January, 2013

Friendship Magazine- January 2013

-Connect with girls through writing-

A Friend is a close companion on rainy days, someone to share with through every phase‌ Forgiving and helping to bring out the best, believing the good and forgetting the rest.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

–Psalm 51:7

2013

Editor: Elisa Knicely Co-editor: Elesa Stoltzfus Designer of this magazine: Elesa Stoltzfus Theme: Snow/Winter Theme verse for all friendship magazine s: “A friend loveth at all times.”

Verse for the month: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

–Psalm 51:7

Quote for the month“Whatever be your condition or calling in life, keep in view the whole of your existence. Act not for the little span of time allotted you in this world, but act for eternity.”

My note to you

What would you do if every time you fell in love with someone you had to say good-bye?

What would you do if every time you wanted someone they would never be there?

What would you do if for every moment you were truly happy there would be 10 moments of sadness?

What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt?

What would you do if you loved someone more than anything else and you could never have them?

Some people live and some people die.

But I want to tell you I love you and you are a true friend...

That I will always be here for you when and if you need me...

If I died tomorrow, you would be in my heart forever.

Would I be in yours?

You might be best friends one year, pretty good friends the next year, don't talk that often the next year, and don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.

I look up to you, respect you, and truly cherish you.

Remember, everyone needs a friend; someday you might feel like you have NO FRIENDS at all, just remember this and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will.

-Elesa Stoltzfus (co-editor)

I really enjoy editing the magazines! Thank-you for your participation and help with sending things in, even though we all were busy and things were a little scarce! We would really like if you would continue sending things in! THANK-YOU again! Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Contents Note from the Designer (before this page) Meet a Reader Wanna Pen Pal History Question Recipes Bible reading His Princess Poll (Sorry, I don’t think I sent out the question, so I will skip it!)

I Luv Photography Story Corner

Poems Crafts Brain Buster Riddles and Funnies *Contest (snow sculptures) Birthdays The members Friendship form A Sneak Peek! What will be in the next magazine?

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Meet a Reader Name: Letitia Wadel Age: 14 State: Pennsylvania How many Siblings: 8 What would you do anytime? Take pictures What’s the longest I stayed away from home?

2 Weeks What’s your favorite pop? orange What’s your favorite color? pink What’s the farthest you have traveled? Honduras Your favorite season? winter What’s your favorite part of the magazine?

Name: Victoria Martin

Age: 13

State: Alberta, Canada How many Siblings: 5 What would you do anytime? read What’s the longest I stayed away from home?

Probably about 3 weeks What’s your favorite pop? Cream soda What’s your favorite color? Blue or green Your favorite season? summer What’s your favorite part of the magazine?

The new word section

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Wanna Pen Pal Hi, my name is Sierra Janae Zehr. I am 12 years old and my birthday is October 27, 2000. I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. Aleya (9) Jayden (7) Jackson (7) Kaiden (4) I am the oldest and also the only one not adopted. Jayden and Jackson are a month apart. My parents’ names are Glen and Rachel Zehr. I go to Bethel Mennonite Church and School. I am in 7th grade. I like to go shopping, hang out with friends, swimming, babysitting, and a whole bunch more!! I do not care what age of pen pal. sierra.zehr@gmail.com Hi, my name is Mollie Deanna Yoder. I am 12 years old and my birthday is October 20, 2000. I have 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

Janelle (27) Chad has special needs (Got hit by a car and is 25) Kim is (22) Cameron (19) Michelle (15) me (12) Craig (9) My parents’ names are Robbie & Lydia Yoder. I go to Bethel Mennonite Church & School. I am in 7th grade. I like to go shopping, sew, and hang out with my friends, play piano, swim, and babysit. I don't care what age of pen pal. mollie.yoder11@gmail.com Hi! My name is Jamie Sauder. My birthday is August 5 1999. I have a brother and a sister. I go to White Oak Church of the Brethren. I like to read, sew, and hang out with friends. Age doesn't matter!!!! E-mail me at jesuslittleprincess99@gmail.com Hope to hear from you soon!

If you want a pen-pal, email elisaknicely@gmail.com and say so. Tell us your name, age, birthdate, hobbies, what church you go to and ECT!

History The idea of evolution suggests that people 3,500 year ago were not smart, that people are GETTING smart.

Proof that this is wrong however lies in ancient Crete. They were said to be as civilized as us. One of their most Known places was a palace that they believed their god had made years before. It covered ACRES of land, and had three floors. It was said to have flushable toilets through out the palace, bathtubs, running water and printing presses! A uncivilized people group called the Dorians, conquered the Minoans and their whole city was destroyed. ~ Elisa Knicely

Question What’s your favorite food?

“I don’t know- there is lots of good food.” – Hannah Gassman “Salads of any kind.” – Victoria Martin “Fish sticks, chicken patties, and pizza.” – Sylvia Yoder “Pecan-chocolate pie.” – Elisa Knicely “Pizza with LOTS of pepperoni, and ice cream.” –Mary Louise Brubaker “Steak.” –Denise Amstutz “About anything other than rice—not quite! (cause I eat that for lunch approximately 345 days a year  )-Elesa Stoltzfus “Pizza casserole.” – Letitia Wadel

*New word* lookum (look-umm) – an equipment shed We put the tractor in the lookum.

If you could go to any country… where would you go?

England- Europe – Elisa Knicely China or Kenya- Moriah Garza Paris- Denise Amstutz Guatemala- Letitia Wadel

Laugh!

Recipes Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies Yield: 16 brownies Prep Time: 30 min + chill time Cook Time: 25 min Ingredients: BROWNIE LAYER: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips 1 cup granulated white sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 4 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour COOKIE DOUGH: 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature or almost melted 3/4 cup granulated white sugar 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons milk or cream 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup miniature chocolate chips Additional miniature chocolate chips, if desired (to garnish the top) Directions: Prepare the brownie layer1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x9-inch pan with nonstick spray, then line with a strip of parchment paper so that it covers the bottom and comes up two sides of the pan. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray too.

2. In a microwave safe bowl (or in the top of a double boiler or pan set on top of a pan of simmering water), microwave in 30 second bursts to melt butter and chocolate chips together un-til all is melted and smooth.

Whisk in the sugars, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Sift flour into the bowl and stir that in too. Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is cooked through (toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process (or cool at room temperature and add the cookie dough layer later).

Prepare the cookie dough layer: 3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugars and salt until soft and creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Mix in the milk and vanilla. Sprinkle in the flour and mix in until combined. Stir in the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Scoop the cookie dough onto the top of the brownies and spread onto the brownie layer. I find that it's easiest to do this if the brownie layer is chilled and firm. Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick spray and pat the cookie dough on top in an even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top to create a nicer, visual appearance. For easy, clean cutting, chill the brownies (wrap the brownies with plastic wrap and chill until firm- 1 to 2 hours or up to 2 days).

4. Cut the brownies: Run a knife along the sides of the brownie pan and then use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice the brownies with a sharp knife, wiping the knife with a paper towel between cuts. If you'd like all of your slices of brownies to look clean-cut without edges, use the knife to cut the sides of the brownies off before cutting pieces. Keep brownies slices covered and chilled until ready to serve.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Bible Reading Lu 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

39 ¶ And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;

Mary was willing to do and be what God wanted of her…. Let’s be like her!

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

His Princess-

Love letters from your King

My Princess... MY CHOSEN ONE ‘I chose you before the foundation of the earth to be My Princess. You are royalty even when you don’t feel like a princess. I will wait for you until you are ready to start living the amazing plans I have for you. I know you don’t know where to begin or how to become what I’ve called you to be, so let Me teach you day by day. Start by recognizing who I am: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The lover of your soul. When the two of us meet alone together every day, I will show you how to let go of the things in your life that are holding back from the blessings I want to give you.

Remember, My child, just as I have chosen you, I have given you a choice to represent Me to the World. If you are willing, I am here to give you all you need to complete your calling.

Love, Your King and Lord who chose you.

You didn’t choose me, I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

John 15:16

*Fun Facts* Days are longer than years on the planet Mercury.

Astronauts cannot whistle on the moon.

A cloud can weigh more than a million pounds.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Heart-wrenching Stories "The Box" Author Unknown I remember a day one winter that stands out like a boulder in my life. The weather was unusually cold, our salary had not been regularly paid, and it did not meet our needs when it was. My husband was away much of the time, travelling from one district to another. Our boys were well, but my little Ruth was ailing, and at best none of us were decently clothed. I patched and re-patched, with spirits sinking to the lowest ebb. The water gave out in the well, and the wind blew through the cracks in the floor.

The people in the parish were kind and generous too; but the settlement was new, and each family was struggling for itself. Little by little, at the time I needed it most, my faith began to waver.

Early in life I was taught to take God at His word, and I thought my lesson was well learned, I had lived upon His promises in dark times, until I knew as David did, “who was my Fortress and Deliverer.” Now a daily prayer for forgiveness was all that I could offer.

My husband’s overcoat was hardly thick enough for October, and he was often obliged to ride miles to attend some meeting or funeral. Many times our breakfast was Indian cake, and a cup of tea without sugar. Christmas was coming; the children always expecting presents. I remember the ice was thick and smooth, and the boys were each craving a pair of skates. Ruth, in some unaccountable way, had taken a fancy that the dolls I had made were no longer suitable; she wanted a nice large one, and insisted on praying for it. I knew it seemed impossible, but oh! I wanted so very much to give the children the presents they each longed for. It seemed as if God had deserted us, but I did not tell my husband all this.

He worked so earnestly and heartily. I supposed him to be as hopeful as ever. I kept the sitting room cheerful with an open fire and tried to serve our scanty meals as appealingly as I could.

The morning before Christmas, James was called in to see a sick man. I put up a piece of bread for his lunch – it was the best I could do – wrapped my plaid shawl around his neck, and then tried to whisper a promise as I often had, but the words died away upon my lips. I let him go without it.

That was a dark, hopeless day. I coaxed the children to bed early, for I could not bear their talk. When Ruth went to bed, I listened to her prayer. She asked for the last time most explicitly for her doll, and for the skates for her brothers.

Her bright face looked so lovely when she whispered to me. “You know I think they’ll be here early tomorrow morning, Mama.” I thought then that I would move heaven and earth to save her from the disappointment. I sat down alone that night and gave way to the most bitter tears.

Before long James returned, chilled and exhausted. He drew off his boots: the thin stockings slipped off with them and his feet were red with cold.

I wouldn’t treat a dog this way, let alone a faithful servant!” I said bitterly. Then as I glanced up and saw the hard lines in his face and the look of despair, it flashed across me – James had let go, too.

I brought him a cup of tea, feeling sick and dizzy at the very thought. He took my hand and we sat for an hour without a word. I wanted to die and meet God, and tell Him His promise wasn’t true; my soul was so full of rebellious despair.

There came a sound of bells, a quick stop, and a loud knock at the door. James sprang up to open it.

There stood Deacon White.

“A box came by express just before dark,” he said. “I brought it round as soon as I could get away.

Reckon it might be for Christmas. ‘At any rate,’ I said, ‘they shall have it tonight.’ Here is a turkey my wife asked me to fetch along, and these other things I believe belong to you.”

There was a basket of potatoes and a bag of flour. Talking all the time, he carried in a box, and then, with a hearty goodnight, he rode away.

Still without speaking, James found a chisel and opened the box. He drew out first a thick red blanket, and saw that beneath was full of clothing. It seemed at that moment as if Christ fastened on me a look of reproach. James sat down and covered his face with his hands. “I cannot touch them,” he exclaimed; “I haven’t been true, just when God was trying me to see if I could hold out. Do you think I could not see how you were suffering? And I had no word of comfort to offer. I know now how to preach the awfulness of turning from God.” “James.” I said, clinging to him, “don’t take it to heart like this; I am to blame, I ought to have helped you. We will ask Him together to forgive us.”

“Wait a moment, dear, I cannot talk now,” he said, then he went into another room. I knelt down, and my heart broke; in an instant all the darkness, all the stubbornness rolled away. Jesus came again and stood before me, but with the loving words: “Daughter!”

Sweet promises of tenderness and joy flooded my soul. I was so lost in praise and gratitude that I forgot everything else. I don’t know how long it was before James came back, but I knew he, too, had found peace.

“Now my dear wife,” he said, “let us thank God together.” He then poured out words of praise; Bible words, for nothing else could express our thanksgiving.

It was 11 o’clock, the fire was low, and there was the great box, and nothing touched but the warn blanket we had so desperately needed. We piled on some fresh logs, lighted two candles, and began to examine our treasures.

We drew out an overcoat; I made James try it on. It was just the right size and I danced around him, for all my lightheartedness had returned.

There was a warm suit of clothes also, and three pairs of woolen hose. There was a dress for me, and yards of flannel; a pair of arctic overshoes for each of us, and in mine was a slip of paper. I have it now, and mean to hand it down to my children. It was Jacob’s blessing to Asher, “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass, and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” In the gloves, evidently for James, the same dear hand had written, “I, the Lord thy God, will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, ‘Fear not, I will help thee.’”

It was a wonderful box, and packed with thoughtful care. There was a suit of clothes for each of the boys and a little red gown for Ruth. There were mittens, scarves, and hoods; and down in the center, a box.

We opened it and there was a great wax doll. I burst into tears again; James wept with me for the joy. It was too much; and then we both exclaimed again, for next we drew out two pairs of skates. There were books for us to read; some of them I had wished to see; stories for the children to read; aprons and underclothing; yards of ribbons; a lovely photograph; needles buttons and thread; and an envelope containing a ten-dollar gold piece.

At last we cried over everything we took up. It was past midnight, and we were faint and exhausted with happiness. I made a cup of tea, cut a fresh loaf of bread and James boiled some eggs. We drew up the table before the fire – how we enjoyed our supper! And then we sat talking over our life and how sure a help God always proved to be.

You should have seen the children the next morning. The boys raised a shout at the sight of their skates.

Ruth caught up her doll, and hugged it tightly without a word. Then she went into her room and knelt by her bed.

When she came back she whispered to me, “I knew it would be there, Mama, but I wanted to thank God just the same, you know.”

“Look here, wife,” cried James. We went to the window and there were the boys out of the house already, and skating on the ice with all their might.

My husband and I both tried to return thanks to the church in the East that sent us the box and have tried to return thanks unto God every day since.

Hard times have come again and again, but we have trusted in Him; dreading nothing so much as a doubt of His protecting care. Over and over again we have proved that, “They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Poems Evolution Three monkeys dining once in a cocoanut tree Were discussing some things they heard true to be.

“What do you think? Now listen you two; Here, monkeys, is something that cannot be true, “That humans descended from our noble race!

Why, it’s shocking—a terrible disgrace.

Whoever heard of a monkey deserting his wife And leaving a baby to starve and ruin his life?

“And have you ever known of a mother monk To leave her darling with strangers to bunk?

Their babies are handed from one to another And some scarcely know the love of a mother.

“And I’ve never known a monkey so selfish to be As to build a fence around a cocoanut tree So other monkeys can’t get a wee taste, but would let all the cocoanuts there go to waste.

“Why if I’d put a fence around this cocoanut tree, Starvation would force you to steal from me.

And here is another thing a monkey wouldn’t do: Seek a cocktail parlor and get on a stew; “Carouse and go on a whoopee disgracing his life, Then reel madly home and beat up his wife.

They call this all pleasure and make a big fuss— They’ve descended from something, but not from us!”

Author unknown

FOOTPRINTS One night a man had a dream, and in his dream he reviewed his life.

He looked and noticed that all over the mountains and difficult places that he traveled there was but one set of footprints; but over the plains and down the hills, there were two sets of footprints, as if someone had walked by his side .

He turned to Christ and said, "There is something I don't understand.

Why is it that down the hills and over the smooth and easy places you walked by my side; but, here over the tough and difficult places I have walked alone, for I see in those areas there is just one set of footprints."

Christ turned to the man and said, "It is that while your life was easy I walked along your side; but here, where the walking was hard and the paths were difficult, was the time you needed Me most, and that is why I carried you."

McBeth, USA

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

to do: Craft Brick bookends Materials    

Credits- Family Fun’s book of crafts

Acrylic paints and paintbrushes 2 bricks Glue Felt

Cover a clean surface with newspaper and set out the acrylic paints and paintbrushes. Stand the bricks vertically, so that you can paint on your design. Remember that since the surface of the bricks is porous, it can absorb a good amount of paint. You may need to apply several layers to create a solid covering. Or, if you prefer a splotchier effect, as is shown here, stop painting while some of the brick’s surface still shows through. Once the paint dries, trace around the brick bases on felt and cut them out. Glue the felt squares on the bottom of each brick to prevent the brick from scratching your bookshelf or tabletop. *Decorative Doorstep* To make a fun doorstep, you should turn a brick on its side, so that it is more stable. Then you can paint on stick figures, a cityscape, a lounging cat, or any other image!

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Brain Buster

If you breathe oxygen during the day, what do you breathe at night? *Send in your answers to elisaknicely@gmail.com. *

The answer‌

Viruses The answers sent in‌

Atoms- Letitia Wadel Ki

Meet a New Reader!

Kristen Joelle Miller September 15, Age 12 Email Address: todd110@juno.com

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Riddles and Funnies (a) What has a tongue, cannot walk, but gets around a lot? (b) What is harder to catch the faster you run? (c) (c ) What has four eyes, six legs, and a tail?

Host: “Come in my Friend!”

Nervous Guest: “Well- does that big dog bite?”

Host: “That’s what I want to find out! I only got him this morning!

Mike: “I wish I had the money to buy an elephant!”

Spike- “Why? What would you do with an elephant?

Mike- “Who wants an elephant? I just want the money.”

A Salesman, arriving at a small Midwestern hotel, unpacked his new electric shaver, and read in the instructions for its use a warning to plug it only on alternating current.

He called the hotel switchboard and asked, “Do you have A.Co or D.C current in this hotel?” “Just a moment, Sir,” She informed him, “But neither gentlemen is registered here.”

After his first day at the beach, Johnny was looking at his sunburn in the mirror. His face was peeling. Suddenly his older sister heard him say: “Only four years old-and wearing out already!”

A family was driving cross country one summer when suddenly a police siren brought them to a halt just outside a small town. The patrolman took out his ticket book and angrily searched his pockets for a pencil. “I’d sure give you a ticket if I could find my pencil!” He bellowed at the man of the family. From the rear seat of the car came a five year old boy’s voice: “Daddy has a pencil!

Answers to the riddles… (a) a shoe (b) Your breath (c) a cowboy riding horse

Contest Ok, so now for the contest‌. draw a snowman add as many details as you want, and if you are looking for something else to do, send a story about the snowman (or snowmen) with the picture to elesarose@gmail.com!

Thank-you for your participation! Any other contest ideas? Send them to elesarose@gmail.com or elisaknicely@gmail.com.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

I

Photography

People were supposed to send in pictures of their house. Here they are!

-Bethany Gehman

-Sylvia Yoder

-Elesa Stoltzfus

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Birthdays One birthday in January, and it is‌

Alyssa Miller- January 29

Members Sylvia Yoder, Sierra Zehr, Hana Knicely, Sarah Ebersole, Kaylynn Haines, Brenda Eshleman, Adeline Imel, Andrea Stoltzfus, Destinee Stoltzfus, Jessica Wingard, Mary Brubaker, Denise Amstutz, Bethany Gehman, Alyssa Miller, Carina Geigley, Jackie Brandy, Katriel Knicely, Hannah Gassman, Letitia Wadel, Julie Esh, Moriah Garza,

Jessica Gehman Editor: Elisa Knicely Co-Editor: Elesa Stoltzfus

Sneak Peak - friendship form Questions 4 next issue 1. What's your favorite color?

2. What's your favorite sport and why?

3. What is something you like to do when a friend is at your house?

The next issue will be on cupcakes or pies…

RememberWe always appreciate when you send things in for the magazine!

Also, we think we will do the magazine every month… Let us know what you think!

And… remember to tell any friends that you think might be interested! Here is the form for them to fill out      

Your full name Age Birthday State, country How many siblings A picture of yourself Who told you about the Friendship magazine

Send everything to elesarose@gmail.com or elisaknicely@gmail.com

-The friendship magazine team