May 2015 Issue

JESUS.

MUSIC.

FASHION.

ANGELIC MAY 2015

JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION. WEST COAST. EAST COAST.

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RACHEL HEISEL PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE TGRDN MUSIC SPOTLIGHT MY MOM, VERONICA. VERONICA BARAJAS TESTIMONY HANNAH COSTELLO PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE I CAN’T BREATHE CATIE SPADE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT THE KIND OF MOM I WAS TO BE CARLA PETERSON MOTHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT HANNAH ROSE GRAY PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE JANE MAY MOTHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT MADISON DEWEERDT PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE ALICIA DAW PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE KATIE DANIELLE MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT KAY WALLIN MOTHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT MAISIE SLOMKOWSKI LAUREN STROW PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE TERRIE ACH MOTHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT DIANE SWANSON MOTHER’S DAY SPOTLIGHT JEN & ALEX PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE IS IT GOD’S WILL FOR ALL WOMEN TO BE MOTHER’S LISA ATKINS TESTIMONY LOREN DE MARCO PHOTOGRAPHER FEATURE

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EDITOR'S LETTER

I

MOTHER'S DAY

t's May. Spring is in that awkard, I still want to hang out but I know summer is around the corner phase. And I'm excited for this season of the magazine.

Every month we get to share Jesus with people in a unique and creative way. We don't need to preach at anyone, we just get to share what Jesus is doing in our lives, and for this issue we get to talk about our mom's. Mother's day is this month and all of the writers ofAngelic, including myself wrote to our mom's in this issue, spotlighting what they mean to us.

We're not quite in summer, but this month is a month to grasp the blessings of past seasons and all that Jesus has in store as we walk by faith into the future. This is a perfect month to reflect before the transitioning of seasons in our lives take place once again.

The photographers who are featured in this issue are really talented. And the singersongwriters who are spotlighted in this issue, they're really talented. As a magazine we get to share music and fashion, the stories of real people who have faith in Jesus, and we get to utilize creativity to bring glory and honor to Him. As the creator and editor ofAngelic Magazine, I put in long hours and my days are always full, and I never have a day off, but there isn't anything else in the world I'd rather be doing. Everyday I get to immerse myself in music, fashion, photography and creativity for Jesus. And although my days are long and although doing anything for Jesus requires lots of blind faith, He's with me every step of the way and I want to thank Him for allowing Angelic to do our part to proclaim His gospel.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the mom's who find this issue. May Jesus bless your hearts with joy. www.ANGELICMAG.com

JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION.

Photographer // San Francisco, CA "WE WERE NEVER CALLED TO BE ORDINARY, AND, AS GOD’S PEOPLE, WE NEED TO SEE OURSELVES AS THOSE WHO HAVE DESTINY UPON THEIR LIVES."

G

rowing up, I never felt like I had a story worth sharing with people. I was never the drunk or drug addict or the one who came from a divorced home.

On the contrary, I was a pastor’s kid who came from an incredible family who blessed me immensely. They would pour foundational truths of who God is into my life and encourage me that He had incredible plans and purpose for my life.

I have great parents who modeled what authentic faith looked like and two sisters who I know I can go to for anything.

And now you are probably thinking I really don’t have a story worth telling, but what I have found is that God can use any lifestyle, any story, and turn it around for His glory and His purpose.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I have met many people who have come from different backgrounds than myself and God has used my story, and my faith, to impact people’s lives.

I was chosen for the family I was given, the city where I live, and the story I am living. God dreamed about my purpose before I was born, and it is why He has blessed me with the abilities I have— the same goes for you. We were never called to be ordinary, and, as God’s people, we need to see ourselves as those who have destiny upon their lives.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises ofHim who called you out ofdarkness into His wonderful light. ” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Now, I am a content creator, working in and out of Christian atmospheres; because of this, I am able to hear other’s stories and turn them into creative projects.

I use photography and multimedia to tell stories and capture moments most people let slip by. I like to find the forgotten and the invisible and remind them of who God has called them to be and how He is using their story, even when they might not think it’s worth sharing.

God is not the only one who knows the treasures inside of us; the devil also sees the greatness tucked inside of you, but he wants to keep you away from your calling.

My passion is to help people discover their calling by looking at their story and telling it in a way that changes lives. Every story has its own expressive adventure and journey. My goal is to purposely create work that is emotionally driven and will evoke change, action, and an honest story.

Hair/Makeup:TiffanyShinoda Models: KelseyClark,JordynTurkovich,KendallHakkuburton Photographer:RachelHeisel Location:SanFrancisco,CA

JESSICA TEAGARDIN SINGER-SONGWRITER // SAN DIEGO, CA

Photographer:MatthewClarkRogers

S

TGRDN

inger and Songwriter Jessica TGRDN (pronounced Tea Garden) is an up-and-coming artist captivating San Diego and Riverside County audiences with her truth-filled lyrics and soulful melodies.

TGRDN was born on June 24, 1991, in Riverside, California. She was raised in a musical household with her mother being a talented vocalist; members of her extended family are also gifted vocalists and proficient on various instruments, including bass and guitar.

She grew up listening to rock n’ roll and country and focusing all of her time and effort on an athletic career in gymnastics. Ironically, she found solace in the melodies of soul and R&B artist, Stevie Wonder.

Singing in church and community theater productions only made her piqued interest grow, and she soon discovered that she had a personal passion for music. She began writing songs as she entered into her college years as a music major at Vanguard University.

Since graduating in 2013, TGRDN has been on the journey of pursuing her music career. She has made appearances at a number of venues in San Diego, including Lestat’s West, Greystone Steakhouse, The Mint LA, Tin Roof SD, House of Blues Side Stage, Irenic, and Onyx Room.

Currently, TGRDN is working on giving her fans a taste of her NeoSoul/Pop/Funk sound with the upcoming release of her first EP, Love in Camouflage.

Explaining what she hopes to accomplish through her music, TGRDN said, “I aim to write music that will bring truth and love to a world that desperately needs it. My songs are poetic and lyrically heavy, but they’re not overtly Christian. I feel called to be a light to a dark world and to bring Jesus to people who many think can’t be loved by Him. While most of the music in the media today is offering money, drugs, and sex, I hope that my songs can provide hope, peace, and love. My lyrics are gospel-based and speak heavily into our true identities. I want people to stop hearing that they have to have tons of money and fit in to be loved and know that they can simply be loved because there is a God who loves them and a Savior who died for them.”

If you want to stay updated on TGRDN’s upcoming EP and musical journey you can find her on Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Facebook, or you can sign up for her mailing list on www.TGRDNmusic.com.

My mom, Veronica.

I

B Y JESSE ANAYA often find myself referring to you when I speak to people.

I tell people it was you who instilled the Jesus I have living inside of me. I tell them that I won’t put a picture of a girl inside the magazine if I know you won’t approve of it. If her dress is too short or her blouse is too low, I already know your standard.

I’m twenty nine years old and I still don’t want to let you down, and I still have never forgot any of the things you’ve taught me.

It’s you who’s given me the confidence that I can do whatever I set my mind to. It’s you who’s never belittled my dreams. It’s you who defended me against my siblings, who defended me against dad and have been there for me every step of the way when my siblings have doubted me and when dad disappeared on all of us.

My love for music has originated with you.

From me being a boy till now, you still love your oldies and I still know all of the songs you’ve raised me listening to. I still know the Johnny Cash lyrics when you decide to put aside Smokey Robinson and Brenton Wood.

Patsy Cline songs make me think of you.

Who I am today is directly because of you and I want to thank you. In our clashes and in our squabbles, I’ve never gone to sleep not loving you.

I don’t have to question you not being there for me. I don’t have to question you not having my back, and I want to thank you for that.

I enjoy cooking for you because I know it makes you happy. I’ve become an amazing chef because I want to cook you the best foods. Yeah, I said it, an amazing chef. I use only the special ingredients for you.

"I’VE NEVER HAD TO QUESTION YOUR DESIRE TO WANT ME, TO LOVE ME OR TO ACCEPT ME. YOU ARE MY MOM AND THERE’S NO ONE ELSE I’D WANT TO TAKE YOUR PLACE. "

People who I don’t know will be reading this and what I want them to know about you is that you are a fighter. From walking through fire for all five of your kids, to standing strong in your betrayals and not letting your brain tumor defeat you, you are a fighter. You are an overcomer. You are fearless and bold, and I respect you because of it.

You’ve set the standard and we won’t accept anything less from each other. Fearless and bold.

I still find myself grabbing a sweater when I leave the house in case it’s cold later, and I remember as a kid you always telling me to grab a sweater in case it’s cold later. I still find myself making sure I eat something before I go out for my day in case I get hungry later, and I remember you always saying make sure you eat something in case you get hungry later.

I still do the things you’ve always told me. I still do the things you’ve taught me.

The day I was born, the umbilical cord was wrapped twice around my neck. You told the doctors that if it came to saving you or saving me, to save me and you’ve been willing to give your life for me ever since the day I was born.

I’ve never had to question your desire to want me, to love me or to accept me. You are my mom and there’s no one else I’d want to take your place.

Someday, when my life has passed me by, I’ll lay around and wonder why, you were always there for me.

Happy Mother’s Day Mom.

VERONICA BARAJAS " IF I HAD ONE LAST TALK WITH MY FAMILY, I WOULD TELL THEM PRAY ALWAYS. SEEK GOD AND KNOW HE HEALS AND HEARS. A ND HE UNDERSTANDS. "

W

hen people ask who I am, what I do, my first thought is I am a God loving Woman and a Mother of five. That has been my role since I was 15.

Now I am 55 and my second thought of who I am is a Grandma of eleven people who bring me almost all that I need.

Most folks define themselves by their careers or hobbies. I am proud to say the definition of ME is being the proud Mother of my children and I hold deep appreciation in who they have become. They ROCK! I realize they are not perfect but they are perfection too me. Good and not so good, on and off through our years together. It has been quite an experience from their births up until right now, and with Gods will we will share many more years ahead, whether we’re near or far from each other and that we stand strong as family and never leave.

Of course I am also a daughter, a sister, an aunt, godmother, niece, cousin and mother in-law. My love does not fade or run out. I feel that it’s because of my Grandmother Julia Susan Murrieta.

She was my queen, my go to person who always had the same solution to my problems, which was pray, always. Unconditionally she was there for me and many others. I would say I learned from the best in spite of her mistakes or my own.

I wanted words, explanations of a way out of situations. I didn’t get why pray? It takes too long I would tell her and she would grin and say, just watch and see. Now I hear my children telling me the same thing when the world seems to be pulling me down.

Mother PRAY. I have realized that not knowing I taught them the same words of power and relief that she instilled in my heart. Being a mom is truly hard, loving, difficult, exhausting, yet so special and strong.

I have wanted to run the opposite direction at times but PRAYER always sets me in place. She was right, I

I have learned that I don’t always have to have the right words, just love and forgiveness over and over to my adult babies. And crazy hugs and kisses ready for my grandkids big and small.

Most of all, I have learned to forgive ME when I can’t fix their lives and I trust prayer to sweep in and help things pass. It works. I know that all I need is to just show up, be here be there, but not everywhere.

That’s our Lords place of kind loving mercy to be every ones everything so I can just be ME. My greatest memories and times are with my children and my joys are so overflowing when I hold my grandchildren and just listen to them. Life can get hectic, crazy and stressful but then those thorns quickly are replaced by roses just by the small gestures and love I receive.

My family is my life and they make who I am. Their beauty runs deeper in my heart than what others eyes can see. I am amazed at these people God created and lent to me. There have been many times that have been oh so hard, yet I told myself this too shall pass because I have prayer and life’s roses to stamp the thorns out.

The best is on its way and I will wait patiently because prayer works. My trust is in Our Lord Jesus and I know he understands ME when I feel sad or have fear and he never leaves me alone. He lets me know it’s okay to cry. Jesus uses my children with words and knowledge I have forgotten that I taught them.

It’s true that you reap what you sow. If I had one last talk with my family, I would tell them pray always.

Seek God and know He heals and hears. And He understands.

HANNAH COSTELLO PHOTOGRAPHER // SAN DIEGO, CA

I

grew up going to church as my parents were ministers. I chose to have fun and live a selfish life for the time being.

I knew I wanted to become a disciple of Jesus someday, but not until I felt it was the “perfect time” for me. I didn’t consider God’s timing because I liked being in control. I went through my teenage years being rebellious, angry, and confused.

I thought I was “free” until situations opened my eyes and heart to how broken and tied down I was by my sin.

It was not my perfect timing but God’s—I committed to Jesus and His plan for my life on March 9, 2008.

Thanks to God and His plan for my life, I strive to allow Him to mold me into who He wants me to be. It is much better this way.

I CAN'T B

WHITE POLICE OFFICERS NEED TO

I

"IF WE’RE HONEST WITH OURSELVES AND LOOK A

B Y JESSE ANAYA do not know what it feels like to lose someone in my community because of police brutality. I do not know what it feels like to be judged because my skin color is too dark. I have never marched in a protest and the closest I’ve ever been to one is when I watch them on CNN from my couch.

But I do know that I have a voice.

I don’t like watching the news and seeing that black men are being killed by white police officers. I’m tired of seeing innocent black men painted as thugs and criminals in defense of the police when the protectors of the law take their lives. I want to do something about it as opposed to just sitting on my couch and watching it on the news.

I am using my voice as the editor of Angelic Magazine.

Does racism still exist in America? Yes, it does. We can say it doesn’t, we can pretend that our society doesn’t look at skin color, but if we’re honest with ourselves and look around, we don’t see or hear about groups of black cops beating up or killing white men.

You see the slave movies from the South and it can seem like we’re just watching a movie, but that’s our history. It’s not cinema based on fiction, but a reality of fact that set the foundation upon the land we stand on today.

America was built on slavery and 100 years after the civil war declared slavery was over, black men were still being lynched by white men in the 1960s, black men were still being taken into the woods and killed by white men, and the laws that said all men are created equal never protected these men.

And here we are nearly fifty years after Martin Luther

OF BLACK COPS BEATING UP

King Jr. was assassinated and black men are still being killed by w have social media letting the world know what can no longer be kep Once is a chance, twice raises eyebrows and three times is a patt of white police officers towards black men in America can’t be igno I’ve become swept up in watching the news coverage with the rec 25 year old African-American man died from a severed spine af having a switchblade.

The Baltimore Sun documented from eyewitnesses who saw Gray—with one officer bending Gray's legs backwards, and anothe told the Baltimore Sun that they had witnessed Gray being beaten w The video captured of what took place shows Gray screaming in p him. What the police officers didn’t know was that Freddie Gray co An hour into Gray being in police custody he slipped into a coma I watched the video of 43 year old Eric Garner, who in July of who pummeled him to the ground. Garner broke up a fight that wa scene, all of whom who were white men, began questioning Garn didn’t do anything wrong.

In the midst of having an officer jump on his back and choke him Garner repeated he couldn’t breathe 11 times but the swarm of prot officer began to smash Garner’s face to the ground with his knee. arrival to the hospital.

We know about Freddie Gray and Eric Garner because bystanders Google these videos for yourself. When you see them, any person The list of white police officer killings towards black men is mo the same. None of these officers have been found guilty of committ How many other times has this happened with no video camera been wrongfully killed by white men and there was no camera cameras, with evidence before the world’s eyes, nothing is happenin This has to stop.

I don’t agree with the riots or the looting or the attacks by individ of Freddie Gray’s death, but I believe that an uprising needs to tak need to let police officers know that they can’t rewrite the law and p themselves, police officers and their departments are their own bran

BREATHE

TO STOP MURDERING BLACK MEN.

AROUND, WE DON’T SEE OR HEAR ABOUT GROUPS P OR KILLING WHITE MEN."

white men, but now we have cameras on cell phones and now we pt in the dark. tern. All of the killings, the shootings, the lost lives from the hands ored. cent Baltimore riots as a result of the death of Freddie Gray. Gray, a fter 6 police officers used excessive force upon arresting him for

w police arrest Freddie Gray as stating “officers were "folding" er holding Gray down on his neck with his knee.” Another witness with batons. pain as officers yell at him to get up and walk after they handcuffed ouldn’t walk because they had broken his spine. and died a week later.

2014 was put in choke-hold and swarmed by 7 NY police officers as taking place and in turn the police officers who responded to the ner and ultimately forced him to the ground when Garner stated he

m out, Garner repeatedly gasped, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” tectors of the law didn’t care. As he gasped out his words, another Garner suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead upon his

s videotaped their murders at the hands of white police officers. n with a heart knows that what they’re watching is an injustice. ounting and the list of indictments against these officers has stayed ting a crime. a in sight? How many black men since the 1700s in America have in sight to paint the horrors of what took place? And even with ng to stop these injustices today.

duals in Baltimore against the police that have took place as a result ke place. Our voices, black, white, brown, no matter your color, we protect each other’s crimes as they see fit. When it’s convenient for nch of organized crime and this has to stop.

I have family members who are police officers. I have played on men’s sports leagues with police officers. I have attended many bar-b-q’s, social gatherings and birthday parties with police officers and my insight into their culture is at the doorstep of my life. And at some point many police officers forget that racial profiling isn’t okay. At some point they’ve forgotten that because their daily work schedule revolves around refereeing crime, it does not mean everyone they interact with is a criminal.

There are criminals and there are violent offenders and officers do keep people like me who live in the suburbs safe and keep people who live in the city safe, but for the good they do, for the protecting and the serving they do, it doesn’t make it okay to take the lives of black men when their anger towards them gets out of hand.

For the thousands of police officers who protect our streets, no all of them are bad and perhaps these killings are isolated incidents. But these isolated incidents of white police officers killing black men need to stop.

The Old Testament talks about an eye for an eye and in my disdain for cops who are arrogant and wicked, I tell myself they’ll get theirs. But Jesus talks about turning your left cheek when they strike you on your right, and Jesus talks about those who live by the sword die by it.

Violence doesn’t breed peace. Only love does.

We need to remind ourselves to love and respect the work that police officers do for us, and police officers need to remind themselves to love and respect the people they’ve sworn to protect and serve when they were given their badge.

Use your voice. Speak up. Don’t let this happen anymore.

CATIE SPADE SINGER-SONGWRITER // SCOTTSDALE, AZ

G

Catie Spade

rowing up, I never believed I was creative. I was into sports, parties, smoking weed, and trying to be cool. I never took art classes or music classes, and I just assumed I was not one of those artsy people. I met Jesus at YoungLife camp when I was 17; one glimpse into the eyes of Love and an invitation from a Father who accepted me fully—changed the course of my life forever.

In college, I had the most artistic group of friends possible. My closest friends were art majors, talented musicians, and wedding photographers. Art was all around me, but I didn't believe I was creative.

After graduating, I moved to "the city of destiny," also known as Tacoma, Washington, to pursue a ministry/missions school and travel to places that had never heard the name of Jesus.

I saw crazy miracles—blind and deaf people healed and villages giving their lives to Jesus—with my own eyes. The community in Tacoma taught me how to hear the voice of God. Over and over again, I would get words from strangers that God calls me creative. It was difficult for me to understand, but when I heard the voice of God for myself, I knew deep down that I was made to be creative just like the Master Creator.

I brought a guitar up to Tacoma when I moved because one of my brothers wasn't using it anymore. I remember trying to play it and getting so frustrated that I would imagine myself throwing the guitar and breaking it in half. It was rough. I was so desperate for Jesus' friendship and ready to encounter His love that I was willing to learn to play in order to worship—with music—whenever I wanted.

I wanted my life to be the prayer room, so I kept practicing and worshipping God in the third floor attic that I lived in. I was so hungry to worship that I would sing songs all the time, and there were a few people who would catch me singing and compliment my voice. When they did that, I was so embarrassed because I just didn't think anyone could hear me, let

"I MET JESUS AT YOUNGLIFE CAMP WHEN I WAS 17; ONE GLIMPSE INTO THE EYES OF LOVE AND AN INVITATION FROM A FATHER WHO ACCEPTED ME FULLY—CHANGED THE COURSE OF MY LIFE FOREVER." alone take me seriously.

Nevertheless, it was the encouragement that brought me to the place where I knew it was worth the risk.

Towards the end of the year, our school had an assignment for our Psalms class and the teacher said the final project was “to do something creative, and, if you have ANY musical talent, you MUST write a song."

My body felt like it froze, except my heart was beating very fast. I was struck with fear. I knew that it was time to sing outside of my attic, so I followed the assignment and wrote a song called "Even in My Darkest Hour.”

The song was all about being safe in God's arms. I wrote it, and then a week later our house got robbed. It was a good reminder. It was time for the assignment, and after shaking with nerves, I was able to calm down enough to sing the song to my beautiful classmates.

When they clapped at the end, I fell over. I was overwhelmed with encouragement and knew deep down that I had tapped into my true identity of being creative.

The Holy Spirit has fueled my creativity ever since. I come alive when I sing and write songs. I get a taste of God that I never knew before I wrote songs. They are simple melodies that remind my soul of the love of the Father. They are a way to enter into the presence of God and connect at a heart-level with Jesus.

Music has been a sweet gift these past two years that has deepened my friendship with the Holy Spirit. As I am just starting the journey of music, I look forward to the adventure that lies ahead.

THE KIND OF MOM I WAS TO BE "I FIND MYSELF THINKING NOW MORE THAN EVER ABOUT THE KIND OF MOTHER I WANT TO BE SOMEDAY AND HOW MUCH I WANT TO EMULATE THE ONE WHO RAISED ME."

H

B Y CHELSEY COOPER ow can I convey all the facets of a relationship between a mother and daughter? There are infinite lessons learned, their significance not fully understood until years later. Having only been married six months, "baby fever" comes and goes daily and I find myself thinking now more than ever about the kind of mother I want to be someday and how much I want to emulate the one who raised me.

When I was a kid, I remember thinking of how bad I felt for every other kid because they didn't get to call my mom, Mom. That's the kind of mom I want to be.

When we would pass the crystal and china section of a department store, my mom would say, "Okay, time to put your hands in your pockets!" This was to keep me from breaking anything, and, as we'd walk, she would ask, "How long do you have to get back to me if I can't see you?" and I'd shout, "3 seconds!" Then she would say, "Right! And what happens if you're not back by then?" to which I'd reply, "We're going home!" and she would say, "Right again!"

She made everything feel like a game, even going over the rules and consequences. As I've grown up, I've realized just how genius she was in this and it will definitely be something I do with my own kids.

Somehow, she had gotten down this balance of fun and discipline, where the line of mom and friend was never blurred, yet she was easily my favorite person to be around. She would sometimes let me have cake for breakfast, but I knew there were no sleepovers if my grades were bad.

She was the one who held a cold washcloth to my forehead if I had a fever, would let me eat breakfast in bed while she got ready for work, and did all the voices for the characters in my books. She would tuck me in every night and say, "I love you, I love you, I love you so well—" and I'd finish, "—if I had a peanut, I'd give you the shell." She will always be the kind of mom I want to be.

CARLA

MOTHER'S DAY SPOTLIGHT W

"SHE'S A WOMAN I'V SEASON OF MY LIFE,

T

HER INW

he dictionary defines "lovely" as at As I sit and ponder how to put my co accurate way. My mother’s kindred spir question to trust.

I love her quiet disposition and the wa you observe her simplicity and contentm weakest moments.

I can remember the night that I truly s grace. As I sat full of insecurity on the s truth about my identity. With the two pe carried and the internal battle I’d fought w I felt so trapped in an endless cycle o voicing each fear I had succumbed to and I can remember it like it was yesterday daughter to be rather than the fight I was They lifted the weight of guilt off of m leaving any room for me to feel judged o My mom immediately led me to truth felt like grace and sounded like Jesus—s That night forever sparked the beginni that, no matter what struggles I faced in l Within the deepest parts of me, I know am or what God’s character looks like.

Through the pains of life or feelings o reflection always looks like Jesus and rem These last five years of my life have be truth for myself, my mother has sat for ho She's been my defender when I haven life, and she never ceases to amaze me w I see a woman who chooses to hold tig her to be. I see a woman who has sacrific She's a woman who is always teaching to day. My mother is the most beautiful i I am so thankful for who you are, Mom Thank you for being who God has called know.

A P ETERSON

CARLA'S DAUGHTER, AUBREY PETERSON Springfield, MO

WRITTEN BY

VE SO CLOSELY OBSERVED FROM SEASON TO AND SHE NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME WITH WARD BEAUTY AND CHARACTER."

ttractive or beautiful, especially in a graceful way; having a beauty that appeals to the heart or mind as well as to the eye. ountless thoughts and memories of my mom into words, these definitions ring true to my heart and depict her in such an rit has been so gentle to me from my youngest moments. She never ceases to be my confidante and someone I never

ay she comes alive when you truly know the depth of who she is; I love how the beauty of her inward self comes out when ment in life. She's a woman who gives to others unswervingly and who passionately reminds others of who they are in their

saw this in her for the first time, and it marked me in a way I’m sure she still would not recognize as the purest form of stairs of my childhood home, I was desperate to push through my timid fifteen-year-old self in order to grasp any form of eople in front of me I hated to disappoint the most, tears rolled down my cheeks as I spoke to my parents of the shame I with for so long. of temptation and lies I had allowed the enemy to convince me of. I was in the most vulnerable valley I had yet to face, d the filth I felt defined by. y; my parents meeting me on that stair step with nothing but grace and acceptance, seeing me for who Christ had made their in. It was nothing like the disappointment I had feared to face. my shoulders and I wept from the freedom I felt in their immediate response to carry this weight along with me. Rather than or alone in my confusion, they began to pour words of encouragement out on me. after truth of who God says I am, rather than what my own shame-filled mind had repeatedly whispered to me. Her words omething I couldn't grasp for myself and often times still wrestle with today. ing of such a meaningful relationship with both of my parents. It began a sweet journey with them of trust and assurance life, I knew there was a safety net among them for me to fall into. w that God has so graciously blessed me with my mother to show me how Christ loves me in the moments I can't see who I

of confusion that so oftentimes hit in the midst of adversity, I'm never fearful of her turning me away or shaming me—her minds me of what a grace-filled and accepting Jesus I serve. een harder than any other—filled with doubts and fear, confusion and anxiety. When I have so many times failed to choose ours at a time fighting for me when my spirit felt wrung dry and I had no strength left to move forward. n't had one, my comforter when I have felt so alone. She's a woman I've so closely observed from season to season of my with her inward beauty and character. ght to what God thinks of her rather than what the world says; I see someone who walks in confidence of who God's made ced for her children and countless times for her marriage as she serves in ministry so faithfully next to my dad. me to take one day at a time and who is unafraid of imperfection and the desperate need we have for God's grace from day ndividual I've ever known and a woman I can only pray to reflect in my future. m, and that the Lord gave you to me as a lifelong friend who would join with Him to shape the deepest parts of who I am. d you to be because it has so sweetly marked me in each season of my life. To me, you are the loveliest woman I will ever

Hannah Rose Gray

PHOTOGRAPHER // FLAGSTAFF, AZ

"THERE IS BEAUTY IN THE COMPLEX NATURE OF GOD. BACK AND FORTH, BACK AND FORTH, HE WILL ALWAYS BE. WITH EVERY WAVE, HE DRAWS ME CLOSER."

Ipassionate, fell in love at a young age; a soul-consuming, and wild love for the water. The way

that the waves move back and forth in independent rhythm needs no prompting. The way that the water feels when I float, inviting me to join in its ordered chaos, even for just a moment, was love to me.

It’s as if the water knows something that humanity needs, something about the nature of God and His creativity. Water allows me to know Him better. Sometimes, it’s in the rush of a wave, or a drop of rain, or as simple as water from the tap. We all need the water; we were made for it and we would die without it.

He speaks gently, yet powerfully, through the stillness of a lake or the passion of a storm. There is beauty in the complex nature of God. Back and forth, back and forth, He will always be. With every wave, He draws me closer.

I grew up next to a lake in the center of the Midwest, where the air was as thick and sweet as my grandmother's strawberry marmalade. Hot summer days consisted of hours singing Disney songs at the top of my lungs as I floated in the middle of the lake with my feet mingling with green seaweed. The sun would beat down on my face and I would flip into the water only to cool off, but land on my back to float once again.

It is there that I first heard God’s voice. It didn’t scare me; rather, His was the most natural voice I'd ever heard. It wasn’t the loud, audible, booming voice I had expected; it was something deep within my belly that travelled up to my heart. What He said has never left me and has

defined my identity, creativity, and how I love people—He said, “Daughter.”

Most of my years following were spent in the water, whether that be a chlorinated pool, the green Great Lake Erie, or the salt waters of Florida. Through all these, I can identify God’s voice.

The first half of my years I practiced traditions from the Catholic Church, and the second half has been a practice of the worship styles of the Pentecostal movement. Just as the ocean comes in tides, so church traditions have come in and out of my life. Yet the tides of tradition are a dance, not a battle.

When I was thirteen-years-old, the Holy Spirit sang melodies over my dry soul that was seeking affirmation in every area but Him. Of course, I was up at the lake, spending my usual weeklong summer trip to camp. Up to that moment, God had spoken to me in the water, but this time was different. It was simple, and He spoke about love.

I’m convinced from that moment on He shifted my entire outlook. What once was strict and limited became limitless and unimaginable. The Spirit brought freedom, clarity, and a full life.

And when I was twenty-one, swimming in the deep waters of the Mediterranean, He reminded me anew about the simplicity of His love—that it quenches the deepest longings in my soul; longings for a home and for a love that lasts.

My relationship with God didn’t start when I said yes to Him; it started even before I knew His immense goodness and the love that brings life. It started with the waves.

August25th窶心eptember4th,2015 Ferrara,Italy c a p t u r i n g t h e s t o r y of a m e r i c a n m i s s i o n a r i e s procl ai mi n g j esu s i n eu rope donate to the mission: ph otog raph yi n mi ssi on s. org

JANE MAY MOTHER'S DAY

SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN

BY JANE'S DAUGHTER, KATIE MAY "SOMEDAY,

AS MY KIDS GO THROUGH FRIENDSHIPS,

HEARTACHES, AND INSECURITIES,

I

I WILL REMIND MY MOM HAS SHOWN ME THESE THINGS SO ABUNDANTLY. "

THEM OF HOW LOVED THEY ARE.

was walking downtown today and saw a girl with a shirt that said, “Sooner or later… We all quote our mothers.” I rolled my eyes at first, but we all know it’s true. Then I smiled because maybe that’s not the worst thing that could happen.

As kids, whenever my sister or I wanted something that we knew would be hard to get, we’d go to that one parent that we thought would give in to us—which was not my mom.

My mom is kind but strict, and she always stands firm in her decisions. She is discerning and wise, while thinking how each decision will benefit herself and other's long-term.

I tend to lean towards the “treat yourself” and “live in the moment” lifestyle. I recently texted her asking for advice on something I wanted to buy. Her reply: “Not good use of your money right now. Not wise.” As annoying as it is to get advice from your mom on how to spend your money, I do go to her for a reason.

Through many stages of life and learning who and what my identity was, I carefully watched my mom live her life as she knew exactly who she was, as a daughter of the Creator, wife, mother, coworker, and friend. And she was darn good at all of them.

In all of life's phases, I never really saw my mom in a vulnerable state until my dad passed away. I knew as an 18-year-old how it felt losing my dad, but I still don’t understand the desperation my mom must have felt as she suddenly lost her husband of thirty-four years.

Though she was grief-stricken, she had a noticeable amount of hope and peace. I saw, and continue to see, how God is faithful to her and gives her favor, life, and joy.

I pray that one day I can be someone like my mom who cares for people so deeply. I pray that I can keep giving of myself without expecting anything in return. When I have kids, I’ll be a rock for them just like my mom has been for me. I will know a little bit about how to selflessly care for my husband, by watching how my mom cared for hers. Someday, as my kids go through friendships, heartaches, and insecurities, I will remind them of how loved they are. My mom has shown me these things so abundantly.

I’m grateful for the grace that God has given her, that same grace she freely gives to me. My mom is not perfect, but she knows that every day she has the chance to love like Jesus, and she elegantly fulfills it.

MADISON DEWEERDT Photographer // Tucson, AZ

"I want to look back and know that the gifts and passions I have, not from me but from God, were used for His Glory and for serving others."

Best part about living in Tucson?

Tucson is home to me; not because I grew up here but because of the people. The friends and family I’m surrounded by have been amazing reflections of Christ in my life. I get to be myself and live life fully with them. The culture, the art, the adventures—everything is done together with intention and in community.

What do you hope to accomplish through photography?

I want my photos to be honest and authentic. God created each of us to be beautifully unique, and I have the opportunity to capture that individuality in a photograph and share it with others.

When I’m photographing a dear friend, like my roommate, Alex, in these photographs, I believe I’m seeing her in a way that is similar to how God views each of us; despite brokenness and heartache in our lives, He still sees his son or daughter whom he loves relentlessly.

Why Jesus?

Jesus says, “I have come so you may have life and have it to the full.” When I chose to trust Him and His word, He replaced my anxiety, worries, and fears with grace and confidence. He allows me to see the light, even in the darkest of places, using me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I want to look back and know that the gifts and passions I have, not from me but from God, were used for His Glory and for serving others.

Jesus can be scary to people. Why isn’t He scary to you?

Jesus used to be scary to me because I did not understand Him, but God is faithful and there has never been a time in my life where He has ultimately let me down or disappointed me. He provides more for me than I could ever need and loves me more than I have ever been loved before. Since these characteristics of Jesus have been and always will be true, I’m not afraid of Him or the future.

What is your dream photoshoot?

My dream photoshoot would take place at my family’s cabin in Mt. Whitney. Our 66-year-old cabin is my heaven on earth. Mt. Whitney is the place that represents Jesus the most in my life and how He intended for us to live: joyful, surrounded by loved ones, living simply, and completely enjoying His presence and creation. I want to do a photoshoot in this place that represents so much beauty and love in my life, and to tell the story of the place that has an incredible impact on who I am.

Model:AlexandraNicholls Photographer:MadisonDeWeerdt Location:Tucson,AZ

alicia daw photographer // middletown, connecticut

I WOULD ENCOURAGE ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS TO JUST KEEP DREAMING AND TO BE AUTHENTIC BECAUSE WHO YOU ARE WILL BECOME A HUGE PART OF YOUR EVENTUAL BRAND. DON'T COPY OR IMITATE—BE YOURSELF AND OWN WHO YOU ARE.

Best part about living in Connecticut? I ADORE the season changes that Connecticut has. We just got through a rough but beautiful winter where we had anywhere from 2-4 feet of snow on our lawn from mid-January to the end of March. The flowers are now starting to bloom, and, come June, it will be full-on beach weather. At the end of a hot summer, there is nothing like throwing on my Hunter boots and crunching through the colorful autumn leaves on the ground. In addition to the season changes, I love that we are right between New York and Boston, which is the gateway to Europe and Africa. For someone who loves to travel as much as I do, that is a tremendous benefit of living in the Nutmeg state.

How did you get into photography? I began shooting for fun when I was a tween and started taking it more seriously in high school. I never intended on doing it full-time, but, over the course of the years, it became clear to me that I needed to start my own wedding photography business.

Any tips for aspiring photographers? Shoot, shoot, shoot! And while you are shooting, learn as much as you can online about how to run a photography business. It's difficult to be a successful artist, no matter how talented you are, if you don't have a clue how to manage a business. In addition to those practical things, I would encourage aspiring photographers to just keep dreaming and to be authentic because who you are will become a huge part of your eventual brand. Don't copy or imitate—be yourself and own who you are.

If you could photograph one person in the world, who would it be and why? Carly Fiorina or Sarah Palin. Not because I dream of shooting them, but I dream of spending an hour picking their brains. They are two women whose ethics and business minds I respect tremendously. I would love to get to know them as individuals and glean from their wisdom—while capturing their portrait, of course.

If you could ask Jesus one question and He had to answer it, what question would you ask and why? I know this is such a controversial topic, so I debated even writing it here, but it is the number one thing I would ask him. I don't know what the exact question would be, but it would have to do with homosexuality and the incredible battle Christians have fought over the topic. I feel like His answer would just be to LOVE, but I would want to know why—why the struggle in the first place if it's not His will? Why the hatred toward homosexuals from the Christian community? Why such a divide between believers on the topic? Why all the pain over it? Why the suicides? It's a topic very close to my heart as I have friends who are homosexual, but it's also something that I wrestle with continually from a biblical standpoint. I would just love to sit and hear the heart of Jesus on it all.

KATIE DANIELLE S INGER/S ONGWRITER // NASHVILLE, TN

I

"SINCE I TURNED HER LIFE OVER TO HIM, MY MUSIC MINISTRY HASN'T SLOWED DOWN. GOD CONTINUES TO BLESS ME DAILY WITH GREAT OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE HIS WORD".

grew up in a small city outside of Nashville, TN. As a teenager in high school, I was nothing but an ordinary girl. In 2008, my sophomore year in high school, I began to be bullied extremely badly, to the point that I would miss several days of school.

At this time, I had not discovered my God-given talent. I basically started isolating myself from everyone so that I didn't have to face the issues going on in the “real world”. I wanted to have an outlet of something I could do, so, one day, I decided to start writing music, and this is the moment God laid it upon my heart to use my talent to honor and glorify Him! I convinced my mom to buy me a guitar for her graduation present, and it all took off from there. I began making YouTube videos and putting them up for people to see, and, within a couple of days, the views came rolling in. It was in that moment all my worries of what people thought and said went away. I knew that, by trusting God to lead me through the situation, He had given me a beautiful outlet to dealing with my problems.

I graduated high school in May 2010 and was anxiously searching for ways to plug myself in with my talent and become involved with a youth congregation. Within days of praying to God, I was contacted by two amazingly talented young guys—Paul Spears and Destin Staff.

They asked me if I would like to join their youth band at a local church and be the lead singer of the band. I was quick to answer yes, and, for about four years, we led the youth in worship.

In 2014, we felt like something was missing, so we all prayed about it and tried to come up with what we could do to cure our longing for wanting to share the Gospel. We decided we wanted to form a touring band and start booking shows.

In early January 2014, things started to change. The band started emailing people and the shows started pouring in. We realized we needed to record a CD, so we eagerly started writing the music, while also pulling music from my past high school years. This is when we created and released my latest album Light of the World.

From that album, I wrote a song called Without You, and it was an absolute hit. My studio producers decided it was time to make a music video, so, within weeks, I was back at it, recording a live in-studio video to my hit song. Weeks after placing it on her website and YouTube, I was contacted by UpTV, the National Television Christian TV channel. They told me they wanted to feature my video on a new and upcoming artist spotlight.

Fast forwarding to 2015, I had no idea where this journey would take me and how many lives I would touch, but I knew I wanted to trust God completely and follow His lead of where He wanted me to go.

Since I turned her life over to Him, my music ministry hasn't slowed down. God continues to bless me daily with great opportunities to share His word. With my music, I want to write songs not only people can relate to but also to worship to.

KAY WALLIN

MOTHER'S DAY SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN BY KAY'S DAUGHTER, MAEGAN DOCKERY LAFAYETTE, GA

To say that my mom is my best friend is basically the understatement of the century. For as long as I can remember, she has been my number one confidante, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

When I was really little, I remember imitating everything my mom did. If she drank Sprite with dinner, I drank Sprite with dinner. When she would change it up and have tea or Dr. Pepper, I was right there with her, making the same change. I don’t even know if I actually liked those drinks (I definitely don’t now), but it was just one more way to be cool like my mom.

When I was in Kindergarten, I had a friend named Terry. He wasn’t very nice to the other kids, but, for some reason, he was nice to me. I think it was mostly because I was nice to him first.

I knew it’s what my mom would do—reach out to someone who needed love most.

When everyone came back from spring break, I noticed Terry wasn’t there that Monday. I assumed his family went on vacation and just hadn’t gotten back yet, going on playing with my toys and not worrying too much.

That afternoon, though, the principal came in to tell our class that Terry had died in an accident on the way to their spring break destination. I couldn’t believe it. My six-year-old heart thought it would literally break from sadness. I remember getting off the school bus and heading inside just to hug my mom for maybe the rest of my life.

I was heartbroken. When we watched the evening news and they discussed my friend Terry who died way too young, my mom sat there and cried with me. It didn’t matter that she didn’t know Terry or that we weren’t super close, just two kids who had shared a classroom and some toys. My mom and I shared drink preferences and broken hearts.

As I got older, things with my mom weren’t always so perfect.

We had our share of fights as I started thinking being like her was the farthest thing from cool. She had Sprite to drink? I wanted anything but that. This didn’t last long, though, because we were just too similar.

Our fights were never very intense, and they were often more like two sisters fighting than a mother and a daughter. Our relationship had always been a lot like that. We used to have pajama days, where we’d make lots of snacks and watch tons of movies and wear our pajamas all day long.

We just had fun together. I was a pretty good kid, making good grades and good decisions, so she didn’t have to play the “Mom card” often.

When I graduated high school, I decided to go to a college that wasn’t super far away from home. I commuted my first two years, coming home every night to tell my mom about my day.

When I first mentioned this new friend, David, my mom immediately knew I liked him. I could never keep anything from her. I think she might have even realized I liked him before I did. Spoiler alert: We got married, so I think she was right.

When I moved on-campus my junior year of college, my mom would cry every time I would head back to school after a weekend at home. If my parents came to visit me for dinner, she’d cry as we hugged goodbye. I would make fun of her, saying she was being silly, it was only 45 minutes away, but I secretly loved it. I know there are so many people who don’t get to have a relationship like this with their mom. I know some people who haven’t spoken to their moms in years, so I am aware of how lucky I am to have the mom that I do.

The way my mom loves me always reminds me of the way God loves us. Sure, we love God, but sometimes we forget to read our Bibles or pray or we’re too tired to go to church. But, you know what? God still loves us unconditionally. God still wants to hear about our day, no matter when we make the time to tell Him. When I still lived at home and had to drive a long distance, my mom would ask me to text her when I got to my destination so she would know I made it safely. Sometimes, I would forget.

When I did eventually text or call her, she wasn’t mad at me for forgetting, she was just glad to know I was okay. Isn’t that how things are with God sometimes? When we forget to pray, He isn’t mad at us. But when we do sit down and pray and spend time with Him, He is so overjoyed. What a beautiful parallel God’s love and a mother’s love can be.

My relationship with my mom isn’t perfect. We still disagree on things sometimes and get mad at each other about pointless arguments. Sometimes she’s right; sometimes I am. That’s life.

But I am blessed to have a mom (and a God) who loves me unconditionally, even though I don’t deserve it.

MAISIE SLOMKOWSKI ATLANTA, GA

"THOUGH IT MAY APPEAR THAT I’VE NEVER OUTRIGHT REJECTED JESUS AND THE SALVATION HE BRINGS, I HAVE RUN FROM HIM, SPITTING IN HIS FACE, SO MANY TIMES BY CHOOSING THE WORLD OVER HIM"

Y

ears ago, if someone would have asked me to describe my testimony with one word, I probably would have used the word "ordinary." I got saved at a very young age and grew up in a loving Christian family. I was in church on Sunday morning and at every youth meeting I could attend. I've never been drunk, never robbed a bank, definitely never killed anyone, and never even gone as far as kissing a guy.

To the world's standards I'm a pretty good person: a model Christian.

But really, none of this matters without taking into consideration the heart. Because the God of the Bible does not evaluate us based on what the world deems as goodness. He cares about what is on the inside. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."

As I've grown in my relationship with the Lord over the years, I've realized just how wayward my human heart is. Without any thought, I so easily fix my eyes on the things of this world. Before I even realize it, I have slowly and subtly drifted from a love of my Lord to a love of the world.

I choose an episode of Netflix instead of time in the Word. I choose to ask a friend or coworker for advice before I even think about asking my loving Father. I choose to listen to secular music before I spend my time driving in prayer. I choose to dream of what I want instead of asking what the Lord wants for me. I choose to wake up early to work out before I wake up early to hit my knees seeking the face of the Lord.

While none of these worldly things are necessarily wrong—being healthy is a good thing, we were designed for community, and there is nothing wrong with dreaming great things—the problem is when I prioritize those things first, elevating them to a higher

level than God himself. When I do this, I have idolized the things of the world and demonstrated that I have missed it, that I’ve strayed from what really, truly matters, the Lord Almighty.

It really is ironic because after I've put my time, thoughts, and energy into the things of this world, something will go wrong and I freak out. I go to God frustrated and confused and tell Him, "I don't see what you're doing here!" When, if I had kept my eyes on Him from the beginning, it wouldn't matter what was going on around me because He is all I need. If I was fixing my eyes on Jesus, I would always remember that He is enough.

Though it may appear that I’ve never outright rejected Jesus and the salvation He brings, I have run from him, spitting in His face, so many times by choosing the world over Him, and, without Jesus, I am just as far from Heaven as someone who has done everything wrong.

There have been a few major times in my life where I’ve let the world distract me, but, thankfully, Jesus gently draws my heart back to Himself every single time. It overwhelms my heart that the Creator of the universe loves and adores me despite my wayward, rebellious heart. If I had to sum up my testimony, it would basically be that I have tasted and seen that there is nothing better than looking unto Jesus.

I began by saying that in the past, I would have described my testimony as ordinary. However, as I’ve grown in the Lord, I’ve learned that my testimony is anything but ordinary because it has been transformed by the extraordinary love, grace, affection, mercy, and goodness of my Father in Heaven and my eyes are forever fixed on Him.

l au ren strow

ph otog raph er// bowl i n g g reen , oh i o

What's it like growing up in Bowling Green, OH? Bowling Green is a very tightknit community, where everyone knows almost everyone else. It's in a rural part of Ohio, so most of us are farmers—myself included. The county fair is a big deal and most kids are in 4H or FFA. We're actually the home of the National Tractor Pulling Championship! I showed rabbits and cattle at the county fair, and it was a great experience. BG is also a college town and there are some cool little shops downtown. I think the best way to describe Bowling Green is the people who live here make fun of and complain about it all the time, but, if anyone from out of town were to do so, we would defend it forever.

Why Photography?

I bought my first DSLR in middle school, with the intentions of making my own movies. When I realized that movies require a lot of resources—actors, story, etc.—I began just using the photo function on my camera, and I started to like that even more. If done right, you can capture the story of an entire short film into one picture. In addition to that, I like to work on photos immediately after I take them, which is something I couldn't do with video.

What inspires you creatively?

Anything from hearing a song to drinking a glass of lemonade. I just have little spurts of pieces of ideas for scenes I'd like to photograph. I always try to have some sort of sticky note or notebook nearby so I can write them down before I forget. Once I get going, the note starts to look like the scribbles of a crazy person.

One day, when your legacy is fully written, what would you like the last line in that legacy to say?

Jack Kerouac said, “I promise I shall never give up, and that I'll die yelling and laughing.” I'd like my legacy to end with that: "She never gave up and she died yelling and laughing."

What would you like people to know about you?

I have a beagle named Tucker, and I love him more than anything in the world.

MOTHER'S DAY SPOTLIGHT WRITTEN BY TERRIE'S DAUGHTER, KELSEY ACH Lexington, KT

"I WANT TO BE A WIFE THAT LOVES MY HUSBAND IN FRONT OF OUR

KIDS AND LOVES THE L ORD IN FRONT OF THE WORLD. JUST LIKE YOU."

T

home that loves Jesus, gets excited about birthdays, and creates boundaries that speak protection and grace. I want to be a wife that loves my husband in front of our kids and loves the Lord in front of the world. Just like you.

Because of you, I know that anything is possible and every day is new and joy is a beautiful choice I get to make. Because of you, I know that a “no” now means protection down the road.

Because of you, I can love with all of my heart and give Jesus every minute of my every day.

You were the one that has been my biggest cheerleader and my greatest friend. What a blessing to have a mom and a best friend

o the curly haired, joy-filled, Jesus-overflowing Momma. To the 24/7 listening ear, the walking circus, and the heart that mine clings to. To the queen of our house and the amazing daughter of Jesus. To my mom and best friend, Happy Mother’s Day. After 24 years with you, it’s hard to find the words that speak exactly what is on my heart. After 24 years with you, somehow you’ve become an integral part of my heart. And an article on Mother’s Day will never amount to all you are and all that you mean to me, but this daughter will try her hardest.

Mom, you have this way about you that brings joy and light all in one! What a gift from Heaven that this relationship gets to and pieces of Heaven with you everywhere you go. No wonder continue into eternity!

So this Mother’s Day, I hope you know that I love you. I love our home feels the way it does— like Jesus is in every room and like His voice whispers soft all over the place. I’m so grateful you for so many reasons and celebrate you always. You are you made Him the priority. I’m so thankful you always made worthy! You are beautiful! You are one magnificent woman! And you’ve lived through hard times and become strong. You’ve Him present.

And when I write about Mother’s Day, a 24-hour block that lived through great times and become thankful. You’ve lived could never adequately celebrate you, I think about growing up every day with joy and hope and a heart that constantly jumps up and opening my eyes early in the morning to the sound of your and down. voice singing. “This is the day, this is the day that the Lord has And every time I see you, I’m thankful you’re my mom. I love made” and I can feel you wrap us up tight, telling us you love us pointing to you across a crowd and claiming you as my own. I before school. I remember you always pulling my cross necklace love looking up to Jesus and telling Him I’m so glad He gave me out of my shirt and whispering, “You may be the only sign of to you. I love telling you myself.

Thank you for never giving up on this stubborn child. Thank Jesus someone sees today. ” In fact, every wonderful memory I you for calling the darling blonde sister the “cream in the have in life, you’re in each one.

I remember you praying over us three kids like you were middle.” Thank you for still wrapping up your 6’2” teenage boy. talking straight to His face. I remember you telling us that even Thank you for being committed to Dad and loving him in front on our worst day you would rather be with us than anyone else. I of us. Thank you for loving hard and loving long. As a kid that’s remember the time you gave us, the hours you took out of your now somehow 24, you’ve made all the difference.

So here’s to thanking God profusely for creating you, walking own day just to pour more life into our growing hearts. And kids with you, and shaping you into the woman you are. You reflect need that time with our moms. I remember even just last week when we stood on chairs in the kitchen clapping for the family Him beautifully and speak about Him like He’s someone member that walked in the door. You have always made living so everyone longs to love. And He is. Thank you, above all things, much fun.

for telling this heart about Him.

I love you, Mom, more than I could every possibly describe.

And I can’t tell you how grateful I am.

When I think on the years ahead of me when I will be a mom, Happy Mother’s Day to you and every other mom that God has I pray that I’ll be just like you. I really do. I want to create a so intricately created! Each of you is so worthy of celebration.

diane swanson

E

Mother's Day Spotlight written by Diane's daughter, Char Gartrell Seale, AL

veryone, meet my mom, Diane Swanson. She is a total warrior princess. Her heart’s desire is to see the Lord’s will be done and fight for whatever cause He has given her. She is surely a force to be reckoned with yet still embodies a sweet, gentle spirit.

As I’m writing this, she is in South Africa. It is just one of the many places she has traveled to so that she can spread the Love of Jesus. My mom is the Global Director of Women and Children for Teen Challenge Global. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Teen Challenge, you’ll need to do some research because I could go on forever about it…

Here’s the short version: Teen Challenge is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that is geared toward helping people escape a life of addiction. There are centers all over the world, and, don’t let the name fool you—it is for more than just teens. There are centers for women, men, women with children, adolescent boys, and adolescent girls. Teen Challenge has over an 80% success rate and that is all because they know Jesus is the cure.

Before my mom was with Global, she started out as the Director for Women and Children at the Home of Hope in Casa Grande, and she was there for ten years. During that time, she shared the love of Jesus with so many women and their children. She was relentless with her prayers and quick to love the hell out of those ladies—literally!

We saw so many lives changed because of the work that the Lord did and because of the way He used my mother. One of the greatest things I saw from her while she was there was the way she loved the women: wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

She loved all of them as if they were her own daughters. Despite their pasts, their current situations, their hard exteriors—she loved them the way Jesus loved them and now, because of that, she is traveling the world to help other countries do the same thing.

My mom is the perfect example of the type of mother I want to be one day. She has taught me hard work, compassion, forgiveness, love, and, most of all, that Jesus is the most important thing in life.

I think that all Christian women strive to be that Proverbs 31 woman, but I can say with confidence that my mother is that woman. I am who I am because of her. There are few words I can find to fully articulate my respect and love for her. I hope that these words honor her and show her just how much her life has impacted me, along with thousands of other women.

Mom, thank you for loving and trusting Jesus in every area of your life. Thank you for chasing after Him in the good times and the hard times. Thank you for being obedient to the calling He has placed on you. Thank you for being the bravest person I know and for loving me the way you have. You truly are a warrior princess.

wren photography "jen & alex" photographers // traverse city, mi

Best part about being a husband and wife photography team?

Being a husband and wife photography team, we are able to truly understand what brides and grooms are going through since we went through it ourselves. We remember the emotions, the stress, and what photographs truly matter when it's all said and done. As the owners and photographers, we are the most invested in making sure that everything is done as perfectly as can be. That kind of dependability is only found in your spouse.

Best part about living in Michigan?

The best part about living in Michigan is this state is so beautiful. We purposefully do not have a studio because the backdrop of the outdoors is much more gorgeous. We are surrounded by water, woods, fields, and so much more. Plus, we get to enjoy all four seasons for photography; spring blossoms on cherry trees, summers along the lakeshore, the stunning colors of the fall, and the most incredible winter snowfall around. Not to mention that Michigan is home to some of the best and friendliest people around.

What's something about being a wedding photographer that most people don't know?

Wedding photographers are different than most photographers. There is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making sure the wedding day goes smoothly. We guide couples with their timeline to allow plenty of time for portraits because weddings tend to fall behind schedule. Before the wedding, we know the must-have portraits and dynamics of the day (family feuds, deaths, etc.) so we don't bring up any sensitive topics on the day of. During the engagement session, our clients get to know us better and we learn their best angles and preferences for portraits. All these steps ensure that their wedding is as organized as possible. After all, we understand that there is no redoing a wedding, so we have to get it right the first time. Every week we see couples making a commitment to each other. The love on a wedding day is not only found in the couple getting married, but their parents watching their children, and the grandparents celebrating decades of love.

There's faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love. Why? We get to see love not as a concept but as a reality. This weekly reminder has strengthened our own relationship and taught us that every marriage needs work, but it's incredible to be married to your best friend. This year we are celebrating twelve years together; six years of dating plus six years of marriage.

When you look back at your lives as husband and wife one day, what do you want to see?

That we were able to enjoy a full life of happiness together. Most couples spend one-third of their day away from each other during work. With us working together, we spend almost every moment of every day together. We love traveling with one another, working one-on-one, and being able to share everyday adventures with our flexible schedule. In our home, we have canvases from our wedding day. This serves as a daily reminder on how much our love has grown from that day. Knowing that, years from now, couples will reflect on their own canvases from weddings that we captured is a fantastic feeling.

ARE ALL WOMEN MEANT TO BE MOTHER'S? B Y CLARE TUCKER There lives a major compassion in me for the women who are treading through this month heavy-hearted. May is one of my favorite months—it’s always a time where I really start to feel like spring, sunshine, flowers, and blossoming life are finally here to stay. May is also the month in which we celebrate mothers!

Motherhood. What an amazing miracle to be celebrated! I am going to be totally transparent here in expressing my real emotions on this topic. I do not think that being a mother is the most important job in the world for every woman. And if you have now guessed that I am, in fact, not a mother, you are exactly right. I admire motherhood to an exponential level, but I do not understand it.

I am not a mother, so I cannot identify with mothers and their lives. I cannot identify with what they perceive to be their purpose in life, which, if you ask any mother, they all answer something along the lines of doing anything and everything to ensure their children are healthy and happy.

Now, that is amazing to me! To have a totally selfless purpose for your life is truly a move of God. To have a mother's spirit of selflessness, unconditional love, and a sacrificial heart like that is a miracle in itself. The only thing I feel that way about is my dog and Jesus! You can imagine how a childless woman could feel standing next to a miracle of God, a mother! I can guarantee you that, deep down inside, she probably feels incapable, selfish, and not good enough—it’s not always easy, especially when you are constantly trying to discern your purpose in life.

Since surrendering all to my King, He has been moving in such huge ways in my head and my heart. I let my love and compassion pour out like a light now, not caring what the world or the enemy does to me every day to try and make me stifle that. This makes me believe that I, in fact, do have a mother's spirit. I am good enough for the job if—and only if—God has placed that into my story. He is the writer. Motherhood would be an honor. I believe it is a prestigious award; you can see it in a mother's eyes that she is among the most blessed.

But are we going to trust God if He has something else in mind for us who are not mothers? Are we going to feel like second-place contestants in the race of life if God chooses

our prestigious award to include something different for His Kingdom? Not every woman has been able to have the miracle and blessing of motherhood bestowed upon her.

Does that mean that she is not as important as the women who have children? Does that mean that she is less of a woman? Does that mean she is not strong enough?

Mother Teresa was such a faithful and God-fearing servant.

Her life had intense purpose—but she never bore children of her own. Her life was still such an amazing miracle, and she did many great things for the Kingdom of God. She was good enough in the eyes of God. If you are a mother, please take heed to this advice from a single, childless, 20-something: find compassion in your heart for those women who still do not have children. You do not know their story. You do not know how many nights they cry themselves to sleep because they have not been called to be someone's wife, much less mother yet, or have lost the child they thought they would have for a lifetime.

Let us celebrate in this month the women who have children and the ones who desire children but do not have them yet; for, in their hearts, they are mothers, too.

This is for all the women out there that have the burning desire to be a mother but are unable to be for a number of reasons. This is also for the women, like me, that feel a pressure from others and society to be a wife and mother, but just do not feel the calling to do so yet or do not feel like this is the right time. God has placed this issue on my heart and I hope through these words that you will find some peace in your situation.

If you are unable to have a child, or if you don't think that is the plan God has for you, just know there is nothing wrong with you—you are still a strong, beautiful, wonderful, fearful, and perfect creation of God who has been saved and cleansed by our Savior Jesus Christ. You were saved, set aside, and chosen for a purpose, and if it is God's will, it will be so good—better than you could have dreamed.

To my mother and grandmother, thank you for thinking that the most important job in your world has been to be a mother and grandmother to me. You do this job with so much pride and show me every day that being a mother—if it is my purpose—is going to be a wonderful thing.

LisaAtkins//ALABAMA In May of 1994, my life was going as planned. I had a new house, a faithful loving husband, Larry, a beautiful healthy 7year-old daughter, and healthy 1-year-old twins—a boy and a girl.

Larry and I were preparing to go on vacation to the Bahamas. We had saved and paid for this vacation, and it was only a few weeks away. Larry hadn't been feeling well, and he had even had an overnight hospital stay for recurring chest pains, but all tests were normal so he came home.

Then, BAM!—the next morning my world was turned upside down. My husband of eleven years, the father of my children—gone. Larry died in his sleep at home in our bed.

No goodbyes, no chance to save him; he was just gone.

I immediately fell apart. I just didn't understand why. I wasn't the best person in the world, but I wasn't the worst, either. Why would this happen to me? I was so angry at God and so confused. Not one single thing in my world made sense anymore. From that point on, I turned to anyone and anything but God. I was looking for happiness. I was looking for peace. I was looking for somewhere I felt I belonged, all the while dragging my little tribe along with me in my quest to fulfill this emptiness.

Every relationship ended in disaster. I constantly felt rejected and I thought there was something wrong with me. I kept thinking that the next person or the next job would fill the emptiness inside. My self-esteem was nonexistent and the alcohol helped numb the pain.

I continued this insanity for twenty years—twenty years! I kept hearing Jesus say, "Stop putting your faith in people, in places, and in things. These things will always let you down."

And they always did let me down, leaving me emptier than before. In all those years, He never left me. He was always there, patiently and lovingly waiting for me to stop and listen, but I felt like I was too much of a sinner. I felt like I had done so much wrong for so long.

Jesus really started putting the hammer down about two years ago. It was at that time that I attended the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, Alabama, at the request of my kids.

The message of love and acceptance that was preached there was and is very powerful, and, while I was at a job in New York, I started listening to K-Love. It was after these

experiences that a seed was planted and I started realizing that maybe I'm not "too far gone" and that Jesus loves me no matter what I've done.

Even so, I still tried to keep in control of my life. I wasn't yet willing to turn it all over to God just yet. Then, this past December, after another failed relationship and financial disaster, I was again left hopeless, depressed, and exhausted from trying to straighten my life out. I heard God speak to me as if He was in the room. He said, "Lisa, stop putting your faith in people. Stop trying to figure things out on your own. I've got you! Just give it to Me! Be still and let Me handle this. If you seek Me with all of your heart, you will find Me." I was so tired of running. I got down on my knees and prayed that He would take the mess I made and make me whole again. On Christmas Eve at the Church of the Highlands, with my tribe in tow, He lifted all of the sin, hopelessness, and self-loathing off of me. I was baptized January 4, 2015, and I believe with all of my heart that He will carry me through any fire.

No more running. I am still working through the regret of not being the mother or example I should have been, but, because of God's grace and mercy, and despite me, my children are three of the most beautiful people you will ever meet, and they all love God very much. I thank God every day for the chance to have a "do-over." I thank Him for taking away all of the stupid decisions and actions I made over the past twenty years.

I finally understand what loving Jesus is about. I'm hungry for knowing Him through the Bible. I'm so excited for the future—not about where I will go or what I will buy, but where God is going to lead me to serve. I'm ready for Him to show me where to take that leap of faith. I want to live the rest of my life with purpose. I want to finally be the example and mother to my kids that I should be.

l oren d e marco

BEST PART ABOUT GROWING UP IN PITTSBURGH? Pittsburgh is the perfect mix of new and old. It’s on the upswing of modernization, and it's catering a lot to fine art and performing art which is incredibly exciting! Even amidst the changes, people here hold p h o t o g r a p h e r // p i t t s b u r g h , p a onto what it means to be a humble "Pittsburgher" and we support each other. Many of us have HOW DO YOU FEEL RELIGION INFLUENES THE ARTS? grandparents that moved to this city to work in coal Humans run on feelings and emotions; for some, mines, having a major hand in the Pittsburgh we see spirituality is intertwined. I photograph the sky, forests, mountains, looking at them with gratitude today. We still talk about that history proudly. and admiration for what’s been given to us. It’s not HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? I started shooting around age 13. I was a pretty shy uncommon for artists or musicians to have their kid, so making photographs allowed me to express philosophies shine through in their work. People myself without having to talk much. Starting to with different beliefs see the world differently, and shoot on film was what hooked me, I think. With art and music are two tremendous ways for one to any analogue process, you have to take your time. express that.

The subject needs your attention and you want WHO IS LOREN THE PERSON? everything to be right before you snap the shutter. I love my family. I love to experience life and travel Still today the thing that most intrigues me about and submerge myself in different cultures. I’m a photography is the natural bond that forms between free-spirited, detail-oriented adventurer who lives to make photographs that inspire people to feel myself, the subject, and image. something.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU CREATIVELY? The natural world is my biggest inspiration. I spend a lot of time outside, letting nature show what is new or what has died—all of it beautiful and interesting. My portrait work almost always utilizes natural environments, which allows models to be most expressive in their space. My attempt is to embrace the ascendancy of the human form and the natural world and show how they mimic one another’s energy.

Model:AnnaCiaccio Photographer:LorenDeMarco Location:Pittsburgh,PA

ANGELIC MAGAZINE WEST COAST. EAST COAST. JESUS. MUSIC. FASHION. PROVERBS 31:28 "HER CHILDREN ARISE AND CALL HER BLESSED"

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