Jasmine's Place - Issue No. 6

Reaching Outwards, Reaching Upwards

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INSPIRING STORIES & FEATURES FOR TODAY’S WOMAN! UPLIFTING ARTICLES. STYLE TIPS. GREAT FOOD. SPOTLIGHT ON CHILD MARRIAGE. CHILDREN’S BOOK CLUB + MORE! ISSUE NO. 6 JULY/AUGUST 2013

Free to be happy…

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Free to be happy…

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Very grateful to everyone who has contributed to Jasmine’s Place. Writers, advisers, readers, sharers, encouragers … thank you very much!

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Welcome!

We’re very excited to welcome you to this new issue of Jasmine’s Place packed full of inspirational articles and features to encourage and uplift you to higher heights!

From uplifting true-life stories to inspirational creative features, you’re sure to be inspired!

Chef Mike returns with some great summer recipes. Prepare to invite friends over this summer!

Our feature on the issue of Child Marriage sheds some light on this practice and how Child Sponsorship can help to stop it.

We’ve got three style and beauty features specially for the summer and they are great! Check them out on pages 12, 30 and 33!

In the midst of all the fun and excitement of the season, kids can still read! There are some great books reviewed in the Children's book club.

Share a book or more with your kids! Check them out on page 42.

Please send us any feedback if you have any. You can send an e-mail to jmagazine33@gmail.com. It would be great to hear from you!

Design and Editing: Puaichie Badejo Contributors: Jackie R. Seaman, Amy Michelle Wiley, Sarah Nelson, Karen Allen, Michael J Darracott, Bryan Duncan, Julie Arduini, Nastassja Peterson, Sade Edokpayi, Debra Bee and Puaichie Badejo.

Posters - Theme: Julie Arduini, Text & Design: Puaichie Badejo

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Contents

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JULY & AUGUST 2013

Inspirational 8 The Lesson In The Blessing A mother learns that in all things, the way forward is to let go and let God… 11 Summer Night An inspiring testimony of God’s majesty 18 Taste and See Great lyrics pointing to God’s goodness

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Style and Beauty 12 6 Must-Have’s For Summer! What’s in and what’s not!

30 Summer Styling Tips Colour and style advice from an expert 33 Essentials For Summer Fresh Skin Great beauty advice!

30 22 Yes, You Can! Contrary to her circumstances and challenges, she could!

28 You Are Not Alone An insightful illustration dispensing hope and love for the lonely 34 Had Been …Vs…Am Now Looking at His price, responsibility & destiny

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Great Food

Reviews

14 Orange and Blueberry Muffins Invite your friends for a treat!

42 Children’s Book Club Great books for your little ones!

20 Pineapple and Kiwi with Pomegranate Platter A simple, but nice centre piece to wow with at parties!!

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Community 36 An Interview of Erica Hall A spotlight on how World Vision works to stop Child Marriage

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All information in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. While we do endeavour to make sure that all published information is correct, we cannot be held liable for mistakes or omissions. The inclusion of articles etc. does not necessarily indicate that the editor is in agreement or sympathy with what is written. Clients submitting content to us for publication are confirming that they have a legal right to do so, and agree to neither knowingly or unknowingly submit content they have no right to publish. The client accepts that he/she is responsible for ensuring they have publication rights of use for all material provided, and agree to indemnify any losses incurred to us , the publisher using content supplied by them. This also applies to where articles etc. have been sourced by us. We acknowledge that any logos, photographs, images and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Disclosure Policy: We do not receive any products or payments to write reviews. Our reviews are honest and impartial.

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INSPIRATIONAL A mother learns that in all things, the way forward is to let go and let God‌

The Lesson in the Blessing

By Jackie Regina Seaman

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BABY ON BOARD! This is what we say now when we get in the car with my youngest daughter because she is pregnant! She is a few days away from her fourth month and she is having a BOY! Yes, I am excited ...

NOW! Nevertheless, that was NOT my initial feeling.

Being a Christian, of course premarital intimacy is a NO-NO in my book. I think most mothers have that same cringe when a teenage daughter utters the words "I'm pregnant".

Through a mother's mind rushes all of the obstacles, the issues, the problems, that their daughter will undoubtedly encounter. Issues with school, work, childcare, future expectation, the father of the child and a myriad of other issues run through the head in the 10 seconds it takes your daughter to say "I'm pregnant".

I was no different. As the words escaped her mouth, I felt something inside of me break.

WHY, WHY would she do such a thing? Didn't I train her better?

Didn't I teach her the principles?

Didn’t I give her the love and nurturing she needed so she would not have to seek fulfilment in the wrong way? Didn’t I give her enough

GOD? I failed... as a parent, as a mother, as a Christian, I failed. I am a Christian, with an unwed, pregnant, 19 year old daughter. Yes, I failed.

So, after I went through my pity party for one, I actually prayed. God had to speak to me because I was so convinced of my failure. However, what it took me sometime to realize is that I was internalizing the entire situation, when in reality IT WASN'T EVEN ABOUT ME! I know that as a parent I did the best that I could. I know that I gave her the love she needed. I know that she

I failed... as a parent, as a mother, as a Christian, I failed. I am a Christian, with an unwed, pregnant, 19 year old daughter.

Yes, I failed.

So, after I went through my pity party for one, I actually prayed.

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has the principles of the Bible, she KNOWS God's word. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Romans 13:13, I Peter 2:11 ‌ She knows them all.

So in essence, I DID MY JOB! This is not an indictment against her or me, this is life, and we have to live it! As a parent, I trained and taught but the rest is all up to her and God. My job now is to love and support. I know that I have trained her and laid the groundwork and foundations according to Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

I cannot live her life for her; I cannot shield her from the complexities, the hardships, the pains, or the joys of life. I can AND DO pray for my children. Pray that God's will is done in their lives. Pray that they are protected from evil, and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. I pray that they become sensitive to Gods voice, listen, and obey.

However, mostly I pray that as they go through their lives, traveling the path that God already knows they will travel that HE is with them every step of the way!

What is done, is done, and cannot be undone, right? Than flip the script!

and ENJOY it.

Life teaches us lessons. Some we learn the easy way and some we learn the hard way; I guess the only thing that really matters is that we LEARN THE LESSON! The lesson that I learned was that in ALL THINGS God is in control.

Moreover, in ALL THINGS we have to learn to LET GO! Let go of the disappointment, let go of the anger, let go of everything that will hinder our own personal growth and our blessings. Acknowledge that we alone cannot fix everything, someone greater than us can help us handle it.

The lesson that I learned was that in ALL THINGS God is in control.

A life, a baby is a blessing ‌ What an honor! Life is a blessing, LIVE IT! And Praise God for it!!!

Jackie Regina Seaman is a native of New York now living in Texas. Mother of 5 awesome adults and grandmother of 2 and a half blessings!

Jackie is a self-employed, avid reader, blogger, and Virtual Administrative Assistant who likes to write book reviews, go to church, and spend time with her family.

http://www.jrs-consult.com/ http://www.reginasfamilyseasons.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JrsConsulting https://www.facebook.com/jregina.seaman

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INSPIRATIONAL

Summer Night Amy Michelle Wiley

A soft breeze blows through the willow trees this night.

The full moon rises and fills the field with silver light.

Listen and you will hear the crickets chirping in the grass, And the frogs croaking their lullaby to the tadpoles huddled in a mass.

The night owl hoots, then flies away on silent wings, While the stars in their shapes make delightful things.

I love the sounds on a summer night.

They remind me of God's majestic might. copyright 2008 Amy Michelle Wiley Amy is a freelance writer and editor and a professional sign language interpreter. She is the director of Peculiar People--an international collaborative fiction organization. Her website is www.sparrowsflight.net Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a> http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-article-details.php?id=3577

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STYLE

Nothing screams summer more than a pretty floral dress. Wear it to a wedding or pair it down for a brunch! (Dorothy Perkins)

An oversized handbag is spacious enough to hold a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necessities - a good excuse for a day trip! (Guess Brand from Zappos)

6 Must-Haveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Summer!

Are you more of a minimalist when it comes to clothing? Consider sporting a pair of statement sunglasses for a wow factor! (nordstrom.com)

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Classic and timeless, a white button down shirt is the perfect staple item for a summer outfit. Pair with shorts for a day out or a patterned skirt or a more formal occasion (Target.com)

Ankle Straps are all the rage now. A colourful pump is perfect for summer and the ankle straps make them perfect transition pieces for day-to-night wear (Qupid Urbanog.com)

Written by Sarah Nelson www.frillsforthrills.com

Pastels are back! A pastel nail polish shows character in an understated way compared to the loud neon colors of last year (Essis.com â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wedding Collection 2013â&#x20AC;?)

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GREAT FOOD

Hello, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Michael J Darracott.

I have been an Executive chef in several large establishments, and in charge of cooking for 200 plus people.

I have also published several books. It gives me great pleasure to offer recipes here.

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Ingredients 55 g melted butter 270 g sifted plain flour 1 tbsp baking powder The zest of a small orange 4 tspn of fresh orange juice 225 g of clean blueberries A pinch of salt 95 g caster sugar The juice & zest of 1 small lemon 1 tspn vanilla essence 240 ml milk 1 beaten medium egg

Method • •

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Preheat your oven to 220c/425f, then grease a 12 holed muffin tray.

Melt butter in a saucepan, place the shifted flour, baking powder and salt into a clean bowl. Add the sugar, keeping back at least 2 tspns for making a glaze later.

In another bowl, grate the zest of the orange and the lemon into the bowl.

Squeeze all of the juice out of the lemon into the bowl, saving 3 tspns for the bun glaze, followed by 4 tspns of fresh orange juice, vanilla essence & milk.

Slowly add in a beaten egg and mix in.

Add the melted butter and mix that in.

Add this mixture to the bowl which contains the flour and sugar in, and mix together, into a batter.

Add the blueberries very carefully, and gently fold them into the mix.

Spoon the mixture equally into the 12 holes in the muffin tray, and bake them in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes.

When baked, allow to cool on a rack, and then mix the remaining lemon juice, and sugar to make a glaze, and then spread a little of the glaze on each muffin.

Makes 12 muffins. Enjoy! Chef Mike Darracott

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Find video tutorials here: http://www.chefmikedarracott.com/video-cooking-tutorials

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Free to be still…

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INSPIRATIONAL

Taste and see â&#x20AC;Ś great music for you

I See You by Bryan Duncan I see you watching over me every day another way That I can see your love I see you looking out for me all I wanna do is Thank you thank you Under a bridge or up on a mountain See you in everything like stars I'm counting On streets of gold on just mud and gravel You're always with me on this road I travel

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The straight and narrow goes up and down Don't leave a place for me to turn around in But I can make it cause you're waving me through I see the signs that I do and I do I find you I see you watching over me every day another way That I can see your love I see you looking out for me all I wanna do is Thank you thank you Thank you thank you

Bridge (In ways no one can see) Ways no one can see (To show no one but me) Show no one but me (Remind me that you're here) Remind me Lord When all things are possible but not so easy I see you watching over me every day another way That I can see your love I see you looking out for me all I wanna do is Thank you thank you

Help I can use or none to speak of No way I'm gonna lose I trust in your love Whatever comes I'd rather face it all together I see a clue know it's you, and I remember

I see you watching over me every day another way That I can see your love I see you looking out for me all I wanna do is Thank you thank you Thank you thank you Thank you thank you Thank you thank you Thank you

I see you watching over me every day another way That I can see your love I see you looking out for me all I wanna do is Thank you thank you Thank you thank you And that's right

Performed by: Bryan Duncan Written by: Bryan Duncan/Slam Duncan Music (ASCAP) and John Schreiner/John Andrew Schreiner Music (ASCAP) http://iseeyougod.com/ http://bryanduncan.com/ http://sogoodforthesoul.com/

That's right

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GREAT FOOD

Pineapple And Kiwi With Pomegranate Platter

Ingredients 1 medium size fresh pineapple 1 kiwi 1 pomegranate

Simple And Nice Centre Piece For JASMINE'S PLACE

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(1) Take pineapple and cut off the bottom half, then cut 4 rings about 1 cm thick, and then cut of the rough skin from around each. Save the bottom in your fridge for another day or use.

(2) Place the top half of the pineapple as shown in picture, on a platter.

(3) Now peel and slice up your kiwi as shown in photo, and arrange on platter.

(4) Next peel and take out the seeds of the pomegranate and spread around platter.

Serves 4 people Save remaining half of Pineapple in fridge for another dish.

Enjoy! Chef Mike Darracott

ASimple Special Occasion!

And Nice Centre Piece

http://www.chefmikedarracott.com

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INSPIRATIONAL

Yes, You Can! Karen Allen

In spite of your challenges, you can!

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When I was pregnant with my third son, I experienced a catastrophic breakdown and severe identity crisis.

My husband and I were not expecting any more children and were being responsible adults, but God clearly had another plan! Being pregnant a third time with two children both under the age of 4, was an enormous trial and I remember standing by the kitchen sink crying and complaining to God, letting him know unequivocally that this was by far one of the worst things that could happen to me right now and that I could not do this. God in His loving kindness reassured me that day that things could be much worse and through Him, I could do all things.

If you pay close attention to your daily conversations, you may find that you often say the words “I can’t do this,” and even if you don’t verbalise it, when circumstances and challenges arise that are overwhelming and beyond our control, we often communicate these words subconsciously by default. As a mother of five, I often have to remind my children that they can do whatever they put their minds to and are prepared to work at, especially when they are trying to get out of something they know how to do, like homework!

Most of us have been programmed to think, speak and act negatively as an initial response. If you listen to those around you and even the

conversations you have on a daily basis, you will notice that people are quick to criticise, condemn and complain, rather than compliment, commend and congratulate. Most people can easily point out what is wrong or went wrong but find it much more of a challenge to highlight what went well.

This destructive mentality is often the result of things we have experienced in our past. We think we can’t simply because someone (or some experience) told us we can’t.

We think we are unattractive because someone (or some experience) told us we were unattractive. We think we are a failure because someone (or some experience) told us we were a failure.

We tell ourselves, “I can’t ask for a promotion”, “I can’t lose weight”, “I can’t start a business”, “I can’t forgive”, “I can’t forget”, the list of things we can’t do for many goes on and on.

I have a question for you - Who told you that you can’t?

The Bible says I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

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I have a question for you - Who told you that you can’t? The Bible says I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.

So I have another question - Who do you believe? One of the most mind blowing things about being a Christian is the fact that we are new creatures and God’s mercy is NEW every morning. Each and every day, we have been given another opportunity to start again.

Whatever failures, mistakes or mishaps happened in the past are in the past. Every day we get to make a new decision to look up and move forward. Your past does not determine your future. Your mistakes do not define you. People tend to blame others, the economy, luck or misfortune for their misfortune for their circumstances. It is not always right to apportion blame, but it is true in many situations, that bad things do happen to people … things that they had no control over.

Whatever failures, mistakes or mishaps happened in the past are in the past.

Every day we get to make a new decision to look up and move forward. Your past does not determine your future.

But we can’t stay in that place of pain. We can’t afford to. God gives us an opportunity to work with Him so things turn around for good. The Bible says we should not be conformed to this world, but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

Transformation takes place when our minds are renewed, therefore if you find yourself in a situation that needs transformation, whether in a relationship, finances, business or work, transformation will start when you mind begins to agree with what God says about that situation in His word.

Many people get stuck because when they face situations that appear overwhelming, they convince themselves they “can’t” see or find a way out. Whenever you say you can’t, you cut off all possibilities, you limit your chances of finding a solution. If you think you can’t, then you need to change your thinking. If you think you’re a failure, then you need to change your actions.

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The person who is in control of your thoughts, words and actions is you.

That day at the kitchen sink when I did my best to convince God that I did not have what it takes to be a mother of three (as you will note, I since went on to have two more!!), I had to make a decision. Would I allow what appeared to me to be a setback, make me abdicate my goals and dreams and settle for a mediocre life?

Would I permit my disappointment to defer or even deny me of my God given destiny? As challenging at the situation was, I made a decision to believe God and embrace His word, I told myself – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

And so can you.

Copyright © Karen Allen.

Karen Allen is a highly acclaimed Author, a Conference host, inspirational speaker, youth campaigner, personal development coach and a trainer in lifestyle transformation.

You can contact her via http://www.karenallenmad.co.uk & karenallenyesucan@hotmail.co.uk Article sourced from SUNRISE magazine - Spring 2012.

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Free to explore the meaning of His will…

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INSPIRATIONAL

You are not alone

…even in a wilderness And that was only the beginning.

- Our daughter’s newborn test came back abnormal and after a re-test, the wrong results were given. She missed two months of medicine that were critical to development.

- Our daughter became sick with cold-like symptoms and the same office (we were in the midst of changing but had not found anyone) prescribed Tylenol with codeine, which I argued was too strong for a 3 month old. I was right.

By Julie Arduini

My personal wilderness season started late in 2003. It should have been the happiest time of my life, a pregnancy after infertility and miscarriage, but I lived in Upstate NY after the 9/11 attacks.

The financial effects of the tragedy spread and my job no longer had funding. Soon after, my husband’s job transitioned from salary with benefits to commission and no benefits.

- She developed croup, her body started to down, and we nearly lost her.

- The same daughter developed RSV, and then pneumonia, which hospitalized her.

- While all this happened, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer.

- My husband’s job ended, as did his temp job.

- He found a job 300 miles away. I lived in one state selling a house, while my husband started a new job in another state, looking for our new

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house.

- My father passed away.

- Our son needed emergency surgery two weeks before we moved.

- We moved into our new house hours before school started. Our son ran into my arms sobbing after school. The teacher had asked them to draw a picture depicting their summer holidays. His was a picture of a little boy waving goodbye with a U-Haul in the background.

In the two years that followed it was a steady diet of loss and change.

Beyond devastated, I was numb. I wasn’t just in a new land where I knew no one, I cried non-stop lamenting the only visual I could come up with:

This experience is even in the Bible, and the verse is a healing balm when those howling winds of adversity swirl.

Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her.

Hosea 2:14, NIV Those times when you wonder where God is, He’s there. The bigger point is He uses those Hosea 2:14 experiences to prepare and grow you in Him.

God was a helicopter pilot who flew me to a forest, lowered me down, and left me there. For good. For His entertainment at my expense.

Without 2003-8, I wouldn’t have a word to write and share. He equipped me with wisdom, freedom, and hope I’m still able to dispense. I understand those times, and yes, I’m thankful for them.

Ever feel like that?

How about you?

But, I not only survived that season, I recently came through a similar wilderness season. The difference between the first isolation and the most recent? I know it’s not a cosmic joke. In fact, it’s a gift from God that exists partly to draw us even closer to Him.

© Julie Arduini – www.juliearduini.com Julie Arduini is a writer and speaker who encourages audiences to find freedom through surrender. She knows it has to start with her, so she’s surrendering the good, the bad, and--maybe one day---the chocolate.

She blogs for Christians Read, the Bella Women Network, and is working on her Adirondack based contemporary romance. Julie lives in Ohio with her husband and children.

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STYLE

SUMMER STYLING TIPS

Hi, I’m Nastassja Petersen. I live in Johannesburg, South Africa. By day and often into the night, I'm a Writer, Journalist, or Television Producer - depending on the season. Through the seasons, I'm a qualified Image Consultant and Stylist.

I love God, I love people, and I love life. I also love fashion. Mrs Rogero, my blog, is dedicated to all my loves. I record my personal style journey, some of my life experiences and my little obsessions.

The T-Shirt Summer’s just more fun, I say. So sport a fun t-shirt! Here I’ve paired a t-shirt with a linen blazer to dress it up, but I love the idea of a tshirt paired with a pencil skirt just the same.

It’s a nice way of incorporating a fun element into your look. Look out for t-shirts with funny quotes or slogans.

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Nastassja

Watermelon A favorite color combination is what I like to call Watermelon - pink[ish] and green. I love how the one makes the other pop.

Don’t be afraid to play with your color this Summer - play with apparent ‘clashing’ colors - you’ll be surprised how well they turn out!

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Prints Prints are so much fun. You could go for a bold print, or a more subdued one. I love a great print mix too, but here Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve paired it with a neutral color - to let the print steal the show. An interesting print is a great conversation starter!

Copyright Š Nastassja Peterson http://www.mrsrogero.com

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BEAUTY

Cleanse your face twice a day

Moisturize and use foundation with SPF

Drink lots of water

Eat fruits - they nourish skin Take off your make-up at the end of the day. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear your make-up to bed.

Use a day cream or serum they contain SPF which protects skin from UVR/UVB

For more beauty advice, visit: www.marykay.co.uk/fedokpayi

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INSPIRATIONAL

Had been … Vs …

Am Now His price, my responsibility, here and now Debra Bee

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"But what about you?" he asked, "Who do you say I am?â&#x20AC;&#x153; We all know this is a question Jesus asked of his disciples and it's interesting to dig into the depth of why and what He was asking.

A friend spoke out something this weekend that awakened this verse in my heart.

She merely mentioned the difference in who I had been versus who I was now.

Jesus came in the form of man to live life as we do, and once baptized in the power of the Holy Spirit, He walked in signs and wonders.

His word says "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."

As I think upon "who I am", it's important I understand the price paid for me; to be who I am to be, and what I am to do while I am here.

As I think upon "who I am", it's important I understand the price paid for me; to be who I am to be, and what I am to do while I am here.

In this hour, I need to believe by faith, that I am meant and expected to do great things.

Jesus died for me to do this.

Copyright Š Debra Bee www.debrabee.org I love to encourage the heart of people to be who they are meant to be in Christ, individually made and uniquely designed. www.debrabee.org Email: debrabee@debrabee.org Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com <a href="http://www.faithwriters.com">CHRISTIAN WRITER</a> http://articles.faithwriters.com/reprint-articledetails.php?id=11932

My friend's words stirred up my responsibility to step up and accept the truth about myself. I am not to dwell upon what others say about me, or even what I can say about myself.

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Free to call Him Dad… to be His girl

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COMMUNITY

The first time, Suborna, pictured above heard about her marriage, she was just eight years old.

An Interview of Erica Hall, Senior Child Rights Policy Advisor, World Vision Topic: Child Marriage JASMINE'S PLACE

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Hall is a Senior Child Rights Policy Advisor for World Vision UK. What is the typical age of a child that is forced into child marriage?

UN standards state that marriage of children - individuals below the age of 18 - is a violation of human rights. However we know that in many countries weddings are arranged for girls as young as eight years old. Some girls are even promised as brides before they are born. UNFPA and UNICEF research shows that one-in-nine girls in developing countries marry before their fifteenth birthday.

Where is child marriage practiced?

Child marriage is a global problem which cuts across countries, cultures, religions and ethnicities - occurring in developing countries as diverse as Haiti, Ethiopia, Nepal, Brazil, India and Tanzania as well as in the UK. Most of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s child brides and grooms live in South Asia (46%) and in West and Central Africa (41%). The most recent figures show that Niger, Chad and Bangladesh have the highest rates of child marriage. In Niger, 75% of girls are married before their 18th birthdays.

What are the causes of child marriage ?

Child marriage is rooted in gender inequality and harmful traditions, as well as the desperation caused by poverty and insecurity.

World Vision recently carried out research which shows parents often resort to child marriage when they feel they have no other option.

In countries where there is war, conflict or another type of emergency - such as Syria or the Democratic Republic of Congo - parents may believe their daughter will be safer and have a better future if she gets married.

When parents have many children to feed, arranging an early marriage is a way to lessen the demand on often scarce resources. They also hope a husband will be able to provide better for their daughter.

In conflicts and other emergencies there is also a higher risk of violence against women and girls. Parents may believe that a husband will be better able to protect their daughter from the very real threat of dangers like rape.

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How many girls a year are affected?

Every year, 13.5 million girls around the world marry before their eighteenth birthday. Based on current trends, 142 million girls will be married in the decade to 2020. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an average of 14.2 million girls every year.

What are the impacts on the child bride?

Getting married too young can mean a life of problems for young girls. They are exposed to experiences which they are neither mentally nor physically prepared for.

This can range from severe sexual and reproductive health complications (including fistula and maternal mortality) and high infant or child mortality, to domestic violence, social isolation and extreme poverty.

We know that World Vision aims to stop this practice through Child sponsorship. How does sponsoring a child work? How are the funds disbursed? On the child's education? On educating parents/community leaders? On creating sustainable economic practices for the community? On raising awareness? Please outline.

When you sponsor a child through World Vision the money goes towards supporting the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire community. World Vision commits to being in a community for around fifteen years and in this time will support local people with things like access to education, health care, safe water, sustainable access to food and ongoing ways to make money - such as setting up small businesses.

World Vision also works with communities to promote gender equality and social change to end harmful practices. Many of these will help prevent the need for parents to resort to early marriage.

In several communities, World Vision also runs childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs, where children are taught about the dangers of child marriage and what to do if they feel they are at risk. World Vision also works to educate parents and community leaders about the health and legal implications of arranging an underage marriage.

During emergencies, such as the current Syria crisis, World Vision sets up safe places for children to learn, play and receive support to recover from what trauma they have been through.

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All of this helps protect children from child marriage and educates parents to make other choices.

Are there any other issues you would like to bring to attention concerning Child Marriage in this interview?

World Vision recently released a report called Untying the knot which highlights the fears faced by children and families which can lead to early marriage, including the risks girls are put at when there is conflict or an emergency in their country. You can read the report here: http://www.worldvision.org.uk/upload/pdf/UNTYING_THE_KNOT_-_March_2013.pdf

Suborna’s story The first time Suborna heard about her marriage, she was just eight years old. Her father took her out of school, believing marriage was a better and more affordable option than education.

“When my father told me I was going to be married, I felt my life had been ruined. I visualized a life like that of my mother - marriage, lots of children. All dreams shattered,” Suborna says.

Suborna immediately protested and asked a World Vision Child Forum to help persuade her parents to stop the marriage. But, a few years later, having become top of her class, her parents raised the issue again.

“I was so unhappy. This time I told my mother who did not agree with me and they locked me in my room.” she says.

Scared, Suborna made a plan. She pretended to be seriously ill and was taken to a nearby hospital. At the hospital, she snuck out and returned to her uncle’s home, where she had been living to be close to school.

Again, World Vision’s Child Forum stepped in to explain the law and implications of child marriage to her parents.

This time they gave their consent for Suborna not to get married before she turns 18. Finally her marriage was put on hold.

“World Vision has made my parents proud of me. I finally made my father understand that his daughters could be his support in old age. And I succeeded. My youngest two sisters are now also going to school,” Suborna says smiling.

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REVIEWS

Book club

Children’s Book Club Wow, summer’s finally here! There’s lots to do, eat and see. Along with all the fun and excitement, keep on reading to your little ones.

Take two books with you on holiday, three or more! Your kinds can read them on the plane, at airports, on the train, on the beach, at the hotel foyer anywhere!

Reading is fun and it does compliment the sights and sounds of everyday life, thus increasing understanding of the world around children.

On the following few pages, you’ll find reviews of some great books. As usual, they are sturdy hard cover book perfect for little inquisitive hands!

To find more for your summer holiday, just go back to our previous issues!

Enjoy!

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Noisy Farm Animals Emily Stead and Craig Cameron A handy size for little hands.

Bright shiny illustrations introduce the farm animals and the noises they make. Each illustration is void of any background objects and this helps to focus on the subject matter of the book.

Maisy's Food Lucy Cousins Does exactly what it says on the tin.

It teaches everyday words in French (or everyday words in English if you're French!)

Your child should be repeating the animal sounds after you in no time.

And so, as the book asks – “who says cock-a-doodle-doo?”

Great introduction if you’re going to be visiting farms with the kids this summer!

Simple, straightforward and effective.

A starter for your little ones , if you’re going to France for a holiday!

Did you know that 'La Glace' means 'Ice-cream'?

If you didn't, remember you heard it first at Jasmine’s Place!

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Woolly's Walk Phil Roxbee Cox and Stephen Cartwright

Let your child walk with Woolly and stroke him as he looks for something to eat.

One Mole Digging A Hole Julia Donaldson and Nick Sharratt This book will help to strengthen your little one's knowledge of the numbers 1 to 10.

A mixture of rhyming text, detailed and sometimes comical illustrations make it not just educational, but also an enjoyable read.

Your little one will enjoy touching and feeling the various textures of the things that catch Woolly's eyes along the walk - thistles, flowers, an apple ... and of course heave a sigh of satisfaction when Woolly finally finds something appropriate to eat - some nice safe grass.

And no doubt as you take your little one out for walks this summer, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find things along the walk that remind him of Woolly!

Have a nice meal, Woolly!!!

You and your little ones are sure to smile as you see snakes, foxes, bears, parrots, frogs and more doing all the gardening work that you would normally do. And the expressions on some of their faces might bring more than a smile from you - they look so blissful!

And now, if you'll excuse us, we're off to ask whether the 5 storks with garden forks and the 9 doves in gardening gloves could visit our garden too!

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I Can Do It Too! Karen Baicker, Ken Wilson-Max This is a sweet and beautiful book.

It follows a little girl and her baby brother thorough their day as the ‘big’ girl shows her little brother how to do different activities.

Violet's Garden Fun (Petal Princesses) – Sanja Rescek Perfect for introducing the concept of royalty. With rhyming text that helps babies learn language skills, flaps that hide surprises, sparkly highlights and colourful illustrations, this is an interactive, educational and enjoyable book.

Your child will also get to count and reinforce his knowledge of the everyday familiar activities and places the siblings experience in the book.

Ends with a little twist - watch out for it!

Great book!

Animate as much as possible when reading it to your little one and your reading time will be much more educational and enjoyable.

It follows four beautiful princesses as they have fun skipping, playing, jumping, sailing and then the grand finale - having a picnic.

It is a beautiful book that your little one may well turn to again and again.

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Free to run the race Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s set for me and finish it well.

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For if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.

From John 8:36

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Next Issue More inspiring features for today’s woman!

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Thanks for reading and see you soon! ♥♥♥