Wisdom - Houston

HOUSTON

ISSUE 2.3

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P E R F E C T LY M I X E D , P E R F E C T LY M ATC H E D wisdom

JJ HELLER ON love, WISDOM page & PURPOSE 14

A NON-FICTION page

page

LIFE 14 still

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page

26 STANDING

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P E R F E C T LY M I X E D , P E R F E C T LY M ATC H E D

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PEP R EF R EC Y LM X IEX DE, DP,E P R EF R EC Y LM CT HCEH DE D F ETCL T Y IM F ETCL T Y A MTA

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

TEAMOLOGY

HIS WISDOM FOR OUR LIVES School is officially out for summer and, while we can’t seem to get a break from the rain lately, many families are already planning their summer vacations, or staycations. I don’t know what summer means for you and your family, or if you have great, or any memories at all, of summertime when you were growing up, but for me summer is almost like a season of rest. In school it’s meant to be a time where you pause from learning and take a break. The weather is warmer and there are a myriad of outdoor activities available for kids [adults] of every age.

TRACI HUHN

ART DIRECTOR

AMANDA HENSLEY

MARKETING DIRECTOR

TRACI COKER

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

We invite you to take this summer as an opportunity to pause from your regular commitments, that you can pause from, and evaluate where you are in your life right this moment; mommy-to-be, mom of toddlers, mom of teenagers, empty nester, grandma.

Take regular breaks and Sabbath days where you ask God what direction His will would have you go. Take this time to seek His WISDOM for your life.

We hope you, as always, find encouragement between the covers of Momology 2.3, find interesting new businesses you haven’t tried yet in our advertisers, and feel a sense of renewal and understanding that we moms are Perfectly Mixed, Perfectly Matched, right where you are and with who calls you Mom. We pray that you have a blessed summer, and don’t start counting down to the start of school too soon.

JOHN LEWIS

EDITOR IN CHIEF

DAVID H. DARBY

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

ANDREA GAUL

STAFF WRITER

ALISON SCOTT STAFF WRITER

TERI DARBY

Traci, Amanda & Traci

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

OWNERS, ANNMICHELLE PUBLISHING

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ROBYN WHITAKER

AnnMichelle PUBLISHED BY:

TRACI HUHN Managing Partner

AMANDA HENSLEY Managing Partner

TRACI COKER Managing Partner

Momology Magazine is a bimonthly publication of AnnMichelle Publishing. AnnMichelle Publishing is not responsible for any omissions or misrepresentations submitted to the magazine. Advertisers represented in this publication and their agencies assume all liability for the content of advertisements and photos.

Opinions, advertisements, and articles expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or AnnMichelle Publishing’s employees, contractors or volunteers. Be advised many writers featured in this publication are not necessarily professionals but moms writing from personal experience and should be read as such. Reproduction or transmittal of any part of this publication is prohibited without express permission in writing from the publisher.

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2.3 WISDOM: IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURE

A NON-FICTION LIFE

COVER

J.J. HELLER ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE

FEATURE

STILL STANDING

FAITH

SHOP

ADVERTISER’S INDEX

ALONG THE ROAD TO WISDOM ..................8 VBS DIRECTORY ...........................................10 STAY OR VACAY? .......................................12

THE MODEST MOMMY ................................22 SUMMERTIME SANDALS ..............................24

MOCKINGBIRD BABY ... INSIDE FRONT COVER

DREAM JJ HELLER ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE ... .......................................................................14 5 REASONS TO KEEP A JOURNAL ...............16 A NON-FICTION LIFE ....................................18

HEAL

STILL STANDING ............................................26 A WISE NORTH STAR ...................................28 POOLSIDE FOODS ......................................30

ARBONNE .................................................... 9 JOURNEY PHOTOG .................................... 11 LADY E DESIGNS ....................................... 19 KELLI ALLISON | THIRTY-ONE ......................... 20 INHALE MINISTRIES .......................................29 BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE .................. ...................................... INSIDE BACK COVER ATHLETIC REPUBLIC THE WOODLANDS ....... .................................................. BACK COVER

ADVERTISERS

The Greater Houston, Texas area has over 6 million people with 50% being represented by the female population. Our readership will be extended beyond this area by means of digital publication as well as an accompanying website and social platforms.

Using the phrase “Perfectly Mixed, Perfectly Matched” we seek to encourage moms to embrace their mommy place in life and realize that as long as they are doing the very best they can, they are the perfect mommy for the children that call them MOM. Studies have indicated that the buying power of women in the United States is continuing to increase, with women accounting for over 85% of all consumer purchases and seventy-five percent of women identifying themselves as the primary shoppers for their household (askingsmarterquestions.com, 2014.) For a media kit, visit momologymagazine.com or contact Shannon Hardesty at (225) 316-8837 or shannon@allymacconcepts.com.

STORY IDEAS

Do you know someone who has an interesting or inspiring mom story? Sure you do! Just like all kids are different, all moms are unique in their experiences, perspectives and talents. We want to learn and grow from these different walks in the daily life of a mom and invite you to send your story starters to stories@momologymagazine.com.

PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED

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HOBBIES & HEROES

Avery, a freshman at Magnolia high school, has found a passion for ballroom dancing. She calls Fred Astaire Dance Studio her “happy place�. Since she began ballroom dance, she has begun to grow from her time on the dance floor. The experience has helped her in all aspects of her life, from becoming more confident, working harder in academics as well as seeing improvement in soccer skills.

Avery

age 15

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE AN INTERESTING HOBBY OR FAVORITE HERO? WE WANT TO FEATURE THEM!

We believe that it is incredibly iimportant to learn who you are. Hobbies and heroes help children develop a sense of self worth and confidence. If your child would like to be featured in the magazine, please send their first name along with a high resolution photo and a short description of why they like their hobby or hero for consideration in a future issue. You may submit it to Stories@momologymagazine.com

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guided by

faith

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ALONG THE ROAD TO

WISDOM

BY JOHN LEWIS

Y

ou enter a tent by way of a beaded doorway as incense rises around you.

Ancient artifacts, relics, and runes lay scattered about in no apparent order. As your eyes grow slowly accustomed to the low light and haze, you notice countless books laying all around. Many are left opened to specific pages waiting to be picked up and read again. In some, the print is fading. All are worn with time and use. A lifetime of study, meditation, and research is represented in the scene before you. You have entered the den of a sage.

In all the movies and storybooks, wise men and women are eccentric, older than the foundations of the earth, and full of pithy tokens of wisdom they communicate slowly and sparingly. They read a lot, go on long mysterious journeys, and often smoke a pipe. When they do communicate wisdom, it is often in riddles or enigmatic expressions few understand. Wisdom is elusive, hard to grasp and usually involves some form of quest or journey to obtain.

In the real world, in this very real life we are all living, what is wisdom and how do we get it? Most dictionaries define wisdom as knowledge gained through experience.

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As is our custom, we will ask and attempt to answer the questions, “what does the Bible say

available to us in Christ the moment we

about wisdom?” and, “how does it apply to being a mom?”

believe. As we allow Him to live His life in us

In case you feel like me, under-qualified and greatly lacking in the wisdom department, take heart from Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5 NKJV)

more and more, we gain access to all He is.

His love, His peace, His grace, His wisdom.

The Christian life is utterly impossible without this one thing: allowing Him to live

And

His life in us. Moment by moment, day by

”For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”

day, being crucified with Christ that He may

Proverbs 2:6 NKJV) Lord, You are the only wise God and we ask you now to guide our conversation and to give us Your wisdom. We are in desperate need of You. Thank you for Your life. Amen.

live His resurrected life through us. This is the wisdom of the ages, the secret to the best life we could ever live, but it is also

The Bible does talk about a wisdom that comes from experience. This is the wisdom that

counterintuitive to our flesh. We often boil

older, more life-worn people can pass on to those that are younger who will listen. We

it down to a list of dos and don’ts, focusing

see it in the Proverbs: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of

on having right behavior rather than a heart

fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV) and, “A wise man will hear and increase

that is right before God.

learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV) There

Our kids see this- they see us going through

are countless jewels of wisdom younger moms could learn from older moms and clueless

the motions of living for God without letting

dads could learn from any mom, period. Since I fall in the clueless dads category, we are

Him live His life in us more and more. And

going to instead try to dig a bit deeper and uncover what is the core, the very essence of

they mimic what they see in us. All they hear

biblical wisdom, without which all other such jewels and nuggets simply fall flat.

and see is the “what” of the Christian life

The journey for wisdom is a lot like the road to maturity. In a very practical sense, becoming

without the “how,” and so many turn away

mature is realizing more and more how immature you actually are. The immature person

once they can make their own choices.

has no idea they are immature- they do not have the capacity to see their own immaturity

They turn away because they have never

because they do not understand maturity. Then the time comes when they slowly,

seen the power of God working in us. More

moment by moment, day by day, begin to see the immaturity in their thinking and ways,

than anything else we could teach or show

and through this realization, maturity comes. It is much the same along the journey for

them, they need to see us allowing Christ to

wisdom. The wise have insider information the unwise have no access to, and access is

live His life through the Holy Spirit in us.

granted only as foolishness is revealed to the unwise at the heart level. The wise can share

-This one thing, more than anything we say

their experiences and the things they have learned with the unwise, but unless the hearts

or do, could mean the difference between

of the unwise are ready to receive it, it will mostly fall on deaf ears.

life and death for their soul. As it is written,

Let our hearts be ready to receive the wisdom that is from God. Let’s heed the warning

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,

from Solomon, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

And he who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs

(Proverbs 3:7 NKJV) and, “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, And before honor is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33 NKJV) and, “’The fear of the LORD is the beginning of

11:30 NKJV)◘

wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV) The fear of the LORD, humility, the knowledge of the Holy One. Wisdom is sounding less like obtaining tips, nuggets, or jewels from experience and more like a certain posture before God. We have covered recently how all of the resources we will ever need are

Wisdom comes with age, but you don’t have to show it on your skin. RE-9 anti-aging line.

To learn more, contact Sibel Mandalincini, Independent Consultant sibelmandalincini@arbonne.com.

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Vacation bible school directory

GREATER HOUSTON AREA

← Journey Off The Map takes your kids to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Prepare to listen for God’s direction in this journey that is unknown to us, but known by Him. The “Everest” theme is the most popular this year, as organizers hope to teach children how to use the Bible and their faith to overcome challenges, just like climbing a mountain. →

June 8 - 12

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

Westbury Baptist Church

10425 Hillcroft St. Houston TX 77096

June 8 - 12

POWER EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY

9AM - 12 PM

713 723 6428

4 yrs - 6th grade

1855 Longmire Rd. Conroe, TX 77304

June 8 - 12

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

6:30 PM - 9 PM

Calvery Houston

3700 FM 528, Friendswood, TX 77546

June 8 - 12

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

9AM - 12 PM

Kingwood First Baptist Church

3500 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, Tx 77339

June 15-19

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

9 AM - 12 PM

281 482 0239 fellowshipbible.org

June 15 -19

BACKSTAGE WITH THE BIBLE 405 Rayford Rd, Spring, TX 77386

June 15 - 19

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

1st - 7th grade 281 367 2417

gchurch.net/#/kidsworld

call for time

Humble Area’s Fisrst baptist Church

19901 Townsen Blvd E, Humble, TX

June 15 - 18

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

June 15 - 18

5 yrs - 6th grade

4yrs - 6th grade

1720 E. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581

Generations Church

4 yrs - 12 yrs

281 648 5800 info@cavaryh.org

281 358 4266 kingwoodfirst.org

Fellowship Bible Church 9AM - 12 PM

info@wbchouston.org

936 521 1659 KERRIE.JOZWICK@WCBC.US

West Conroe Baptist Church

9AM - 12:30 PM

Jersey Village Baptist Church

16518 Jersey Dr., Jersey Village, Tx 77040

K - 5th Grade 281 446 8168 hafbc.com K - 5th grade

713 466 6102 jvbc.org

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

K - 5th grade

Sugar Creek Baptist Church

13333 SW Freeway, Sugar Land, Tx 77478

281 242 2858

June 15 - 19

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

9AM - 12:15 PM

8:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Sugar Land Baptist Church

June 22 - 26 6PM

- 8PM

Community Christian Church

June 22 - 26

9:30 AM - 12: 30 PM

Family Life Assembly of God

16755 SouthwestFreeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 THEME INCLUDES SCIENCE AND CHANGES! 10801 Falconwing Dr. The Woodlands, TX 77381 EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER Katy VFW Hall, 6206 George Bush Dr., Katy, TX 77493

June 22- 25 9 AM - 12 PM

SURVIVOR VBS 2015 KNOW HIM, TRUST HIM, FOLLOW HIM

First Baptist of Pasadena

7500 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505

June 29 - July 2

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

9AM - 12:30 PM

Houston First Baptist Church Sienna

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4 yrs - 5th grade

9AM - 12 PM

4309 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City, Tx 77459

1st - 6th grade 281 980 4431 sugarlandbaptist.org Pre-K - 6th grade 281 292 9264 woodlandscc.org K - 5th grade 281 392 0637 office@flag.church K - 6th grade Jennifer Long children@fbp.org K - 6th grade 713 865 7670 houstonsfirst.org/sienna

“I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENTHENS ME .” Philippians 4:13 July 10 - 12

6:30 PM - 9PM

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

4 yrs - 12 yrs

The Church of Humble 8819 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, Tx

July 13 - 16

9AM - 12 PM

832 557 6145 csshumway@sol.com

SUNSPARK LABS

4 yrs - 6th grade

Grace Community Bible Church

5121 FM 359, Richmond Tx

July 13 - 17

EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER

9AM - 12 PM

North Oaks Baptist Church

July 13 - 17

9AM - 12 PM

281 341 0618 msukhu@insidegrace.org

18411 Stuebneer Airline Rd., Spring, Tx 77379 JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

Kingwood First Baptist Church

3500 Woodland Hills Dr., Kingwood, Tx 77339

July 14 - 18

JOURNEY OFF THE MAP

8 AM - 12 PM

5 yrs - 6th grade 281 358 4266 kingwoodfirst.org

K - 6th grade

First Baptist Rosenberg

1117 First St., Rosenberg, TX, 77471

July 15 - 18

EVEREST - CONQUERING CHALLENGES WITH GOD’S MIGHTY POWER

9 AM - 12 PM

Heritage Park Baptist Chruch

2732 FM 528, Webster, Tx 77598

July 20 - 23

SUPER-HEORES TRAINING ACADEMY

9 AM - 12 PM

Second Baptist Church West Campus

19449 Katy Freeway, Houston, Tx 77094

July 22 - 24

FAMILY VBS 2015 LIVING INSIDE OUT

K- 6th grade

832 928 5258 bryantb77@hotmail.com

281 232 6622 http://firstrosenberg.org K - 5th grade 281 482 4729 heritagepark.org 5 yrs - 5th grade 713 465 3408 x1105 lgarrett@second.org

9AM - 12 PM

Faith Bible Chhurch

Adult participation required

5505 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, Tx 77381 936 321 5505 kmorgan@faithbibleonline.org

journey photog capturing the # of your journey JOURNEYPHOTOG.COM • • • • •

Family Portraits Mommy & Me Maternity/Newborn Engagement/Bridal and more!

Use promo code MOMO to receive 30% off one regular portrait session.

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stay or vacay?

ON A DIME

Sweet summertime! A time filled with laughter throughout neighborhoods, swimming pools, beaches, snow cones, family vacations and dreading going back to school in the fall. I don’t know about you, but I didn’t grow up going on elaborate summer vacations every year. We were blessed to be able to travel some, and I have a lot of great memories from those trips, but I find now that I’m an adult I feel sad when summer rolls around every year and our family isn’t going anywhere. I think it can be attributed to the explosion of social media in the last 10 years, because now we know the exact moment someone is leaving the airport on their trip to a tropical paradise based on their Facebook checkin at the nearest airport, and even know what terminal their leaving from. That entire week, or longer, we’re bombarded with pictures of beautiful flowers, piña coladas, beautiful beaches and waves, and the thought of, “I just had my kid’s chicken nuggets they didn’t finish for lunch.” Yes, social media stirs up feelings of jealousy, which is a topic for another day, but what I always fail to remember is that when I think about childhood, I couldn’t tell you how old I was or when we went on vacations. I couldn’t even tell you how long we went or where we stayed. I remember vividly laughing with my Mom in the van on a road trip, or other memories made with my family, not any of the other specifics we often obsess over as an adult. So I urge you, sisters, as Summer is approaching, don’t fret on what you can’t do, but rather on what you can. Vacation is about being good stewards of the money God has given us as well, because those trips are but moments in time. Here’s a collection of unique and affordable ideas to make memories with your family this summer.

BEACH/LAKE HOUSE

Many

cities

have

GET WILD parks

Get a group of friends or

With Dallas/Ft Worth only 4

family together and rent a

hours away, it’s feasible to make

where they offer free concerts,

something

beach or lake house. You can

a day trip this metropolitan

movies nights and events all

general

often rent them for just a few

playground. There are so many

summer long, along with good

willing to pay the price, allbeit

days or a week at a time, with

sites and attractions that each

ole’ playgrounds. You can find

far cheaper than an out of

many capable of hosting more

city and their suburbs offer that

these free events with a simple

town trip. With Private Tours of

than 2-3 families comfortably.

there’s too many to list here.

web search. Go early in the

just about every zoo exhibit and

By the time you divide up the

Visit city websites or check out

afternoon and let your kids play,

Vet For a Day packages, the

rental cost you’re way below

our calendar for some fun things

then stay and enjoy free music

adventure is wild and available

what a hotel room would cost

to do for the whole family!

or a movie. No matter how long

to you and your family! Many

a family of 4. With full kitchens

you choose to stay your kids will

tours are accessible for guests

in home, you’re all set to do

love the quality time with you.

with special needs and many

The

Houston

Zoo

more

admission

offers

than if

just

you’re

your own cooking, which cuts

require advanced registration,

the cost of eating out and time

so plan ahead.

spent traveling to and from restaurants.

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PARK IT

DAY TRIPS

believe in your

DREAMS

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J.J. Heller

ON LOVE, WISDOM & PURPOSE

BY AMANDA HENSLEY

O

ften we imagine that following our dreams and being a mother are incompatible –

Hellers

have

been

singing

and

writing music together for 12 years now. JJ

our dreams are set aside and we put everything we have … every thought, worry, ounce

recently referred to her voice as a “belty-

of energy and oomph into raising our families. We long for the days when our hearts were

innie” on Facebook, and after chuckling

filled with wild ideas and visions for our future and inwardly, wistfully think that maybe one

at the cute metaphor I asked how they

day we can pursue our dreams once again. With the weight of the pressure we put on

came to be singer/song writers. The mix of

ourselves and the constant chatter of the naysayers of the world in our ears, we begin to

inspiration is eclectic, and rockers like Alanis

doubt ourselves, questioning what we’ve been called to do.

Morisette and Jennifer Knapp inspired JJ

JJ Heller has found a way to do both. Chasing life with both passion and wisdom, she

in performance, but she figured out that

has built a music career and a

her voice is infinitely better when singing

beautiful family. Not only fulfilling

quietly, hence the “belty-innie” versus

her own dreams, but also coming

“belty-outie” voice. “My vocal cords have

into her purpose – pursuing God’s

also gotten damaged over the years,”

calling for her life.

says JJ, “so on those rare occasions that

Dave and Jennifer Judy (JJ)

I do actually want to belt something out I

met over 16 years ago in college

have to be really careful. I also simply love

where Dave was leading worship

the singer/songwriter genre of music. Patty

for Campus Crusade for Christ

Griffin is my all-time fave.”

(now known as Cru) at San Jose State

Photos by: Melissa Young

University

in

As time went on and their love grew

California.

stronger, they dreamed of not only having

JJ joined the worship team, in

their own children, but writing songs for

part “to get to know the cute

them as well. They’ve been writing songs for

worship leader,” says JJ with a

their children since before they were born

bashful cough and smile. They

and have featured many of their songs on

quickly became close friends and

each of their albums. “It’s interesting to look

began singing and writing songs

back and see which songs were written

together.

before kids, and which were written after,”

As

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The

believing that there is no way to truly give ourselves to both. And when this happens,

graduation

approached

says JJ. “The post-baby songs have a little

there were decisions to be made

more realism.” JJ says it’s been challenging

about the future, and shortly

to write music together, but it’s amazing to

thereafter they were engaged,

see how the Lord uses music and poetry to

then

to

bring healing and comfort to people and is

married,

and

chose

pursue a music career together.

honored to be a small part of that process.

“We said we’d give it one year and if we were worse-off by the end of that year, we’d go

“My poor husband has to put up with so

get normal jobs,” says JJ. “When the end of that first year rolled around, it was a tough call,

much when we’re writing songs together,”

but we felt like God was still calling us to share our music. That was over a decade ago.”

says JJ. “I’m typically a pretty pleasant

Even prior to getting engaged, Dave and JJ showed true wisdom and vulnerability

person to be around, but when I’m in

by going to pre-engagement counseling. “One of the best things we ever did for our

writing mode I become a melancholy,

relationship was pre-engagement counseling,” says JJ. “A psychology professor at my

brooding artist. It’s almost like I’m accessing

school highly recommended it, explaining that when couples come in for counseling and

a different part of my brain. My bad mood

they’re already engaged, they are usually only interested in fixing their issues. They often

probably also comes from the fact that I’m

feel trapped and don’t want to ask themselves if getting married is the best plan.” After

a recovering perfectionist and song writing

all, once the ring is bought and the wedding plans start, it’s hard to take a step back. “I’m

is saturated with tiny failures. It’s taxing for

definitely not saying this is the only way to do things, but it worked really well for us. It

me to keep throwing ideas out there that

helped us walk into marriage with our eyes a little more open.”

don’t work. BUT when we do write a really

good song, it makes everything worth it.”

Mom and compare myself to them,” says

and passion as a wife and mother, and

If you follow Dave and JJ on social media,

JJ. “At the same time I look at other singer/

how thankful I am for the Christian music

you’ll clearly see how devoted they are to

songwriters and compare myself to them.

artists whose words inspire us to keep

their family. JJ shared her wisdom with us

It’s an impossible situation.” Dave brought it

pressing forward towards our goals and

about how they’ve continued their singing

to her attention and said to stop putting so

purpose in this life. His wisdom has shown

career while having two small children by

much pressure on herself. “You can only do

me “What Love Really Means” and has

placing boundaries around their family.

what you can do and leave it at that,” said

taught me to use that in every area of my

JJ shared a sweet part of her growth

Dave. They continually strive to pray for

life. And as I raise my girls to have hearts for

with us that all of us Moms can relate to.

wisdom and that they would make good

the Lord, I know that He has given me the

“The concept of boundaries was quite

choices in terms of their career and how

tools and wisdom not only to guide them

revolutionary for me a few years ago,”

much they need to be home. At the end

towards their dreams, but also to live out

shares JJ. “For most of my life, I mistakenly

of the day, it comes down to trust that He’s

the ones that He has placed in my heart

made the assumption that God wanted me

going to fill in the gaps for them.

along the way. ◘

to say “yes” to every service opportunity.

As I sit here listening to the music of Dave

I thought a real Christian would give her

and JJ Heller on my phone, I think of how

time and energy away until she had none

beautifully God has given me both wisdom

left to give. Praise the Lord I know better now! I’m learning that God comes first, then my family, then my career. Sometimes this means saying “no” to a gig, a radio station visit, or even a benefit concert for a really good cause. I’m learning how to let go of other people’s expectations of me, and trust in the wisdom God’s given my husband and me to make choices on behalf of our family. I’m not gonna lie. It’s super hard to make sure it’s all working, but the Lord is so good to us. He’s showing me that it’s not always one or the other, career or family. Sometimes it’s both. I think it’s fantastic that my two little girls can watch as their mommy and daddy pursue the Lord, pursue their dreams, and bring beauty into the world.”

Every day is different for the Hellers, but they aim to keep some things consistent for the girls. Every day they walk their oldest daughter, Lucy, to school and are home when they can as she arrives from school. Since they’re singer/songwriters there’s always work to be done when preparing for a tour, so depending on how much they’ve been traveling at any given time, they’ll have a Nanny that comes in a couple days a week so they can get down to business. Every morning, whether mentally or physically, JJ makes a list of goals for herself that she can cross off throughout the day. Just like all of us, JJ has even found herself comparing her work to others. “I realized recently that it’s really easy to look at the Stay At Home

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Nativiti Staff

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PEN-TO-PAPER WHY IT’S WISE TO JOURNAL TRACK PROGRESS OVER TIME.

DISCOVER YOURSELF.

Starting an exercise routine? Making changes/improvements to

We don’t always know ourselves as well as we think we do, and

your diet? Journaling shows you what works and what might need

can change tremendously as we grow throughout the various

tweaking. A food journal can not only help you track your diet for

stages of life. Discover yourself again and again by recording

weight loss and general health, but can also be a useful tool for

your past experiences, feelings, likes and dislikes and more in your

finding food allergies that would otherwise go undiscovered.

journal.

GET OUT FEELINGS, BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE.

GIVE FUTURE GENERATIONS A GLIMPSE OF YOURSELF.

Sometimes you need to get out some feelings and let’s face

Record who you are, what you feel and how you grow for your

it, social media is not always the best outlet! Your journal won’t

children … and their children.

accuse you of being boastful, throwing a pity party or argue politics with you – grab a pen and let it out!

LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES AND VICTORIES.

IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH. It has been said that one of the greatest benefits of journaling is to combat the negative effects of stress in your life. Everyone knows

It’s often easy to forget the path that led to your destination.

that stress causes your health to deteriorate and by eliminating

Whether you’ve had a huge success or epic failure, consider

unwanted stress, you have renewed energy and focus to live life

jotting down some notes of what you think got you there so that

to the fullest.

you can pocket it (or not!) for next time.

RECALL CHERISHED DETAILS OF PAST EVENTS.

IMPROVE YOUR WRITING SKILLS. Whether you are a “writer” or not, journaling is one of the best forms

Have you ever had a glimpse of a memory that you wish was a

of brainstorming where you are free to write whatever comes to

little more vivid? Something that made you feel all warm and fuzzy

mind without any form of editing. Many times, this form of writing is

inside? Get these cherished memories down on paper so you can

unintentionally used for problem-solving in the workplace or other

relive the event later through your writing.

area of your life.

RECORD IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

RECORD GOD’S ANSWERS TO YOUR PRAYERS.

We all have important information that we need to keep on hand

Many times it may feel as if God has forgotten about you and

for various situations. Whether you are diabetic and need to track

you believe that your prayers are going unanswered. Recording

your vitals or you just need a place to keep track of your loved

His answers to your prayers often

ones birthdays, anniversaries and other special days, journals are

serves as a reminder of how

the perfect place to store this information!

perfect His timing and plan is for your life.

TripBook “Move” remember.de €13.95 Medieval Hand Sewn Italian Leather Journal jennibick.com $29-$291

16

Classic Notebook moleskin.com $13.95

Extra Large Handmade Paper Journal turtleislandimports.com $18.95

EVENTS CALENDAR

Submit your family-friendly events and/or community events just for mom to Stories@MomologyMagazine.com

Independence Day JULY 4th Featured Performers:

Photo Source: www.houstontx.gov

Clint Black & Josh Turner

Tickets/Info: FreedomOverTexas.org Photo Source: www.houstontx.gov

JUNE 6/2 Brunch With the Head of School at Fusion Academy Américas The Woodlands 21 Waterway Avenue The Woodlands, TX 11AM - 2PM Free of Charge RSVP to Nicole Bozick nbozick@fusionacademy.com or 732-718-1183 Get to know Fusion Academy The Woodlands’ Head of School, Lois Veguilla, while enjoying some delicious food.

Join us for a casual discussion on what makes Fusion unique. fusionacademy.com

6/15 - 6/27 Class Act Summer Stock Theatre Camp 25275 Budde Rd Ste 25 Spring, TX Contact: Keith Brumfield publicity@classactproductions. org or 281-292-6779 ***Ages 6-10*** Two Week Half Day Workshop Two session options: 9:00 - 11:30 AM or 1:00 - 3:30 PM Cost: $300 ***Ages 11-16*** Two week all-day workshop 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cost: $350 ***Production Dates:*** Friday, June 26, 6:00 PM Saturday, June 27, 6:00 PM classactproductions.org

6/17 Sonny ‘The Birdman’ Carlin The Woodlands Children’s Museum 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr. #280 The Woodlands, TX Admission: Adults and Children - $5 per person. Children under 2 are FREE. Members are FREE Sonny “The Birdman” Carlin from Exotic Wings Productions will bring macaws and other exotic bird species to the stage for three colorful, interactive, child-friendly and entertaining performances. woodlandschildrensmuseum.org

6/20, 7/18, 8/15 Outdoor Explorer Huntsville State Park 2PM - 6PM Ages 10 and up Fee: Adults $5, Kids 12 and under free.

Pre-registration is required (call 936-294-5725). Limited to 20 participants each date.

Get out and experience the great outdoors as we spend the day hiking, biking, and kayaking. huntsvilletx.gov

JULY

$10 day of show Music, food and beverages, kids games and entertainment, with fireworks ending the evening. houstontx.gov

7/4 4th of July Celebration Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park Huntsville, TX 4 - 8PM (fireworks start at 9:15PM) We will have food, games, moonwalks, a rock wall, face painter, balloon artist, a DJ/ Karaoke… and much much more.

After the Celebration grab a blanket or chair and join us to watch the firework display. (no glass oralcohol proucts will be allowed on park grounds) huntsvilletx.gov

7/4 Fireworks Over Lake Conroe Conroe, Texas 7 - 10PM Celebrate America’s Independence with Fireworks Over Lake Conroe. The fireworks are visible from locations along the south end of Lake Conroe. conroetoday.com

7/4 2015 FREEDOM OVER TEXAS Eleanor Tinsley Park on Buffalo Bayou (along Allen Parkway) 4PM - 10PM Admission: $5 before June 1 $8 June 1 - July 3

7/10 - 7/26 Shrek - The Musical Crighton Theatre Conroe, TX Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM Sundays at 2PM

Admission is $15 / $18 / $20 Join us for a family favorite presented by Stage Right.

Come sing along with us as you witness the story of Shrek and friends! crightontheatre.org

7/10 - 7/26 Stepping Out - A Play with Dancing The Owen Theatre Conroe, TX Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM Sundays (19th & 26th) at 2PM Tickets range from $18 - $22.

This comedy chronicles several months of a beginning dance class. Each of the 8 students, who come from a variety of backgrounds, has his own reasons for joining the class. owentheatre.com

7/25 Safe Sitter Program C.K. Ray Recreation Center 1203 Callahan Avenue Conroe, TX Admission is $25 per resident and $31 per non-resident.

The City of Conroe is offering a Safe Sitter Program for students, ages 11 and up to learn about how to properly take on the role of a babysitter. conroetoday.com

For more community events in the Greater Houston area, visit MomologyMagazine.com/ events.

A NON-FICTION LIFE

BY ALISON SCOTT

“I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.”

-Taylor Swift

W

e all dream of meeting the perfect man and living the perfect life, you know, the

So, for the sake of her children, she went

Hollywood version that is spoon fed to us from an early age. The loving family, the

off in search of a new life - one that she

house with the white picket fence in an upper-middle class suburban neighborhood,

knew wouldn’t be perfect, but one she

raising 2.2 children (obviously one boy and one girl), and a dog. One where having our

knew would be better.

mini-van break down is about as bad as it gets.

kind to a stay-at-home mom that has been

we all know what it’s supposed to look like, we all want one, but we know it only exists in

benched for 10 years. Lynita found herself

the movies.

in a dreadful situation with few skills and no

Hence, I call this desire to obtain something that we know doesn’t exist - “The Unicorn Effect.”

Yet, as humans we are stubborn and hardheaded, so instead of us acknowledging that the perfect life doesn’t exist we all set out in search of one for our very own….

prior work experience. With limited options, Lynita took a job at a nearby restaurant where she could walk to work, taking day and night shifts just to make ends meet.

While on these epic quests, we eventually run into someone that has the potential to be

There she worked for about two years until

our perfect life mate. Once found and the “I do’s” are said, we all have this expectation

a fellow member of her church community

that our perfect Hollywood life is about to begin (cue the happy music, drive off in the

befriended her and offered Lynita a part-

mini-van.) Since Hollywood isn’t reality, most of us end up facing more adversity than

time job performing entry-level accounting

anticipated, some much more than anticipated.

for her real estate company.

This is one such story where the main character thought when she said “I do” her life would go one way; instead she was faced with trials and tribulations.

When Lynita Elkin met and married her perfect man, P.M. for short, she was a single mom of a two year old. Since her P.M. was also a father of a two year old, they were an instant family of four.

That was 11 years ago. Today, Lynita owns her own business, doing real estate accounting for a portfolio of real estate investors.

The lesson of Lynita’s story is simple. In

Shortly after their “I do’s,” Lynita began to see that something was off. Unbeknownst to

reality marriage isn’t perfect, and neither is

Lynita, her P.M. had another side to him - a dark side that abused drugs and alcohol. So

life. The truth is that life is full of adversity.

much for perfection. This behavior led to many late nights of Lynita begging P.M. to come

However, it’s always possible to achieve

home. And, eventually, he would.

happiness, just maybe not in the way we

The days continued to go by. Their life carried on, but with a few unexpected speed bumps. Lynita found herself pregnant again… and again… and again…

had initially intended.

Once we accept this wisdom it frees us

Lynita and P.M. soon found themselves with three more children in the course of a

from the chains of the Hollywood fantasy

four year time span. Due to some prior health problems, Lynita had thought that she

and allows us to write our own individual

could no longer conceive. Therefore, with their first child, they were surprised, but excited

non-fiction lives. Ones that may not be

nonetheless. With their second child, they decided P.M. needed to get a vasectomy.

easy, but ones that are better because

Vasectomies are funny things…who knew they came with directions…now kiddo number three.

they are ours and they are REAL. So while Lynita may not have found

There she was, a mother of five small children doing everything she could to save her

Hollywood’s version of life, she found her

marriage. At the time, Lynita was a stay at home mom and her Perfect Man was a

own story as a strong, successful, hard-

functioning alcoholic and drug abuser that shifted from job to job. He even went as far as

working, single mom.

limiting Lynita’s budget to $200 a week for any food or activities that she and the children

18

However, Corporate America isn’t always

However, trying to actually obtain that version of life is a bit like trying to find a unicorn,

Who may or may not drive a mini-van…

might want to do. Even still, Lynita and P.M. ended up losing everything because of his

If nothing else, remember this - it’s OK to go

wild ways. By that point in her life, Lynita knew she had to make a change.

off script, in fact I encourage it!! ◘

afalmmoosut s ily m E r r/a

Lad y E

e own

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DESIGNS

a little bit of class. a little bit of sass. + you.

GRAND Reopening

VISIT: www.etsy.com/shop/ladyedesigns CHAT: ladyedesigns@live.com

FOLLOW.LIKE.LOVE: www.facebook.com/ladyedesigns

KELLIALLISON.COM

Kelli Allison AN ORGANIZED LIFE | EST. 2015

Kelli is a mom who loves creative projects, DIYs, baking and ANYTHING chocolate. She gets excited about cleaning and organization, which makes her job as an Independent Thirty-One Consultant a perfect fit.

Follow Kelli’s blog at kelliallison.com for organization tips and tricks and how you can use your Thirty-One products to simplify your life as a busy mom. Shop with her at https://www.mythirtyone.com/KelliAbueita/.

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The Modest Mommy

Dressing the Rectangular Body Type

BY AMANDA HENSLEY This is the third part in our series of dressing certain body types and we’ve come to the Rectangular shape. This one can sometimes be a challenge to dress with today’s trends, but stocking your closet with timeless pieces will not only make you look fabulous, but will also be easy on your wallet. That’s not to say you can’t be trendy either, so let’s take a look at what you should wear.

Am I square?

First, you may be wondering what a rectangular body shape is. Luckily it’s just like the name says – a rectangular body is where your shoulders, natural waste and widest point of your hips are more or less the same size, and many tend to be on the slim side. Your best features are usually your arms and legs, and the best part is you’re not looking to minimize any part of you. This body shape can often be very athletic looking, so many of the tips we gave on the athletic body shape, or upside down triangle, will apply to you as well, but here’s a few specifics just for you.

Balance is Key

As with all body shapes, we’re looking to achieve balance between your top and bottom halves and are going for the ever so coveted hourglass figure look. Some Do’s are going to be anything that creates volume or accentuates your top and bottom halves. Some things to look for are shirts that are structured with a collar or ruffles on the top, scoop necks that add curves, and long jackets that make you look lean. Anytime you can wear your shirt untucked with a small belt around your natural waist, go for it! This will add the illusion of volume to your bottom half and give a defined waist, even if you don’t have one. You’re also free to experiment with color, patterns, ruffles, and rouching on the bottom half! Any details on dresses that have cinching or eye catching patterns around your waist are fabulous as well, because once again it’s creating the illusion of a smaller waist and drawing the eye there.

Work It

The main Don’t you’ll want to pay attention to is avoiding any overwhelming styles. Like I mentioned before, this body shape is a little harder to dress with today’s trend of large flowing shirts and super short skirts, but there are some items you can rely on. It’s important, regardless of what body shape you are, to not overdo style, but rather pick 1-2 key pieces that you want to highlight or 1-2 trendy pieces to mix with your classic styles. For a rectangular shape, skinny jeans are great because they create the illusion of wider hips, but pairing them with a top that’s overly voluminous may not work for you. Instead, pair them with a shirt that has ruffled sleeves or a longer blouse that’s belted at your waste. Just remember that for your shape less is more when it comes to style.

As always, have fun and feel beautiful! The right outfit can’t replace the beauty that God has created you to have nor the confidence that every woman should feel but clothes are a fun way to express your individual style, so rock it girl!

22

What a classic and yet super chic outfit! By combining these delicious pastels we’ve created an outfit that screams sophistication in a palette many body types wouldn’t be able to pull off.

These mint green skinny jeans will give your body the illusion of curves, whether or not you have them, because of their taper at the ankle and form fit. The pop of color will also draw attention downward, with a fabulous boot on bottom.

This beautiful white needle point lace top is cut to show curves and a waste. Belt it with this rich mustard belt that has beautiful gold leaf detail and you’ll draw attention to your natural waste, making it appear smaller than your top and bottom.

We said don’t overdo any style, so we kept it simple with these beautiful drape earings that compliment this ensemble and sleek, yet useful, backpack purse that will help add literal volume to your top half. You’re sure to stop the show with this one! ◘ Mint Skinny Jeans - $80 theoutnet.com Needle Lace Shell - $98 cabi.com Mustard Golf Leaf Belt - $20 nanamacs.com Chain Drape Earrings - $24 shopluxe7.com Most Wanted Boots - $59.99 heels.com Backpack Purse - $25.95 uniikstuff.com

PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED

23

SWEET SUMMERTIME

MEANS IT’S TIME FOR SANDALS!

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VOGUE COLOR FLAT SUMMER SANDALS $28.09 // DressWe.com

BUTTERFLY SANDALS $86.43 // AliExpress.com

LIFESTRIDE ILSA BOW THONG $47.99 // Target.com

POP KALIE PLATFORM WEDGE SANDALS $50.00 // JCPenney.com

RHINESTONE PEARL FLAT SANDALS $21.49 // AliExpress.com

FRINGED SANDALS & WEDGES $38.74 for Sandals // RuthieGrace.com $49.74 for Wedges // RuthieGrace.com

24

Healing for the heart

STILL STANDING.

BY ANDREA GAUL

“I look back on the challenges in life in my rear view mirror now. They will always be part of me, but they no longer define me.” ~Jennie

26

E

ach of us has a title. In fact, we each

Jennie got her college degree and has

nothing short of a gift. “Life was turning

have many different titles that define

obtained a long and stable career in

in the right direction for me,” Jennie

different parts of ourselves. For example,

marketing and advertising. She got married

explained. Then, she was diagnosed with

Jennie Windorf is a mom. She is a proud

and had three children, who she considers

breast cancer, and underwent a double

“Michigander.” And, like many of us, she’s

to be her most amazing accomplishments.

mastectomy. Fortunately, Jennie is still here

also a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece,

to tell her story.

a girlfriend and a friend. However, the title

“Honestly, for many years, I’ve struggled

Jennie most identifies with, and deservingly

with being away from my kids so much

“I feel like the most amazing part of my life

so, is “survivor.”

while working full-time. However, when I

is starting at 43. I have the most wonderful

look at my life now, I see that my kids are

boyfriend, and the best family and friends I

not only okay, but they are thriving. I think

could ever ask for.”

“When I call myself a “survivor,” Jennie concluded, “It covers a lot of ground.”

I’ve shown them it’s possible to balance work priorities and also to be present for

Perhaps the earliest and most upsetting

them at home.”

title that was given to Jennie was “orphan.”

Jennie’s most recent venture is to start a blog. “I’m launching a lifestyle blog called “Jennie Loves” in May. This is something

When she was just six years old, Jennifer

Even in times of such joy, Jennie remembers

I’ve wanted to do for years, and I’m

found her young, single mother dead in

feeling much sorrow as she struggled with

finally doing it!” She plans to feature all

their apartment as a victim of domestic

depression. “I loved my children so much,

of her “loves,” including family, health

violence.

but felt so much emptiness and sadness

and wellness, cooking, home décor, DIY,

most of the time.”

bargain shopping, fashion for women over

“Despite the fact that I only had six years

40, and finding love post-divorce.

with her, she taught me so much about

Her marriage eventually came to an end,

being a mom. I felt so loved by her, and

as she battled depression and he battled

“There is so much possibility and goodness

I’ve carried that with me my whole life.”

alcoholism. For Jennie, the cliché was

that lies ahead,” Jennie said. “I look back

confirmed: When it rained, it poured. In the

on the challenges in life in my rear view

When her mother died, Jennie was alone,

course of two years, she lost her marriage,

mirror now. They will always be part of me,

as her father had never been part of her

her job, and her home to foreclosure.

but they no longer define me.”

life.

However, Jennie never lost hope. She had “three little people” depending on her and

“When I look back on that day, I realize

she wasn’t about to let them down.

Jennie’s new blog can be found at JennieLoves.com. ◘

that I immediately grew up. My childhood was essentially over.”

“To say that I hit rock bottom was an understatement,” Jennie said. “I prayed

Though different members of her family stepped in to help raise her, Jennie reflects

more than ever before. I never lost faith that one day things would get better.”

that she essentially raised herself. “To grow up without parents is really indescribable,”

Her faith was not disappointed. In the

Jennifer began. “There is a void that

midst of it all, Jennie had a longing to know

never gets filled, despite the love you may

her father. When she was 40 years old, she

receive from others. There is just nothing like

finally mustered up the courage to write

a parent’s love.”

him a letter. “I was prepared for rejection,” Jennie said. To her surprise, she got a letter

Jennie remembers her home life growing up as filled with depression and despair.

back. In reality, Jennie’s father had been searching for her for years.

However, she used that circumstance to shape her future.

“I had a brother and a sister, too. That also meant I could give my children a grandpa,

“Early on, I knew that I wanted so much more for myself. I wanted a good and

and an aunt and uncle! I felt an immediate sense of love.”

stable life. I wanted children, and a marriage. A career. I made a choice to

For the past three years, Jennie has begun

have a better life, and not let myself be

building relationships with her father and

destroyed by what life had thrown at me.”

her siblings, an opportunity she counts as

PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED

27

A WISE NORTH STAR

BY ROBYN WHITAKER

“Where are you going as you age?” “Do you have a North Star?” “Who do you want to become after a lifetime of suffering?” “How will you sustain beauty, strength and goodness?”

What holds your heart captive? Do you know what echoes from your past into the present and is determined to persist into your future? I hope you will ponder

You probably feel just like I did when I heard these asked of me. Intense questions for which I had no quick answers. For weeks, I pondered my responses.

these questions and find what imprisons you from the past. Possibly, it is the pain of your own sin/wrong choices or maybe it is

I do not want to pursue a woman of folly or to become a foolish woman. Yet, true wisdom

sin that was committed against your young

can be an elusive find. Contrary to popular belief, intelligence, knowledge, age and gray

body, emotions or spirit. A wise woman asks

hair don’t necessarily equate with “wisdom.” I’ve seen more than my share of intellectually

such questions.

verbose women with silver tresses acting more than a bit foolish while claiming that age has set them free. So, what am I looking for?

I know you are wondering if I have a North Star. I do! No, she is not perfect and she

A woman who knows her heart well and asks God to clearly reveal what holds it captive.

would be the first to admit she struggles.

She is aware that a heart can easily be entangled by perfectionism, the desire to and for

That is so refreshing to me. It gives me hope!

control, comparison, envy, and gossip among other prisons. She is a woman who has been

She is further along this journey called life

caught and exposed in her sinful choices. Resentment whispers, but truth takes her heart

and her heart’s desire is to merely point the

to repentance.

way. She encourages me to come further up and further into the life that Jesus Christ

This wise woman has the courage to create a different future by looking at her past. She knows, accepts, and understands that so much of who she is was created years ago from

has for me on this earth and someday more fully with Him.

pain that echoes into the present. Facing her heartache, she experiences more of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a result, she begins to hold both sorrow and joy with the capacity

So, this is your life.

to extend life and love to others. For you see, knowing her story, she begins to know her true identity in Jesus Christ and in this world.

Do you know who you want to be?

I seek a woman who lives from her heart. She sees with her heart and persists in finding

Oh, I hope you find women who will be

dignity in others – her heart seeks the “needs beneath the deeds” and offers kindness and

your North Star. It’s one of the best ways to

compassion. She will speak from her heart. Her words speak truth in love and kindness.

find your way. And in this life of suffering,

Silence occurs when we do not understand how to love. She desires to love well. You

our hope of sustaining beauty, strength and

will also see her heart as she is unashamed to express her desire for true life and love. Her

goodness is found only in Jesus Christ. True

authentic vulnerable heart is out in plain view sharing sorrow, joy and all of it’s in- between

North Stars always point us in that direction.

passionate spaces. Lastly, she prayerfully and purposely sacrifices her heart for the sake of giving others an opportunity to choose life. No, she is not a doormat. She is lovely, wise, vulnerable, kind and strong – a woman who does not short-change her intimate relationships by offering crumbs.

So, I know some of you might be thinking, “Well good grief Robyn, that’s more difficult to find than a Proverbs 31 woman!” I would agree – there are often few women of wisdom to pattern our hearts after. Maybe authenticity and deep connection, although we long for it in relationships, scares us to death and we bury or ignore this God-given hope. Why do we do that? Could it be that we do not know our stories of pain?

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Where am I going and who do I hope to become? My desire is to be a North Star.◙

™ M

LIV

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V O L E.

N

I

S

H .

E H AT E R E. B

T

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inine soul. m e f e h t r ope fo

• Inhale Weekends • 4 Winds Retreats • O2 Events • Counseling For More Information Contact Robyn at InhaleMinistries@gmail.com InhaleMinistries.org

PERFECTLY MIXED, PERFECTLY MATCHED

29

PACK IT FOR THE POOL SUMMER IS HERE! These are the days where our kids will want to spend hours upon hours at the local pool, water park, or beach. If you’re like me, I hate eating out on days like this because it gets expensive, and the last thing that sounds good after spending all day in the sun is a greasy drive through cheeseburger or carbonated beverage.

That’s just asking for an upset stomach.

Health

studies

have

shown

the

WATER

importance of nutrition in not only every

HARD BOILED EGGS

aspect of our lives, but also how quickly

Yes there’s water all around you, but you

I always keep a container of hard boiled

your body recovers from exposure to heat

become dehydrated more quickly when

eggs in my fridge for when you need a

and dehydration.

you’re in water being cooled off because

quick bite of protein to get you going and

you don’t notice the hydration leaving you.

provide lots of energy. Boil a bunch and

easy to pack up, but also healthy and

Drink up!

put them right back in the carton. Just

beneficial to your pool or beach-side day,

Image Source: freundcontainer.com

make sure you label them! They last up to

We’ve found 5 items that are not only

because let’s face it, the last thing you

a week pre-boiled. Peel and toss them in

want is to be slaving in the kitchen when

a container ready for the pool, just make

you’re trying to catch some waves!

sure you keep them cool!

Image Source: nomnompaleo.com

Have a blast families, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

WATERMELON

VEGGIES & DIP

PINWHEELS

What better way to get even more water

Yes chips and dip are tempting as well,

These are such filling bites that can be

into your family than through nice sweet

but make sure you pack some veg to dip

packed with protein and little bread, so

watermelon! Cut it ahead of time so you

too. Chips are very salty and will draw out

you don’t eat a bunch of empty carbs with

don’t have any sharp objects packed with

moisture even more than the heat, causing

every bite. You can readily get spinach

you and tote it along in freezer sized food

you to lose even more water. Swimming

tortillas/wraps at your local grocery store

storage bags. They can go right on top of

works up an appetite as it is so fill your

now as well so sneaking in a few extra

the food and drinks in the ice chest and

kiddos (husbands) up with healthy stuff

servings of greens is easier than ever. Wrap

be nice and cold when your crew is ready

while their chowing away. Use hummus

up fresh deli meat like turkey breast, swiss

for a refreshing snack. The natural sugars

instead of ranch dip to get even more

cheese, a sour cream and cucumber

will give them something sweet and won’t

protein into your crew.

sauce or dressing and any vegetables you

make them crash later either for a hangry

Image Source: webmd.com

like and you’re set! They store easily in air

ride home.

tight containers and can go right in your

Image Source: blog.snapkitchen.com

cooler.

Image Source: phamfatale.com

30

PARENTS! Does your 10-12 year old CHILD LOVE to play VIDEO GAMES?

WE ARE LOOKING FOR KIDS TO: PLAY 2 HEALTH VIDEO GAMES over 6 MONTHS and: •

Attend 3 visits

•

Provide 3 fasting blood samples

•

Must have a home computer with Microsoft Windows and Internet access COMPENSATION provided.

COOL!

To join the G4H Study visit: www.G4Hstudy.org/s3/Eligibility or call Courtney at 832.786.0763

Videogames: Good or Bad? Video games are a major entertainment medium. In the US, more consumer dollars are spent on video games than on Hollywood cinema. Video games can be engaging and immersive, with stories, animations, and interactivity. Despite many parents’ fears and concerns, most children love playing some form of video games. Video games’ widespread popularity and engaging nature have led a number of health institutions and scientists to wonder whether we could use the many entertainment type attractions of video games to promote, for example, healthy lifestyles among children and their families. Research is needed to answer such a question. To do this, we need a) a game that addresses children’s eating and physical activity habits, b) families who can benefit from playing the game, c) ways to measure whether playing the game improves children’s health, and d) random assignment to play the game or not. Random assignment is like flipping a coin or throwing a die: pure chance determines the results. Random assignment works to equalize all other possible influences on the results of the study, leaving just an answer to the question “does playing the game change children’s behavior, or not.”

Baylor College of Medicine’s Children’s Nutrition Research Center has developed such a game and is testing if children playing the game will improve their health. By participating, children and their families are helping scientists find ways to help children and their families everywhere develop healthier lifestyles for a more productive life.

Sincerely, Tom Baranowski, PhD Editor-in-Chief, Games for Health Journal Professor of Pediatrics (Behavioral Nutrition & Physical Activity) USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center Department of Pediatrics Baylor College of Medicine tbaranow@bcm.edu

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For more info, contact Susan Romero at 936-443-7747 or by email to Susan@AthleticRepublicTheWoodlands.com.