from ―Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book‖. Decorate Cookies- 1 can of frosting (vanilla is best), zip lock While the cake is cooling beat cream cheese and bag, butter knife, and sprinkles of any kind. butter in a medium sized bowl with a mixer until creamy. Using one cup at a time mix in powdered 1. Take your zip lock and scoop frosting into bag. On one sugar. Separate about ½ cup of frosting. Add green side of the zip lock cut off a small bit at the corner to food coloring to this bowl. Cover ice cream cone make a small hole. and set aside for later. 2. Pipe frosting on cookie around edges and a small pile in Add food coloring (red and yellow) in the other the middle. Spread with the butter knife. bowl to make frosting orange. Spread over cake. Place ice cream cone in center of cake. With the 3. After all the cookies are frosted scatter sprinkles. rest of the green frosting make lines around pumpRefrigerate for 8 to 10 minutes. Now you are finished! kin (place icing in zip lock and cut corner very Enjoy! small). Pipe frosting. Finished!
*Recipe from-pilcookbooks ―Halloween food, fun, & crafts‖
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Blessed are the gentle for they shall inherit the earth. -Matthew 5:5
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Cross Cul ure Scotland By Mandy Hinkle
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land. It is also sung around the globe at New Year‘s Eve celebrations.
continue celebrating over food, drink, and games.
Scotland‘s Christmas season is Food one of festivities and merriment. Some Traditional dish What traditional Scottish meal would be towns choose to shut down Main Street complete without haggis? This unique dish and have a parade. is made from the organs of a sheep (heart, liver and lungs). A mixture of onion, When I lived in a little town spices and oatmeal are added and stuffed called West Kilbride, Main Street into the animal‘s stomach lining to simmer was filled with town folk, lights and then served with neeps and tatties and music. Each store had treats Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) £1= (rutabaga and potatoes). for the trying and traditional $1.56 (as of 10/1/11) holiday drinks like Mulled Wine Date format: 25/12/2011 (Christmas Day) *For a lovely holiday treat, it is customary (a spiced wine usually served Driver sits on the: left for natives to serve mince pie. These warm). The local church choir Time difference: +8 hours of PST (noon muffin-sized, sugar-coated mini pies can was singing, Santa made his way PST, 8pm BST) come with delectable fillings such as down the street and everyone was Religion: 67% proclaim to be religious. minced fruit, spices, and meat. in good spirits. It was a beautiful 65% proclaim to be Christians frosty night that I will never forget. Average climate in Glasgow, Scotland: After school snacks December (40°F) If you want to taste heaven in a bar, you must try shortbread! It is sold at many Some natives like to make their own American grocers and goes well with tea traditions! Anna, a 14 year old girl from Did you know? Scotland‘s official animal is a unicorn. or coffee. If you think your senses can Kilmarnock, shares ―While everyone else handle something even more delicious, is diving into a lovely roast turkey and find a recipe for millionaire’s shortbread trimmings dinner, we always just have Language: Official Language: English (with a caramel and chocolate topping.) Chinese take-away!‖ Where she lives, it is Like most Americans have Coca Cola, also a custom for children to open a pair of Sprite or Pepsi in their fridge, Scots have a new pajamas on Christmas Eve. Scottish terms Hiya: Hi popular orange fizzy drink called Irn Bru “Hiya, How are you?‖ (Iron Brew). With it‘s orange and blue can Baltic: very cold it resembles an energy drink and can fool ―It‘s baltic in the science lab today.‖ you with it‘s immediate ―energy boosting‖ Aye: Yes ingredient…sugar! “Aye, I will be at dinner tonight. ― Mingin: Disgusting ―The rubbish was beginning to smell Did you know? mingin.‖ In 1947 Walt Disney hired a Scottish man Chuffed: Happy named Jimmy MacDonald (1906 - 1991) ―I‘m so chuffed you passed your test!‖ who supplied the voice of the ever-famous Me (Mandy( and Jenny at Main Street Gutted: Upset Mickey Mouse. on Thanksgiving ―That referee‘s call made me so gutted.‖ Traditions Holiday Celebration November 5th –Guy Fawkes Day (Bon Taboo Words: Did you know? Pants: underwear Fire Night) Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) is It is common for Americans to slip up on Bon Fire Night is a celebration (mostly in much like our American ―holiday‖ Black this one. You may get a strange look or a Great Britain) for the unsuccessful attempt Friday (the day after Thanksgiving.) Mark small laugh when you say you need to go to blow up Parliament. your calendar! You can be a part of the change your pants. The correct term for few that know this best-kept secret of after pants in the U.K. (United Kingdom) is On Bonfire Night, I was in a Christmas deals. village called Motherwell. trousers. Thousands of festive people Religious Culture: gathered at a large park Did you know? “I go to the Church of Scotland*,‖ Anna The 2nd most popular Birthday song, ―Auld surrounding a lake. There was a explains. ―It is mainly older members but Lang large bonfire in the middle of the we are trying to reach out to other people Syne‖ lake, the sky was sparkling with my age so we are improving the music and origifireworks and the synchronized we have a fantastic Youth Church.‖ nated music seized everyone‘s full from attention. After the show, many *Church of Scotland is a mainstream Scotpeople went back their homes to A traditional dish of haggis, neeps and tatties
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Protestant church that preaches from the Old and New Testaments, believes in the trinity and has a traditional approach to worship. Being a believer in Scotland has some similarities to being believer in America. There are churches on most blocks, it is legal to peach the word on the streets and in most public schools (unlike in the U.S.) it is permitted to present the Gospel to the student body. ―My best mates are also Christians, so we are a great support to each other. It can be quite hard sometimes if my friends are wanting to do something I don't agree with but most of them respect my beliefs.‖
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Around Christmastime many churches read the Christmas Story from Luke 2 and do a nativity scene. Did you know? The Loch Ness Monster (Nessie) allegedly lives in a lake in Northwestern Scotland. Dress Although temperatures are low and at times it may snow, that will not stop these lasses from looking good, you know!? A typical winter wear would be ―skinny jeans, a hoodie and either ankle boots or army-like boots‖ says Anna . Some girls are brave enough to go to school wearing shorts and wool tights when temperatures are arctic.* *One thing to remember is that schools in Scotland (and much of the world) take place indoors, unlike Southern California schools. Much like North America, fashion is very important. So much that it is encouraged for students to be fashionable and unique! *
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Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His lovingkindness endures forever. -1 Chronicles 6:34 Page 30
By Ashley Bicket Alone I stand, the shadows around me swirl Bitter and alone I stand, in these shadows I twirl. Cold and secluded, I watch others pass me by Alone and hurting I watch them with a sigh. The shadows thicken and someone calls, The light of friendship teases me as I reach out, responding. I reach out, to take hold, but they retreat and I fall. I shrink away, crippled and hurt, the shadows consuming. Light so bright, it hurts; it calls, beckoning me from the shadows. I back away, I run, yet it continues to call me and chase me So pure, so right, so loving and understanding it embraces me. The Light calls, softly, gently, that Light calls and I flee the shadows. The Light is sweet and peaceful, I get restless as I look to the Shadows with longing. Sweetly, strongly the Darkness calls for my presence. Alluring, tempting is its call, slowly I crawl in acceptance. The Light cries but the tenderness is not heard, the call is so strong and enticing. At the edge I pause, my heart straining Behind me it stays, resisting and pulling. Slowly, turning back, I look at the Light, to the loving voice. My heart sings with joy but my mind is torn with the choice. The Shadows swirl and reach for me, mocking Reminding me of my faults In pain I sink to my knees, listening, remembering. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;m touched, pulled to a halt. The Light picks me up, whispering His enduring adoration My face brightens, my heart lightens with appreciation. The Shadows recede, defeated No longer alone, I stand consecrated.* Page 31
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Matthew 5:12a
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The Mystery of Christmas
By Melanie Knapp
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―Breath of Heaven, hold me together, be forever near me…Breath of Heaven. Breath of Heaven: light in my darkness, pour over me Your holiness, for You are holy. Breath of Heaven…‖ (My favorite version of this song is by Sara Groves.) It was a normal night. An ordinary night: dark, stars, and lights from the town. Yet there was a tiny, precious miracle about to be born. Babies already are miracles. I haven‘t had the beautiful experience of being a mother yet, but I can‘t even put into words the feeling that already overwhelms me when I hold a little baby in my arms— even though it is not my ―own‖. I know I‘m staring at a miracle. The tiny toes… the little fingers that grasp my finger so tightly. The little noises…murmurings. The tiny heartbeat. So innocent, so helpless, so vulnerable.
A tiny baby. God born into the world. Jesus. My Savior. He was a son and brother. He was born, not in a palace—not even a home—but in a stable. He became nothing, so that we might know His Father. Oh! What joy does this season bring!
smells; the fellowship; the love; the Story. That Story, as years have gone on, has become dearer, and dearer to my heart. Two Christmas‘ ago when I was 15, the kids in our care group (i.e. fellowship group, small group etc.) at church did a small re-enactment of the manger scene. I was given the part of Mary… and as I sat there in my costume holding my ―baby Jesus,‖ my young heart really began to ponder the beauty of Christmas in a whole new way. Each year brings some new realization, a new joy in my heart as I look back on God‘s faithfulness as I walk through life. There is such beauty in Christmas!
“Let us not forget the real mystery of Christmas”
―Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to I‘ve wondered what Mary felt as she held the point of death, even death on a cross. Him in her arms for the first time. It is said Therefore God has highly exalted him and she was at an age younger than me. What bestowed on him the name that is above would it have been like? She knew He every name, so that at the name of Jesus was something special, something ever knee should bow, in heaven and on precious. He was her baby, and yet, she earth and under the earth, and every knew that in reality He was not. She knew tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to God had plans for Him. Would she have the glory of God the Father.‖ otherwise come to him when they ran out of wine at a wedding? Do you ever wonder ~Philippians 2:5-11~ what she felt when they were crucifying Let us not forget the real mystery and Him? The anguish? The surrender? That miracle of Christmas. There are so many was her baby boy. Yet I‘m sure she knew things that I love about Christmas…the that the God who had conceived a babe in warm fires on cold, snowy nights; the her womb through the power of the Holy Spirit had a purpose in her boy hanging on a cross. Yet, on that first night…she was holding a tiny baby in her arms. How the love and awe must have swelled within her heart. What was it like to see shepherds coming and realize that it truly was no ordinary night? She was holding God incarnate And that, is the mystery and miracle of Christmas.
Every Christmas, I want to hold The Story close—close to my heart so that I may share the true spirit of Christmas with the people I meet. Even if it‘s just a smile and a ―Merry Christmas.‖ He came for us. He loves us. A new-born in a manger. An unrecognizable man on a cross. That‘s my Abba, my holy King, the Prince of Peace, and the Everlasting God. He‘s the mystery and miracle of Christmas. ―O come let us adore Him…O come let us adore Him…O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!‖ ―And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the Page 34
days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, ‗Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.‘ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‗Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!‘ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ‗Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.‘ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.‖ ~Luke 2:1-20~ May God teach us to treasure this story in our hearts. Merry Christmas!*
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A friend loves at all timesâ&#x20AC;Ś -Proverbs 17:17 Page 36
Siblings By Kylie Ramos
Lots of people have a sibling. This ranges from family to family yet to have a brother or sister is very common. Do you think of your sibling as an important part of your life? Think about who is there for you when you get hurt, have a question, and when you just need someone to listen. I know you are all thinking it is my best friend or parent but you are both right and
wrong. Even though those people are also extremely important in your lives they are not the people I‘m talking about. Everyone‘s siblings are different and we all need them for different reasons. Sometimes you lean on them in bad times and hang out with them when they are having a rough day. Do you ever think of your sibling as your best friend? Well, I do. When you think about it, you spend most of your life with your sibling. I realize if you‘re years apart this may not seem like it applies to you but you are in control of your relationship with your sibling. Take it from their perspective: if you have a younger brother or sister they watch you all the time. Now, you may think of them as annoying or not a big part of your day, but when it comes down to it, you have the opportunity to shape your younger sibling. I know it sounds crazy, but they rely on you to be their example and in some ways, their role model. Here is a tough question: how do you want your sibling to remember you when they get older? I don‘t know how you answered that question, but I want my sibling to love me unconditionally. That isn‘t easy and probably sounds impossible, but if you love your sibling you will do anything to achieve that kind of friendship.
having a bad day and asking me if we could do something together, and it always takes my mind off what I‘m having trouble with. He also uses his personality to make me laugh, and I can always come Now, if you are a younger sibling this may from anything I‘m not comfortable with sound odd to you being an example but as and he will make me feel better. That is a the younger one you should remember that good sibling. Remember you have this you are half of the friendship too. I don‘t great opportunity, don‘t waste it!* have any experience with being the younger sibling, but I have one and I know what I love about him. My brother is very good at telling me what he thinks and it is very sweet. He tells me if he thinks my hair looks good, and the same with my makeup, clothes, and everything else. My Page 37 brother also knows how to take me from
...So your God will rejoice over you. -Isaiah 62:5
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Working with Your Hands By Melanie Knapp
The cold winter months are sneaking up hobbies you enjoy doing and use them to on us; they will be here before we know it. make gifts for those you love. God has so The year 2011 is coming to a close. graciously allowed us the opportunity to learn how to do these things; now, let us Christmas, sweet, beautiful Christmas, use these abilities to bless others. with all the smells and stories, is on its way. A holiday where many of us share This Christmas season, I want to the joy of the Savior‘s birth with those we encourage you to become resourceful and call our family and friends. work with your hands. Not only will the gifts be extra special, but in the end, it will It wasn‘t until last year that I homemade also bless you– the fruit of your labors will almost all of my gifts, especially for my bring a smile to your face. girlfriends. I couldn‘t exactly pull off giving my brother a hat with a flower on it, For example: now could I? Last year, I spent time listening to sermons There is something so fun in cuddling up and working on Christmas gifts for those I with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate treasure. (cider anyone?)…watching the snow (or Sometimes, while I worked, I felt like a not) falling outside your window…warm little kitten entangled in all my yarn. It sweatshirt…good sermon…and working seemed any time I started to progress a away. Whether you knit, weave, bead, knot would appear from the center of the crochet, bake, sew, or scrapbook, take the spool, but I still enjoyed making these so
much. :) I took colors that I thought ―matched‖ each of my friends and knit away. I have one of the circular looms, and worked with that for the hats. I remember my first knitting project I did via needles—a scarf—I still have it. Oh! It‘s so lopsided, but there are many, dear memories in that strip of purple yarn. All that to say, take some time to be creative this Christmas. Much of society is so lazy when buying and giving presents; it‘s easy to be so when, without thinking twice and in 15 minutes, we can drive to WalMart, grab something off the shelves, swipe a card and have a gift. Remember the ultimate gift that was given to us—the very reason we celebrate Christmas and share gifts with those we love. Have some fun; be creative; work with your hands this Christmas. * Page 39
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew in me a steadfast spirit. -Psalm 51:10
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Is Jesus in Your Playlist? By Hannah Ruzicka Is Jesus in Your Playlist?
Think about music as food; profane or inappropriate music
If a stranger took a look at your iTunes or Cd library, would they be able to tell that you belong to Jesus Christ? Would they see Jesus in your music? If not, we have a problem. In our society today, the music industry is saturated with profanity, unclean romance, and
iPods or other media players. So how is all of this affecting the hearts of our generation of teens, especially in the Christian circle? The scientifically proven effects of
tional food. A junk food diet cannot give you the nutrition you need to stay spiritually alive and healthy. Parents would never let their kids eat only ice cream, Ding Dongs, and Twinkies all day long, right? As a young child, I would have eaten a whole package of
even violence. This is even scarier when we think about how attached some teens are to their
being junk food; and wholesome, Godly music being healthy, nutri-
“If a stranger took a look at your iTunes or CD library would they be able to tell that you belong to Jesus Christ?”
Oreos given the chance (in fact, I tried to on a few instances ;) ). Although junk food tastes good at the time, it will rapidly decrease your physical health, like inappropriate music will decrease your
spiritual health.
music are shocking. According to the American Psychological Association, ―Songs with violent lyrics increase aggression related thoughts and emotions and this effect is directly related to the violence in the lyrics, even the humorous violent songs increased aggressive thoughts.‖ This is a pretty powerful link between violent songs and violent behavior, and this is only the area of lyrically violent music, not to mention all the other unclean properties of some music today.
Music has a huge effect on our minds and spirits. But more than that, it is important to be cautious with our music selection purely for the reason that we should be glorifying God in ALL that we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 instructs us, ―Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God‖ (NKJV). This means that WHATEVER we are doing, whether we are washing dishes at home or out in the mission field, we should be glorifying Page 41
God. That means in our music choices as well. So many Christian
So the next question we must ask is, ―What must be done?‖
teens compromise in their music choices, allowing worldly attitudes
I propose that we make a change in our musical standards. Consider
to infiltrate their playlists, and therefore, their minds and hearts. In-
your own collection of music. Our lives should be completely
stead, let our attitude about music echo David‘s attitude in Psalm
saturated in Jesus! When you look at your musical library, does it
86:12—―I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I
reflect the person you are striving to become? Do your songs honor
will glorify Your name forevermore.‖
and glorify God? Do they help you move forward or hinder you in
Clearly, a change must be made if our music isn‘t in harmony with Scripture. A couple years ago I wrestled with this call towards listening only to God-glorifying tunes. Although it was already the family rule, I needed to come to a decision for myself about it. After much prayer and deliberation, I finally made the stand to only listen to music that would glorify my King. In some ways, my decision had social consequences. But those small misfortunes were far outweighed by the satisfaction I had in knowing I was doing what
your walk with Him? Toss out all profanity, unclean romance and violence. When weeding through your music, ask yourself, ―Does this glorify God?‖ and ―Does this feed me and encourage me spiritually?‖ If the answer is no, it won‘t help you become more like Christ and you could be occupying your gigabytes more productively. If the answer is yes, then You‘re on your way to a God glorifying and spirit feeding playlist. Remember: ―...Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God‖ (1 Cor. 10:13, NKJV). *
God wanted me to do.
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Then Jesus said to His disciples, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.â&#x20AC;? -Matthew 16:24
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Testimonies By Tiffani Hockings
They were asking all the deep questions about life, and love, and God…and how it all came to be And why this, and why that, and why me, and why not and why, why do I think this way… I Wonder ~ Joy Williams (I would highly recommend listening to this entire song!)
true testimony is the combination of (1) who you were before Christ entered your life, (2) the day you became a Christian & (3) who you are now. Part of me really started pondering this fact, because I have friends who don‘t remember the specific day they gave their life to the Lord. But they do know that they are saved. Every believer has a testimony and we are supposed to share our testimony with those who are not yet believers. The Lord knows some believers won‘t remember their specific day, and I believe that the ―before & after‖, so to speak, is what will really stir a pre -believer‘s heart.
I remember when I was baptized…the pastor asked me to share my testimony before I was lowered into the water. My mom told ―He who has received His testimony has certified that God is me he would probably ask me to do that, so I was prepared to tell true.‖ John 3:33 everyone what happened the day that I became a Christian. At 7 years old, that was the extent of my testimony…the day I asked Jesus to be my Lord and Savior…and nothing more. But recently, my mom was studying about our testimony as believers. She started talking to me about it and I did some more study of my own. Our conclusions: our testimony does not stop with the day we became a Christian. Actually, it doesn‘t even start there. Your
So when are we supposed to share our full testimony? ―…You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name‘s sake. 13 But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom
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which all you adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.‖ Luke 21:12-15
that no matter what happens, the Lord has us carved in the palm of His hand & that He is always with us.
We need to be prepared in the coming of the last days…and even before that to be a witness for Jesus Christ. And tell people our testimony. As this verse says, being prepared doesn‘t mean we should prepare and memorize a speech…we still want to allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us. We are supposed to be ready to speak…no matter what the cost, because we will be speaking for the glory of the Lord.
My prayer for all of us is that we would pray and ask our Father for help, help only He can give. That He will speak through us and gives us wisdom when we do share our testimony. Because without Him who created us, we wouldn‘t even have a testimony.
1 Peter 3:15-16 says: ―15Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.‖
Au Revoir…until next time. Many Blessings! =) Tiffani For further reference: Acts 26:1-23: Paul‘s (who used to be Saul) spoken testimony. (Structure of a testimony.) Before: Verses 9-11 How: Verses 12-18 After: Verses 19-23
This verse explains the reason for our testimony. Why do we Here are some great thought provoking questions to help you have hope? Because we house the Holy Spirit within us. Bewrite out and/or ponder your full testimony. cause we have a personal relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. Because we can come before the throne of God whenever we need to & wherever we are. We have hope, because we know
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Here are some great thought provoking questions to help you write out and/or ponder your full testimony.
If You Became A Christian 12+ yrs
If You Became A Christian 12 yrs or under
How did I live and/or think before I received My background & how I received Christ. Christ? How did I receive Christ? After I received Christ, these changes took
My early experience as a Christian. Changes Christ has made in my life.
place.
Find a verse that is great to close with.
Find a verse that is great to close with.
(Either your life verse or one that goes along
(Either your life verse or one that goes
with your testimony).
along with your testimony). Do’s & Don’ts When Sharing Your Testimony:
Do’s Ask the Lord for guidance Be loving (remember that you’re sharing the hope that you have in Christ
Don’ts Mention church denominations (the most important thing is a relationship with Jesus).
Jesus)
Speak critically.
Speak clearly
Give the impression that Christian life
Be natural; don’t try to be like those pastors on TV, unless that really is your personality. Avoid arguments or high-pressuring. (Remember that God is the one who
is easy or that all your problems go away. Use wording that pre-believers might not understand (such as: saved, born again, converted etc…)
will save them, not you).
Be wordy or beat around the bush.
SMILE! Ask the Lord to give you
Judge whoever you’re speaking with
overflowing joy!
(Only God can judge them).
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Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day or the hour. -Matthew 25:13
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By Elizabeth Shafer
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Your body will sag, your heart will not….
to scream that?
When I used to be a youth pastor there was a girl in the youth group that was so pretty, I mean she was GORGEOUS! I will admit, even though she was 10 years younger than me, I was a bit jealous of her. She looked like Barbie with the body and all. I remember the first time I saw her I thought to myself, that girl is so pretty: long, beautiful blond hair, flawless body, and perfect features. Although she was beyond pretty, she was lacking something. She thought I wouldn‘t notice, but when a 14-yearold girl is coming to church in a midriff tight tank top and a jean skirt that barely covered her behind, I can see right through it. Over time I found that my assumptions were right on. She had a different boyfriend every week, she was extremely disrespectful and disobedient to her parents, and could never look me in the eye. She hated herself. She was raised with a dad that spent more time at work than with her and a mom that was more interested in being her best friend than her mom. She was so aimless that it broke my heart. I tried to meet with her and talk with her, but she was so stone cold to anything that had to do with God. She was hiding behind her pretty face and body. She was going for attention from the guys by flaunting her body. What she didn‘t know is that guys were with her only for her body. They didn‘t care about her as a person; they would get what they wanted and leave her. I know she was not fulfilled. She was hurting and trying to numb the pain with guys, partying, and sex.
Instead be the kind of woman that points our brothers to Christ. Cover yourself and be a friend to them. Give them a chance to get to know you for you, and not your body.
If you want to represent Christ in all you do, this includes the way in which you dress. It is possible to dress cute and still be modest. My little sister is the prime example of this. Jamie is 5‘10‖, gorgeous blue eyes, amazing smile, and an incredible personality. Jamie is also the most modest person I have ever met. At the same time she is the trendiest person I have ever met. Her style is awesome! I have never seen her wear anything above her mid-thigh or anything that shows her stomach. And yet, guess what girls? She has an amazing husband that is quality and loves her. She could have flaunted what the Good Lord gave her, but she chose not to! She is so beautiful from the inside and out that she doesn‘t have to wear skimpy clothes to prove it.
The underlying fact is that we dress the way we feel about ourselves. It all boils out of our insecurities. Be confidant in who you are in Christ and focus on your heart and the things that matter. What kind of friend are you? What kind of daughter are you? What kind of sister are you? What kind of student are you? What kind of worker are you? Those are the things that you need to be spending your time working on. This body is going to sag, but your heart will be what people remember. Quality guys want I am going to try and be as honest as I can. First off, I need you to understand that I‘m not saying guys are all jerks. I just want to quality girls and quality girls want quality guys. Search your heart and ask yourself the above- mentioned tough questions. Be give you a little insight into the male. God created males very honest with where you stand and then pray and ask the Lord to visual. I remember a 14-year-old girl came up to me at youth group one night and told me about a great guy she met at a party. make you into the woman that He intends for you to be. Don‘t let your body define who you are, let Him.* She told me about how this 18-year-old guy, after just one week of knowing her, really liked her. I looked at her and told her that he just wants her for her body. She argued with me so I told her to go and tell Jason, my husband, about her newfound love. So she went to Jason and I hear him respond with the same response as I had. (We didn‘t plan that by the way.) When I heard it I told her that Jason knows, he‘s a man, and she giggled and walked away. Later she found that we weren‘t lying. If you flaunt it, guys want it. Even if you don‘t flaunt it, they want it. I honestly believe that we need to take responsibility of how we clothe our bodies and help our guys out. There really is no purpose for a low cut shirt, short shorts, or showing off our stomachs. All it does is scream, ―Hey guys look at me! I‘m a piece of meat! Come and use me and then drop me because all I have to offer you is my body!‖ Why would you want
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But he who listens to me shall live securely and will be at ease of the dread of evil. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Proverbs 2:1
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By Kendel Garcia Page 51
1.Pray before you shop. It may sound a little silly—that the God of the universe is actually concerned with your shopping trip—but He is! Every time, before I go shopping, I pray something like this: ―Dear Lord, Please bless my shopping trip. Please help me find things that are modest and pleasing to You. You should be honored with every purchase. Lord, if there is something there that is meant for me, please keep it in my budget. Amen.‖ If you still aren‘t convinced that praying before you shop is really all that important, I recently went on a shopping trip (after praying) and was able to buy 4 skirts, 1 dress, 3 scarves, and a belt for $10. The regular price of everything was over $300! Prayer works in every situation!
2. Scour the sale racks. I almost never pay full price for anything. The companies cycle through stock when new shipments come in; they clear out unsold merchandise in order to make room for the new stuff. And that, my friend, is where the magic happens! Know where your good sales racks are. For example, I know that in my area, there are only a few stores that have exceptional sale racks. Other stores don‘t have as good of deals. Shop smart, and keep checking the sale racks. If you see something you like that‘s full price wait! In a few weeks it could very well be gracing the sale rack at a fraction of the price!
3. Keep to your standards. Develop standards of modesty and stick to them! For me, I don‘t wear anything above the knee and my shirts must not have a neck line lower than four fingers below the collar bones. Of course this is different for everybody. If you are in the dressing room and you pause to question the modesty of a garment, you are for sure going to be uncomfortable in it out of the dressing room. If it helps, write your modesty standards on a 3x5 card and stick it in your wallet, that way you have a visual reminder of your standards.
4. Rock the coupon. Coupons are not just for grandmas! They are actually an extremely useful way to save money. Often, stores will have many ways they distribute coupons. This may be via email alerts (usually if you go to the store website you can sign up to receive them), door to door savings cards (left on your door and gate handles by ―shopping angels‖), or by mail inserts (these can be found in catalogues, newspapers, and even those little cardstock magazines you get in the mail). Remember to look at things before you throw them away; you could very well be throwing money into your trash can. Also, before you go shopping, check online and see if there are any printable coupons.
5. Search the item before you buy. Before you buy something take a good gander at it and check for any missing accessories (belts, buttons, pins, and sequins), hanging threads, and any holes. If there is minor damage to the garment (anything that will take you less than five minutes to fix) take it to the register and notify the cashier, they should offer you an additional percentage off. Don‘t be afraid to haggle when you do this, if you bring it up to them, they will be unable to sell it after you notify them of the damage. A discount of 10-15% is usually acceptable.
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6. Keep it even without a price tag. Everyone has fallen in love with that amazing dress and been horrified to find that it has no price tag! You search around, looking for another of the same kind to take to the register, but to no avail. You are in love with the last one, and there is no sign of a price. Still, take it to the register and ask if the cashier if she knows the price. If she doesn‘t, there may be other identifying marks on the garment that you can‘t see. If there aren‘t they most likely will give you an offer on the misfit garment. Always check before you give up on your new favorite item.
7. Quality over quantity. I know that this is an overused adage, but it is so true! If you find a few great things that you love, you will get way more use out of them than a few things that you have neutral feelings about. Go for things you love that are modest, make you feel feminine, and praise the Savior in their styling. Don‘t settle for something less when it comes to covering God‘s temple (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
8. Don’t ditch a store. If you go into a store and don‘t find anything you like or that fits your standards of modesty, don‘t give up on that store as a whole! Keep visiting, check the sale racks (modest things usually aren‘t top sellers and float over there faster than the rest of the merchandise. As a bonus, they are often for sale at a greater discount), and don‘t give up. If you are having trouble finding things in your area, try going online. Usually you can find a few gems searching the internet. But be sure to check their sizing chart and measure yourself correctly!
9. Fit, not size, is important. Size, honestly, doesn‘t matter. Depending on the store or manufacturing company, you can be any number of sizes. Buy what fits, not which tag appeals to you the most. If you are like me, different parts of your body are different sizes and this can lead to many different sizing conundrums. I can go shopping and try on a small, and have it fit perfectly. Or I can go to a different store and have to buy larges and extra larges. Remember you are ―beautifully and wonderfully made‖ (see Psalm 139:14) no matter what the tag on the back of your pants says. Let the dressing room be your friend.
10. Think of your brothers in Christ Shopping can be very hard. Often times you can have a hard time finding clothing that is cute, let alone modest. However, God has given us a call to keep fellow Christians from stumbling (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). One way we as girls can do this is by dressing modestly, with the men around us in mind. If you are having trouble with dressing modestly, pray about it, and ask God to overhaul your heart…and wardrobe*
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We need you! Let us know what you thought about this issue by dropping us an email at debumagzine@gmail.com Also, in our next issue we will be having a Q&A column, so send your questions to debumagzine@gmail.com
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Those who made this issue possible:
Photographers
Editors
Fawn Lawson
Kendel Garcia Editor in Chief
Ashley Bicket
Kylie Ramos Managing Editor
Sierra Brewer
Melanie Knapp Executive Editor
www.hishandmaiden.com
http://foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/
Melanie Knapp
Writers
http://foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/
Tiffani Hockings
Khloe Williams
http://foreverembracedbyhim.blogspot.com/
everydaydaughter.wordpress.com
Molly Metzger
khloewilliamsphotoraphy.wordpress.com
http://www.molly-nyat.blogspot.com/ Elizabeth Shafer hesjustthatintoyou.blogspot.com www.thisisvantage.com Sierra Brewer www.hishandmaiden.com Ashley Bicket Mandy Hinkle Hannah Ruzicka Christiana Shaw Melanie Knapp http://foreverhisservant.blogspot.com/ Kylie Ramos Kendel Garcia
Kylie Ramos Models Emily Knapp (Front Cover) Ashley Bicket Sierra Brewer Hannah Ruzicka Sierra Brewer Alexandria Brewer Hannah Seals Kendel Garcia Kylie Ramos Brianna Littleton, Becca Sagraves Melanie Knapp Neeley Moore Katelyn Zanoni
Lauren Steinbach
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Debu Magazine Volume 1 Issue 2 November/ December 2011
All for the glory of God