By Design | 2014 | summer issue

Inside By Design

FROM THE EDITOR How often do we base success on the win instead of the loss?

Recently, I spent time with a group of homeless gals who have suffered a great deal of loss—the loss of almost anything you can imagine, everything from family, to health, to dignity, etc. As I made my way back from the event, I started thinking about my own life and the times I’ve experienced loss. I realized that, although my losses may be different than the losses of these homeless women, in the big scheme of things, whenever we lose, feelings of anguish, agony, defeat, and hopelessness often set in. We begin to doubt our self-worth, become desperate for help, and often become much more dependent on God. Our lives start to reflect that of The Biggest Loser—the more we lose, the more we win. God fills the void. He becomes our everything. In heartache, He’s our healing; in trials, He’s our triumph; and in pain, He’s our peace. He is our all and all. There is victory in Jesus! When we lose to ourselves, we win in Christ Jesus.

Women’s Ministry Strategist

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

– John 3:30 (Living Bible)

RESOURCEReview COMING JULY 1, 2014 The Family of Jesus Bible Study by Karen Kingsbury

For the first time ever, New York Times bestselling novelist, Karen Kingsbury brings you a Bible study—a fictional view of six of the family members of Jesus.

For more information about The Family of Jesus, please visit: www.KarenKingsbury.com REMEMBER, it's available for loan to SBCV churches, beginning July 1, 2014, by visiting SBCV.org

The Family of Jesus Bible study will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately care more deeply about the Bible by helping you grasp the truths in Scripture not just with your mind, but with your heart. The characters in these short stories were among those closest to Jesus—Mary, Joseph, Jesus’ brother James, John the Baptist, Zechariah, and Elizabeth.

Each has a compelling tale to tell. Kingsbury intersperses fictional, emotionally gripping details anchored in Scripture with historical and theological insights and questions that will guide soul-searching and reflection. It will draw you closer to Christ, Scripture, and each other.

Karen Kingsbury is one of America’s favorite inspirational novelists. There are more than 25 million copies of her award-winning books in print, including several million copies sold in the past year. Karen’s recent dozen titles have all debuted at or near the top of the New York Times Best Sellers List. She is also a public speaker, reaching more than 100,000 women annually through various national events. Karen lives and works outside Nashville, TN with her husband, Don, and their five sons, three of whom were adopted from Haiti. Also living nearby is their only daughter, Kelsey, an actress in inspirational films, who is married to Christian recording artist Kyle Kupecky. For more information, visit KarenKingsbury.com. Karen is also on Facebook and Twitter, where she regularly interacts with nearly half a million reader friends.

To reserve this resource, or to view our complete list of Women’s Ministry resources AVAILABLE FOR LOAN to your SBCV church, visit SBCV.org.

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By Design

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! –Psalm 34:8

THE MAGAZINE FOR CHRISTIAN WOMEN AN ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE SBC OF VIRGINIA Editor Tammy Bennett Creative Director/Online Publisher Patti Spencer Production Creative Partner Innovative Faith Resources (IFR) Vice President, IFR Brandon Pickett Published by the SBC of Virginia Executive Director Brian Autry Church Strengthening Team Leader Steve Bradshaw Women’s Ministry Strategist Tammy Bennett

Selecting a study doesn't have to be difficult.

available resources for SBCV churches' Women's Ministries

@issuu.com/sbcv

Grilled Salmon Contrary to what you may think, you don't have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Good-for-you food doesn’t have to be bland. One of my all-time favorite recipes is grilled salmon.

Salmon’s health benefits range from strengthening your muscles to improving your memory and boosting your mood. Its omega-3 fatty acids bring healthy skin, shiny hair, and a full day’s requirement of vitamin D.

3 pounds salmon, boned and cut into

4 equal-sized pieces 9 tablespoons olive oil 4 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 lemon, cut into 4 slices Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Drizzle half of the marinade onto the salmon and allow it to marinate for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the grill to 375–400 degrees. Place the lemon slices on the grill, then place the salmon on top of the lemon slices. Discard the marinade in which the fish was soaking.

Depending on the thickness of the fish, grill the salmon for 5–6 minutes. Turn carefully with a wide spatula and grill for another 5–6 minutes. The salmon may be slightly raw in the center, but don’t worry; it will keep cooking as it sits. Transfer the fish to a plate, and spoon the reserved marinade on top. Allow the fish to rest for 10 minutes.

Serves 4.

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Meet TaRanda Greene Living a LIfe of Love, Loss, and Legacy Seventeen years ago, TaRanda Kiser was like most high school seniors. She was headed for college and ready to conquer the world. Little could she have known what the next decade and a half would hold after she made the decision to forsake college and audition for the popular Southern Gospel music group, The Greenes. “Singing full time had always been my dream,” recalls TaRanda, “so I gave up a college scholarship, left Florida, and made my way to the mountains of Boone, NC to pursue my dream. All I wanted to do was sing!”

The charming, talented soprano quickly captured the hearts of Gospel music lovers across the nation, and it wasn’t very long before she also captured the heart of a young man who was technically her boss.

“From the first day I got on the bus to travel

ALD A E H . . . AL L I M I T ULL DRE AM G!" F G Y IN IN SING BEEN M O WAS S S WAY TED TO D WAN

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IT'S A VERY CHALLENGING TIME, YET I KNOW WITH ALL MY HEART, MY LIFE IS IN GOD'S HANDS, AND HE LOVES MORE THAN I COULD EVER KNOW."

HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH IN COLONIAL HEIGHTS, VA.

NUAL HOMECOMING. THE DINNER WILL BE NOVEMBER 10 AT THE

THIS YEAR, TARANDA GREENE WILL BE JOING US AT THE

WOMEN'S MINISTRY DINNER AT THE SBC OF VIRGINIA’S AN-

with the group, Tony and I hit it off. We became best friends long before we got married,” she admits.

No one was more surprised than TaRanda when Tony proposed to her in front of 20,000 Southern Gospel music fans during the industry’s premiere event in Louisville, KY at the National Quartet Convention. Just five short months later, the two married on February 13, 2001.

Even before they married, Tony had begun to experience major health problems. The couple was told they would never have children, yet God chose to present them with two miracles. The first came in 2004 when their daughter Belle was born and the second in 2008 when they welcomed the arrival of their daughter Josie.

As the couple was adjusting to life on the road with two little girls, their career seemed to continue to blossom.

TaRanda was also gaining national attention as a soloist. She achieved the historic honor of being the first female soloist to obtain a number-one ranking on The Singing News magazine’s “Top 40” radio airplay chart with her megahit, “Sky Full of Angels”; however, as their professional lives seemed to prosper, Tony’s physical health was deteriorating. In 2007, doctors discovered that Tony’s one functioning kidney was working at a very low rate.

In 2009, TaRanda was cleared to donate her kidney to her husband. Unfortunately, throughout the next year, Tony suffered numerous complications and, in September of 2010, he passed away. “Tony was my biggest encourager,” TaRanda shares. “Saying goodbye has been the hardest thing I have ever had to face.”

Staring in the face of uncertainty, TaRanda has held to the realization that this next step in her life is one God has been preparing her to take for quite some time. “I have been very blessed over the years with amazing opportunities,” she says with a smile, while fighting back the tears. “The Lord has been faithful to walk through all this with me. I look back on everything we have faced, and I know this was a time of preparation for this new day. The very best way I can remember Tony is to do what I know he would want me to do. He always pushed me to sing, and with God’s help, that is what I will continue to do.”

News that the talented vocalist will continue to sing comes as a delight to those who have grown to love and admire TaRanda’s resilience and perseverance, as well as her God-given musical gift and anointed spirit. She has become a fan favorite among audiences worldwide.

TaRanda is often seen on the popular Bill Gaither Homecoming video series and has also made appearances at numerous cities with the Homecoming Tour. She has also become a favorite guest vocalist at the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle in Brooklyn, NY. She was invited by the church to be a special featured soloist on the latest two Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir recordings, “Declare Your Name” and “A Brooklyn Tabernacle Christmas.” She was also

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invited to appear before the United Nations for a special Christmas concert, where she thrilled representatives from around the world with her rousing rendition of “O Holy Night.”

As TaRanda finds herself transitioning into uncharted territory, she also clings to the faithfulness of a loving Savior who promised to never leave nor forsake. She has a great story to share. It is one filled with much heartbreak and uncertainty as well as promise and hope, as this now single mother of two is committed to telling that story while holding onto the One who has brought her through each trial she has faced. “It’s a very challenging time, yet I know with all my heart, my life is in God’s hands, and He loves me more than I could ever know.” It’s that combination and that realization that TaRanda knows God will use to touch and stir the souls of each listener.

Source: tarandamusic.com

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Women singing, worshipping, and enjoying the Women's Dinner at the 2013 SBC of Virginia's Homecoming

In 1997 when TaRanda Kiser made the drive from Florida to Boone, NC, little did she know what would lie in store for her over the next 17 years. TaRanda didn’t know, but God did, and He prepared her for each step she would take. As He directs, TaRanda is finding her wings and soaring by the grace and strength of the One who gave her His song to sing.

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Slimming SECRETS HOW TO DRESS 10 POUNDS THINNER It seems no matter what size we are, we’re always striving to look slimmer and trimmer. Did you know that simply wearing your wardrobe in a way that hides flaws and accentuates your best assets will take off weight? The following style tips will help you instantly shed 10 pounds without going to the gym.

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Create a vertical line by wearing one color from head-totoe. For example, wear the same color shirt, pants/skirt, and shoes with a jacket of a different color. This crates a vertical line that enhances your figure and makes you appear trimmer.

Elongate your legs with high heels, wedges, or kitten heels that are the same color as your pants or skirt. This makes your legs look longer and leaner. If heels are not your thing, shoes with pointed toes will visually slim you down.

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Invest in good shape wear. The tight weave smooths your torso, firms and lifts your bottom, shapes your waist, hides a muffin top, and helps you stand taller. I recommend Spanx.

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Wear clothes that fit.

Clothes that are too tight make us look like bulgy sausages.

Baggy clothing makes us appear heavier, dumpy, and shapeless.

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An A-line or empirewaist dress is flattering to almost every figure.

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Slim the skin under your arms with a cardigan, shrug, or sheer top over a tank top or try arm shapers. (To learn more about arm shapers, visit yourcontour.com)

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Wear jeans that complement your bottom by choosing pockets that are proportionately the same size as your seat. For example, if you are trying to camouflage a larger seat area, steer clear of small pockets. Instead, choose jeans with bigger pockets situated lower on the seat to give your bottom an instant lift.

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Avoid wearing horizontal stripes, large and flashy prints, pleats, ruffles, and clingy fabrics.

If skinny jeans are your thing, chose a dark color with a mid-rise waistband and flat front.

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If you have a double chin, avoid crew necks, turtlenecks, and choker necklaces that highlight that area.

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A large, chunky necklace can make you appear taller and thinner. If you are well endowed, wear a short-chained necklace.

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Fun and flashy earrings draw attention to your face, where you want people to look.

The goal here is to fake away the pounds by dressing to accentuate the positive and disguise the negative so that you look good and feel better about yourself.

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Women of ALL Ages MENTORING Women of ALL Ages

Engage Equip Encourage

SBC of Virginia WOMEN’S MINISTRY 4956 Dominion Blvd Glen Allen, VA 23060 888-234-7716 804-270-1848 (local) 804-270-1834 (fax) sbcv.org sbcv.org/women facebook.com/pages/SBCV-Womens-Ministries/145661312162290

Women’s Ministry Strategist

Tammy Bennett tbennett@sbcv.org — EMAIL 888-234-7716 — PHONE @SBCVgal — TWEET