Hfwmag fall2013 finallores

Fall 2013

Polished Perfection!

5

M ust-have Beauty Products for Fall

Gloria Gaither

Shares

6 Holiday Traditions Two Gold Medal Olympians Share

3 Eating Habits

You Should Break This Fall

‘Don’t Quit’ Attitude

?

Where is My Soul Mate

Display Until January 25

Joyce Meyer:

The ONLY Way to Start Your Day!

2  hope for Women fall 2013

contents Fall 2013

Reap Your Harvest!

Cover 24

Joyce Meyer: Get Up and Get God!

By Courtney Kopec

Natural Beauty 12 P roducts that Give Back!

By Karley Ziegler Mott 14 P olished Perfection!

5 Must-Haves Beauty Products for Fall

By Karley Ziegler Mott 16 L ady Emmy’s Personal Beauty Secrets

By Lady Emmy

8

44

Features 8 G abby Douglas Facing Family Financial Strain and Homesickness, Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas Almost Gave Up

By Monique Farmer

Fashion 18 The Glam Seekers Fall Style Guide!

By Jasmin Shaheed-Young

Home

22 B ook Author Creates Prayer Boxes as Gifts

By Lisa Wingate

44 G loria Gaither Shares 6 Holiday Traditions

By Christy Luellen

34 I ndiana Fever Tamika Catchings Shares Love of Basketball with Campers While Promoting Diabetes Awareness

By Angelia White & Christy Luellen

48 C hristmas Shopping Tips for the College Co-ed Think Practicality!

By Christy Luellen

hope for Women fall 2013  1

contents

Fall 2013 42

In Every Issue

Finance Files

2 Social Media (Twitter & Facebook) 5 Publisher’s Page 6 Meet the Hope Team 10 What Matters Most…

Be True! Be YOU! An Interview with Author and Life-Coach Holley Gerth

By JoAnna LeFlore

Work It 20 Sowing Seeds for a Rich Harvest from Within

By Karen Taylor Bass

12

21 Four Ways to Make Your Money Work for You

By Jennifer Davies

Relationships 32 Where is My Soul Mate?

By Jennifer Keitt

Family Time 33 Worship is a Lifestyle: 10 Ways to Make it Personal

By LaKeisha Rainey Collins

Book Review 30 Fall into a Great Book!

Three New Reads To Inspire You

By Marie Cauley

Entertainment 28 American Idol Symone Black Bounces Back from On-stage Fall

By Kela Price 29 TOMS Shoes’ “One for One” Initiative Provides Shoes for Two!

By Raven Williams

Delightful Food 36 Planning a Powerful Back-to-School Lunch Menu

By Tonya Peele 38 3 Eating Habits You Should Break This Fall

By Tonya Peele

Health 40 Breast Cancer: Five Steps for Proactive Prevention

By Saundra Dalton Smith

Fitness 42 Katrina, Before and After!

My Friend Katrina Currie Shares Weight Loss Journey

By Angelia White

You can find us on }

2 hope for Women fall 2013

{ Facebook.com/hope4women}

{ Twitter.com/hopemag}

{ pinterest.com/hopeforwomenmag}

“

Every time you

look in the mirror, remember that God created you & that everything He creates is beautiful & good!”

–Joyce Meyer

hope for Women fall 2013 3

Fall 2013 • Reap Your Harvest

Vol. 5 No. 3

Editor in Chief

Angelia L. White Senior Editor Christy L. Luellen christy@hopeforwomenmag.com Associate Editor Tenita Johnson Copy Editor Tracy Truitt Art Director Kim Baker Contributors Karen Taylor Bass, Marie Cauley, LaKeisha Collins, Jennifer Davies, Monique Farmer, Jennifer Keitt, Courtney Kopec, Lady Emmy, JoAnna LeFlore, Karley Ziegler Mott, Tonya Peele, Kela Price, Saundra Dalton Smith, Raven Williams, Jasmin Shaheed-Young

President & Chief Executive Officer Angelia L. White angelia@hopeforwomenmag.com

Business Development & Marketing Director Maisha Guy maisha@hopeforwomenmag.com Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Butler lindsay@hopeforwomenmag.com Administrative Assistant Chantel White chantel@hopeforwomenmag.com Guest Contributor Lisa Wingate

HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC P.O. Box 3241, Muncie, Indiana 47307 Advertising 800-936-2214 ext. 701 Administrative 800-936-2214

www.hopeforwomenmag.com HOPE FOR WOMEN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OWNED BY HOPE FOR WOMEN MAGAZINE LLC COPYRIGHT 2013 COVER CREDITS: Photography by David Dobson Copyright Joyce Meyer Ministries 2013

4 hope for Women fall 2013

Editor’s Note

Reap Your Harvest!

‘Tis the season to reap the benefits of those personal and professional areas in which you have recently and diligently sown. It’s Fall, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year. The air is crisp and cool; the leaves are falling from the trees paving the way for new growth; and seeds that were planted during the summer months are ready for our harvest.

That’s exactly the way it is here at Hope for Women Magazine. We’re moving i nto c o ole r ve nt u r e s , experiencing new growth, and harvesting from the seeds we’ve planted in previous months.

With this new season, we are excited to continue and expand our mission to spread hope to women across the world, humbly walking into new blessings, and confidently pursuing our God-sized dreams through a new print issue and a revised website to give you HOPE! In our Fall issue, we want to encourage you to do the same!

Our brilliant new senior editor, Christy Luellen, has worked tirelessly to ensure that this issue of Hope is one of our best yet, and she has spectacular ideas that she will share in our upcoming Winter issue.

The theme for this issue is “Reap Your Harvest.” I’m so excited about the collection of uplifting stories that we’ve put together to give you that extra dose of encouragement to achieve all the great things that you deserve in your life. The amazingly inspirational Joyce Meyer graces the cover, and inside she shares her heartfelt journey of being a woman of faith in the entertainment industry. You will also see The Glam Seeker’s 2013 Fall Style Guide, stylishly fabulous fashion tips for the fall, and learn how to fit fitness into even the busiest schedule. And we’re also showing our support to charitable businesses, so be sure to check out our list of Products that Give Back! (pg. 12).

This season, Hope is turning over a new leaf. What will you do this season to turn over a new leaf in your life? Whatever it is, I promise that if you expect the best and never give up hope, you’ll be a better woman in the end.

Love,

Angelia White

Warm Up to

Coming Soon! the hope store where you will be able to find all of your hope-inspired gifts

Angie

hope for Women fall 2013 5

meet the

Hope Team Saundra Dalton Smith { The Doctor }

Tonya Peele { The Healthy Foodie }

LaKeisha Rainey-Collins { The Write Girl }

Jerry Simon { Behind the Scenes Fix-it Man }

Jennifer Davies { The Money Maven }

Karley Ziegler Mott { The Eco-Conscious Beauty Maven } 6  hope for Women fall 2013

Tenita Johnson { Always Caught Red Handed }

Angelia White { The Ray of Hope }

Christy Luellen { The Editor’s Editor } Maisha Guy { The Strategist }

Kim Baker { The Design Brain } Chantel White { The Intern } Daphne Ali { The Image Creator } Lindsay Butler { Marketing Enthusiast }

hope for Women fall 2013  7

Facing Family Financial Strain and Homesickness, Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas Almost Gave Up b y Mon ique Fa r mer

‘Don’t Ever Quit’ m ag i n e f u m b l i n g t h r o u g h

your purse in search of cash to pay the teenager standing at the drive-through window of Chick-fil-A. When you look into her face, you realize she’s Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas.

8 hope for Women fall 2013

“He told me to keep striving and fighting and don’t ever quit.”

Only thing is, you would likely not have recognized her at all because you would have never seen her limber body curl and then spin in a perfect circle through mid-air before landing gracefully on the mat at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England.

Yeah, that drive-through window sighting—it almost happened. Gabrielle Douglas came very close to quitting gymnastics just seven months before the Games. Her career choice at the time? She wanted to work at Chick-fil-A. “I love Chick-fil-A,” said Douglas. “So I wanted to work at a job that I’d love.”

The teenager who had convinced her single-parent mother, Natalie Douglas, to let her to move to Des Moines, Iowa with a host family so she could train with former Chinese gymnast Liang Chow almost succumbed to her homesickness. She frequently engaged in conversations with her teenaged brother, Johnathan, about her desire to give up gymnastics and return home to Virginia Beach.

“He told me to keep striving and fighting and don’t ever quit,” said Douglas while home during a recent break from speaking engagements and celebrity events since her Olympic win. Mother Natalie also joined the conversation to discuss their journey to success—one complete with its fill of bends, winds and challenging climbs.

For Natalie, the choice to support Gabby in her quest to follow her dream and become an Olympic Gold Medalist was one that placed a financial strain on the family. The support for Gabby coupled with a medical issue that caused Natalie to take a leave of absence from work strained the family’s finances and ultimately forced Natalie to file for bankruptcy protection to save their home from foreclosure.

“That was definitely tough because I’m a fighter and I don’t like to ask for help,” she said. “I try to do it all myself so it was hard to admit that I needed help.”

In reaching within herself to maintain balance much like Gabby does in the gym, Natalie said she has always tried to instill three primary values within Gabby as well: faith, fighting for your dreams and the tenacity to stick with it.

“When I saw her on the podium [at the Olympics], I said there it is!” Natalie joked.

Galatians 6:9 tells us, “…at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

The Douglas family can attest to the truth of that testimony.

“I’ve discovered a lot of things about myself through this journey,” said Douglas. “I’ve gotten so much more mature since the time I moved to Iowa. I discovered that though I’ve gone through a lot of difficult times and hardships, there is a stronger part inside of me than I thought. I have learned to stay strong and fight for my dreams and never quit.”

Life as an Olympic Gold Meda list remains on the “go-go-go,” according to Douglas. But, she tries to avoid neglecting much-needed downtime to do nothing more than sit quietly, relax and enjoy her hiatus from the gym.

We asked mother Natalie about her downtime practices and whether she’d returned to the world of dating?

Following a chuckle, she shared, “There is no love life right now, though I am single and ready to mingle. Right now, I think I’ve been more focused on my kids and making sure that I keep God first place in my life. I’m hoping the love life will pick up, but I think right now, it’s just about my kids and enjoying the journey that we’re on.”

To women sowing the seeds it takes to reap their harvest, Gabby offers these words of encouragement: “You go through hardships, but at the end of the sacrifice and the journey, it all pays off. Like climbing a mountain, you may have struggles getting to the top, but once you get there, the view is amazing.” HFW

hope for Women fall 2013 9

What Matters Most...

HOPE: It may be assumed that people who seek life coaching are in rough patches of their lives, but this is not always the case. How do you find ways to encourage women who have reached a successful peak in their lives?

HG: Actually, most women who come to me for life coaching are already doing well. They just happen to be in a season of transition or would like to have a partner to explore a dream or goal in their lives. I did private practice counseling for a while, which is about the past and healing. While I think that’s so valuable, I realized my sweet spot is really life coaching—which is all about growth and the future. I love seeing women take hold of all God created them to be and step into what He ha s c a lled t hem to do.

Be True, Be YOU! An Interview with Author and Life-Coach Holley Gerth b y JoA n na L eFlor e HOPE: You’ve spent your life dreaming of becoming a published writer and life-coach. Now that you’ve accomplished those goals, what new goals do you aspire to achieve?

HG: What’s most been on my heart lately is a simple verse from Ephesians: “Live a life of love.” After chasing a lot of big dreams and seeing many of them come true, I’m realizing all over again that’s what matters most. We’re simply servants who are here to bring joy to our Master and we do that through loving Him, each other and ourselves. So every day I just get up and say, “How can I love well today?”

10 hope for Women fall 2013

HOPE: In dealing with so many people through your work, how are you challenged on a daily basis?

HG: I’ve learned a lot about what I need to keep from burning out in the last few years. First, I’m a one-on-one girl. I get easily overwhelmed and drained by groups. So I have to intentionally schedule time with women where we can have one-on-one conversations, whether that’s at a local coffee shop or on the internet through Skype.

Those women encourage me and also have permission to ask me hard questions if they see something that’s off in my life. I feel braver knowing that I have friends who will cheer me on and also let me know I’m getting off track if needed!

HOPE: Regarding dream-chasing and living a purpose-filled life, what advice would you give to young girls who may face challenges in a society filled with tough critics?

HG: There will always be critics, and they have not earned the right to speak into your life. Never listen to anyone sitting in the bleachers. Only listen to those who are on the field with you— those who are also taking risks, stepping out on faith and overcoming fear…and who love you for who you are no matter

what. Give those people permission to speak into your life and listen hard when they do. But close your eyes and guard your heart against those who criticize, just because they approach everything in life that way. Jesus faced lots of criticism.

You will too.

HOPE: How do you stay grounded on a daily basis? What’s your daily motivation routine?

HG: I don’t have a routine. I’ve tried for years to think up some system or formula but I’m just not wired that

way. Every day looks different for me.

I promised myself yesterday I would never make a to-do list again because they just stress me out. That being said, there are elements I need in each day: to read Scripture, to pray with my husband, to exercise, to get enough sleep, and to connect in a meaningful way with at least one person a day. How that happens varies a ton, but those are my essentials. I’m naturally a striver, and I’m slowly learning to be led by the Spirit. That brings a lot more joy, peace, and freedom! HFW

Encouragement from

Holley Gerth THIS INSPIRING -DAY JOURNEY IS AN INVITATION TO A deeper relationship with God and a challenge to live the dream he has placed in your heart. If you’re ready to take the next step in making your dream a reality, you’ll find all the encouragement and confidence you crave within these pages.

www.HolleyGerth.com

N hope for Women fall 2013 11

Beauty

Products that

Gave Back b y K a rley Zie g ler Mot t

When specific products were purchased during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we were helping out women who have been affected by breast cancer. $

39

One Love Organics is giving 10% of the retail price of each bottle of Rose Aromatic Body Serum sold in October 2013 to the Ashley Caddell Breast Cancer Treatment Fund.

Caddell is a company employee who was diagnosed with breast cancer last fall—just two days after she had lost her previous job and her health insurance. oneloveorganics.com

$

34

Indulge in the aroma of vanilla, rose, and citrus with the Sugar Kiss Souffle Scrub from LaLicious. 20% of sales from product and others from the Sugar Kiss collection will benefit the Mammograms in Action Grant Program, which was developed by Barbells for Boobs. lalicious.com

$ Josh Rosebrook Deep Hydrating Serum is chock full of skin nourishing ingredients such as antioxidant green tea and anti-infammatory marshmallow root.

20% of the proceeds from each Deeply Hydrating Serum sold in October will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. joshrosebrook.com

12 hope for Women fall 2013

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$

30

100%of the profits from the Jane Iredale Bright Future compact will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.

This mirrored eye shadow compact comes with a Swarovski crystal and travel eye shadow brush. shop.janeiredale.com

$ 49.50 Murad’s Hydrate for Hope set features a jar of Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and hot pink cosmetics bag. Natural ingredients and scientific research have been combined to deliver results. 10% of the sales of each set will be donated to City of Hope’s breast and women’s cancers research, education, and treatment programs. murad.com

YOUR SKIN’S

TRUE LOVE (and new best friend!)

E XC LU S I V E O F F E R F O R H O P E F O R WO M E N R E A D E R S : Order at www.oneloveorganics.com and enter code super20 at checkout for a 20% discount off of your entire first order.

hope for Women fall 2013  13

Beauty

Polished Perfection!

5 Beauty Must Haves for Fall b y Ka rley Zie g ler Mot t

Urban Decay

You do not have to go out and buy dozens of products to achieve fall’s

Naked Basics Palette

polished makeup look. These five beauty essentials are all you need to add to your makeup bag this season.

$

$

It Cosmetics

If you have ever searched for the perfect neutral eye shadows, only to have them look too shiny by the end of the day, you will adore this palette.

Urban Decay has created a collection of neutrals that are truly matte and will last without creasing.

27

24

YBBB Your Brows But Better Brow Power Skinny Pencil

 urbandecay.com

Long on name and long on looks! You wouldn’t hang up a work of art without a picture frame, would you? Think of your face the same way. Your face is a beautiful work of art and it needs to be framed. Having well-groomed eyebrows will make your eyes stand out and will complete your makeup look.

This pencil from It Cosmetics is a truly universal shade and can be worn by anyone. The best part is that it looks completely natural!

 itcosmetics.com $

48

Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream $

1950

This is a must-have in my beauty routine. It hides imperfections, gives skin a radiant glow, blurs fine lines, and works as a broad spectrum sunscreen.

Not just a makeup; nutrients such as apple extract, sunflower seed, and aloe deliver skin care benefits.

$

 janeiredale.com

Au Naturale Lip Crayon in Burgundy This is a true multitasking product.

It does double duty as a soft lip pencil and lipstick in one. Perfect for fall, this rich wine hue is also gluten-free and vegan.

 aunaturaleglow.com

14 hope for Women fall 2013

e.l.f. Essentials Liquid Eyeliner in Black You read it correctly! This liquid liner is only $1, but it performs as well as many high-end liners.

It works well to create evening liner looks such as the cat-eye and smokey-eye, without smudging.

 eyeslipsface.com HFW

1

hope for Women fall 2013  15

Beauty

Lady Emmy’s As a beauty expert, I’m often asked about my favorite beauty products.There are so many products that I know and love, it’s always hard to narrow them down to just a few. During the fall and winter months, the skin and hair need extra care and conditioning.

I make sure to exfoliate and moisturize my skin and hair more during this time of the year. Here are a few skin care and hair care products that I use. I’ve included a couple of make-up items that I always keep in my bag because they are amazing with or without other make-up you may use.

Photography by: M*Knight, Makeup and Hair: Rafael Marsail

b y L ady E m my

16 hope for Women fall 2013

Personal Beauty Secrets Rusk Deepshine® Oil Protective Oil Treatment

$

To give my hair some shine and moisture without weighing it down, I use Deepshine® Oil Protective Oil Treatment.

This oil product imparts incredible shine and condition to my hair. Deepshine® Oil is a marine mineral-enriched, argan oil treatment that improves elasticity and hydration, leaving hair soft, silky and manageable. This lightweight, alcoholfree formula also helps seal the cuticle, prevents color fading with subsequent shampoos, and protects against damage caused by chemicals, excessive heat from thermal styling and environmental factors. Even with all of these great benefits, it’s also one of my favorite products because it doesn’t weigh down my hair!  rusk1.com

$

29.95

Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor

26

$

To keep my hair healthy and strong I use K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor once a month to deep condition and give my hair a protein treatment.

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam I love High Beam! It’s great with or without makeup to give the skin a natural looking glow or highlight. This liquid highlighter accents cheek & brow bones for a dewy, radiant glow. You can also use it as a spot highlighter over makeup or under powder foundation for subtle luminescence.  benefit cosmetics.com

$

22

This powerful reconstructor rebuilds and strengthens hair. Since I color my hair, this is one of my favorite products to take extra care of it.

I use this deep conditioning protein treatment once a month to keep my hair strong, healthy and growing. This product restores hair to its original strength and condition, while making hair more responsive to styling. It also helps to prevent color loss.  joico.com

15

MAC Cosmetics Lip Conditioner $

Skin Authority Bamboo Ginseng Scrub

36

It’s important to use an all-over body scrub to exfoliate dead, dry skin. My favorite is Bamboo Ginseng Scrub.

In the winter, I use it three times a week. This invigorating scrub uses fine grains of bamboo for a mineral rich, non-irritating exfoliation while hydrating and soothing dry skin all over the body.  skinauthority.com

To keep my lips moist, I use a combination of things. Before bed, I apply Lip Conditioner. This product contains almond oil, shea butter, avocado extract, wheat germ oil and vitamins A and E. When the weather is extremely cold or dry, I also apply 100 percent pure honey to my lips two to three times a week. I leave it on for about an hour. Also, I make sure to exfoliate my lips twice a week by using a mixture of honey and brown sugar as a lip scrub.  maccosmetics.com

MAC Cosmetics in Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash $

21

My favorite mascara right now is the new In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash.

I don’t wear false eye lashes so I’m always looking for the best new mascara for my lashes. With In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash mascara, eyelashes take on unreal length, volume and sweep in the new blacker-than-black 3D Black Lash. The brush design holds more mascara as rows of micro fiber in between lashes separate, define and enhance on a dramatic lash-by-lash level.  maccosmetics.com

I also dry brush my skin twice a week. Dry brushing is the process of exfoliating the skin using a natural bristle brush. It is a great option to use in-between body scrub exfoliation. One of the immediate effects of dry brushing is smoother skin. This is because dry brushing helps shed dead skin cells which can help improve skin texture and cellular renewal.

In addition to glowing skin, there are many other health benefits. Regular dry brushing is good for circulation, the immune system and detoxifying the body. Amazingly, it can also help improve digestion and kidney function, so try to add this to your nighttime beauty routine! HFW

hope for Women fall 2013 17

The Glam Seekers

2013 Fall Style Guide b y Ja sm i n Sha he e d-You ng

It’s that time of year when we curl up by the fire with our ageless chunky knit turtleneck and warm wool scarf to enjoy our latest issue of Hope for Women Magazine. The season has arrived to infuse your wardrobe with fresh items, showcasing your personal style and fashion awareness.

This fall, several of our favorite trends are repurposed just for the season.

We’ve highlighted five trends that are wearable regardless of your budget or the outside temperature!

50 Shades of Grey Which came first, the trend or the book? It’s makes no matter the shade, as long as it falls in the family of grey. Trade in your black overcoat for a stylish rich grey-toned trench coat. A tailored grey or charcoal dress is a wardrobe essential for any professional woman. Choose gold, silver or bright red to accessorize.

Emerald City Emerald green is another great hue to embrace this fall. Pair an emerald skirt with an ivory blouse to emphasize the green. An emerald pump is sure to keep you on your toes! Green leather gloves are perfect with a taupe wool coat.

18 hope for Women fall 2013

Winter White is So Right The “No White After Labor Day Rule,” is beyond dated. White will soften any ensemble. To ensure your winter white statement is flawless, select pieces that are fall/winter appropriate such as a chucky white knit pullover or the classic white wool pant.

Leopard heels or boots will “wow” the white look!

Fun Hats

Limit-less Leather Black leather is timeless, but don’t be afraid to have fun with colored leather. A burgundy leather skirt or vest or olive leather pant pushes the envelope this fall. Try to find subtle ways to incorporate leather into your wardrobe with leather piping on a shirt or blazer—or straight down the side of slenderizing black leggings. Remember, colored leather purses are in abundance and they don’t have to match your shoes!

Accessorize your fall threads with a cap. Grab a fall felt fedora or a knit cap to warm your cranium. The beanie is back and with an edge.

Incorporate a slouchy, fitted, oversized or pom-pom beanie to amp your fall threads to the next level!

HFW

hope for Women fall 2013 19

Work It

Sowing Seeds for a Rich Harvest from Within b y Ka r en Tay lor B a s s

F

or man, autumn is a time of har vest , of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad. ~Edwin Way Teale Each season we set out to plant, water, fertilize, sow and harvest new thoughts of a coming season.

Harvest promises hope, but before you get to the hope there must be darkness. If you are in a season of wait and stagnation after planting many seeds, don’t give up.

Waiting for the crop to take hold and start to grow can be a period of stress and frustration. A good healthy, hearty crop takes time, and, just because you have planted a seed does not mean it will grow. I’ve planted sunflower seeds in my backyard only to see them sprout then dry up. It wasn’t time for my season.

You see, harvest is not only about planting the seed—it is about visualizing, believing and doing the hard manual labor. Harvesters must understand that it’s not enough to want more, you must know you deserve more.

Harvest is health, favor, blessings, bliss, growth and maybe even feeling uncomfortable. You can’t experience harvest if one’s mind, body, soul and spirit aren’t completely yoked.

When I had my daughter in 2007, I was 40 years old. The birth of Sofia was

the best gift ever; however, it was also a sad season in my life. God had challenged me with post-partum depression, debt, a marriage on life support and low-esteem.

What was a broken woman/mom/wife to do?

I had to come to the understanding that my crop was a result of years of not preparing and sowing the right seeds. You only manifest from what you put into the universe and nothing more. It was time for me to turn over the soil and plant new seeds. Reinventing bold thoughts, dreaming and taking action were my priorities. My f irst step toward reinventing myself was embracing a new season. Life is a cycle. Everything takes time to blossom and flourish.

“…harvest is not only about planting the seed— it is about visualizing, believing and doing the hard manual labor.”

20 hope for Women fall 2013

Tips for reaping a great harvest: 1. Cut out pictures. Channel your inner-child and cut out pictures of goals, vision and action steps of the life you crave.

2. Pray for clarity. Having a clear mind keeps anxiety and doubt at bay.

3. Plant seeds. If you don’t plant the seed in your mind, it will never grow.

4. Water seeds daily. Each day take the time to water your dreams with

positive affirmations, exercise, love and sleep.

5. Talk to your seeds with compassion and love. Look at yourself in the mirror each day and simply say, “You are one bad chick. Now go make those dreams happen.”

6. Get ample sunshine. When you plant seeds they will only grow with water and sufficient sun. Go outside and experience the marvel of nature while you soak up some Vitamin D. 7. Pray and have faith. If you want your seeds to flourish, remix your thoughts/dreams with trust, belief and a higher power.

It has taken me six years to experience my season of harvest and favor. Many crops have come and gone but I’ve learned valuable lessons from each crop that did not sprout fully. Seeds harvest when the time is right and the conditions are healthy for growth.

Welcome to harvest and a ‘brand’ new you. HFW Karen Taylor Bass is a PR Expert, best-selling author, motivational speaker, brand advocate and proud ‘brand’ new mommy. Learn more at www.thebrandnewmommy.com. Follow her on twitter @thebrandnewmom and @prexpert.

Finance Files

Four Ways to Make Your Money Work for You

A

b y Jen n i fer Dav ie s

cco r d i n g to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, a nonprofit research organization, more than half of Americans report having less than $25,000 in savings and investments. While financial projections for the next several decades are uncertain at best, many women mistakenly don’t think they have enough money to put into bulking up their savings or starting a retirement plan. Fortunately, it can be easier than you think. These small steps can ultimately lead to big savings and help your money work for you.

1. Live Within Your Means

Make it a habit to live within your income and not spend more than you make. In today’s world, we can quickly get caught up the “live now, pay later” mantra that typically leads to credit card debt and majorly adds up over time. If you want to plan a fun trip or a new purchase for your home, figure out how much it’s going to cost and deposit a certain amount of money each month in your savings account until it’s paid for.

2. Start a Savings Account

As a rule of thumb, try to save 10 to 15 percent of your income. In the harsh light of student loans and the ever-increasing cost of living, this may not be realistic but the important thing is to save something every month. Sit down, look at all of your expenses and see what you can do without or cut back on to add to your savings every month.

You can also contribute any unexpected money like bonuses or tax returns. Having a savings will prevent you from going into credit card debt in the event of an emergency and will

Share your tricks for saving at

give you more flexibility in planning for big purchases.

3.

Start a Workplace Investment Plan Countless companies continue to collapse amid the pressure of pensions and rising healthcare costs. That’s why it’s critical to save for your own retirement and the earlier the better.

Many employers offer matching programs, generally up to a few thousand dollars, so it’s critical to take advantage of this.

Deductions come out as pre-tax dollars and it’s easier to live without money that never made it to your checking account in the first place.

4. Avoid Paying Interest

One of the most important things you can do to avoid paying interest is to pay your bills on time. Many people don’t realize how much money they waste each year on things like credit card interest and late fees from monthly payments like utility bills. A great way to accomplish this is to set-up automatic payments on your accounts. It will encourage you to better monitor your checking account while also making sure that you save yourself countless late fees.

You ca n a lso t hink about adding a 13th mortgage payment each year which, over the life of a 30-year loan, can save you five years in payments. If you can’t come up with another full payment, think about splitting the extra payment over 12 months and increasing your current payment by that amount each month.

Good luck and happy saving! HFW

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hope for Women fall 2013 21

Creating Prayer Boxes as Gifts

P

r aye r boxe s can be life changing.

I know that to be true, and that’s why I chose to write about prayer boxes that changed a life in my novel, The Prayer Box. For years I’d heard of prayer boxes and I knew what they were for. They’re either a tangible keeping place for favorite scriptures, or they’re similar to a prayer journal, only more flexible. Any scrap of paper will do, anywhere, any time of the day or night. The important part (in a world of fractured thoughts, hurried moments, and scattershot prayers), is to take the time to think through, to write down, to clarify in your own mind the things you’re asking for, the things you’re grateful for, the things you’re troubled about, and the hopes you’ve been nurturing and keep them in a place you

22 hope for Women fall 2013

Prayers Within!

By L is a Wi ng ate

can visit later.

And then?

Put them in the box and…

Let. Them. Go. That’s what trust is. It’s letting go of the worry. It’s the way of peace and also the way of God. Closing the lid on a prayer box is beautifully symbolic of so many things, that I’m surprised we don’t use them more often. Prayer boxes have a longstanding tradition, both among early Christians and among Jewish families.

Jews and early Christians often wore small leather or carved bone boxes on the body. These phylacteries or tefillin (pouches or containers) were a means of keeping scripture close to the wearer.

Large boxes, called mezuzah cases are still affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes today.

It’s a beautiful tradition when you think about it, to surround our coming in and going out of doors with a brush with God. It’s also a reminder, as family members pass by, to pray and to trust that our prayers are being heard. That’s one of my favorite reasons for keeping a prayer box inside the home as well, or for giving one as a gift. When you see the box, you’re reminded that things are supposed to go in it. In other words, the prayer box isn’t meant to gather dust; it’s meant to inspire a habit. That’s the real idea behind making a prayer box attractive.

I hope the information below will help you start off on your prayer boxing journey. What better way to bind a family, help a friend struggle through an illness, help a newly- married couple start off right, celebrate a tiny new life just born, send a graduate off into the

world, or form connections with church family, than to share a prayer box with an explanation of what it’s for?

1 Wedding Shower Box

Going to a wedding shower? How about providing a beautiful box as a prayer box for the couple? Guests can include notes and prayers for the bride and groom, sharing encouragement, advice, and favorite scriptures. Include a note with the prayer box, encouraging the couple to write down their thoughts and prayers, as well as the things they’re grateful for about each other and the blessings of their first year of marriage.

Forming a new household and family can be filled with financial and emotional challenges. Teaching a couple to contemplatively pray together and to actively seek to remember the things they love about each other will help sustain them though t he s e l i f e - c h a n g i n g hurdles.

2 The WeddingBox A gift similar to the shower box, but for u se at t he wedd ing.

The couple can include prayer cards in wedding invitations, or put them by the guestbook, or by the box, or at each place if a meal is served. Ask guests to share a special prayer or word of advice for the couple and put it in the wedding prayer box.

3 Baby’s First Box

Want to have one of the most unique gifts at the next baby shower you attend?

Create baby’s first prayer box. Decorate with photos of Mom and Dad, sonogram pictures, photos of nursery selections, even historic pictures of family members (HINT: you can often grab these from Facebook pages or get them from family members without spoiling the surprise).

Make or bring some cards or stationary

and encourage attendees at the shower to jot down a prayer for the baby. Explain the use of the prayer box to Mom and encourage her and Dad to document prayers for the baby before birth and during that all-important first year. Seal and save the box to be given when the baby is all grown up, at graduation or as a wedding gift. What a treasure to unearth that time capsule and share the hopes and prayers that were held from before birth and during that first year.

“I am in awe of Lisa Wingate’s talent.

The Prayer Box is a masterpiece of story and skill.”

— debbi e macomber New York Times #1 bestselling author

4 Best Friends Traveling Box Can’t see your best friend every day?

Best friend moving away? For a birthday (or anytime) create a traveling prayer box to send back and forth between the two of you. Include ongoing prayers for your friend and your own prayer needs. This is also a wonderful way for grandparents, godparents or divorced parents to be there for bedtime prayers with a younger child.

What better gift than to let that child know you are actively praying for his or her future?

5 Around the World Box Looking for a way to create world-conscience citizens in your home or in your Sunday school class? Consider building an Around the World box and keeping it on your table.

Each week, choose a different country.

Study the culture and the challenges faced by people there. Identify missionaries or missions at work in that country.

Each time you gather at the table, talk about the needs and difficulties of the people there and how their lives differ from yours. Write down specific prayers and commit them to your Around the World Box. HFW Lisa Wingate is the author of the inspirational novel, The Prayer Box. www.LisaWingate.com

A

lifetime of prayers reveals a lifetime of lessons for Tandi Reese when she cleans out her elderly landlady’s home—and eighty-one of her carefully kept prayer boxes.

“Teaches us that it’s never too late to open our hearts.”

—southern lady magazine

“Relatable characters and vivid portrayals of events both current and historical create an enchanting, memorable pilgrimage into the fullness of faith and love.”

—publishers weekly

Purchase your copy at a local bookstore or online.

Visit www.lisawingate.com.

lisa.wingate.7 @lisawingate lisawingatebook

hope for Women fall 2013 23

TYNDALE andTyndale’s quill logo are registered trademarks ofTyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Th i s i s th e Day

the Lord Has Made!

Joyce Meyer shares inspiring insight on how to rejoice and be glad each morning with God.

J

By C ou r t ney Kop e c

oyce Meyer

has been a true luminary when it comes to encouraging Christians. Her work as a notable speaker and New York Times best-selling author has helped shepherd millions of believers toward a deeper relationship with Christ. From her, “Enjoying Everyday Life” daily devotionals, television broadcast and pod casts, Meyer radiates a passion for faith most dare only to dream of having. It is this passion, however, that has made Meyer such a huge success; one that draws people to her and excites people about God around the world. This past June, Joyce traveled to four European countries to share her “Hand of Hope” message.

Meyer is currently working on a new study, “Getting Your Day Started Right.” She has been a long-time believer that in order to enjoy our lives, we have to get our minds set on God first thing each and every day.

“It’s really about making a decision to make your relationship with God your highest priority.”

Her latest study provides tools aimed at helping us do just that.

HOPE: What are some key tools you believe every person needs in order to get their day started right?

JM: If we’re going to enjoy our life, we have to set our mind and keep it set to enjoy life. So the best way to start the day is by taking time to enjoy God’s presence and get your mind set on Him and His Word. So planning to spend the first few minutes or hour—whatever amount of time you can schedule—to pray and ask Him for help that day before you do anything else - is vital to preparing you for the day.

God wants us to enjoy our lives, and we can do that when we spend time first and foremost in His presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”

24 hope for Women fall 2013

God is the source of our joy and His joy is our strength. We can live in His joy and strength every day if we will take time to get filled up in His presence.

HOPE: Do you have any advice on how to turn a day around that has gotten off on the wrong foot?

JM: The minute you know things aren’t going right or your mood is negative, stop what you’re doing and ask God for help.

Whether you wake up with a bad mood or you find yourself getting irritated or upset while you’re getting ready for the day, take the time to deal with it right away. Don’t keep going and think you’ll get to it later on. That just sets you up to have a bad day, because we tend to naturally lean toward the negative.

But we are new creatures in Christ, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, and we have His nature in us—His love, mercy, peace and joy. We can choose life-giving thoughts and attitudes, with the help of the Holy Spirit, no matter what’s going on.

God wants to help us, and when we ask Him to show us why things aren’t right, He will. It may be something you did wrong that you haven’t cleared up between you and the Lord, or it could be that you’re too tired or you ate junk food the day before and it’s making you feel bad today.

I remember one time when I wasn’t sleeping well and I kept waking up throughout the night. Well, finally at about 5:00 in the morning, I prayed, “God, what is wrong?!” And immediately, I remembered something I had done the day before that was wrong and it offended the Holy Spirit. So I sincerely repented of it and asked God to show me how to make the situation right, and my peace was restored.

Whatever the situation is, God will reveal the root of the problem if you ask Him. And it’s important to get to the root of the problem, because it you don’t, it will just come back another day in another way.

HOPE: Are there ways to prepare for a positive day the night before?

JM: Get good rest! When we’re too tired, it’s easy to be negative and have a perspective that’s out of proportion to reality. And again, pray and give it to God. He’ll help you do whatever you need to do if you’ll depend on Him and do what He’s asking you to do.

HOPE: What are some common footholds you see people get caught up in that prevents them from having a glorious day and what are some ways these footholds can be removed?

JM: I teach a lot about the importance of making sure your thoughts and words line up with God and His Word. So many times a bad attitude or ungodly behavior is connected to a negative mind-set, and our words will show it.

Colossians 3:2 says we need to, “Set [our] minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.”

This is what it means to have the mind of Christ and choose life with our thoughts.

Proverbs 23:7 tells us, “As [a man] thinks in his heart, so is he.” Another way to say this is where the mind goes, the man follows.

God will always give us the ability to do what He tells us to do, so if you’re struggling with this, or you’re just having a challenging day, be encouraged and know that if you will ask Him to help you, He will. Just make the decision to do it and be determined to set your mind on Christ.

HOPE: What does a good day look like to you?

“God wants to help us,

and when we ask Him to show us why things aren’t right, He will.”

JM: While some days have challenges to deal with and are harder than others, I can honestly say that I enjoy my everyday life.

I haven’t always lived this way, and I used to be upset or frustrated most of the time. But as God has worked in my life over the years, I’ve learned how to spend time in His presence, cast my cares on Him, and get filled up with the joy of the Lord each day.

That’s the key to having a good day.

HOPE: In today’s world it can be difficult for people to find the time to even focus their energy on making sure they begin their day the right way. What’s your advice for those who feel they just don’t have time in

hope for Women fall 2013 25

Th i s i s th e Day

the Lord Has Made! the mornings to meditate on getting their day on the right path?

JM: I like getting up early in the morning and having a lot of my devotional time then, but if you’re not a morning person, then at least take a few minutes to put your heart and mind on the Lord and give Him the day before you get started. God doesn’t want us to be legalistic about the time of day that we choose to have our time with Him. The important thing is to make God your highest priority and not let anything else come between you and Him. If you’re stressed-out by your commitments and responsibilities, you may need to pray and ask God if you’re doing what He’s calling you to do. If you’re tired all the time and are having a hard time keeping up with life day-to-day, you won’t be peaceful and enjoy your life. That’s not God’s plan for you.

There used to be a time when I was stressed out by all of the things I had to do all the time. I remember telling God one day, “I just can’t do it all!” He spoke to my heart and said, “Joyce, who planned your schedule? I didn’t ask you to commit to do all of those things.” That moment opened my eyes to how critical it is for us to be led by the Holy Spirit in every decision we make— especially when it comes to how we spend our time.

HOPE: Answered prayers bring joy and are an easy spark to starting the day off right, but what about those who have been praying so long for the same thing and are still waiting on God? How can the tired and downtrodden refresh themselves and be in a place where they can find joy again at the start of a new day?

JM: Most people go through times like this, and it’s easy to get discouraged and feel weary. I felt that way during the years I was abused by my father growing up. And there have been other trials after that when I didn’t know if I would make it through them.

But God is faithful and He will give us the grace and strength to be more than conquerors in Christ if we won’t give up.

The part we need to focus on is keeping our eyes on God during the times of waiting, and being determined to have a good attitude while we’re going through them. This is how we walk by faith and show we trust God and His perfect timing for our breakthroughs.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint or become tired.” And Psalm 16:11, which I mentioned earlier, says that in God’s presence, there “is fullness of joy.”

Simply being quiet before God, spending time in His presence and receiving a fresh in-filling of His love, peace and joy will restore us and strengthen us. It’s important during these times to listen and not just talk the whole time. When you relax and are still before the Lord, you can sense His presence in a special way that will minister to your soul. I love spending time with God like this!

26 hope for Women fall 2013

“The minute you know things aren’t going right or your mood is negative, stop what you’re doing and ask God for help.”

HOPE: Finish this scripture in your own words, “This is the day the Lord has made…”

JM: I WILL rejoice and be glad in it! That’s one of the scriptures I routinely confess in the morning because it’s a powerful way to refresh my determination to enjoy life today.

HOPE: The first thing most of us do when we get up in the morning is get dressed for the day ahead.

Do you have any spiritual garments you think are a wardrobe “must” that will make us look and feel fabulous for the remainder of the day?

JM: As born-again Christians, we have the armor of Christ, and every part of it is vital to have an overcoming, more-than-aconqueror, joy-filled, abundant life.

Ephesians 6:11 says to, “Put on God’s whole armor…that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” Verses 12-17 explain that we need this armor because we are in a spiritual battle and then describe each part of the armor.

We wouldn’t dream about going out of the house without clothes on, but our spiritual armor is actually more important for us to keep on each day because it is the source of our protection and strength in Christ to live victoriously.

HOPE: What are some of your favorite passages in the Bible that you believe help guide one to having a day full of joy?

JM: Psalm 118:24 NKJV “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 16:11 AMP “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Colossians 3:2 AMP “Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on earth.”

Romans 8:28 NKJV “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” HFW For more on Joyce Meyer, visit her website, joycemeyer.org

Hearing from God Each Morning

new!

Trusting God Day by Day

Power Thoughts Devotional

Get as close to God as you possibly can!

The Confident Woman Devotional

Love Out Loud Devotional

No matter what your goals are in life or what you’ve achieved so far, the absolute best thing you can ever do is get closer to God. And Joyce’s devotionals will help you get in the daily habit of spending personal time with God. You’ll experience the life-changing power of His Word and encouraging, inspiring messages from Joyce’s heart that will strengthen your faith.

Take a step in the right direction and get yours today!

Starting Your Day Right

joycemeyer.org/HFW (800) 727-9673 / CANADA (800) 868-1002

Ending Your Day Right

Battlefield of the Mind Devotional

New Day, New You

hope for Women fall 2013 27

Entertainment

Symone, who was born in my hometown of Indianapolis, IND, and moved to Rancho Cucamonga, CA, when her dad’s job transferred the family, said that at first she was devastated after she fell off of the stage, but quickly embraced her new label as “the girl who fell.”

“I was really amazed at the amount of concern the judges, contestants and producers showed after I fell, but I was devastated when they kept showing the fall over and over again on television. After praying about it though, I decided to embrace it. Yes, I’m the girl who fell off the American Idol stage, so what?” said Black.

After what Symone calls a ver y surrea l experience on American Idol, her life Symone Black changed. She developed a fan base, sang the national anthem HOPE: What are you doing at various events and met the when you’re not singing? producer who produced her SB: Trying to get to an debut self-titled album. audition or hanging with “John [the producer] and friends or family.

I made a great team. Because HOPE: What is your favorite he’s worked with so many song of all time? great artists like Chante Moore SB: Michael Jackson’s Rock and Keith Sweat, I was really My World. excited to work with him. He HOPE: What’s your really knew my style of music and I’m happy with the way the favorite food? album turned out,” said Black.

SB: I love sushi! I don’t eat Wit h persona l idols the weird stuff but I do including Lauryn Hill and love a good California roll Alicia Keys, Black describes her and shrimp tempura. style of music as “conscious” HOPE: What are five things music. She expressed that her that give you joy? goal is to reintroduce music SB: God, singing, acting, that doesn’t degrade women, eating and family. and she hopes fans will join her musical movement.

The American Idol sweetheart’s self-titled EP hit iTunes this past July. You can expect music that young girls can relate to and a style that’s reminiscent of that 90’s vibe; an era which produced some of the greatest music of all time. Its combination of classic R&B mixed with conscious messaging makes the album something that anyone from ages 16 to 40 can groove to. You can also download Black’s EP from Google Play or Amazon.com today! HFW

Fun Facts about

America ‘Falls’ for Season 11 Idol

Symone Black b y Kela P r ic e

It’s season 11 of American Idol and hundreds of hopefuls have made it to Hollywood Week. In a sea of people with fantastic voices, each contestant ponders what they can do to stand out and become memorable amongst the Idol judges. What contestant Symone Black did was epic, although completely unintentional. She caught the attention of the judges, the other contestants, the producers and the media by falling off of the four-foot American Idol stage! Fortunately for her, however, it was the fall that made her one of the most memorable American Idol contestants ever.

28 hope for Women fall 2013

Kela is a lifestyle branding expert who is passionate about building and supporting brands that empower lives one body, one mind and one brand at a time. She has helped develop and build digital brands for major companies like Usher’s New Look Foundation, recording artists from Def Jam and has even built her own lifestyle brand geared toward modern families. She loves God, her husband and sons, photography and music that gives her goose bumps. Find more of Kela’s musings on her blogwww.todaysmodernfamily.com or view her photography at www.marcelichasephotography.com.

“ One for me and one for you!”

TOMS Shoes “One for One” Movement Provides Shoes to Children in Over 60 Countries b y R aven Wi l l ia m s

G

iving back has become the newest fashion trend inspired by TOMS, the popular canvas flat-sole, slip-on shoe company. The “One for One” offer is simple - the second pair automatically goes to a person in need.

TOMS, which derives its name from “tomorrow” and evolved from the original concept of the Shoes for Tomorrow Project, was formed by Blake Mycoskie, “Founder and Chief Shoe-giver” of TOMS. During a 2006 trip to Argentina, he witnessed poverty that moved him to start the for-profit company with giving as its mission. His product was inspired by the “alpargatas,” a canvas shoe commonly worn in Argentina. He reinvented its design and coupled it with his passion to give.

The charitable works of TOMS operates from its One for One Movement. This outreach model has allowed TOMS to give shoes in more than 60 countries, including the United States. The types of shoes distributed are the black and color canvas flats, sports shoes and winter boots. TOMS has given over two million pairs of new shoes to children in need since it began is 2006, and are often times given in conjunction with screenings for malnutrition and medication to prevent hookworm, according to TOMS.com.

TOMS merchandise has been expanded to include eyewear and has helped restore individuals’ vision in 13 countries such as Argentina, Haiti, Peru, El Salvador and Malawi.

Mycoskie’s company is not only providing footwear and eyewear for those in need, but also creating jobs. Currently, the shoes are manufactured in locations where they are distributed such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Argentina and China. TOMS is looking to further expand production into other countries where they will utilize local textiles and hire artists to design hand-painted shoes for their customers.

TOMS’ benefits are recognized as extending beyond meeting basic needs. TOMS.com shares, “Shoes are often required for school attendance in many countries. Providing uniforms, including shoes, increases school attendance as much as 62 percent. Education is the key to mobility and vital to breaking the poverty cycle.”

Blake Myscoskie’s work through TOMS has inspired and assisted other social entrepreneurs. His book, Start Something That Matters, encourages readers to find passion in their work and turn dreams into reality. The Start Something That Matters Foundation donates 100 percent of the profits from book sales to aspiring students and innovators. HFW Visit www.TOMS.com to learn how the company is enhancing its giving efforts by collaborating with their Giving Partners, and how you can get involved.

hope for Women fall 2013 29

Entertainment

‘Fall’ Into A Great Book Three New Reads to Entertain and Inspire You to Learn More About Yourself b y Ma r ie C au ley

T

hese warm stories are just what you need to take away the

autumn chill and strengthen your faith.

Ah, autumn…Just the mention of the season brings to mind cooler days and nights, romance and family fun. It’s time for roasting marshmallows, pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider and cozy books.

Hope for Women has discovered some great stories to get you into that fall mood and lift your spirits as the days begin to get shorter. So now that you’re done with pool days and beach reads, grab a latte or cider, curl up in front of the fireplace, and check out the latest offerings from some of our favorite authors.

30 hope for Women fall 2013

Tattler’s Branch

by Jan Watson

Tyndale, September 2013

The Prayer Box

by Lisa Wingate

Tyndale, September 2013

Wingate takes us to the Outer Banks to bring us the story of Tandi Jo, a young mother running from her colorful past who must deal with the aftermath when Iola, the woman she is renting a cottage from, passes away. When she winds up with the task of cleaning out Iola’s historic Victorian home, she discovers 81 prayer boxes, dating back to the landlady’s life as a young girl all the way up until her death. Everything she finds in these boxes helps her learn more about Iola, while also leading her to discoveries about herself and her family. One of the most important lessons for Tandi Jo is that you can turn your life around and fulfill your life’s purpose, even if your life has been a mess in the past.

The seaside town of Fairhope also learns something—that you should never judge or assume anything about someone if you don’t know the entire story. Readers of The Prayer Box will finish the book eager to live life to the fullest and discover who they really are in Christ.

An historical novel set in a Kentucky coal mining town, this is the seventh book in the Troublesome Creek series, and the third featuring country doctor Lilly Corbett.

Lilly’s husband is away on a mining job for the summer, leaving her busy with patients­­—as well as her visiting younger sister. Her friend and neighbor Armina is there to help, until a strange chain of events leaves Armina bedridden…and also brings an orphaned baby to her doorstep. In addition, someone breaks into Lilly’s office, making her fear for her safety as she tries to figure out just what is going on in her small town. Lilly discovers that she can’t do everything herself, no matter how hard she tries.

She learns to surrender control to God and rely on others to assist her with everything that has fallen on her weary shoulders. The lesson here will resonate with readers: as you trust God and lean on your neighbors, you will discover more strength than you ever knew was possible and build up your faith in the process. This is what a good novel is all about…learning from the characters and applying their lessons to your own life. You will definitely be happy that you picked this one up—and will be eager to go back and read the other books in the series.

Do you have any fall reads that you would like to share?

Every Waking Moment

by Chris Fabry

Tyndale, September 2013

“What if this is as good as my life gets?”

This is the burning question that haunts Treha and Miriam as they work with a documentary film crew, who interview the residents of the retirement home where they both work. Each woman has a unique gift w ­ ith Treha’s being the ability to assist dementia patients in coming to a temporary clarity, one that helps not only the film crew but also as the staff at the home understand their residents better. In turn, the crew and staff also understand themselves better through the stories, eyes and ears of others around them, while Miriam and Treha ponder what lies ahead for their own futures. Fabry brings up some excellent questions in this novel about how we judge gifted people and treat others who are different from us, and really makes the reader think about the gifts that God has blessed them with. Do you encourage yourself and others to make full use of personal gifts and talents?

After reading Every Waking Moment, you won’t want to waste a single one. HFW

{ Please let us know at hopeforwomenmag.com }

hope for Women fall 2013 31

Relationships

M

any people yearn for a “soul mate. “ So

Where Is

My Soul Mate?

Is Our Quest For ‘Mr. Right’ Destroying Our Chances For Real Love? b y Jen n i fer Keit t

32 hope for Women fall 2013

many of us want to believe that there is one, and only one, person out there who’s the perfect “right” one for us. Case in point, Rutgers University conducted a National Marriage Project Survey.

In that survey, 94 percent of 20- to 29-year-olds said that when they marry they wanted their spouse to be their soul mate first and foremost. Another 88 percent said, “There is a special person, a soul mate, waiting for you out there.”

I think I know where this idea of a soul mate may have originated. As A d a m de c l a re d i n t he book of Genesis, “…this is now bone of my bones and f lesh of my f lesh…”

Mankind has been looking for soul mates ever since!

Women a nd men wa nt someone who “completes” them—a soul connection so deep, so loving, so lasting, that life is only worth living with this other person.

But the problem is that Adam was referring to Eve as a woman, not as a wife. In fact, any woman whom God presented to Adam at that particular “creation” would have qualified as “bone of his bone and f lesh of his f lesh.” It didn’t have to be Eve. Here’s a recent definition of soul mate from the Urban Dictionary: “A person with whom you have an immediate connection the moment you meet—a connection so strong that you are drawn to them in a way you have never experienced before. As this connection

develops over time, you experience a love so deep, strong and complex, that you begin to doubt that you have ever truly loved anyone prior. Your soul mate understands and connects with you in every way and on every level, which brings a sense of peace, calmness and happiness when you are around them…”

On the surface this definition sounds like a dream come true. But in reality, I know that this definition is highly misleading and gives people the idea that soul mate relationships have what I call “magic superpowers” that make relating easier, stronger and better than non-soul mate ones. But that’s just not true.

The Bible says in Colossians 2:10, “… and you are complete in Him…” Christ completes us, not our husbands or our wives. I believe that the soul mate myth distracts us from the hard work, emotional maturing and deep commitment that it takes to have long, lasting love. I can honestly say out loud (and have done so!), that my husband of over 27 years is not my soul mate. He is, however, my best friend, my lover and confidant. He is the one whom I’ve worked extremely hard to know, to love and to understand.

No magic or soul mating involved!

Rea l love ta kes work, plain and simple. Here are three things I want you to remember: ❉ Love isn’t magic; it’s work. ❉ L ove isn’t stumbled upon; it’s decided upon. ❉ S oul mates are fiction, not fact.

Friend, don’t allow the myth that you must find and marry a “soul mate” keep you from experiencing love the way God intended. Free yourself today. Stop searching and allow God to lead you to a perfect, loving relationship in His perfect timing. HFW

“Christ completes us, not our husbands or our wives.”

Family Time

Worship is a Lifestyle: 10 Ways to Make it Personal b y L a Keisha R a i ney-C ol l i ns

D

o you ever feel that worship has been “boxed in” or limited to the 15 minutes of swaying side to side, eyes closed, and hands lifted in church while the praise team sings a slow song? Has it been programmed in us as to when to lift our hands, what to say, or how to go deep before the presence of the Lord? Collective worship during church service is great; however; when the music stops, does our worship? Does our worship begin and end within the walls of the church? Absolutely, not.

Worship is a lifestyle. It’s a way of living—a way of being.

It’s not what you do on Sunday morning amongst your fellow church-goers, but more so who and how you live on a daily basis when the only one watching is God. The truth of the matter is that if you do not worship throughout the other six days of the week, there’s not much difference one day will make in your spiritual life.

Worship stems from a personal relationship with God­—not merely religion and tradition.

So how do you worship beyond the confines of the sanctuary? Here are 10 ways to expand your worship routine when not in the regular church setting.

1. Worship in Prayer. Praying is communication with God. The more you talk to Him, the closer you draw to Him. The closer you draw to Him, the more you get to know Him. The more you get to know Him, the more you become like Him. The more you become like Him, the more you honor Him with your life.

2. Worship in Praise. Intentionally and daily show gratitude to God. Thanking Him regularly, in good times and bad, keeps you mindful of His goodness and turns your heart

more and more toward Him. It shows God how much you appreciate Him. 3. Worship in Regular Bible Study. How better can you connect to God than through reading His Word and applying it to your life? You learn and take on God’s Spirit by studying His Word.

4. Worship in Service to Others. Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When you serve others, you serve the Lord.

5. Worship in Obedience. As with any parent, God loves it when His children are obedient to Him. It proves that you love and trust Him to lead and guide you.

6. Worship in Giving. Whenever you sow into the Kingdom, you help the message of Christ to continue to be spread abroad—in keeping with the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

7. Worship in Love. The second greatest commandment from the Lord is this­­—love thy neighbor. When you show love to others, you are showing the love of Christ.

8. Worship in Sharing Your Faith. Don’t keep God a secret. Share Him at every chance you get. Be excited about the God you serve.

9. Worship in Using Your Gifts/Talents. God has gifted you with something special. Whatever that something is, tap into it and use it to bring Him glory and to help others.

10. Worship in Committing Your Life to God. Surrender is by far the greatest form of worship. What you surrender to, you give your heart to. Your heart is the main thing God wants from you. When your heart is His, you will seek to please Him with your entire life.

So, you see, worship begins long before you ever enter a church service and carries on far beyond the benediction. Be intentional about worshiping God with your life­—in every way, every day. HFW

hope for Women fall 2013 33

Tamika’s Passions Gold-medal Olympian and MVP Indiana Basketball Player Tamika Catchings Dribbles with Kids to Speak Out for Diabetes Awareness

34  hope for Women fall 2013

are Kids & Basketball b y A ngel ia W h ite a nd Ch r ist y L uel len

T

amika Catchings, a seven-time Women’s

Na t ion a l B a s k e t b a l l A s s o c i a t ion ( W NBA) A ll-Sta r for t he India na Fever (Indianapolis) didn’t have an easy childhood. She was born with a hearing disability, as a child wore hearing aids and glasses and had a speech impediment. At one point in her early career, she was so self-conscience about her speech that she had her sister to answer questions from the media following games in which she excelled. “I never wanted to talk to people because of my speech problem.”

Today, as a campaign ambassador for Dribble to Stop Diabetes, she has no trouble spea k ing clea rly about this national campaign designed to encourage young fans to live an active, healthy lifestyle and to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, management and the potentially serious health complications that can be associated with the disease.

Speaking to fans at Dribble to Stop Diabetes basketball camps across the country for the past two years, Tamika encourages both young and old to understand their risk for developing

diabetes and reveals how the disease has affected her family. She has an aunt, a young nephew and a great-grandmother with the disease she describes as, “controllable.” Her advice for persons already affected by diabetes: “You can control it. Don’t let it take control of you.”

She shares that nearly 12.6 million A merican women aged 20 years or older are living with diabetes, and nearly 19 percent of all AfricanAmericans over the age of 20, have diabetes.

In a n inter v ie w with Hope for Women Publisher A ngelia W h i t e , Ta m i k a , a three-time gold-medalist member of t h e U. S . Wo m e n’s Basketba ll Olympic Tea m (20 04, 20 08, a nd 2 012), r e l a t e d her experience while v i sit i n g t he W h it e House following the team’s 2012 goldmedal win. Describing the visit as “a cool opportunity,” she says the best part was “sharing it with my teammates – those I love” - who had worked with her in their collective pursuit to attain excellence as an Olympian team.

Drafted by the Indiana Fever in 2001, Tamika, now 34, was named the MVP for the WNBA for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Self-described as “faith-oriented,” Tamika’s long-term vision is to continue to visit large cities throughout the United States to encourage boys

and girls who want to play professional basketball to set goals and never give up. Her passions are “kids and basketball,” which she has played since seventh grade.

W hen a sked “W hat c a n women do to help one another?” she advises, “Help each other. Don’t get stuck on you rsel f. I wa nt to enc ou ra ge younger women to do better than me.”

(E d itor’s note: T he Nationa l Basketba ll A ssociation (NBA), the Women’s National Basketball Association ( W NBA) and the N B A D e ve lopme nt League, in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and Sanofi US, launched Dribble to Stop Diabetes. Tamika encourages everyone to visit www.dribbletostopd iabe te s.c om and ta ke the online assessment to determine if they are at risk for diabetes.) HFW

“I want to encourage younger women to do better than me.”

Christy Luellen, wife and mother of three grown children, lives in Mount Summit, IN, and has recently been named Hope for Women’s senior editor. She is a freelance writer and editor as well as a proofreader of Christian books.

Formerly the director of communications for Muncie Community Schools, an Indiana urban school district, she loves the written word and would rather read a magazine than a book!

hope for Women fall 2013 35

Delightful Food

Planning a Powerful Back-to-School Lunch Menu b y Tonya Pe ele

A

s w e a p p r oac h t h e e n d o f o u r s c h o o l s ' f i r s t s e m e s t e r , parents

may experience parents often experience the dread of having to pack school lunches. When it comes to school lunch, the stakes are high. Your kid’s lunch has to compete with the artificially-colored squeezable yogurt in their friend’s lunch box and the dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets being served in the school cafeteria. No worries! Check out these three quick tips for planning a back-to-school lunch menu that will keep you and your kids healthy and happy all year long!

AIN’T NOTHIN’ LIKE THE REAL THING Parents have been led to believe that processed “food,” like fruit leather, is just as good as the real thing. In case you’re wondering what the difference is, fruit that’s as flat and long as a ruler is considered “processed” and a whole pear that’s fresh, frozen or canned in its own juice is the “real thing.” Through clever marketing, including bright colors, fun-looking characters, and an affordable price, these highly processed products have found their way into lunchboxes across the country.

While parents lean toward processed food options as a manner of convenience, it takes very little time and effort to wash and precut apples, oranges, carrots and other fresh fruits that can easily be incorporated into quick lunches. It’s also much

36 hope for Women fall 2013

healthier to precook roasted vegetables for added fiber and meats like turkey and chicken on the weekends instead of packing processed lunch meats that are full of food additives like salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrates and artificial colors.

SET FOOD RULES Be willing to negotiate with your kids—after all, they’re the ones eating the lunch. Establishing food rules will help your kids eat better and learn healthy eating behaviors that will last them a lifetime. As an example, establish guidelines on the number of sweet treats to include per week. Commit to serving at least one vegetable or fruit in each lunch, and always pack a small bottle of water.

RELY ON STAPLES Do a little research to find at least five healthy snacks your kids like. Purchase what you need, prepare it if necessary (i.e., wash, chop), and store it so it’s ready and waiting when needed. Integrating planned items like single servings of nuts, string cheese, whole-wheat crackers, carrots, hummus and other healthy convenient foods will become a no-brainer, thus eliminating the stress of constantly trying to figure out what to pack in your kid’s lunch.

5-DAY KIDS’ LUNCH IDEAS

Food for Thought ❉

Don’t let food manufacturers and marketing campaigns dictate what you feed your children. Use your wisdom to guide you toward real food.

❉ Use this simple litmus test for real food: Ask yourself if your great-grandmother would recognize it as food and eat it herself.

❉ Being a parent means sometimes you’ll have to say “no” to foods that aren’t good for your kids, even if “all” their friends can have it.

GO MEDITERRANEAN The Mediterranean style of eating is deemed one of the healthiest in the world—rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, nuts, and moderate amounts of low-fat dairy.

Does your kid love pizza? Fortunately, pizza (http://tonyapeele. com/blog/2011/02/12/homemade-pizza-tasty-and-mediterranean/) is a great Mediterranean crossover food to incorporate into your kid’s lunch menu. Instead of the traditional “put-youto-sleep” pizza with processed meats and pizza sauce with high fructose corn syrup, introduce your kids to whole-wheat crusts topped with a variety of natural toppings such as olives, fresh tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, basil, garlic and other fresh ingredients.

Kids need a good dose of nutritious food to keep them energized and prepared for learning throughout the day. Plan ahead for back-to-school lunches with these quick and easy ideas for healthy lunches that your kids will love!

M on day

• Tuna sandwich on whole-wheat bread* • Sliced cucumbers with low-fat ranch dressing • Sliced melons, strawberries, grapes • Organic milk box Tu e s day

• Chicken salad sandwich on whole-wheat bread (with lettuce and tomato) • Leftover grilled vegetables • Fruit smoothie (thermos) We dn e s day

• Baked potato with black beans on the side • Mixed green side salad • Low-fat cream cheese with whole-wheat crackers • Bottled water Th u rs day

• Peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole-wheat bread • Homemade vegetable soup (thermos) • Banana • 100% orange juice box Friday

• Turkey** sandwich rolled on whole-wheat wrap* • Pasta salad with seasonal veggies • Greek yogurt with fresh blueberries • Soy milk box *Whole-wheat bread options include whole-wheat pita pockets, sliced bread, bagels, crackers, English muffins, tortillas, flatbread, or rolls. **Use nitrate-free and nitrite-free deli meat or home-cooked turkey. HFW Tonya Peele is your lifestyle guide to healthy eating. She writes, speaks and teaches others about real, natural foods, weight loss and everyday health. Her book, Quick Wins for Healthy Eating, breaks it down for you, making it easier than ever to eat healthier and have fun exploring new foods in your kitchen. She shares quick recipes and healthy eating tips in her FREE ebook on her blog at www.tonyapeele.com.

hope for Women fall 2013 37

Delightful Food

Three Eating Habits

You Should Break This Fall b y Tonya Pe ele

weekend cookouts, cool desserts and summer cocktails. But like all good things, summer and our reckless eating behavior must come to an end. After so many months of carefree indulgences, it’s time for you to draw up a game plan for settling back into a healthy routine.

As the days are now shorter, you may find it easier than you think to reconnect with healthier eating habits. If you want results fast, here are three negative eating habits you should break: Nothing says summer like family vacations,

38 hope for Women fall 2013

Habit #1: Eating Away From Home

A busy schedule, a starving family and an exhausted body create a perfect recipe that will send you headed in high speed to the nearest restaurant! Hectic lifestyles lead a large number of U.S. households toward meals that are fast, affordable, and quick, which typically means they’re likely highly processed, high-fat, nutrient-poor foods. Now more than ever before, Americans are spending more money on food eaten away from home. Research shows that the consumption of food outside the home has increased since the mid-20th century, with the rate of spending rising from 34 percent of the food budget in 1970 to 47 percent in the late 1990s.

Habit #2:

Large Portion Sizes

One factor that makes restaurant dining so popular these days is the trend to offer customers huge portions. Think about the last meal you ordered at your favorite restaurant. Was the serving bigger than what you would have served

yourself if you prepared the meal at home?

Most sit-down and fastfood restaurants are able to provide customers with a la rge a mount of food for a very affordable price.

Diners view these offerings as a value and keep returning to restaurants that offer a lot of food for their money. But when the health implications such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are considered—large portions don’t seem like such a good deal after all.

However, overeating isn’t entirely your fault. Our food portions have expanded so much that very few people actually know what a standard serving size is for some of the most commonly-consumed foods like juice, cereals, cookies, ice cream, meat and cooked vegetables.

Another misconception is that a serving is equal to the amount served. In many cases, this is far from the truth. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health confirmed that a significant discrepancy exists between standard USDA and FDA portion sizes and actual marketplace servings.

Thus, eating more meals away from home coupled with larger food portions has created a recipe for obesity and its related diseases. Not only do large food portions provide too many calories, but the nature of the food itself—often high-salt and high-sugar—encourages people to eat more.

Habit #3:

Unhealthy Snacking

How often do you skip meals and graze on snack foods on the go? According to a national consumer survey by Simmons Market Research Bureau, 25 percent of adults snack between meals. Wouldn’t it be great if all that snacking was done sensibly?

One unhealthy habit that drives so many women to reach for snacks is lack of time to prepare healthy, nutritious meals. Mindless snacking wreaks havoc on your body and sets you up for a cycle of unhealthy eating. The most common snack foods are carbohydrates—the refined kind—mainly chips, cookies, crackers, sodas and candy. These foods can cause spikes in blood sugar, making you feel jittery, unfocused and lethargic.

Once your blood sugar dips, you’ll feel cravings again, coupled with low energy.

These bodily signals will send you running back for more food. You again reach for a carbohydrate-rich meal, such as fast food, and the cycle starts all over again. By the end of the day you’ve

consumed way more calories than you can burn off.

Eating out less, being satisfied with smaller portions and giving junk food the boot is a real possibility for you.

First, you have to believe that you can make your life healthier. Trust me, you got this!

A s Ma hatma Ga nd hi once sa id, “Your beliefs become your thoughts, your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your values, your values become your destiny.”

Yo u r f u t u r e h e a lt h i s i n y o u r hands. HFW

hope for Women fall 2013 39

Health

Breast Cancer: Five Steps for Proactive Prevention b y S au nd r a Da lton Sm it h

C

ancer is non-judgmental . It does not ask your age or the amount of money in your bank account. Cancer does not stop to check what your schedule looks like before it decides to invade your life. Yet so often the women I treat in my office act as if they are immune to the possibility of cancer. Mammograms are put off until they “find” time. Self-breast exams are viewed as forgettable nuisances. Annual physicals are deemed a luxury rather than a needed part of their overall wellness plan.

Less than 1 percent of women diagnosed with localized breast cancer (isolated to a single mass) dies from the disease.

These numbers have steadily been decreasing over the past 10 years due to early detection and improved breast cancer

40 hope for Women fall 2013

screening. The main cause of fatal breast cancer is late detection and diagnosis of the disease after the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes and other organs (distant cancer).

Over 50 percent of those who are diagnosed with metastatic cancer die from the disease.

Statistics show that over 12 percent of women overall will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, which means one out of every eight women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis. The good news is if the cancer is found early, she will survive it and live to share her testimony of how she overcame this disease.

October was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but no one has to schedule a mammogram in that particular month. January is also a great month to take your breast health seriously!

Breast Cancer Prevention Action Steps 1

Know Your Family History

Schedule Annual Mammogram

Most doctors’ offices send out cards to help remind you of this important action step. Set up a yearly reminder on your personal electronic calendar as well to make sure you have this vital appointment covered.

2

3

Your risk for breast cancer increases if other women in your family have had the disease. It’s important to know the medical history of your immediate family and share this information with your medical doctor. The age for the initiation of mammography is younger for those with a positive family history.

Begin Monthly Self-Breast Exams

The majority of breast cancers are not found by doctors, but by women who do self-breast exams. During your exam look for any masses, lumps, changes in appearance of skin or swelling. You can pick a day of the month that is easy for you to remember (like your birthday date) and perform this exam while in the shower. Ideally this will be done when you are not on your menstrual cycle, but by keeping the day static you are more likely to do it consistently which is more important.

4

Avoid Hormone Therapy

Menopause can certainly be uncomfortable, but cancer is more uncomfortable. Combination hormone therapy commonly used to treat menopause increases the risk for breast cancer. It is best to attempt non-hormonal treatments such as herbal supplements, exercise and soy products to control hot flashes and mood swings.

5

Reduce Your Risk Factors

Limiting alcohol, controlling your weight and not smoking will all decrease your risk for developing breast cancer. HFW References: National Cancer Institute: http://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/ breast.html. Susan G. Komen: http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/ WarningSigns.html

hope for Women fall 2013 41

Fitness

Katrina Before & After!

My Friend Katrina Currie Shares Weight Loss Journey b y A ngel ia W h ite

HOPE: What really made you decide to lose weight?

Photography by: Steven Dale

The fear that I would be taken out by my weight and would not be with my husband and children much longer. The fear that I had the power to do something about this and influence my well-being, yet I would submit to food versus getting empowered, educated, and start—any start. I was already diagnosed with systemic lupus (autoimmune disease that attacks the organs), rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, acid reflux, hypertension, inferior leads to heart damage, and high cholesterol. I somehow explained these conditions away to genetics and getting older.

I suspected that I had diabetes because of my unrelenting thirst. My throat would be so dry at night that I felt as if I was choking. Blood tests performed by my nurse practitioner confirmed that I also have type 2 diabetes. When I had to poke my fingers the tears would fall because I dislike needles.

Co-workers told me it would get better as I got used to pricking myself. I found that unacceptable. My mother is going blind because of diabetes; my uncle is an amputee; the list goes on.

I had a co-worker who suffered tremendously from type 1 diabetes. I asked myself, “How real does this have to get for me to care about myself? Do you not see the writing on the wall?”

I started my journey weighing 242 lbs. Yes, 101 lbs from being at my suggested healthy weight, which according to Weight Watchers is between 113-141lbs.

I was on Facebook and read that my dear friend and colleague, Angelia White, had a life changing episode; the culprit was type 2 diabetes. She inspired me even more because she was

42 hope for Women fall 2013

determined to fight for her life. I understood her fight. My other co-worker who was suffering from diabetes passed away.

Patrice Pickett Green was also instrumental. Her constant encouragement on Facebook was unrelenting. Today, I am diabetes and hypertension free. I have less SLE and chronic fatigue attacks. I have not had issues with acid reflux and am off of all medications.

HOPE: How many “starts and stops” did you have?

When I started losing weight and saw the changes, I admit, I would get comfortable from time to time. I would start to pick up old habits, but snapped out of that quickly. This happened at least five times. I made up my mind that this has to be a life change. Now, things have become easier. As I continue to drop more weight, I remain focused. This is a lifestyle change not a diet or passing fad.

HOPE: Who was the most discouraging person in your life during this period?

People who knew me at my heaviest would say, “You had better stop—you’re getting too skinny.”

HOPE: Most supportive?

My husband, Malcolm, and my children. Patrice Pickett Green, as she is the innovative genius behind Doing Better Divas. She has an incredible story and would send me Facebook messages with insight on various weight loss tips. My pastors, Carlton and Marilyn McCarter, as well as my Victory International Christian Center family. Vicki Yohe’ shared her inspirational weight loss journey during a visit to our church. We later we had a heart-to-heart conversation.

Friends, family and my medical team.

HOPE: How often do you weigh yourself?

Upon waking every morning; after I empty my bladder. This helps me to stay

conscience of where I am and where I want to go.

HOPE: What is one food that you now love but hated before?

Grape tomatoes which are high in anti-oxidants are my “handy candy.”

I absolutely would not drink enough water. Water is my best friend and the benefits are endless. I have not had a soda in over 14 months. I am careful not to rely on Crystal Light. I did not like Stevia initially, yet it is better for me than other sweeteners.

HOPE: What is your “go-to” food when you want something to eat, but you don’t know what you want?

I keep low-sugar and low-carbohydrate protein bars or shakes, macadamia nuts, almonds, apples, and oranges in my purse daily.

HOPE: What are your favorite fashion accessories to accent your new body?

Now that I have defined waistline I love wearing belts. Peplum blouses and dresses accentuate my body, while providing an

eloquent silhouette to compliment my curves. I wear more heels because I feel lighter; they are actually comfortable.

HOPE: What’s one piece of clothing that you will never wear again?

Pants or skirts with elastic waistbands.

I denied and lied to myself that I was getting bigger.

HOPE: How do you handle peer pressure to eat unhealthy foods at places such as restaurants, movies, parties, etc.?

Preparation is key. I usually eat before going out. At work we have planned and unplanned events. I scan the selection for fruits and veggies. I do not add dips and have acquired a taste for foods for the sole value of f lavor. I select restaurants with healthier menus and make health conscience choices. Going to the movies, I usually have almonds or mac nuts in my purse. At the end of the day, I hold myself accountable for my lifestyle change. HFW (http://www.weightwatchers.com/health/asm/ calc_healthyweight.aspx)

hope for Women fall 2013 43

Home Essentials

Gloria Gaither Shares

6 Holiday Traditions

Thanksgiving and Christmas are Celebrated with Family, Friends and Food

By Ch r ist y L uel len

M

arried for 50 years, gospel musicians Bill and Gloria Gaither have celebrated many holidays together, building memories with family and a huge circle of friends who gather to share stories, songs, food and faith. At a recent visit to the Gaither Family Resource Center in Alexandria, Ind., where the singers/songwriters live, Gloria was happy to share the many traditions that they and their extended family still enjoy.

Thanksgiving at the Gaither home is filled with family traditions—maybe even more than at Christmas.

A turkey-shaped, woven basket sits on the main dining table holding grains of corn. Then each year Thanksgiving dinner officially begins as their three children and spouses (Suzanne and Barry, Amy and Andrew, Benjy and Melody), extended family and seven grandchildren recall the first Thanksgiving.

As Gaither tradition dictates, family members recall the landing of the Pilgrims and how the Native Americans first helped the English settlers to plant and reap a harvest, and then gathered with new friends to celebrate. Following the “history lesson,” each family member, with grain of corn in hand, shares what they are most thankful for since the previous November.

It may be a thought or song or poem—but always personal and planned in advance. Even the grandchildren (Will, Jess, Lee, Madeleine, Simon, Liam and Mia) and cousins ponder months ahead, “What am I going to share this year?”

The traditional turkey—the biggest one Gloria can find—is prepared and sent to the oven at 11 p.m. the night before.

Preferring not to stuff the turkey with dressing, she instead quarters apples and sweet Vidalia onions to fill the cavity, generously spreads the outside of the bird with olive oil, salt

44 hope for Women fall 2013

and pepper and bakes the main event all night. Even with the biggest turkey, “there are never, ever left-overs,” she laughs.

Each year, oldest daughter Suzanne brings her “Dilly Squash” and Gloria makes her Sour Cream Brussles Sprouts topped with seasoned slivered almonds, stuffing (with and without oysters) and pumpkin pies.

Photography by: Nancy Bailey Pratt

The post-feast tradition is the annual craft project “for anyone not watching football,” she laughs. Many times, Gloria, who is passionate about feeding wildlife during the winter months, gathers pinecones, peanut butter, bird seed, popcorn, cranberries and oranges and once again around the tables, guests slather peanut butter on the pinecones, roll in birdseed, and attach a colorful pip e c le a ne r f or h a n g i n g .

Cra nberries a re strung a nd oranges are hollowed to stuff with a suet-and-birdseed mix.

Peanuts in the shell are strung on colorful yarn. The final treats for their feathered friends are presented on a huge tray which is carried outside where they are hung on trees.

Ot her ye a rs, Gloria may prov ide a hu g e a mou nt of colorful items including fabric, trim, paint and beads and the crafters will create their own hats, aprons, t-shirts or cards and another Gaither Thanksgiving will come to a close.

When asked what one item in her kitchen she could not live without, Gloria answered, “my chair where I read by the fireplace.”

Gloria’s ‘Treasured’ Christmas Tradition—a life-size nativity outside the kitchen window.

“Our favorite Christmas decoration is just outside the kitchen window” where inside a daybed allows one of our seven grandchildren to lie and enjoy the life-size Fontanini nativity pieces made in Italy that “I treasure.” Special friends started the tradition of gifting the Gaithers first with a lifesized stable, Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. For several years an additional piece of the striking Italian-made nativity was given to the Gaither home to be added to the Christ-birthday scene. Now, in addition to the original holy family, the crèche includes cows and sheep, all which cause Gaither grandchildren to fuss about who will sleep in the daybed to enjoy the enchanting-lit first Christmas scene among hundreds of twinkle lights.

For many years, Gloria has planned the traditional “Soup and Carols” Christmas event where sometimes as many as 50 couples gather to enjoy Gloria’s simmering three soups—chili, vegetable and chicken velvet—served along with assorted cheeses, crackers, breads, wassail and coffee.

Following dinner, the group moves tables and gathers in chairs to open hymnals and for hours, sings the traditional carols of yesteryear.

Christmas morning, as Gloria shares in her Homecoming Cookbook (Homecoming Cookbook with Gloria Gaither, 2010) begins with a breakfast of her Chipped Beef and Gravy (the

hope for Women fall 2013 45

Home Essentials

Gloria’s Celebrated Recipes Mother’s Red Raspberry Cake (Gaither family birthday cake) • 1 pkg. white cake mix • ½ of 10 oz. pkg. frozen red raspberries • 3 level Tbsp. flour • 1 small pkg. raspberry gelatin (not sugar fee) • ½ cup of cold water • 1 cup vegetable oil • 4 eggs ICING

• 1 stick butter or 100% corn oil margarine • 1 pound powdered sugar (3 ½ to 4 cups) • ½ remaining pkg. thawed red raspberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease three 8-inch or two 9-inch cake pans.

In large bowl, mix dry ingredients.

Add alternately oil, water, eggs one at a time (do not overbeat). Break up ½ package of frozen red raspberries (saving other half for icing) and stir into batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden and the center springs back when touched. In order for icing to set, be sure cake is cool or even refrigerate until cold before icing between layers, top and sides of cake.

Icing glaze: Mix all ingredients

in a bowl and whip with mixer until well blended.

Spreadable icing: Add

additional powdered sugar until desired consistency.

Gloria’s Homemade Chicken Soup

(Liam and Mia’s favorite soup) • 2 quarts organic chicken broth • 1 heaping Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules • 2 bags regular size soup-mix vegetables (not stew vegetables) • 2 large cans white meat chicken and broth (shred by hand) • Jane’s Krazy Mixed-up Salt and pepper • A mish noodles Cook chicken broth, bouillon granules and vegetables in large pot until tender.

Add 4 handfuls of Amish noodles, cook until tender. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve with cornbread. HFW

46 hope for Women fall 2013

Photography by: Melody Gaither, Gloria’s daughter-in-law.

only day of the year she prepares this dish!) served with a basket of hot homemade biscuits, fresh fruit in chilled glasses and a big plate of scrambled eggs sprinkled with grated cheddar cheese. W hen their three children were still living at home, this hallowed holiday breakfast followed the reading of the first Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke and the opening of gifts.

Whether it is Thanksgiving or Christmas, the Gaithers will continue to gather with child r e n a n d s p o u s e s , i n -l a w s , Homecoming friends, grandchildren and cousins to share the gift of storytelling and the precious traditions of family and song.

hope for Women fall 2013  47

Home Essentials

Christmas Shopping Tips for the College Co-ed

Think Practicality!

C

b y Ch r ist y L uel len

hoosing a Christmas gift for a high school graduate can be challenging enough even for a savvy shopper (a.k.a. mom) but when your teen goes off to college armed with his or her own debit or credit card, choosing the perfect personal gift can be even more difficult. Stopping to think what your now-young-adult needs—rather than the latest technology he wants­— can help alleviate the question of “what do I get my college student?’ and can ultimately result in true appreciation for your efforts.

WINTER WEAR Earmuffs, colored woven scarves, heavy gloves, or the latest style boots mway not seem relevant to the “freshout-the-door” college student, but the second-semester first day of frost may be “too cool” to be without winter gear, and warm accessories may garner a very warm welcome at Christmas.

Leather gloves—now available in deep red or vibrant lime green—fur-lined ones specifically designed for texting or instant messaging or warm mittens are essential to the college student who resides in inclement weather states. Choose a bright plaid scarf to match his or her winter coat. Toboggans, “hoodies” or the trendy knitted headband will help your student from losing needed heat off the top of her head­but if hats are taboo, a headband with ear coverings may suffice for style when the wind chill dips to below zero and he still has several blocks to go for that early morning exam.

48 hope for Women fall 2013

BOOTS They are a must for any college student where snow blows and whips around university campuses. The colorful plaid or polka-dot rubber boots now found at just about any department store will delight your female coed.

Or choose a heavy rubber-soled work or chukka boot and some thick colored wool socks. If your student does not own a rain coat, select a f lannel-lined bright raincoat with hood, parka or all-purpose trench coat. Versatile reversible coats that the college student did not pack in mid-August will be much appreciated in January.

GOODY BASKET You are sure to please your weather-weary student with any of the above items, whether they be f leece, fuzzy or fur-lined. After e qu ippi n g you r s t udent w it h

appropriate outerwear, choose a basket or plastic tote filled with hot chocolate packets, coffee and hot tea singles, instant soup mix, and snacks. If you must mail Christmas items to your out-of-state post-grad, check the United States Postal Service for convenient standard one-price boxes.

LOGO BOGO If your offspring is especially hard to buy for, go online and choose a gift from their college or university bookstore website. At holidays, most bookstores take the opportunity to offer a special holiday gift selection.

Gift items such mugs, paperweights, key chains, f lash drives and calendars with university insignia or the team mascot will make a great gift they otherwise may not spend money to purchase themselves. If you are still unsure about the right desk item or computer accessory, purchase a gift card for the bookstore. University bookstores are full of class supplies, zip drives, ear buds, magazines, and the latest technology must-haves they may not have the extra funds to buy. They may even use that monetary gift card on books for second-semester courses!

Other personal gift items at the bookstore are Christmas ornaments with the college logo or a fuzzy blanket with the university mascot. These also can be ordered online, in local department stores or malls in the college town. Sweatshirts and the beloved hoody emblazoned with the mascot or year of graduation are always a welcome gift. Buy an assortment of colors of sweatshirts with the college logo or Greek letters of their fraternity or sorority. Any student will love a sweatshirt that identifies them with their college or social organization.

university box office schedule for theater or concert dates and reserve two tickets­— one for them and one for a friend.

GIFT CARDS If after purchasing these items and you still need a filler, finish your “shopping” by selecting gift cards from local department stores, gas stations, or restaurants. Stuff several gift cards in a new leather wallet or sparkle-studded change purse and let them spend this new-found “money” as needed.

Buying fast food gift certificates, gas cards, department store or restaurant cards is now as simple as walking into any pharmacy or grocery store. Choosing to purchase a gift card, whether it be for food, gas, groceries or I-tunes, will allow your special student to choose his or her own gift, guaranteeing that they won’t be wasting precious “study time” standing in long return lines after the holidays.

TOILETRIES Personal hygiene products may be getting low a f ter the first few months of school and your (hopefully!) hygiene-conscious student may need to have his or her supply of toothpaste, deodorant, hair products, soaps and dispensers refilled. Be sure to know your child’s preferred brand or the products may be left on the shelf after the holidays. Respect your college student’s preference of hair products, cologne, or body wash.

Whether you select warm winter woolies or splurge on Keith Urban concert tickets, your gift will be remembered long after the holidays. And mom, you might even receive a thank you text message as soon as they arrive in the dorm! HFW

CONCERT OR THEATER TICKETS Calling or visiting the university’s auditorium box office website and purchasing theater tickets, big-name country performer or comic guest appearances will allow your student to enjoy campus entertainment that he or she could not afford without help from mom or dad.. Check the

hope for Women fall 2013 3

4  hope for Women fall 2013