Leading Hearts July/August 2014

“Whitespace is

soul grace.

Bonnie Gray ushers weary women into the real possibility.”

—ANN VOSKAMP, New York Times bestselling author of One Thousand Gifts

WHITESPACE. IT’S THE SPACE ON A PAGE LEFT UNMARKED.

Untouched.

Whitespace makes art beautiful. It gives the eye a place to rest. Without it, clutter takes over. Just as beautiful art needs whitespace, our souls need spiritual whitespace—a place to rest in order to find balance and beauty.

With heartbreaking honesty, Bonnie guides you to discover a better story for yourself, one that feeds your soul and makes room for rest.

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• TheBonnieGray.com •

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Dear Reader, Our issue’s theme, faith, family and freedom, makes

me want to gather my children along a sun-sizzled Main Street and cheer as the local high school band marches past. I want to wave the old red, white and blue to the sound of tubas and trombones as they blast out the notes of “God Bless America”; that is if the school board should approve such a controversial song about God blessing our country.

In days not long past, America’s people of faith had both the freedom and respect to express publically their adoration of the creator and beseech his favor over our land. Today, it seems, such expressions need expressed permission from council’s and courts.

Yet, despite our culture’s attempt to silence the throngs of us who still love and revere God, we, the faithful, are still here and we’re looking for ways to bring God back into our homes, churches and communities. Contrary to popular opinion, we are not ‘haters,’ we are those who were commanded by Jesus to not only love God with our whole hearts but to also love our neighbors as ourselves.

So the question becomes how do we best impact our land and families with the truth and love of God? The recipe can be found in 2 Chronicles7:14, “However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country” (GW).

Today, let’s humble ourselves.

Let’s search for God. Let’s turn from our wicked ways.

Let’s pray: “Dear Lord, please forgive OUR sins and heal our country (and countries.)”

May our beautiful issue reflect God’s love and hope not only for our country, but for our churches, families and individual hearts.

With love, LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD, PUBLISHER LEADING HEARTS MAGAZINE

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JULY/AUGUST 2014 Vol. 1, Issue 3

Editorial Staff PUBLISHER...................Linda Evans Shepherd EDITOR....................... Amber Weigand-Buckley ART DIRECTOR.............. Katie Mattiuzzo ADVERTISING................Linda Evans Shepherd, Angelina Locricchio COPY EDITOR................Amber Weigand-Buckley EDITORIAL SECRETARY.... Angelina Locricchio CONTRIBUTING WRITERS..................................................

Shelly Ballestero, Angela Breidenbach, Rebekah Binkley Montgomery, Penelope Carlevato, Kathy Collard Miller, Michelle Cox, Saundra DaltonSmith, Sharon Norris Elliott, Dr. Edna Ellison, Pam Farrel, Jo Ann Fore, Marilyn Luce Robertson, Karen Porter, Rhonda Rhea, Jennifer Taylor, Lisa Troyer, Karen H. Whiting, Heather Van Allen and Darlene Zschech

Right to the Heart Board Members Linda Evans Shepherd (President), Dianne Butts, Sharon Norris Elliot, Dr. Edna Ellison, Karen Porter, Kathy Collard Miller, Rhonda Rhea and Carole Whang Schutter and Joy Schineider

Information Leading Hearts magazine is published bimonthly by Right to the Heart Ministries 2014.

ADVERTISING | Display rates are available at leadinghearts.com. By accepting an advertisement, Leading Hearts does not endorse any advertiser or product. We reserve the right to reject advertisements not consistent with the magazines objectives.

MANUSCRIPTS | Writers guidelines are available at leadinghearts.com.

Leading Hearts | PO Box 6421, Longmont, CO 80501 phone: (303) 835-8473 | fax: (303)678-0260 email: amber@leadinghearts.com MEMBER | Evangelical Press Association All rights reserved. Copyrighted material reprinted with permission.

Photos courtesy of: Bethany House, EMI/CMG, integrity Music, iStock, Leafwood Publishers, 100 Huntley Street,, projectrescue.com, Kerry Kara Photography /KLS Photos, Rabbit Room Publishers, Deanna Sammons Photography, Thomas Nelson & Word Records.

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Table of

CONTENTS 06 April Hernandez

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12 The Thrill of an Unrushed Yes

14 Behind the Scenes:

Francesca Battistelli

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20 Bringing Healing

Through the Arts

30 Part Two:

Mentoring Our Millenials

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09 Faithprints 10 Check Mate 17 Just 18 Summers 18 In the Lead 23 Health Tracks 27 LifeBytes 29 Belly Laughs 33 Prayer Circle 34 Reviews 38 Truth

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The Road to True Freedom

As I stood in line at the post office, my eyes casually glanced to the package a young man next to me was holding. On his parcel in big bold Sharpie letters was the words: “Warning this package may or may not contain pornography.” I know he was probably trying to be humorous, but it made me do a double-take.

I wonder how many of these same people would still be laughing if they truly experienced the world of forced prostitution and slavery—the women, men and children who are victimized by it? This is fed by the porn industry. It’s not something that is funny or “boys will be boys” and “girls will be girls.” It’s affecting the safety of our family, our friends, our children, our communities and our world.

Rarely have we seen any crimes committed like the abduction and murder of 10-year-old Haley Owens (which actually happened on the street where I live) where porn isn’t somewhere in the mix.

And I’m not saying everyone who views porn is a rapist or killer, but when you buy in you’re buying into an industry that uses that tool to perpetuate some people to act out and create another victim. These victims include the victims of broken marriages and broken homes.

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I remember the day when people kept it hidden under the mattresses so no one found out. Now our society has become so content with things that keep us bound that it has become a non-issue. And we just laugh about it and continue in our own way.

Dr. Sandra Morgan, director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice, said in a recent interview, “The modern slave trade is a business fueled by demand. Consequently, to some degree we are all part of the problem or part of the solution.

We contribute to demand by turning a blind eye to pornography and sex tourism or by making choices that reward companies that keep their bottom line under the rest of the market by the use of slave labor.”

During my 9-to-5 workday I am priviledged to work with non-profit ministries who are making a difference for Jesus all around the world—one of those organizations is Project Rescue (projectrescue.com).

In 2013 alone, 17,000 victims of sexual slavery were rescued and restored through this ministry. You can read the story of Rebecca Grant-Shults, a remarkable woman working to restore these victims on page 20.

I would encourage anyone who is struggling or knows someone with a pornography addiction to just think of these people in the industry—they are someone’s baby.

Their bodies are sold off daily to people who could care less about who they are—or whether they live or die.

They are the ones in prison. It’s time we cared for them.

They need a Savior. They need hands, feet and voices who will stand in the gap and fight for their lives! This is what true freedom is really about.

Peace!

AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY, EDITOR LEADING HEARTS MAGAZINE

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BY JENNIFER TAYLOR

As a hos t of “ 1 0 0 H u n t l e y S t r eet ,” act r ess an d sp eaker Ap r il Lee

Her na nde z Ca s t i l l o a n d b e s t - s e llin g au t h o r Er ic Met axas sp eaks t o Ch ris tia n c e le b r i t i e s t o t a c k l e ch allen g es o f ever yd ay lif e an d in spi re hope i n a fun a nd r e l e v a n t w a y. K n own f o r h er r o le as Eva in “Fr eed o m Wri ter s , ” he r bio i n c l u d e s s e v e r a l televisio n an d f ilm r o les. Th at r o le and her per s ona l s tor y i n s p i r e d h e r t o b eg in B o ld Fait h Min ist r ies wit h h u sband, Jos e Ca s tillo. A p r i l s p o k e w i t h co n t r ib u t in g wr it er J en n if er Taylo r about her fa ith, fa m i l y a n d h e r h e a r t t o f o r vict im s o f ab u se. {6.}-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

C an yo u t ell o ur re a de rs how y ou f ir s t c ame i n t o yo u r a c ti ng c a re e r?

APRIL I originally went to college to be a nutrition-

ist or a dietician. Then, I walked into chemistry class and realized science isn’t for me. So I ended up taking an improv acting class and really liked it. I took more classes and focused more on becoming an actor. Then, I booked my first big job which was the Visa Check Card Super Bowl commercial with Yao Ming and Yogi Berra.

You cam e to Chri s t a s y ou we re c o m ing in to yo u r c a re e r. C a n y ou s ha re w ith u s h o w you found y our fre e d o m in C h rist?

APRIL: I was shooting “Freedom Writers” and my boyfriend at the time (now my husband), and I were on different coasts. I eventually moved back to New York City from L.A. and started attending church with him.

I wasn’t used to seeing people so happy for literally no reason other than that they loved God. It was hard for me to believe because I hadn’t experienced God’s love like that.

Then, I had a really intense moment in church just dealing with my own demons and felt the pure love of God like never before. I was able to break free of many things that I was dealing with. That was really the turning point in my relationship and accepting Christ into my life.

You h ave b een pre tty v oc a l a bou t t h e abusi ve relat i ons hi p tha t y ou de a lt w ith in yo u r l a te te e ns . H ow ha s Go d help ed yo u sha re the e x pe ri e nc e w it h other p eo p le a nd e mpowe r the m t o take t h e st ep s towa rd he a l i ng?

APRIL: In 2010, I had this yearning to tell my sto-

ry. The abuse happened from 17 to 20. I realized how God had saved me several times. I had such a powerful platform to reach people, using the movie “Freedom Writers” as a way to get into schools and universities, then telling people my true story. I felt like God was saying, “What will you do with what has been given to you?” That catapulted me to spread the message of how worthy we are as women, how powerful we can be and how abuse is unacceptable in all aspects.

How would you encourage people in unhealthy relationships to take the

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step to freedom?

APRIL: Abuse has the ability to just shut you down. You feel as though you have no hope. You have no voice. You have no place to go. The first thing that’s important to know is you do have places to go. You do have a voice. You do matter. Once you realize your life is worth fighting for, that’s when you take the first step. You say to yourself, “I want and need to live because I am worth it. Because God created me to be full of purpose and power.” That takes such courage and so much work to do.

Yo u r s t o r y e v e n t u a lly le d y o u t o f o u n d B o ld F a it h M in is t r ie s . W h a t drew yo u t o w o r k w it h t h e y o u t h a n d st ar t B o l d F a it h ?

APRIL: We are bold people. I believe God uses what you already have inside of you and that’s your gift.

So my husband and I both came from the hard-knock life. We understood what it was like to grow up in an urban community. As a teen dating abuse survivor, I had to speak to the youth. So we trained and became youth chaplains. We started doing prison ministry, going into facilities and ministering to the youth who no one visited. We were willing to go and listen to these kids. Just doing exactly what Jesus would have done.

H o w d o y o u f e e l b e c o m in g a m o m h as h e lp e d y o u g ro w in t h e o t h e r areas as a p ro f e s s io n a l a n d in m in is t r y? Ho w h a s t h a t h e lp e d y o u b e in g a mo t h er at t h e s a m e t im e ?

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daughter at home for the first year. So now that I am working, I just find the way to make sure that the family is taken care of first. I make my relationship with my husband a priority—going on dates and stay connected. It’s very easy to become disconnected when you have a child. It’s really been God’s grace that has helped me along this new season as a mother.

D o y o u h a v e a n y o t h e r p ro je ct s t h at y o u a re c u r re n t ly w o r k in g o n b esi d e “ 1 0 0 H u n t le y S t re e t ” ?

APRIL: Yes, I’m working on a book. I’ve had APRIL: I feel the biggest thing that helped me when I became a mother was I had to decide what was the most important. To deal with constant rejection in my work life and never knowing what’s going to happen can be extremely frightening and scary when you have a child. So it really made me focus and realize that I need to really figure out my life because I have someone who needs me.

C an yo u t ell u s a l i ttl e bi t a bout how yo u cam e to hos t “100 H unt le y Stree t” ?

APRIL: That was definitely a divine appoint-

ment. In November 2013, my manager spoke with Bruce Stacey, who is in charge of the show. Never in my mind did I imagine that I would be the host of a show with content that dealt with faith in such a modern contemporary, fun way.

Now that you’re a mom, you’ve got to juggle that with “100 Huntley Street” and also managing the ministry. How do you do that effectively?

APRIL: (Laughs) I’m still trying to figure it out.

several books that I’ve been wanting to write and I am working on my first one. I’m really excited because I have always dreamed of becoming an author and just really having my own stories. The first project is about halfway through and I am really excited. I’m also working with my husband on personal projects and continuing on “100 Huntley.”

B e in g in t h e s h o w b u s in e s s , yo u h ave h a d t o p u t y o u r s e lf o u t t h e re an d f ace re je c t io n s e v e r a l t im e s . W h a t wo u l d y o u s a y t o o t h e r s t o e n c o u r a g e t h em t o c o n t in u e t o f ig h t t o p u r s u e t h ei r d re a m s ?

APRIL: I consider myself a go-getter, dreamer

and visionary but I’ve also been at the bottom where I thought that I wanted to give up. But I said, “As long as I’m alive, as long as I can breathe, there shouldn’t be anything I can’t accomplish.” So for the people out there who wonder will if it can happen, I say just dream bigger than ever before and walk with bold faith.

JENNIFER TAYLOR, contributing writer for Leading Hearts, is from Springfield, Missouri.

It’s been challenging balancing everything, but I wouldn’t be here without my parents, without people just helping us, without my husband helping me and allowing me to travel.

In the ministry crossroads, sometimes I’ve been able to bring my daughter so it’s been a blessing to have that time. I stayed home about a year and a half. I was a stay-at-home mom and decided to raise my

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Faithprinting Gets Personal If you love Jesus, if you know him, if He lives in you,

you understand how much the world needs His touch.

But before you demand he touch and change the world, how about praying for your own town? Or your neighborhood? Or your extended family? Your immediate family? You? Here’s where our faith in Jesus gets personal. And real.

Because through our hands, Jesus makes His clearest Faithprints on those nearest and dearest.

I learned this one Sunday in church as I waited to be served communion. I was communing with Jesus in the prayer garden of my soul and enjoying his presence when I decided to bring people I was concerned for to Jesus for his touch.

First was Harry.

“Here, Jesus,” I said. “Here is my friend Harry. Harry has cancer. Will you please heal him?”

In my prayer, I “saw” Jesus touch Harry with His nailscarred hand. When Jesus removed his hand, a heartshaped bloodstain remained. I immediately realized what this was: a Faithprint! Because I asked, Jesus would touch and heal Harry—perhaps not just physically—but in ways and places only He knows.

I became excited. This is so easy! I thought. I wanted to leave Faithprints everywhere and on everyone. I knew lots of hurting people, some exasperating ones, too I wanted Jesus to touch them all.

So in prayer, one by one, I began dragging people to

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BY REBEKAH BINKLEY MONTGOMERY Jesus for His touch.

Then, to my surprise, I came to “Mr. Impossible,” a person with whom I had a long history of annoying interactions. I hadn’t intended to pray for him, but here he was, so . . .

“Jesus,” I said. “Here is Mr. Impossible. This guy is a real pain-in-the-neck. Touch him! Touch him real hard!”

Jesus smiled. He took my hand in his palm and began to reach out to Mr. Impossible.

“Wait, Lord! If I touch him, I’m liable to smack him,” I said.

Holding my hand more firmly, Jesus continued stretching me toward Mr. Impossible. As we finally touched him, a miracle occurred. Love passed from Jesus to me to Mr. Impossible. Yes, he was still his aggravating self, but, because Jesus was empowering me, I could love him.

When we removed our hands, surprise! A Faithprint remained. I knew Jesus would help me touch Mr. Impossible for him. And he did.

Often, in the garden of prayer, I ask him, “How are your hands today?” He holds them up for me to see. I see that even though they are wounded, his hands still have the healing touch.

So I still have work to do.

As do you.

REBEKAH BINKLEY MONTGOMERY is author of Faithprints. Excerpted with permission. Find her online at www.rebekahmontgomery.com

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Appreciation Fans the Flame on Love

BY PAM FARREL

B

ecause you are a wife who values love, or recognizes the significance of your man, you also value creative ideas to fan the flame on love. You long to keep that spark and sizzle in your love life! In your heart is a desire to help your man feel like the most blessed male on the face of the globe because he had the good sense to marry YOU! In our new book, Red Hot Romance Tips for Women we share that one of the basic components of a strong love is when a man feels appreciated, respected and esteemed.

I (Pam) love the look in the eyes of those newlywed brides. They beam as they hang on the arm of their groom. That gleam in the eye and broad smile—that is appreciation! When he senses you feel you won the grand prize when you married him, his heart will definitely be drawn toward you and then your worth is like the upward trajectory of a positive stock market report—you become priceless!

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“One of the basic components of a strong love is when a man feels appreciated, respected and esteemed.”

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The Bible encourages, “ . . .esteem them very highly in love . . .” (1 Thessalonians 5:13) Esteem means to regard as particularly important; admire, approve, favor, treasure. Is that how you feel about your husband? As

a motivated wife, you have the honor of being the spark plug for your marriage, the igniter of romance and the match to light the flame of sex and intimacy.

Start with a little appreciation to fan the flame on love!

Say thanks! Choose one of the ways below to tangibly express your gratitude to your man:

{1.} Admire in a letter or with your verbal praise one

of his good qualities.

{2.} Applaud his effort or an accomplishment. {3.} Approve of his choice (of anything) heartily! {4.} Commend of him in front of his friends or colleagues. {5.} Compliment one of his handsome features. {6.} Positively inquire more information about one of his interests. {7.} Accept one of his quirks with a quick hug or kiss

when you see it

{8.} Laud an accomplishment with a gift or a family party to celebrate.

{9.} Warm toward an idea he has brought up by asking to learn more.

{10.} Support one of his dreams by jotting down ideas of how he can accomplish them and support opportunities for him to grow in his gifts.

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{11.} Sympathize with an emotional hurt with a hug. {12.} Adore his body in the bed room. {13.} Enthusiastically embrace one of his opinions with an “I so agree!”

{14.} Show pleasure of his company with a “So nice to have you in my life”.

{15.} Be sensitive to his stress by giving a shoulder or

neck rub.

{16.} Be mindful of one of his needs by running an

errand or picking up an item without being asked.

{17.} If you are ready—be responsive to one of his advances for “red hot monogamy”.

{18.} Order a coffee mug with “I thank God 4 U!” printed on it, then bring him breakfast in bed, complete with the coffee mug.

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{19.} Place a thank you note on a helium balloon and float it into his office.

{20.} Make your own list, A to Z, why you are thankful for your man, then read it to him; give it to him, one letter at a time; create a photo book with pictures of him for each letter and each trait you find attractive; or write the list on the same kind of paper you sent the first love note on!

PAM AND BILL FARREL are international speakers, authors of over 38 books including best-selling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti, 10 Best Decisions a Couple Can Make, Red Hot Monogamy, 10 Best Decisions a Parent Can Make, Devotions for Women on the Go & Men on the Go, A Couple’s Journey with God, and their newest books are Red Hot Romance Tips for Women and Secrets of Successful Couples . They are the Co-Directors of LoveWise. www.Love-Wise.com.

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BY LYSA TERKEURST

EACH MORNING I HAVE A ROUTINE WITH MY HUSBAND. It’s simple. Nothing profound. Nothing for which we’d ever stop and snap a picture. It’s just a

moment. He asks me to help him pick a tie. He then goes away to fuss with this fixture of his professional job. Soon he returns with a flipped-up collar and a pressed-down, knotted tie. He needs gentle hands to fold the collar over. Actually, he doesn’t need. He wants gentle hands to fold the collar over. And I do.

It’s just a moment.

But it’s a moment when we follow the “excellent way” of love. In the intersection of this unrushed moment, we’re once again saying to each other: I love you. I love you too. {12.} - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Please don’t get an overly idyllic picture in your head

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of our marriage. Heavens, no. We have plenty of those “growth opportunity” moments too. But this moment with the tie, it’s like a spot of glue ever tightening the bond between us day by day. It’s so simple, and yet something I would miss with the deepest ache imaginable if today were the last of the moments.

If today.

Tears slip as I think about this. Dear God, help me think about this. Let me snap a hundred of these moments with the lens of my heart to be stored and appreciated and thought of as the great treasures they are. Let my mind park there. Let my heart relish there. Let my mouth dare to whisper what a joy this is. I love you. I love us. I love this moment each day.

Our relationship isn’t perfect; no relationship is perfect.

We’re two very strong-willed people with vastly different approaches to life. And, oh, how easy it would be to list all the differences. He likes the towel hanging in the same spot. I am more creative. But I stop the list there.

And this isn’t natural to me. I’m a task girl. I like accomplishing things. I like the thrill of moving forward, creating momentum, and getting stuff done.

But the more I choose to pause and talk and really connect, the more I discover the thrill in the sacred spaces of relationships. Leaving room in my life for the unrushed yes strengthens the fabric of my relationships so they can better withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.

And even more, giving priority to relationships does something good in my soul. My soul needs to resist the rush. I love what my friend Ann Voskamp says, “Rushing is for amateurs.” I agree. But I don’t always live like I agree. I need to be reminded that my soul needs time for relationships.

LYSA TERKEURST s the New York Times bestselling author of Made to Crave and Unglued. Lysa is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and writes from her sticky farm table in North Carolina where she lives with her husband, Art, five kids, three dogs, and mouse that refuses to leave her kitchen. Excerpted with permission from her new book, The Best Yes.

I stop because great love isn’t two people finding the perfect match in each other. Great love is two people making the choice to be a match. A decision. To fold his collar and snap the heart lens and find myself grateful to the point of tears. Tears of relishing today are so much better than tears of regret.

It’s just a moment together.

Or is it?

{

{

“...great love isn’t two people finding the perfect match in each other. Great love is two people making the choice to be a match. A decision.”

This kind of together can only happen when we choose to experience the thrill of an unrushed yes. It’s being together and relishing that togetherness even with all its imperfections.

This is true for marriages but also for family and for friends who feel like family. This beautifully messy band of people I call my own needs time together. Space to connect and process. Conversational threads are what make up the fabric of relationships. We must take time.

Make time. To be together. To connect. To talk.

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D ove Award “Artist of the Year” winner Francesca Battistelli is more than an accomplished music artist. She’s also a dedicated wife and the mother of two small children. Having recently released her third studio album, If We’re Honest (April 22, 2014), Francesca took a few moments to share with contributor Heather Van Allen, the heartbeat behind the songs, which is real life—open, authentic and free in Christ.

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Tell m e a b i t a bout the i ns pi ra ti o n behi n d an d wha t fue l s the s ongs o n y our n ew al b u m, I f We ’re H one s t .

FRANCESCA: This record is inspired by my kids, my husband and my walk with the Lord. It’s my most personal album yet, and there are some really special worship moments on this album that mean a lot to me.

One of the themes of this issue of Leading Hearts is freedom, which people have different ways of defining. As a Christian, how do you define freedom and see that concept working in your life?

FRANCESCA: Freedom is knowing that our

identity is rooted in Christ, that His blood has washed us clean and that we are not bound by sin.

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Do you feel like the idea of freedom in Christ comes across in your album? How?

FRANCESCA:

I do. The whole theme of the album is honesty—how living an authentic, truthful life paves the way for us to walk in that freedom.

How do you find balance in your life between your busy music career, your life as a wife and mother of young children and your relationship with God?

FRANCESCA: It’s hard, and I’m no expert. I

respecting and loving your spouse, and if they see you in the Word, those things are going to have the biggest impact on them.

W h a t o n e p r a y e r o r h o p e , f o r yo u r f a m ily w o u ld y o u s a y is y o u r b i g g est ?

Or, a re t h e re lo t s ?

FRANCESCA: There are certainly lots, but my

biggest is that my kids would come to know Jesus in a personal, intimate way, and that they would chase after Him for all the days of their lives.

W h a t is y o u r f a v o r it e s o n g o n t h e a lb u m ? W h y ?

FRANCESCA: My favorite song is the title track.

“If We’re Honest” is a song about being who you really are with people—not pretending that everything is OK when it’s not, not hiding your sin or your struggles, but bringing your brokenness to the table. James 5:16 says

feel like now that my kids are 3-and-a-half and almost 2, I’m just now finding that balance. I spent a couple of years not focusing on my ministry enough, and then some time focusing on it too much. I’m sure I will have seasons where it’s out of balance again, but I’m currently in a good place, and I know where to set boundaries up in my work life to protect my family life. But my kids are troopers, and they travel with us most of the time, so that’s a fun adventure.

Tell m e a b i t a bout y our pe rs pe c t iv e on b r i n g i n g u p c hi l dre n a s G od w a n t s us to . Ho w d o y ou go a bout mod e lin g Jesus f o r yo u r own c hi l dre n?

FRANCESCA: My best piece of advice here

is that you’re going to mess up, but if your kids see you apologize and ask for forgiveness, if they see you

to “confess your sins one to another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” The Lord made us to need each other, and He wants us to be His hands and feet to each other on earth.

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W ha t m essag e s on y our a l bum do y o u most h o p e wil l c ome a c ros s to liste n er s—in d i v i dua l s a nd fa mi l i es ?

FRANCESCA: That the Lord knows you by

name. He has your name written on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49:16), He loves you, He will never forsake you and you can find rest in Him.

W hich so n g , o r s ongs , on the a l b u m do y o u f eel le a n the mos t towa rd help i n g li sten e rs fi nd he a l i ng or f re e dom in C h r i st? W hy ?

FRANCESCA: I think everyone will have a different answer for that. I hope that each song speaks to each individual right where he or she needs it.

To find out more about Francesca and her music visit francescabattestelli.com.

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- - - - - Just 18 Summers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------®

A Heritage of Faith and Freedom

BY MICHELLE COX

Have you ever thought about the fact that we as moms

This July 4th as you light the grill and your family gathers to celebrate, set aside some time to talk about family, faith, and freedom.

Here are some ideas to help you think about things to share—and you might want to record these: • Talk about your family genealogy. (And if you don’t have a written family history this would be a fun family project to do together.) What are the stories that you want your children to know about?

For instance in my family, I wanted to share with my sons about the grandfather who died from his wounds in the Civil War, but before he died, he wrote a letter to his wife, telling her he was dying. He told her to raise the children for the Lord and that he’d meet them in Heaven. Six generations later, our family visited the church that she and her children started.

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and dads have a responsibility to pass along our family spiritual histories to our children and grandchildren? Joel 1:3 says, “Tell your children about it, let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.”

• Show family keepsakes to your children. For example, my family has a Bible that my grandfather gave to my uncle. Inside is a precious letter that Grandpa wrote telling Uncle Ellis how to be a man of character.

• Talk about churches that have been part of your family history.

• Ask your family to share about their salvation experiences.

• Ask them to share their favorite Bible verses.

• Talk about freedom and how it came at great cost.

Many of our ancestors did a great job of leaving us a family spiritual heritage. Now it’s our turn. What are WE going to leave behind?

MICHELLE COX is an author and speaker and the creator of the Just 18 Summers® brand of parenting resources and products. The Just 18 Summers novel is available NOW! To visit her parenting blog or to learn more about Michelle and the book, go to www.just18summers.com and www.Facebook.com/just18summers.

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In the Lead- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------------------------

Building Blocks

BY EDNA ELLISON

When I was a little girl, my mother used to repeat “One drop of water, one little grain of sand Makes a might ocean, builds a giant land…”

If you want a godly family, start with one small habit every day and shape the lives of the children in your home. What could you do this Fourth of July to start a tradition of patriotism for the next generation? How about doing just one thing to increase the Christian faith in your family?

Think of a way you can establish one daily Christcentered habit that will make a difference in years to come. Here are a few:

• Host a block party on the Fourth of July. Invite

neighbors and relatives who can reminisce about stories of freedom from the 1770’s. Give a Christian witness at other holidays, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas

• From this July 4th till July 4, 2015, pray with

each of your children each evening after a bedtime story or just before they drift off to sleep. Try it this year and see if it makes a difference in the love, faith, and integrity of your family.

• Take time to ask God to bless the food at

meals. Setting a good example may take only a few seconds, but it will have a lasting effect.

• Decide on funny names to make daily chores

easy, with a step-by-step direction: Fold –the-CornersBedmaking-Fun Factory, No Mess as You Dress Contest, Goofiest Shampoo Hairdo Award, Nighttime Olympics Toothbrush Division, etc.

• Set a routine of faith in the mornings on your

way to school. Introduce a Pray-with-Your-Eyes-OpenMoment in the carpool when it’s your turn to drive: “O

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this poem often:

Lord, help Bren with her math test today. Give Jack courage and wisdom to handle the bully on the playground, and show Heather how to be kind to Sara. May we have a good day in school today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

• Pack love notes in all lunch boxes: “I’m praying

for you in homeroom today. I love you, Mom”; Daddy and I will be praying for you at noon today. We love you, Mom and Daddy”; “Hope you like the special ingredient in your sandwich today. Love, Mother”; “Sorry I spilled water on your homework. I know you did a great job on it. Every answer looks right. See the note I wrote to Mrs. Owens. I love you, Mom.” For more information, read Love Notes in Lunchboxes by Linda Gilden (Linda@LindaGilden.com).

If you have no children at home, don’t think this mentoring page doesn’t apply to you. Single women and those with no children have been tremendous influencers on my life. They seemed to have had more time and energy to notice me and encourage me. Is this true for you? Think of women who’ve been an influence on your life. Write them a quick email or call to thank them for their positive example.

Don’t forget Paul’s words: “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28, NIV).

One kind act toward a spouse, one tender touch with a hurting parent, or one inspiring lesson taught to a child in a short teachable moment add up to a lifetime of faith and stability for the entire family. You can be the catalyst to build your family into a mighty ocean or a giant land that will have the faith to stand against any adversity.

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Family Mentoring Moments

HERE IS A DISCUSSION STARTER FOR YOUR SMALL GROUP: Have the ladies in your small group read and discuss the article. Use the questions below to guide the group:

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- - - - - Discussion Starter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------------------------------

How can you lead your household as a servant leader?

What are some significant things you can teach others? What are some ways can you be compassionate counselors, encouragers for the discouraged and strong Christian role models for the community?

Use Humor Effectively

{1.} Which suggestions in the article do you think you

humor in your presentations.Using humor helps your audience physically relax and break down resistance to your message. It also bonds the audience members as they enjoy something together.

could implement in the coming year?

{2.} Which suggestion would be hard to accomplish?

Why?

{3.} In the introduction to the Discussion Starter above, did you recognize five roles of a mentor? (servant, teacher, counselor, encourager, guide [role model]) How could you serve in one of these roles in your family? {4.} Who mentored you in one of these roles? Share with the group what your mentor did that meant the most to you.

BY KATHY COLLARD MILLER

Even if you’re not a comedian, you should still use

{1.}. U s e a jo k e o r f u n n y s t o r y. But make sure it’s applicable to the point of your message. The audience members should learn something or become motivated in some way about your principle point. {2.} P a u s e t o le t y o u r a u d ie n ce l au g h .

Otherwise they will not respond the next time you use humor if they think they’re going to miss your next words.

{3.} A u d ie n c e m e m b e r s m a y e ven

{5.} Explain what you think it means “build your family

la u g h d u r in g a s e r io u s p a r t . It may mean they are relating to your words and feel like, “She sure knows my life”—and that’s good!

{6.} What are some ways you can celebrate Indepen-

{4.} H u m o r c a n b e c o m m u n ic at ed through exaggeration. When I refer to the Genesis

into a mighty ocean or a giant land”?

dence Day in your family and community?

{7.} Talk about moments when you’ve seen “all things

work together for good”—even when you had little hope they would? Have each woman share how she has seen God at work for good in her life and family.

EDNA ELLISON is author of 31 books and over 400 magazine articles, and enjoys serving as the steering committee president of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association and The Beautiful Hat Society in America. (www.thebeautifulhatsociety.com).

For more information about mentoring/coaching, read Woman To Woman: Preparing Yourself to Mentor (www.ednaellison.com).

account where God tells Abraham, “Listen to Sarah’s advice,” I grin and exclaim, “All right!” Then I step forward and punch my fist like I’m celebrating. The audience loves it and claps in delight (at least the women do).

When I first started speaking, I never thought of myself as humorous, but I learned how to become “funny” so that I was well received by my audience. You can too! And like me, one of your favorite compliments after speaking may become hearing, “You’re so funny! And I sure got the point!”

Excerpted from The Complete Guide to Speaking Professionally by Kathy Collard Miller, Copyright © 2004, Jubilant Press.

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BY AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY

Rebe c c a w a s b a r e l y c u t t i n g b ab y t eet h wh en h er m o m an d d ad fi rst took

h er to India .

Ar om a tic s pic e s m i n g l e d i n t h e alleys wit h t h e sm ell o f sweat an d uri ne.

Extre me be a u t y j u x t a p o s e d a g ain st ext r em e p o ver t y. It was ju st …wel l …a n orm a l pa rt o f w h a t l i f e w a s l ike in t h e wo r ld sh e kn ew.

I t w a s a pa th t h a t s h e d i d n ’ t i nit ially ch o o se f o r h er self . Sh e sp ent most o f he r grow in g u p o v e r s e a s a l on g sid e h er p ar en t s. Her d ad h ad a l ready spen t 14 y e ar s i n I n d i a w h e n Reb ecca was b o r n .

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During a visit to Bombay at age 16, Rebecca’s eyes

were opened to a world of slavery and brokenness that had been there all along. She was moved by an encounter with girls with hollowed out eyes — drugged, tortured and tormented. These girls were Rebecca’s age and younger, and were forced to prostitute their bodies each day.

Some of the girls admitted to beginning their lives of slavery in cages — like trapped animals until their spirit was finally broken and they were agreeable to the demands of life in the brothel. They were abused over and over until they finally submitted. They were often told that this life was their karma—something they somehow deserved and should accept.

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{

“They were often told that this life was their karma— something they somehow deserved and should accept.”

Rebecca’s parents began responding to the need of India’s Red Light Districts by founding Project Rescue. The ministry began in 1997 with K.K. Devaraj and Bombay Teen Challenge, and gradually Project Rescue ministries (projectrescue.com) sprung up in other Red Light Districts across India, Nepal and now in Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Moldova and Spain.

When Rebecca encountered the first rescued women in Bombay with her parents and stepped into their small apartment, the first “Home of Hope”— that step changed her life. “ A group of 12 girls awaited us. I remember these girls all being around my age—the youngest was 11 and the oldest was probably 30. We were welcomed with smiling faces and an atmosphere that is hard to describe. Peace. But with a quiet joy that I like to think comes from finding real love after a life of Hell.

“These twelve girls were all former prostitutes or their daughters, and had been rescued by Christian outreach workers. We sat in a circle on the concrete floor and drank chai. I distinctly remember one young, very reserved girl who never said a word. This 12-year-old girl had arrived that very afternoon, and our brief encounter was her first encounter with the presence and peace of Jesus Christ. “ In that moment, Rebecca was certain of one thing: “I knew this would always be my cause, regardless of

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occupation or location.” God was inspiring her to take the Great Commission to a new level by participating in the restoration of girls who feel hopeless.

“I’m not a pastor or counselor. Where do I fit into this?”

As a creative type, Rebecca grappled with questions.

She loved Jesus and had a deep passion for all things artistic. “I drew artistic “masterpieces” on restaurant placemats, wrote agonizing songs on my guitar in the middle of the night, loved modern dance, and had a serious case of wanderlust. I was an artist.”

Creativity was embedded deep in Rebecca’s DNA. “I was pretty sure I wanted to perform or direct one day.”

Rebecca says. However as she revealed her college plans, countless friends remarked, “A theatre degree?

Wow… so… what are you going to do with that?”

Rebecca was clueless as to how her gifts might play into the big picture of sexual slavery on the other side of the globe. However, any time she worried that she

didn’t have a valid ministry calling, the fears were promptly squashed by her parents.

“My mom would tell me, ‘Rebecca, don’t worry about a job title. Get trained in what you love, then let God decide how to use it.’ So that’s what I did. I completed my degree in Drama-Speech Education and went on to earn a Master of Arts in Theatre.”

In 2005, Rebecca began connecting her passion for the arts with her purpose to bring healing to survivors of slavery through the restoring power of Christ.

She traveled to Ukraine in November 2005 during her masters to meet with a theatre director who employed theatre for psychological healing. Only this director’s methods for healing were closely tied to his - continued p. 24 -

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Buddhist and Eastern spirituality. “After witnessing the how impactful rehearsal and performance could be on trauma survivors in an environment without Jesus, I was stunned to find few Christians working in this creative manner anywhere in the world. How much more could be done for broken hearts and minds through creativity that incorporated the healing power of Christ?”

Rebecca focused the remainder of her thesis work on developing a rehearsal and performance project with victims of sexual abuse in the foster care system. At the completion of the project she was even more hungry from freedom to incorporate the Holy Spirit and biblical truth in bringing healing through the arts.

At the age of 25 (in 2006) Rebecca returned to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and several cities across India to live and work with Project Rescue girls. Over a period of four years of facilitating healing and discipleship through the arts, Rebecca developed a method she calls Rescue Arts.

Rescue Arts serves Project Rescue and other ministries, using the arts as tools for healing with survivors of exploitation and abuse. Multiple areas of the arts are incorporated into each Rescue Arts project, which can last from one week to one year. Today many volunteers join in the work.

“I have seen first-hand the restorative impact of creativity, ensemble work, and discipleship. My hope is that through each Rescue Arts project, that each courageous child of God will find the freedom to express herself in a safe environment, to work through what is expressed with her spiritual family, and develop a strong, supportive environment around her.”

Rebecca works with survivors of exploitation, writing poetry and scripts, creating song and movement, and working as an ensemble to express pain, hopes, as well as who they are now—in Christ!”

In 2013, 17,000 women and children were ministered to through Project Rescue. Project Rescue’s ministry to survivors of sexual exploitation is threefold: prevention, rescue and restoration. Rebecca sees restoration as the strategic puzzle piece that she is able to participate in through Rescue Arts. She is inspiring a generation to move forward in the mission God has placed in their hearts, and she hopes that many creative souls will find the purpose and courage to respond when God leads them into the darkest of places. There is always hope in Jesus Christ.

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----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Today Rebecca is living a dream that was birthed 16 years ago in a simple encounter in India.

She and her husband, Tyler, are passionate about university students—especially in North India where there are still THOUSANDS of the worlds Unreached People Groups, who have never heard of Christ. Tyler, Rebecca and their one-year-old son will be moving to North India this summer to plant communities of hope among students.

At the same time, Rebecca teaches the method of Rescue Arts in two-day training seminars around the world, welcomes interns and facilitates Rescue Arts projects with rescued women and children.

“I’m so excited about the new life that each Project Rescue woman and child is beginning in Christ, and I’m just thankful to play a small part in the journey toward wholeness.“ To find more information on Project Rescue visit projectrescue.com. You can also find Project Rescue on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest.

To find more information about Rescue Arts visit rescuearts.com.

To find more information about Tyler and Rebecca’s ministry, visit wellspringinthedesert.com.

AMBER WEIGAND-BUCKLEY is the editor for Leading Hearts magazine.

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Defuse Your Summer Tension

BY SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH

Summer is the ideal time to break away from the daily grind and experience something new. But summer does not have to be just a time for vacations and camps. Summer is a great time to detox from our overscheduled lives. It’ an opportunity to draw away from the busyness for a time of renewal and rejuvenation.

This summer choose to opt out of the summer drama and opt into a season of feeding your mind, body and spirit with these 5 tips.

{1.} Access the damage

The only way this summer will end different than last summer is if you make a conscious effort to change those things which need an adjustment. Have you taken a good look at the ruins in your life? Just like the ancient walls which were destroyed in Jerusalem, there are likely some areas in your life which may look like a pile of rubble. You will never rebuild these fallen areas until you first become greatly concerned about the ruins.

These are the places of your life which are the fallout from not making time to defuse. Strained relationships, excessive weight gain and overspending are just a few of the tell-tale signs of a pressure-filled life gone awry.

Cooling the flames of devastation requires you to get a good look at the damage done and the route through which these areas were destroyed. When Nehemiah had accessed what had been lost, it brought him to a place of yielding and ultimately to a place of repentance and restoration.

When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For

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oes the thought of summer break cause your muscles to tighten? Has the chore of planning summer family activities increased your stress level? Rising temperatures can often bring with them rising emotions. Don’t spend this summer stressed-out, worn-out, and burned-out. Make plans to spend the next 90 days defusing the tension in your life and relaxing into a new level of wholeness and joy.

some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Nehemiah 1:4 NIV

{2.} Worship your way into a new mindset Few things have the power to lift our spirits and clear our minds the way music does.

Studies have shown music to be an effective form of therapy to improve mood and emotions. If you feel stressed and overwhelmed, avoid the powerful praise songs and instead choose soothing worship music to calm your mind and draw you into the secret place with God. Create a summer playlist of 8 worship songs which speak of healing, relationship and renewal. This should create roughly 30-40 minutes of music you can use during your prayer times. Allow the words of these songs to minister to you and elevate your mind to a new place of understanding. A few suggested songs for this playlist include “Healer” by Kari Jobe, “I Will Rise” by Chris Tomlin, and “Jesus at the Center of it All” by Darlene Zschech. Meditate on the lyrics of each song and turn them into your personal prayers.

{3.} Eat for restoration

My favorite part of summer thunderstorms is the beautiful rainbows which can follow and their promise of restoration. An overbooked schedule can be its own rain cloud over a blessed life. Eating the rainbow is your best defense against an impending health storm of rising insulin levels, waning energy and a restless night’s sleep.

Each colorful fruit and vegetable holds unique nutrients needed to replace what has been depleted.

Red fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants like lycopene which help to strengthen your heart and blood.

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Orange garden fare has large amounts of Vitamin C and beta-carotene which contain strong anti-inflammatory properties and help lower blood pressure. Yellow foods improve the function of the respiratory system and are a beneficial addition to the diet of singers and speakers who need excellent lung capacity. The some yellow foods like bananas have also been shown to help improve sleep if eaten as an evening snack. Munch on a few blueberries this summer to boost your brain cells and also improve your concentration. Enjoying a variety of colorful foods can lead to better emotional and physical well-being for you and your family this summer. Try a new fruit or vegetable this week and do a quick google search to see what treasures it has for you inside of it.

{4.} Build bonds that last

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With the kids home from school, summer is an excellent time to reconnect with your tween, teen or college graduate. Break the ice by focusing on things you have in common rather than the things you would like for them to change. Make the time spent together a time of rebuilding an old friendship, the one before the argument over the car keys and allowances. Be honest and vulnerable. Ask open ended questions and allow the conversation to flow naturally. Be willing to share your story and use it as a tool to help them grow and mature.

of creativity available to help you cool off when you begin to feel emotionally overheated. The most wonderful quality of art is its ambiguity. There is no right or wrong. There is no need for striving, comparing or mimicking. You are free to do your art, your way. In the process of embracing your individuality you will release more than just your creativity but also the chains of emotional heaviness.

1

Feiles, N. (2012). How Music Impacts, Helps Our Emotions. Psych Central.

SAUNDRA DALTON-SMITH is an internal medicine physician, author, and speaker. She shares with audiences nationwide on the topics of eliminating limiting emotions, breaking free from mental bondage, and helps others see God’s plan for them to live free in Christ. She is the founder of I Choose My Best Life, a movement to renew hope in a generation where depression, stress, and fear is peaking. Her books include Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves (2011) and Come Empty: Healing For Every Place Life’s Hurt You (Spring 2015).

As the summer progresses, be sure to address any other relationships in your life which need healing or a new spark of energy. Arrange a date night with your spouse, set aside a weekend to break away and renew your wedding vows, or embark on hiking trail together; whatever you choose make sure it contains ample opportunities for conversation and togetherness.

Relationships grow best in the fertile soil of communication, a lack which will only cause those involved to be buried in unnecessary tension and distress.

{5.} Do your art

Tension has multiple definitions. Merriam-Webster describes it as the act of being stretched; inner striving, unrest or imbalance; or a balance maintained in an artistic work between opposing forces or elements.

Art can be found within the tension of our lives. Stress needs an outlet. If left unchecked for too long it will cause you to implode. Next time you are tempted to defuse with a fudge brownie, an extra tall double espresso latte, or a credit card-funded shopping spree; why not consider instead focusing those emotions into an original work of art. Poetry, sketching, photography, painting, baking and sewing are all potential avenues

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“Linda teaches us to fearlessly hold tight to the lifeline of powerful, practical interaction with our God.” —BONNIE KEEN, author, speaker, recording artist

CONNECT WITH LINDA AT

sheppro.com

- - - - - Health Tracks - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --------------------------------------------

Summer Activity for Families

BY ANGELA BREIDENBACH

fun for everyone. Before implementing a family exercise plan, hold a family meeting and ask every member to share what fun physical activities they’d like to do this summer. Work for a list of twelve action-focused ideas you can do once a week.

The key to building a summer full of active experiences is planning them and then following through. It’s easy to give up when you’re tired after a long day at work.

But getting active actually fuels your energy rather than saps it. You’ll find a surprising level of creativity and productivity. But more wonderful than those are the bonding moments and a higher level of health.

Another surprise from getting active is the release of serotonin, especially when activities are done with people you love. When we perform serotonin-releasing activities (relationship bonding, physical exercise, and prayer) a deep sense of happy contentment releases inside. The benefit to serotonin is it can counteract dopamine. It’s new science based in multiple addiction studies, something you’ll want to be fully aware of for you and your children. People who feel fulfilled are less likely to be addicted to drugs, alcohol and overeating.

When dopamine is triggered over and over, the brain experiences cravings. Cravings produce a cycle of frustration. But when serotonin is released instead,

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Faithfully modeling family activity starts by making it

cravings can be reduced and instead of frustration, you’ll feel peaceful and content.

Do you want a frustrated family this summer or can you envision one of peace and contentment? Leading your family to a happy summer and family life is as simple as planning once a week family activity dates that include bonding, exercise, and a time of prayer.

But you’re not limited to once a week. Consider 30 minutes of outdoor play with one another on workdays and weekend family events.

Use the examples in the tip list to help your family begin brainstorming one awesome summer! Just for the fun of it, keep a scrapbook or create a fun video compilation of your summer so you can all relive the memories.

Do you know another family that would like to create a fun-filled summer or a more peaceful home life? If so, send a link to this article help and encourage them too.

ANGELA BREIDENBACH is a captivating speaker, coach, and the author of A Healing Heart, April 2013 from Abingdon Press in the Quilts of Love series, New books in 2014 are Charm Chats for Teens and Snowflake Tiara. http://www.AngelaBreidenbach.com

12 Tips to Build an Active Summer for Families {1.} Find folfing (disc golf) courses near you. {2.} Go geocache and combine hiking with outdoor skills like using a compass, backpacking and camping. {3.} Swimming classes and/or annual waterpark passes. {4.} Build a yard game closet and learn badminton, volleyball, bocce ball, croquet,and more. {5.} Run in the sprinklers or use a

slip-and-slide.

{9.} Join a charity walk/run together.

{6.} Go bike riding. (Is there a special trail you can ride on a weekend trip to make it even more special?

The Hiawatha Trail between Montana and Idaho is one example.)

{10.} Hold an old-fashioned neighborhood picnic complete with sack races, three-legged races, wheel barrow races… anything you can think of to get everyone running and laughing.

{7.} Picnic for dinner and then play in the park (organize soccer, softball or play on the playground.) {8.} Teach hopscotch, jump rope play red light/green light.

{11.} Volunteer to walk dogs for the local pound. {12.} Learn to in-line skate.

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food

Pear and Stilton Salad

BY PENELOPE CARLEVATO

My mother was English, through and through, but

always desired to become an American citizen. She celebrated the day she received her citizenship with a big outdoor party on Independence Day. She loved to entertain and was always looking for a reason to celebrate, and what better way than inviting all the neighbors and relatives over for a meal. Cooking for her did not come naturally, as a cook and housemaid were part of her growing up years in England. My mother practiced her culinary skills on our family and we had many chuckles about her ability to ruin a perfectly good dinner. But one thing she did well was salads, as no cooking was involved, and there was always an abundance of fresh produce grown on the farm.

I did not learn the art of cooking from my mother, but I did acquire the art of hospitality. Being English, we had many afternoon tea parties, which was a curious new way of entertaining for ladies on the plains of South Dakota. One of the delightful items she served at a summer garden tea luncheon was this Pear and Stilton Salad. Stilton is a lovely rich cheese, similar to Blue Cheese, made in Leicestershire, England, and came by the name as it was frequently sold to travelers at an Inn in Stilton, England.

Ingredients:

Romaine lettuce leaves...three per serving 3 ripe pears, cored and sliced thin (A good way to core the pear is to use a melon baller)

auty e b Aromatic Sage Bath

(I have used canned pears) ¾ cup Stilton cheese, cubed or crumbled ½ cup chopped pecans

Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise 1 Tablespoons powdered sugar 1 Tablespoon lemon juice Trim the lettuce leaves, wash and dry Place 3 leaves for each serving onto a salad plate Arrange the pear slices on top of the lettuce leaves Drizzle the dressing over the pears Sprinkle the cheese and nuts on top of dressing and pears.

To make ahead of time, cover and place in refrigerator until time to serve.

Serves 6 PENELOPE CARLEVATO is author of Teatime on the Titanic. Find her online at www.penelopesteatime.com.

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BY SHELLY BALLESTERO

S

age is widely used by the Native Indians of North America and has helped with a bunch of conditions. Another cool thing this plant does...it helps control bodily oil secretion thus, helps with oily skin. Here is a recipe that will tantalize your senses and body...

What you’ll need:

cheesecloth or muslin 1 cup of oatmeal 2 tablespoons of fresh or dried sage a piece of string.

Cut a square piece of cheesecloth and put the oatmeal and sage leaves in the middle. Tie it tight with a string, and hang the bag under the tap while you run a warm bath. Then detach the bag from the tap, and float it in the tub as you soak for about 20 minutes.

SHELLY BALLESTERO is author of Beauty by God: Inside-Out Secrets for Every Woman. Find her beauty products at www.mybeautifultruth.com.

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time

Power Time With God

BY KAREN H WHITING

Spending time with God means to talk with Him and

listen to Him. Some days are very busy, but even a few moments talking with God can make a difference, especially when you focus and spend it wisely.

Let God become your BFF by spending time talking to Him. You can pause throughout the give thanks, ask for help, or just comment on something that happened.

These can be brief seconds. Schedule longer times of prayer when possible. This can include listening to Christian songs, reflecting on a Bible passage, or a long chat about your day and needs of friends.

Observe your circumstances, blessings and results

Notice blessings in your life and be grateful.Observe how others live their faith. Learn from your circumstances and results of either obeying or disobeying God as you reflect or journal. At the day’s end ask God to show you if you hurt anyone and need to seek forgiveness. Evaluate opportunities to discover if they match God’s will and your passions. Also record your prayers and God’s responses.

Review your prayer journal at times to see how He has guided you, changed you and answered you.

Wrestle with God

Read the Bible as a deep conversation with God. Question what you don’t understand and look up related verses or commentaries. Think through what you read and how it

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Pray throughout your day

might be applied. Be authentic in talking with God, real enough to share what is in your heart, doubts in your mind and your deepest longings. Chew over a verse and reflect on what you read throughout the day.

Engage in fellowship

Spend time learning about God in Bible studies, church services and interacting with others who also love God. Listen to how God impacts their lives. Discuss verses that puzzle or excite you. Let fellowship be part of getting to know God better. Sharing your relationship with others who also love God develops special bonds with you spiritual family.

Respond to God

Challenge yourself to apply the words you read. Respond with both faith and obedience. Trust God as you obey Him even when you don’t feel like following His words.

Listen and learn to recognize the promptings from God that he places in your mind or heart. Ask God to give you insight into how to follow Him more closely.

KAREN WHITING (www.karenwhiting.com) is an international speaker and author or seventeen books. Check out Stories of Faith and Courage From the Home Front for true stories of Americans who lived their faith.

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Eyes Wide Open

BY RHONDA RHEA

I confess my closet is not the tidiest. But all five of my I remember deciding at one point that if any of the teens’ closets were going to get straightened out, I was going to have to be in on it. Then I think I probably went and got a tetanus shot.

We started with Kaley’s. She was around 15. Being the word-minded person I am, I thought about the origin of the word “closet.” Isn’t it from the Greek, “closetorium,” which means, “Where the dog wouldn’t even throw up”?

Somewhere along the way, some of the disgust gave way to fascination. We were both riveted when we found broken crayons stuck to an old sucker stick. She told me it had been at least two years since she’d eaten a sucker. Took me ten minutes to throw it away. We found math papers from third grade, the box from a SpongeBob clock she no longer had and a VCR she had completely taken apart—10,000 VCR parts. You can’t even vacuum that.

That was about the time I seriously thought about just closing the closet door and NOT opening any others.

Boy, would it have been nice to just close my eyes to the whole thing and go back to my happy life of closet ignorance.

I probably don’t have to tell you that’s not always the best plan. Second Kings 6 tells of a time when a warring king had surrounded Elisha’s entire city…army, horses, chariots—the works. This situation was so much stickier than any old sucker. Elisha’s servant asked what in the world they were going to do and Elisha answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16, ESV).

I have to imagine Elisha’s servant looking at the two of them, then the army, then him again with, “So… Elisha…math is not exactly your thing, right?” But

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kids were teenagers at about the same time. Nobody knows the closets I’ve seen.

Elisha did something amazing that he really didn’t have to do. He asked God to open his servant’s eyes. And He did. Verse 17 says, “So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elijah.”

Wow! I love picturing that mountainful—a heavenly army—one that numbered more than the miscellaneous parts of any number of VCRs. O Lord, forgive me every time my faith is as small as my earthly vision. I can too often be like Thomas who wouldn’t believe until he could see for himself. Jesus said to him: “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed,” (John 20:29, ESV).

Seeing is believing. But believing without seeing—that’s real faith.

Do you ever wonder what the Heavenly Father might be doing this very minute that we can’t see? Do we trust Him in complete faith even when He doesn’t “open our eyes” to those things?

I want an eyes-wide-open faith—a dogged faith!

Which, incidentally, has nothing to do with any kind of closetorium.

RHONDA RHEA is an author, humor columnist and radio personality. She lives in the St. Louis area with her pastor-hubs and has five grown children. Find her online at www.rhondarhea.com.

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BY LISA TROYER

Tw e nty -four a n d a h a l f y e a r s ag o , I was t wen t y- f ive year s o ld .

The

wo rld w a s on t h e c u s p o f m o nu m en t al ch an g e. W it h in m o n t h s, t he fal l o f comm unism w o u l d f l o w t h r ou g h Eu r o p e as t h e B er lin Wall co ll apsed.

The e ra of Ro n a l d R e a g a n l e a der sh ip , f o r b et t er o r wo r se, d ep en di ng on yo ur politic a l v i e w s , h a d c o m e t o co m p let io n . Th e wo r ld was in t he mi dst o f m ilita r y tu r m o i l , a s i s s a d l y co m m o n . Th e b at t le o f t h e im p o veri shed r ag e d on a s t h e A I D S c r i s i s a n d t h e h ead lin es o f h u m an lo ss co n t i nued to g row una ba te d .

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There’s nothing new under the sun. The challenges of

sin, the joy of blessing, the rain that falls upon the just and unjust continues to fall on us all.

I will hit that half-century ‘milestone’ in December. I’d be dishonest if I didn’t admit; I’m a little apprehensive.

However, I was also a little apprehensive when I experienced the quarter of a century mark. Why? Well, I felt that it was a pivotal age. Wow! A quarter of century?

Really? …… I wondered where I’d be when I turned fifty. I’m still wondering.

Knowing that life is a series of seasons, something that helped shape my perspective on life in that season was Psalm 25. There’s that ‘25’ again—yes, and as I reflect over the last twenty-five years, I’m thankful that God’s incredible Word has been a companion on the journey.

It’s amazing how you think you’ve drawn as much as possible out of a passage, but then God continues to reveal ‘the secrets of His covenant’. (Psalm 25:14) As we move along in our journey, God avails opportunity to share the lessons we’ve learned in both our victories and defeats. We must be committed to healthy and Spirit-inspired transparency if we are going to have real influence where God’s planted us. Transparency isn’t just ‘letting it all hang out’ – God’s light even shines through broken glass, but we still need to look ‘deep’ into our brokenness to get a refocused perspective. If the ‘first glance’ of brightness is all we see, our perception will be incomplete. I caution anyone who wants to mentor or coach. In my opinion, those positions of influence fall underneath the heading or ‘teaching’ – and we know that God hold those who teach to a higher standard. I often think we generalize that passage mean only those who ‘preach and teach’ in the traditional sense. If you have spiritual influence, you are a ‘teacher’. When we blog, post on social media, etc— I believe we are positioned to ‘teach’—one of the words that comes to mind is ‘model’.

Jesus always ‘modeled’ what He spoke. There was no incongruent values being expressed. Of course, we are imperfect BUT, we must be swift to acknowledge our mistakes. Even to those we mentor. If we don’t, we waltz into the snare of hippocracy and arrogance. We become ‘a legend in our own mind.’

Not that I’ve always done it well, but I’ve had the privilege of influencing young women a quarter of centuryish behind me. I often feel as if I need to ask their forgiveness, as my knowledge is finite and my vain attempts at encouragement sometimes get caught in the net of my own emotions.

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Psalm 25:4-7: “Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord” (NLT).

As we have the opportunity to invest in the generation ‘rising up to take their place’, I think we need to consider the reality of verse 7. Often, as mentors, parents, employers, and yes, even friends, our memories become fixated on the ‘sins of youth’. The Psalmist’s plea was to be remembered in the light of God’s unfailing love. Isn’t that the way we want God to ‘remember’ us?

As we mentor and encourage Millennials, we must remember that their landscape has been far different than any other generation before them. Sin is sin, and there’s nothing new in that department, but the accessibility to everything has increased so profoundly, it’s hard to fathom how their developmental years differ from those of us 25 years older.

Because of the brokenness that has invaded so many homes, both the wealthy and the poor, homes of believers and unbelievers – this generation is very impoverished when it comes to the ‘view of the Father’ in their lives.

Admittedly, our generation saw more divorce than any previous to us, but the escalation for the 35 and under crowd is astounding. There’s no shortage of generations having been exposed to discord, and even abuse, in their families of origin. However, the measure of ‘abandonment’ in the millennial generation far surpasses their predecessors.

I’d ask again as I did last month, that you sit with Psalm 25. Not only for those you mentor, but also for yourself.

God is longing for us to reverence Him so that He can openly and freely ‘share the secrets of His covenant’.

LISA TROYER is an author and speaker who enjoys spending time with her husband Bob, and their children Jillian and Christian.

Email Lisa at lisatroyer@icloud.com and find her online at www.lisatroyer.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ItinerantEncouragerLisaTroyer

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A Must-Have Resource for Christian Women Today!

Endorsed

by John C. Maxwell, #1 New York Times Best-Selling Author, Real Women Leading helps leaders cultivate biblical truth, credible relationship development, and practical application into everyday life through ten key principles based on Proverbs 31. Women are encouraged to develop talents, invite others to share their values, and inspire the next generation of women leaders along the way.

Read a free excerpt, listen to live podcasts with the authors, read author Q & A’s and more at NewHopeDigital.com.

N144105 $14.99

Available wherever books are sold.

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The Path to Personal Freedom

BY LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD

A woman emailed me to beg for permission to

My heart goes out to my hurting friend. I well understand where she’s coming from. Besides, who can’t relate to even an occasional feeling of discouragement? The truth is many of us have received our share of blisters as we’ve walked an unintended path of pain. If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the middle of a road called despair, know there is a shortcut to freedom, a shortcut that has everything to do with LIFE and nothing to do with suicide.

That way is Jesus. He is the path that can take you safely through a world of difficulties. Not only does he provide a way through your troubles, he walks through your troubles with you. In fact, if my friend will give him permission, he will also walk with her and lead her to peace in her storm.

In Next Door Savior, Max Lucado wrote, “The Fort Knox of faith is Christ. Fellowshipping with Him. Waiting with Him. Pondering Him. Exploring Him. The heart-stopping realization that in Him you are part of something ancient, endless, unstoppable, and unfath-

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commit suicide. She said, “I can’t catch a break. The battles never stop. I don’t want to live anymore.” omable. And that He, who can dig the Grand Canyon with his pinkie, thinks you’re worth His death on Roman timber. Christ is the reward of Christianity.

Why else would Paul make him His supreme desire? ‘I want to know Christ’” (Philippines 3:10, NCV).

The words that could help you start your journey to peace could include a prayer like: Jesus—thank you for taking the blame and punishment for my mistakes. Forgive me for my sins. I give you me.

I give you my burdens, my troubles, my despair and worries. These are now your problems because I choose to rest in you.

A prayer like this can change everything. It will take you to peace. To life. To freedom. To Christ.

To take a test about faith in Christ, see GodTest.com LINDA EVANS SHEPHERD has authored several books on prayer. For more information go to: www.GotToPray.com

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MusicReviews

BY HEATHER VAN ALLEN

Francesca Battistelli

- - - - - If We’re Honest - - - - Francesca Battistelli says her third studio album, If We’re Honest, released April 22, 2014, is her most personal to date. Drawing some from family and some from faith, each track is about honesty—living truthfully and authentically at all times.

With her deep, soulful, comforting sound, mixed with punchy pop moments, Francesca encourages listeners with her message that not only is it OK to be human, but our humanness is beautiful to our Creator God. The upbeat track “Write Your Story” sets the tone of the album, suggesting that each of us is one of God’s works of art telling an original story.

With the song, “Unusual,” she artfully brings out the positive in what is so different about—and really sets apart— each person from everyone else. Bringing all that humanness to the forefront, the title track, “If We’re Honest” (Francesca’s favorite) asks us to put everything, including our brokenness, out there before God, and that transparent truthfulness will bring freedom, a message beautifully supported by several other tracks on the album.

With If We’re Honest, listeners can join Francesca in getting real before God.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5 stars

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All Sons & Daughters

- - - - - Self-Titled Album - - - - People who like to listen to music as a way of getting away from the hectic pace of life for a while will enjoy All Sons & Daughters self-titled album, released May 6, 2014. Full of clear, easy-to-follow lyrics, the album works well to pull the scattered mind back into God-focus, and bring the whole person into His presence. Vocally, the members of the duo, David Leonard and Leslie Jordan blend beautifully with each other, as they complement the folksy acoustic guitar sounds.

Adding some new variety to the worship music world, it’s easy to imagine singing the songs in a corporate worship setting. At the same time, the tracks are a great fit for those get-alone-with-God moments. Even though several of the selections are on the slower side, the momentum continuously builds; there’s never a boring moment.

Celebratory, joyful, soothing, peaceful and intimate all at the same time, All Sons & Daughters’ self-titled album is a rejuvenating gift for the weary soul.

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

Crowder

- - - -Neon Steeple - - - - From Crowder, known as the namesake member of the former David Crowder*Band, comes his solo album debut, Neon Steeple, which released May 27, 2014.

After the short “Neon Intro” is the joyful, bluegrass-like “My Beloved,” followed by the much more mellow and worshipful “I Am,” and then by the high-energy, electronica-laced “Come Alive.” The album continues in that unexpected, unpredictable way, with each song, in sound and feel, being distinctly different from the one preceding it. In a way, the album parallels spiritual life, in that it’s rarely just one note, but rather takes on various tones as we seek, trust, worship and follow God. An element running through most of the album is an interesting juxtaposition between a familiar, “old-timey,” folksy style and a modern electronica element—“folktronica,” as Crowder describes it. It’s a mix that will likely have people varying greatly as to which tracks are their favorites.

It’s fun, it’s worshipful, it’s sweet, it’s melancholy, it’s hopeful, it’s mellow, it’s upbeat, it’s different, it’s wild, it’s beautiful. It’s Neon Steeple.

RATING: 4.75 out of 5 stars HEATHER VAN ALLEN finds some tunes in her earbuds to be a great way to get into the writing zone. She writes from her home in Springfield, Missouri. Visit her blog at http://heathervanallen.wordpress.com.

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- - - - - Reviews - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BookReview

BY MARILYN LUCE ROBERTSON

Faith, Hope, Love & Deployment - - - - Heather Gray - - - -

Faith, Hope, Love & Deployment is a moving and pertinent collection of 40 different devotionals written specifically for military couples as they face and endure deployment. Author Heather Gray, herself a military wife who tragically lost her husband in Afghanistan, speaks from experience as she addresses myriad everyday topics that form the bedrock of relationships and family. Each devotional, which can be read either in order or chosen topically, is designed for both personal growth as well as nurturing the marriage and family unit. This devotional is both relevant and profound in answering today’s urgent need for spiritual strength, encouragement and refreshment for military families across the globe.

[Published by Leafwood, 240 pages]

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

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The Art of Mentoring

- - - - Darlene Zschech - - - In The Art of Mentoring, renowned minister and musician Darlene Zschech discusses 14 critical values necessary for healthy, intergenerational leadership. Including such motivational and relevant topics as appreciating “the squeeze,” “20/20 dreams and visions,” and “time for growth,” Darlene addresses the personal struggles we must overcome in order to work together for God’s purposes. “You can become for others what you did not have so that the generation following you will have your faith stories to lean on and your blessings to pass along.”

With a sincere voice and a fresh, lively quality, Darlene offers practical, biblical solutions for bridging the generation gap in relationships and ministry, making room for experience and enthusiasm to come together as one powerful force for good.

[Published by Bethany House, 192 pages]

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars

The Warden and the Wolf King - - - - Andrew Peterson - - - -

“Sea Dragons. A Desperate Quest. And the Final Battle for the Shining Isle.” Seriously, what could be more fun? In The Warden and the Wolf King, author and musician Andrew Peterson draws his 4-volume Wingfeather Saga to an epic finish. Children and adults alike will lose themselves in this delightful and consuming tale of adventure, intrigue, and the timeless battle of good versus evil.

[Published by Rabbit Room Press, 166 pages]

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars MARILYN LUCE ROBERTSON is a full time copywriter and freelancer who lives in Springfield, Missouri with her husband and young son. Find her blogspot http://luceleaf.wordpress.com.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Fall

BY SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT

I didn’t learn everything I needed to know about teach-

ing while I was in college. It wasn’t until I was actually, physically on the campus and in the classroom that some things came to my understanding. The most profound things I learned during my early days of teaching high school were not about the curriculum, but about the culture. And topping that list was a rule everyone knew: don’t fall. If you fell down, you would be the butt of jokes for weeks, maybe even years, depending upon the artistry of the fall.

II soon realized that the psychology behind the “don’t fall” rule had to do with more than just being judged as clumsy. Teenagers dread being embarrassed. They all want to be treated as their own person, but no one wants to stick out. That’s the driving understanding of fads and trends. Let’s all dress this way, wear our hair this way, choose these colors, buy these brands, follow these groups, eat these foods, go to these places, and repeat these sayings.

Some people never grow out of the all-consuming fear teens have about sticking out as individuals and chancing ridicule. However, as Christ-followers, we are encouraged to step away from the crowd, fall down at the feet of Jesus in a way that everybody can see, and use the attention to deflect all eyes toward Him. Falling at Jesus’ feet can be easier said than done. This means we are going to have to trust Him when what He says contradicts what seems to be going on all around us. We are going to be called upon to stand against the culture by espousing truths from Scripture that contra-

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dict popular sentiment. We are going to have to see with the eyes of faith what others can’t see with their natural peepers. We are going to have to speak of deliverances not yet seen as though they are just around the corner. After all, this indeed is the essence of faith, “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NKJ).

When we fall at the feet of the Lord, believing in faith for what has not yet appeared, we can get scared about being embarrassed. What if God doesn’t come through?

What if things stay as they seem? I’ll look like a fool having believed the opposite of what everyone else knew was the reality all along.

David, the great Psalmist, knew the feeling of not wanting to be embarrassed, so he wrote, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame” (Psalm 71:1, NKJ). To be put to shame means to be dry, anxious, confounded or disappointed. David had found the key to the strength of the fallen position, and that is to realize whose feet we’re in front of. As long as we’re clinging to God’s truth about any subject, we can be assured that we will “never be put to shame.” Another Scripture says, “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:3-4a, NKJ).

So don’t be afraid to fall before the Lord. You will not be embarrassed. Worship God’s trustworthiness today, knowing that by falling at Jesus’ feet, you are placing your faith in His Word, and you will never be ashamed about whatever you are believing Him for.

SHARON NORRIS ELLIOTT’S engaging yet challenging messages touch the hearts and tickle the funny-bones of her audiences, making her a popular, sought-after speaker. She and her husband James are enjoying their empty nest in Southern California.

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