Girlfriend Gazette Spring 2013

Girlfriend

Gazette

Umbrella Photo Challenge

Kristi Witmer God And Me

Practicing Prayer Abide.

Living in the Love of a Holy God

Also In This Issue: 

Two New Columns!



A Scarf Tie learned in the Middle East



Get To know a Reader—Tori Yoder

...And More!

In this Issue :

Rose Beachy

Q&A

Umbrella Photo Challenge

Chayil

Life as the Woman of Proverbs 31

The Israeli Braid

Monica Miller

Editor in Chief | Layout I am rejoicing that the grace of God has brought us thus far! Because I know that without His empowerment… we wouldn’t have made it to the completion of this issue!

Blessed be His name. Our prayer is that God would be truly glorified through this magazine… and that Holy Spirit would refresh you and that you would truly abide in God’s love for you.

As you can tell… some exciting things are developing here at Girlfriend Gazette.

Most exciting of all (for me anyways) is my new assistant and partner-in-crime… Christy Barkman! I am really looking forward to everything this creative and passionate young woman will bring (and has already) to GG! Your feedback means everything and is truly what keeps this magazine going, so why not email girflriendgazette@gmail.com and tell us how you felt about this issue?

Monica Miller—I am 16 and just moved with my family to the tropical land of Thailand. Jesus is why I am here. My heart beats to know Him, and to be near Him. Above all I seek to live a life of holiness and faith.

I love to dream big and chase dreams. I have a general curiosity for life. I love all things elegant, colors that are happy, God’s Word, music, journaling, peppermint tea, and dill pickles.

I’m passionate about young women having a relationship with Christ, being who they were created to be, and living with godly femininity.

Christy Barkman Creative Assistant

HELLO ALL! So, this is me, and you, reader, are yourself.

I was born at a very young age, into what would become a family of eight.

I am an people-person; outgoing and ready for LIVING. I desire to be a "little-Christ", one who does as He did, one who loves Him so much that nothing will come in the way of honoring and imitating Him. Learning to linger over little moments and love them to their core is my passion.

Poloroid memories, worn journals and piles of pens, marked-up Bibles, COLOR, coffee-shop atmosphere and heart talks, thrift store shopping, interesting buildings, childhood pictures and videos, kindred spirits and paint samples are some of my favorite things.

God has blessed us so much, really. I want to see what God has for each of you (and me) in this issue and the next however many He sees fit to have me involved in!

Abide

Living in the Love of a Holy God Monica Miller

Monica Miller Photography

You wouldn’t believe how many files are on my computer with titles such as “Abiding in God’s Love.” I have started and restarted this article many times, trying to come up with eloquent and meaningful words to describe the work God has been doing in my heart. But, maybe He isn’t asking me to write this because I have something new and profound for the world to hear. Maybe He is asking me to write this because I need to recognize Him as the One who knows and loves me.

He is patiently teaching me that I must abide in His love even when I don’t understand His ways. There have been times when I almost gave up; believing the lie that He did not see or care about me. But God is always…faithful.

It’s not about us going through empty rituals and customs in order to appease our God. It’s about living a

life in surrender to Him because we love Him.

You see, It all started a few months ago when I read the fifteenth chapter of John for the first time. Okay, so maybe it was closer to the one thousandth time…but it was one of those knocked-off-your-chair-by-the-power-of-the-Word times. You know… new eyes.

From that day forward I dug into this passage with vigor… meditating, studying and praying these words over my life.

When I started my journey in John 15, I thought it was about finding my flaws and the things He wanted to “prune”. But the more I journeyed the more I realized that it was less about my frail human self and more about His love.

I want you to hear these words. Because I believe that these words of Jesus’ were extremely important to Him. These are the words Jesus spoke to His disciples the night He started on the road to Calvary. With His death looming ahead, this was the message burning on the Master’s heart. He wanted His disciples to get this.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (All scriptures taken from John 15:1-17 ESV.) The meaning of the word Abide (Méno) in Greek means to dwell. Remain. When we are abiding in the Vine we are constantly remaining with the Vine. Never separating.

The more I journeyed the more I realized that it was less about my frail human self and more about His love.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Three months ago, I moved to Thailand. The empty rituals that the Buddhists go through in order to appease the spirits is heart-wrenching. I have been struck so many times at how void of passion they are as they do what they must in order to earn their “Karma”.

As Christians, we have the honor of doing all things through Jesus, by Jesus, and in Jesus. It’s not about us going through empty rituals and customs in order to appease our God. It’s about living a life in surrender to Him because we love Him.

It’s more than regularly attending church every week or a half-hour of solitude in the mornings (although, that is part of it). Abiding in the Vine is a life-style. Abiding is the moment-byQuite simply, if were meant to live the Christian life on our moment acknowledgement of the holy presence of God. Jesus own Jesus wouldn’t have needed to die. Let’s not refuse the said, “abide in me, and I in you.” This is a two way thing. This gift of communing with Him. is being intimate with the King of Kings.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every ness, lust, anger, and impurities of our flesh to embrace a holy branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every life. branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more God wants us to bear much fruit… and that comes from confruit.” stant and often painful pruning.

Abiding in a holy God requires a holy life. The holiness God “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatwants us to experience does not mix with ungodly music, movever you wish, and it will be done for you.” ies, books, language, thoughts, or anything done of the flesh.

What do we do with a verse like this? Was Jesus speaking That is why He wants to “prune” those things from our lives. metaphorically? How could it possibly be as easy as all that?

Sometimes, in our efforts to enlarge the message of God’s Do we doubt then that Jesus has the power to give whatever grace we actually belittle it. No, we can’t dampen the power of the gospel (praise God!) but in our haste to place all the value on we ask? If the Holy Spirit is truly abiding in us and His words and actions are ours and our words and actions are His then we can His mercy do we ignore His justice, purity, and holiness? ask for nothing wrong. There is a power here that way too few When we except the grace given to us at the cross but still of us have tapped into. Let us begin to pray boldly and earnestly continue to live ungodly lives, we are telling God that His grace is in the Spirit. Let’s stop making excuses for God and start living not valuable to us. We tell Him it’s not worth giving up the darkby His Spirit! “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much

you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.”

We are loved by Jesus as the Father loves His own Son. And all Jesus asks is that we simply abide in that love. Dwell. Jesus is so desperate to surround us with His unconditional love.

How then do we abide in God’s love? The answer is stated plainly in the next verse: “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” We cannot tell Jesus that we love Him and be walking in obedience to Satan’s darkness at the same time. Loving Him requires a life of obedience. We can tell God we love Him all day and all night… but we truly declare God’s worth to us when we forsake all else, lay down our lives, and to run to Him with abandon.

We truly declare God’s worth when we forsake all else, lay down our lives, and to run to Him with abandon.

Okay, so Jesus told His disciples to obey His commands… but the very next words out of His mouth were: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Is that the image we get when we think of someone who is following Christ’s commands? Often we are afraid of obeying Christ’s commands because of the pain and struggle in leaving our sin behind. But I desperately want you to know that Christ’s commands will never bind you. His Truth brings only freedom, greater communion, a fruitful life, and full joy.

Jesus calls you to abide in His love.

He doesn’t call you because it will be easy or the popular opinion, I’ll tell you that now. In fact, the next 13 verses after this “passage” are all about how the world will hate and persecute those who love Him. (But Jesus also promises The Helper and so you don’t need to live in fear!)

Jesus calls you a friend. Not a servant who follows in order to escape punishment or to stay on the good side of His master.

He calls you a friend who is known and loved far beyond comprehension.

Jesus has chosen you.

I have some questions: Are you going to accept that you are chosen by the Creator? Are you going to firmly plant yourself in the Vine? Are you willing to lay all else aside in order to experience more of His holiness? Am I? I challenge you to live a life far beyond the expected. I urge you, O sisters of faith, to abide in Christ’s love!

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.”

Are you going to accept that you are chosen by the Creator? Are you going to firmly plant yourself in the Vine?

Are you willing to lay all else aside in order to experience more of His holiness?

Worthy Reads The Giver– Lois Lowry Humans are fascinating beings; we try to be the same as everyone else, while at the same time trying just as hard to be a little bit different than everyone else. God created the world— including us—with great variety and beauty for a reason. In her book, The Giver, Lois Lowry portrays a vivid, yet bleak and haunting picture of an imaginary world of “sameness.”

A world that provokes its explorers (i.e. you, the reader— Hopefully!) to embrace every bit of "different" that there is in their own messy, vibrant, and beautiful world. I recommend that you be a little brave and go explore Lois Lowry's fictional world for yourself.

Anja Miller

Photo Credits: Christina Barkman

As According to Webster:

Drizzle Driz"zle

Verb To rain slightly in very small drops; to fall, as water from the clouds, slowly and in fine particles; as, it drizzles; drizzling drops or rain.

"Drizzling tears."

Monica Miller Photography

God And Me Kristi Witmer I love anticipating things. Half the fun of an experience is the time leading up to it, anticipating it.

Thus, for me the beginning of most years is full of warm fuzzies as I wonder what each particular year will hold. And then, as each year comes to a close, it’s always fun to reminisce and see what all God brought along that year, what all took place that I had never envisioned. And as I reminisce, I get excited about anticipating the next year to come.

Two-thousand twelve was no exception. The beginning of the year took off like any other year, only this year I encountered many new experiences right from the get-go. And as the last few months of the year began to roll around, I reminisced on the wonders of all that had taken place; on all God had done and taught me. We had conquered twenty twelve. Or so I thought. Little did I know how much more there was to learn, to conquer, in the two final months of the year. By December 31st of twenty twelve, God perhaps had conquered much but I felt like a weary runner, barely crawling past the finish line.

Not much of a conqueror, having hardly made it to the end of the year.

As the new year began, the warm fuzzies were not there. Anticipation was low, energy fleeting. This time around, the words “New Year,” “resolution,” and “unknown,” didn’t have quite the romantic ring that they usually had when I thought about the future. No long lists. Not much excitement.

“If by God’s grace, I can just make it through this year—with no other great feats or adventures—that would be great.

That’s my resolution: to make it through this year, God and me.” I thought to myself many times over as the year began.

year that I have lived so far. He carries me. He sings His love—His unfailing love—over me, and I stand amazed.

A promise that has become so real to me is given to us in Psalm 37:23-24 “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.”

I love the picture that I get when I think about these verses and when I realize how real they are in my life. God delights in my way—not because He loves seeing the pain or the struggle that I face in life, but because He has a plan that is good, loving, and far beyond what I could ever imagine. Every little detail of life brings great delight to Him because He is the one who can see the big picture and He loves to guide me and slowly, step by step, reveal to me His incredible plan.

The verse goes on to say that when we fall—when we become overwhelmed and can’t go on—we won’t be hurled headlong because God is holding our hand. I get the picture of a daddy and a child walking along a path full of ruts and potholes.

The child stumbles as he tries to make his way over the rough terrain. Yet the daddy’s strong hand linked in the child’s, holds the little one up every time his foot catches, helping him to continue walking as he leans on the strength of his father’s arms.

That is God and me. His strength is unwavering, His love unfailing. And I stand amazed at the chance to dwell in the love of such an amazing Savior—One Who made a way for me to draw near enough to Him that I can reach up as a child to his father and grasp His hand and cling to it.

I join in with David in His praise to God: “Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me. (Ps. 63:7)” And each new day, each new year, is another step with my Father who loves passionately, leads faithfully, and keeps His promises. He knows the way I take, and He delights in it. He delights in getting me from where I am to where He wants me. Because of this, I can step into the new day without fear of what lies ahead, knowing that He is already there and what He has is all I need.

"The heart set to do the Father's will need never fear defeat. His promises of guidance may be fully counted upon. Does it make sense to believe that the Shepherd would care less about getting His sheep where He wants them to go than they care about getting there?"-Elisabeth Elliot

God and me. Oh, how He’s already answered that heart-cry.

How He’s shown Himself to me in the three months of this

Kristi Witmer - I live with my family in the big city of Los Angeles, California. God continues to show me how much He loves me and each person He created. Therefore, I love being anywhere that includes rubbing shoulders with others and making relationships with people--particularly those who don't know Him or His love yet. Currently, I'm a part-time nanny to two precious little girls, and in my spare time I love making music, reading, writing, or being outdoors! I'm simply a follower of Jesus, continually learning about what it really means to walk in His steps and be a true disciple of His.

God delights in my way— not because He loves seeing the pain or the struggle that I face in life, but because He has a plan that is good, loving, and far beyond what I could ever imagine.

God and Me

How To Tie A Scarf The Israeli Braid

I don’t know it this scarf trick actually originated in Israel… but that’s where it originated for me. It was taught to me on the streets of Old City Jerusalem by a friendly salesman who wanted my Shekels in return for one of his colorful cashmere scarves. And now I’m going to do my best to teach you—- as I’ve dubbed it—-“the Israeli Braid”.

1. FOLD SCARF IN HALF 2. TWIST MIDDLE TO CREATE A LOOP ON BOTTOM HALF 3. BRING TWO HANGING STRANDS TOWARDS YOU AND BRAID (YOUR 3 “STRANDS” SHOULD BE THE TWO LOOSE ONES, AND THE ONE SIDE OF YOUR LOOP… MAKE SENSE?) 4. KEEP CALM AND BRAID ON 5. TIE TO SECURE (IF YOU ARE DOING THE “NECKLACE LOOK” AS PICTURED ON THE RIGHT)6. BRING OVER HEAD 7. FLUFF & VIOLAH!

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Monica Miller Photography

Prayer Practicing

Sheri Nisly

Monica Miller Photography

I was asked to share some thoughts and practical ideas for prayer. Here are some things I'm learning.

Preparation. Ambience can really affect the quality of your prayer time and if you properly prepare, it will help you focus during prayer. If the room you usually spend your quiet time in is dirty or disorganized, spend a few minutes cleaning it up. Make your time special, pamper yourself a bit. Get a hot drink, light a candle, and turn on some soft music. Make sure the music is only instrumental and doesn't include words unless you are specifically worshiping as it can be distracting otherwise. If you feel like your time is falling into a boring routine, be creative and think of ways to switch things up a bit, like go outside instead of praying indoors.

Faith isn't based on your emotions, it is simply belief and action in spite of them.

Delight. Approach your time of talking with God as a delight, not a duty. Think of it like a date. The God who created the entire universe loves you and is thinking about you at that very moment. Psalm 139 says his thoughts about you are as many as the sand

on the sea. That's a couple gazillion, which means he is thinking about you literally all the time. Pretty awesome, right? :)

Praying Scriptures. Sometimes I don't know exactly what to pray. But going to the Bible there are so many prayers in it, of intercession, worship, lament, praise, blessing, and repentance. When you're not sure exactly how to begin praying it can incredibly helpful to start with Scripture. The Psalms are loaded with prayers. Paul wrote a lot of them too, for example, Phil 1:9-11, that you can pray for yourself or someone else. As you read the Word you can also pick a characteristic of God to be praising him for throughout the day. Revelations has some pretty awesome pictures of God and the angels worshiping him that can inspire you to worship. Check out Jesus' prayer in John 17. Using prayers from Scripture as a foundation to start from can help you pray confidently, knowing that you are praying in absolute accordance with God's will.

Faith. Feeling doubts come crashing in? Find specific passages of God's promises and claim them even if they don't feel tangible and real at the moment. Pray boldly and specifically even if you feel weak. Remember, faith isn't based on your emotions, it is simply belief and action in spite of them. A big part of faith is perseverance and continuing in prayer no matter

when you are praying for someone else, expect to feel a certain degree of spiritual attack.

whether we see results or not. Jesus encourages us to be persevering (see Luke 11). One thing you can do to strengthen your faith is to read Christian biographies and be amazed at how God worked in their lives. This can range anywhere from bios of missionaries to stories of martyrs who died for their faith. Another cool thing to do is to look back on your journal from a year or two ago and see how God has answered some of your prayers. He is faithful!

you pray. You don't have to go outside, anywhere in the house works. Keeping your body moving prevents you from dozing off and helps keep your focus sharp.

Constant Communion. One thing I highly recom-

mend you invest in is the Word of Promise Audio Bible so you can be feasting throughout your day on God's word. It might seem expensive at first (the mp3 version costs about $45 on ebay), but think of it as a life-long investment that you can listen to for many, many years. Don't get just any audio bible, this one is We all know what it's like to be dis- far superior then the free ones. It has music, sound tracted when we're trying to pray. Keep a pen and pa- effects, and dramatization from hundreds of different per close by so that if you suddenly remember some- people for each person in the Bible. It really brings the Bible to life and is awesome to listen to when you are thing you need to do later in the day you can quickly jot it down, and can go back to prayer. If you still have cleaning, cooking, whatever. It can really enhance your communion with God as he speaks to you trouble concentrating, try writing out your prayers, through his Word, and in turn you respond back to either by hand or on your laptop. (If on your laptop, disable internet and close your email program so you Him in prayer. If you don't want to get this that's fine, aren't distracted) Or if you don't like writing, try pray- but if not try memorizing a couple verses that you can be thinking and praying about during your day. ing out loud or even just whispering while you talk.

This will help keep your thoughts from wandering.

Try one of these consistently for a month and then Probably by far the most helpful reevaluate to see what fits you best. Another thing to mention is that especially when you are praying for thing you can do is to find an accountability partner. someone else, expect to feel a certain degree of spirEmail eachother every 2 weeks or so, and ask how she itual attack. This can come as distractions, exhausis doing in this area. You can also share a specific pastion, discouragement, etc. If you feel sleepy and are sage that God used to speak to you, etc. Knowing that having a hard time keeping alert, try walking while your friend will be asking you about this gives you a

Concentration.

Accountability.

The Spirit is going to Go

praying powerfu

with and for us that God's w be accomplished in our live would become

like His Son no

prayer but in all areas o

od and

ully

will indeed es, that we

ot just in

of life.

stronger incentive to be faithful in prayer. It may feel a little awkward at first but it's well worth the effort.

A Word of Caution. Don't just pray. James warns us that faith without works is dead. John tells us not to love just in words but in deed and in truth. When seeing someone in need it can be easy to think, “I'll just pray for them.” and while that is a good thing to do, often God doesn't want us to settle for only doing that but to also take action and reach out to that person.

Be Encouraged. In prayer we're all learners, all stumble sometimes, and aren't perfect. Don't feel guilty if you sometimes mess up and fail, there is grace for you, not guilt. Guilt brings condemnation, but grace brings incentive to keep trying. Be encouraged by Romans 8:26-29: “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.” We are not alone in praying. The Spirit is going to God and praying powerfully with and for us that God's will indeed be accomplished in our lives, that we would become like His Son not just in prayer but in all areas of life.

Sheri Nisly El Salvador is home for me and I love it the beaches, mountains, incredible food, and wonderful people. I've been sick for the last 2 1/2 years so I haven't been able to do much but still enjoy life as much as I can! My favorite activity is gabbing with my best friends late into the night. :)

Get to Know

ToriYoder (15)

Tori Yoder: My name is Tori Yoder and I am 15 ~going on sixteen~, so that makes me a freshman. I live in Millersburg, Ohio and attend Hiland High School. I am the oldest of 4 children. (I have 3 younger brothers: Alec, Drew, and Tony) Girlfriend Gazette: Fill in the blank with as many answers as you choose: ________ are a few of my favorite things.

TY: Stop worrying so much about what other people think of you because that doesn't even matter. At all.

GG: What is something you've learned through the 'hard times'?

TY: That I have to forget about my "solution" and timing for the problem to be solved.

GG: Coffee or ice cream?

TY: Backpacks, Twistables, old keys, rain boots, toms, flip flops(and pretty much all shoes), paint samples, and the Piano Guys.

GG: Describe your surroundings and your last meal.

TY: Coffee. Can't live without it.

GG: What is one subject you are so passionate-you-could-never-gettired-talking-about?

TY: Red Lobster in Sarasota, Florida: Caesar salad, biscuits, pop corn shrimp...yum!

GG: What is your personality?

TY: Abortion. It makes me so angry that I could just...be very angry.

GG: What is your definition of the word 'love'?

TY: Describing myself is high on my list of NOT favorite things to do...but I guess I really love to be around people and...ummm...I try to be usually happy and stuff. Yep. That's all.

GG: What makes you come ALIVE? TY: Singing a really awesome song for praise and worship. Like maybe The Stand or Your Love Never Fails or somethin'. Because that's one of those times that you can just feel that you are in the presence of God and it just gives you chills. It's pretty much just awesome.

GG: Where do you go to 'relax and rest', and what do you do?

TY: I like to read a really good book. Particularly on a rainy days. On a couch.

GG: What is something that not many people know about you?

TY: I play the piano. (exciting right?)

GG: What is a Bible verse/quote that sticks in your mind and pops up when you need it the most?

TY: "If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try." -Seth Godin.

Because life is always more funner if you do exciting things:) GG: What characteristics about God do you feel you've experienced the most?

TY: His never-ending forgiveness and the way he cares about every little thing I do.

GG: What is one instance in which God showed His love to you in a way that left no doubt in your mind?

TY: I go to this awesome camp in Indiana every summer every year and last year I got to go out and pray with my younger brother and he was feeling pretty guilty because he knew that God had wanted him to get up and share earlier that evening but he was too nervous. We prayed about it and stuff, but then at the service the next evening the preacher opened it up for sharing again and he got another chance to share (which he did) and I know it sounds like a really little something, but it was just really awesome to see how God worked it all out:) GG: If you could go back and talk to yourself 5 years ago, what advice would you give yourself?

TY: Easy answer: God. Because God is love. ( I can't really think of a good wordy answer at the moment.

GG: What is one thing, even if the readers remember nothing else from this whole issue, that you want to stick in their minds and become real in their hearts?

TY: You are as close to God as you want to be. And growing closer to God is a pretty beautiful thing.

GG: Any closing remarks, quotes, verses, songs, questions you want to answer that I didn't ask you, or words of wisdom that you need to speak?

TY: I have recently discovered that life is just much better if you decide at the beginning of everyday to be joyful.

But it is not something that you can do with your own strength. I've started asking God each morning to fill me up with joy so that I can share it with others and show them a love and joy that can only come from him. "And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his salvation." ~Psalms 35:9

The Names of God Seeing God Bigger El Roi - The God Who Sees Teresa Witmer

Photo Credits: Christina Barkman

Take a Moment and Think Stop what you’re reading and think about some of the things you’re facing today. It will be different for each one of us. Maybe it’s a relationship, new experience, opportunity, or fear.

You know - that thing you woke up thinking about this morning.

Hagar gulped water the spring and let a little splash on her face to cool her from the burning desert sun. For a moment, smug satisfaction that she had escaped Sarai’s clutches made her lift her weary shoulders a bit. But every other detail of her life wanted to scream at her that she was alone, abandoned, and with nowhere on earth to belong.

She tried to block out the vivid memory of the fateful day she was forced to leave her native Egypt. They had seen worth in silver more than the worth of her soul.

“Sold a slave to that woman,” she moaned hoarsely. She felt cheated and tricked by those she thought loved her.

The years since had meshed one into the other. The life she lived had become normal but miserable. This God of Abram and Sarai was as far from her as her distant homeland. Nothing could quench her desire for true love. For belonging. For hope. For some kind of future.

Oh, to simply be noticed and understood.

Hagar felt a sudden churning in her stomach and dashed to throw up in a nearby shrub. Discovering she was pregnant had surfaced everything that had been building in her heart. The bitterness came out - bitterness born by fear and loneliness. Sarai’s treatment of her had been painful…especially the fuming words that pierced her soul. So she ran. Escaped it all. For what?

Now there really was no one…except for the life growing in her womb.

Can I just be honest? The past four months have blown in a season of change. There have been tears, joy, confusion, fear, and hope…all meshed together. My mother -in-law-to-be was tragically killed, I got married the day after her funeral, I traded rugged Colorado for balmy California, my family moved across the ocean, and we’re expecting our first baby in August. Some days, there is just too much to feel.

If nothing else, the past four months have revealed my true, deep down self like probably no other four months

in my life. I really don’t like it very much sometimes. I’ve longed for communion with God and struggled for connection with others. Loneliness, rejection and fear have manifested themselves like unwanted guests. Sometimes they even visit my dreams. Four nights in a row I dreamed a family member died. I also randomly had dreams of rejection and hatred from other people. It was just a dream…but often it reveals hidden things in my heart.

It became a ritual for my husband, Asher, to pour milk into his cereal and ask, “So did you have any dreams last night?” Sometimes he asks this because I often dream off-the-wall dreams that make him chuckle into his breakfast. One day when posed this question I broke into tears. It was awful. And how I felt was worse yet.

Asher’s question in the midst of my sobs and trying to figure out what was really going on took me off-guard, “And where is God in these dreams?”

Where is God? His question often comes to my mind.

Perhaps in every situation of life, that is what my soul cries out to know. Is He noticing my loneliness, fear, failures, changes, day-to-day life…does He really see?

Hagar’s life was a mess. People betrayed her. She was used and abused. She responded with a bad attitude.

She was lonely. And I’m going to guess that despite her successful escape, she was desperately afraid. In the darkest, most unlikely time, our personal and allknowing God came to this slave woman. He knew everything about her. She probably didn’t like everything He had to say, but she recognized mercy when it found her and the presence of the God who sees all He made.

When I hear the name El Roi I think, “Wow, God, you are incredibly personal and intimate when you meet us!” When we come to His presence and abide in Him… are we fully aware that He sees us? His eyes are loving and compassionate. They are convicting and humbling.

There is no one too small or great, poor or rich, healed or broken, bound or free…He sees each one.

Check out these precious promises from Scripture that assure us that He sees:

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

Psalm 33:13-15

“You are the G me. Now I have One who sees

The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth, He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.

The same God who spoke the world into existence sees the sparrow when it falls. He knows each hair on your head. He thinks about you more than the sands of the sea. Nothing is hidden from Him. His eyes and heart are engaged in all that happens in His world…and in your life.

Hagar trembled at the presence of the One who appeared before her. She had to be honest when He asked her where she was from and where she was going. She didn’t like all of His words. Go back!

You’ve got to be kidding! But He gave her a promise…He would increase her descendants. She would have a son.

This God of Abram and Sarai had found her. Spoken to her. Not only that, He knew everything about her. He was personal. He cared for her and her son. Tears streamed down her face. She lifted her eyes and choked out what her heart wanted most to say to Him, “You are the God who sees me. Now I have seen the One who sees me.”

Take a Moment and Write Think back to the things you thought of at the beginning of this article that you are facing. How does the name El Roi speak to your need? Hearing how God reveals Himself to others inspires and challenges my faith.

I would love if you would take a moment to write down thoughts you have on the name El Roi and how knowing God sees changes your perspective on your situation. Keep it close to 100 words and I will choose some of these to publish in the next issue of the Girlfriend Gazette. Email: ashterwitmer@gmail.com

God who sees e seen the me.�

Finding God Bigger An Introduction To the Column One of my favorite scenes is C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia is a dialogue between young Lucy and the great lion, Aslan, when she returns to Narnia in Prince Caspian: “Aslan,” said Lucy, “You’re bigger.”

That is because you are older, little one,” he answered.

“Not because you are?”

“I am not. But every year you grow you will find me bigger.”

As children, the more we grow the smaller things seem. We return to a place as teens or adults and find that it “wasn’t quite as big as we thought it was”. This wasn’t so with Aslan. Even though Lucy had grown…he seemed even bigger to her than before. I love this because I think it illustrates our relationship with God. The more we grow and mature in Him, the bigger He becomes to us. Finding Him bigger changes our perspective of everything.

Have you ever climbed a tower? Have you noticed that the higher you climb, the smaller things below seem and the further you can see? Sometimes situations, fears, and experiences in life are huge in front of us and are all we can see.

Proverbs 18:10 says: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” God is inviting us to climb into the tower of His name. To run into the safety of our never-changing and faithful God. What seemed huge to us at the bottom will become smaller as we look at it from the perspective of our mighty and personal God. We will need to see beyond ourselves to something eternal and beautiful.

God is really big. Sometimes I feel like I’ve only dipped my pinkie into the vast ocean of Who He is. He is the Creator, the Lord of Hosts, and the Most High God. God is also deeply personal. He is Shepherd, He is Healer, and He is Father. In this section of the Girlfriend Gazette we are going to be exploring the Names of this big and personal God. My prayer is that together we will find Him bigger.

Teresa Miller I recently traded rugged Colorado for balmy California to marry my best friend. I enjoy listening to the sounds in our apartment complex, connecting with people, “journaling� on the piano, writing, and traveling to places where Jesus is not known. I have a lot to learn about what it means to follow Jesus and love Him - but am beyond grateful He has called me out of darkness and into His marvelous Light!

“Lord, I crawled across the barrenness to You with an empty cup uncertain in asking any small drop of refreshment.

If only I had known You better I'd have come running with a bucket.�

-Nancy Spielberg and Dorothy Purdy

Photo Credits: Deborah Miller

Chayil

Life as the Woman of Proverbs 31 Volume 1 – Christy Barkman

Monica Miller Photography

PROVERBS THRITY-ONE WOMAN:

What is it about this woman that tends to raise blood pressure?

There seems to be a general bitter attitude of WHY EVEN TRY TO BE LIKE HER, IT'S NOT EVEN POSSIBLE, or maybe, IF ALL SHE DOES IS SLAVE AWAY IN THE KITCHEN, I DON'T EVEN WANT TO BE LIKE HER. I skim read that chapter, my eyes catching tidbits like

'merchant ships', 'rising while it is yet night', 'considering a field', 'eating not the bread of idleness', and get a picture of a stern, plain, housewife who's mind never goes beyond what she's going to make for supper that night, or what color her curtains should be. but what if I'm missing the point?

"WHO CAN FIND A VIRTUOUS WOMAN?FOR HER PRICE IS FAR ABOVE RUBIES."

She is MIGHTY; she is a woman of VALOR and STRENGTH. An industrious woman, a woman of means.

She is a FORCE of wealth, means and resources.

A woman of character, and yes, of meekness.

A woman who seeks others' good before her own, a woman of compassion.

Her character is VIRTUE.

It seems I've been missing out on a great role model.

And it's with that thought that we have gotten the desire to learn more about her, and to start a column on this chapter.

We'll be asking different people to write about specific verses from this passage from their perspectives, It is our desire that you would be encouraged and strengthened by this woman instead of discouraged... and find even some practical input by her example that God has given for each and every one of us for a reason.

Hey, if she could do it,

by God's grace, so can we!

-Christy Barkman (for Christy and Monica both) What comes to your mind when you see the word 'virtuous'?

Grace?

Dignity?

Purity?

Meekness?

General All-Around Perfectness? (no wonder our minds have placed her character as unattainable.)

GUESS WHAT. Look up the word "Virtuous" in a Hebrew dictionary.

Those words aren't even mentioned.

In fact, it means something quite different than 'meek'.

VIRTUOUS: Hebrew, Chayil: A FORCE, whether of men, means, or other resources. an ARMY, wealth.

VIRTUE, VALOR, STRENGTH.

Those meanings paint a completely different picture of the Proverbs Thirty-One Woman!

VIRTUOUS: Hebrew, Chayil: A FORCE, whether of men, means, or other resources. an ARMY, wealth.

VIRTUE, VALOR,

An Interview

Rose Beachy Just Some Older-Sister-Wisdom

My name is Rose Marie Beachy. For the first 21 years of my life I lived in I lived on a dairy farm in the hills of Pennsylvania. When I was 21 years, I felt God leading me to Canon City, Colorado and I've had the privilege of working for New Horizons Ministries for the past six years.

Girlfriend Gazette: What are a few of my favorite things? I have lots of favorite things. I love to travel this beautiful world that God’s placed us on. I love to sing with anyone, anytime, anywhere. I love to meet new people, sit for hours and chat with dear friends, read a good book. I love to hang out with my family and my 10 dear nieces and nephews. Just to name a few things.

- Is it going to be a good day, or if the sun isn't shining, is it going to be a bad day? (seriously, since when does the weather does the get to control our lives?)

- Am I going to be controlled by the spirit of God today or by the pressure of the people around me?

- Do I look in the mirror and thank God that I am fearfully and wonderfully made? Or do I choose to believe the lies that I'm not good enough, or as beautiful as the people around me?

- Do I up in the morning and tell God what is on my agenda for the day or do I ask Him what is on His agenda for me today?

Life is a choice. As daughters of the King, we have been giving the priviledge of living in freedom, royalty, and with a new identity.

However, the King has chosen to give us free choice. How will you live your life today?

Rose Beachy: My favorite weather is probably spring and fall. I love GG: Bible verse that means the most to you right now? weather that is not to hot and not to cold, just perfect. J I love sunshine. It’s one of my favorite things about Colorado; the sun almost RB: always shines here.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.

GG: Describe your personality with a color.

He will take great delight in you; RB: I’m not quite sure how to describe this one, but my personality in his love he will no longer rebuke you, would probably be yellow and aqua. Those are two of my favorite but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 colors, they’re just happy colors GG: What are some things you wish you would have known as a GG: what makes me feel alive? teenager?

RB: JESUS, music and people!! I don’t say that to be pious or spirRB: I wish I would have realized what actually happened when I itual but I come alive when I get to just sit at the feet of Jesus, and became a Christian. Growing up, I thought when you become a just rest in His presence. Music is another thing that makes me just Christian, that means that you get to go to Heaven and you should come alive, whether it’s singing with a few people, a concert, exuberantly singing in the shower, it just makes me feel alive. I’m also very much a people person. I love to connect with people, and just sit and talk about life.

GG: What is the subject you are passionate about and could easily give anyone listening a speech on the topic?

RB: Wow, so which one should I pick? J One of the thoughts that keeps hitting me lately is, I have one life to live, and it’s a short life, and how I live this one, short will life will determine how I spend eternity. This thought right now just breaks my heart. I see so many people who are just "okay" with living the normal, average, comfortable life. They attend Church every Sunday to make themselves feel good, or to make sure they don’t lose their “ticket to Heaven.” All their time and energy is spent trying to fit in, and to keep up with all the people and the peer pressures that surround them. We aren't called to be like everyone else, we are called to be set-a-part.

I've been realizing that it's the small choices that I make every day that have more of an impact on my life then some of the choices that look like major changes to me. Every single day when we wake up, we make so many decisions whether it's consciously, or subconsciously. Here are some examples:

always be a "good person" so that you don't lose your salvation. I wish I would have realized that when I became a Christian I literally received a new identity. I became a daughter of the King of this Universe. I am loved, valued, accepted, and I am seated with Christ in Heavenly places. If we truly realize our identity not only do we realize how much we are loved, but we can also love those around

us in a greater way.

GG: Are there choices you made as a teenage girl that you feel have affected your adult-life/relationship with God? RB: One thing I definitely feel that had a huge effect on my life and didn't even realize it, was honoring my authority.

Looking back, there were definitely times that I was extremely frustrated and just wanted things to be different and I wanted to do things how I thought they should be done. During those times I really wanted to be out from under authority and just do my own thing, but thankfully I could never actually make myself do it. I'm just now beginning to realize how much God protected me in those situations.

GG: Hardest thing for you to believe about God’s love.

RB: I could tell you so many stories of how God has taken care of me and shown His love for me. Honestly it’s usually through painful and difficult things in life that He has shown me who He is and how much He loves me and is going to care for my heart.

A few weeks ago I felt like God asking me to fast for a week.

God just totally amazed me that week, it felt like He just wanted to show me what all He can actually be for me and how much He loves me. One of the craziest things that happened that week was every single day I got a gift from someone, like an actual physical gift. Some of them were handdelivered, some were through the mail. It was just like God wanted me GG: Basically, what is the One things more than anything else.. that you want the young women reading this to know?

RB: It's hard for me not to view God's love through my circumstances. When life is painful, hard, and doesn't make RB: You are created by your Heavenly Father as a unique sense, it's difficult to see God's love in the middle of the pain. and intricate woman to display His glory. Don’t worry about GG: What is one thing you have learned about God’s love? trying to fit in or to be like the people around you, it’s only wasted energy. You were created to stand out, You were RB: His love is unconditional; it’s not dependent upon my feelings, or performance. It’s just a fact. And He doesn’t just created to be unique. If God would have wanted you to be a cookie-cutter image of someone else He would have made love us, He really truly adores us. I like to be able to "feel" God's love. He's been teaching me that His love is constant, you like that. You have spot to fill in this world that no one else can fill. So I am begging you to let go of the pain of not and even when I don't feel His love, I need to choice to befitting in, of not being as cute as your best friend, of not believe it. ing as skinny as your sister, of not being the most popular, GG: Your definition of the word “abide?” and begin to let Jesus show who He created you to be. I can guarantee you, if you begin to sit at the feet of Jesus and ask RB: My definition would be living in the presence of Jesus, Him this question, “What were you thinking when you creatand just being rooted and grounded in His love and Truth.

When I think of abide, I get a picture of a little girl sitting on ed me?” He won’t disappoint you.

Jesus’ lap and she looks so safe and secure. There is a crazy storm all around her but she doesn’t even have a clue that there is even danger of any kind around her because she is so safe and secure in the arms of Jesus.

GG: Closing statements (advice, encouraging parting words, or anything else)

RB: Keep seeking, keep knocking, and keep asking. God has such an awesome plan for each one of your lives. “And you GG: One practical way to show love to people will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all RB: Love people like you want to be loved. One of my friends your heart. “ Jeremiah 29:13 recently told me that she when there is something that she wishes someone would do for her, she looks for someone to do that for. Some examples, when you wish someone would pay for your meal, look around and find someone who's meal you can pay, when you wish someone would give you a hug, go find someone to give a hug to, when you want someone to bless you, go find someone to bless. It's pretty amazing how this can change your perspective on a bad day. :-) GG: One particular way God has shown you that He loves and care for you:

er. h t a F y l n e v r Hea u o y y b d reate You are c else e n o o n t a ld th r o w s i h t pot in s a e v a h You can fil l.

Photo Challenge

Photo Credits: Kelci Miller

Sierra Herr

RaVonne Rhod e Savannah Knepp

Blyss Barkman

s

Next Issue’s Ph

Yellow..

hoto Challenge Is:

By the time the next issue rolls around it will be summer. We see no better way to celebrate the beauty of the season then with a happy color like yellow.

There are many photo opportunities with a color like yellow a pretty flower growing in the wild, lemonade on a hot day, a bright yellow chair to lounge on , or little sister’s hair bow. This is a just-for-fun photo challenge… so whether you are a pro, a wanna-be-with-an-SLR or just snap for memory’s sake, you are welcome to join! Email your entries to girlfriendgazette@gmail.com by June 15, 2013. If you need some inspiration make sure to check our Facebook page, where we will be posting some of our own yellow pictures! Join the fun!

Loving Others LEARNING TO

Love Like Jesus MELANIE BEACHY

I sit in a coffee shop in Thailand (one of my favorite places in the world---both the coffee shop and Thailand) and prepare myself for a quiet afternoon with God. My iPod is streaming my “Coffee shop playlist” and I am sipping peach tea while I wait for my cashew chicken.

(For once in my life, I am not drinking coffee.)

An old lady walks up, holding garlands of flowers that she is earnestly trying to sell. She seems to have some sort of speech impediment, and I have to make a guess as to how much the garlands actually cost. I sigh, not always sure in these situations what the best thing is to do, and I buy one for 10B ---around $0.33 or so. But when I try to give her what she really needs (Jesus) she pushes it away, and the speech impediment seems to mysteriously disappear. She walks away, and my heart is sad, thinking of the millions in this world who do not know Him. Of those who push Him away out of fear or superstition and of those who are hungry and searching.

Sometimes the need is overwhelming, and we are left to wonder how we are to love well in this world. We know we are called to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And then we are to love our neighbor. (Mark 12:30,31) We know that we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. We read or hear stories that rend our hearts with the reality that is our world today.

Everywhere we turn, there are needs, and there are hurting people. But practically speaking, what does that look like, to love? How can we love, and love well?

love,” and wondered why at the end of the day I still look back and see how I smarted off impatiently at my little sister, or I grumbled inwardly at the thought of giving up my free time to go and help someone in need. It’s far too easy to attempt to love, and to be loving and end up being like a “noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13) We can have the best of motives and still come up far short of loving like we should. Why is that?

“Let me love through you,” He whispers.

“Without Me, you can do nothing.” This doesn’t mean that we will never again mess up and fail to love, but it does open the door for Him to begin to change those inward motives that keep His love from being able to flow through us. When we begin to open ourselves up to Him loving through us, it’s time to step back and hold on tight, because the ride ahead is unpredictable and sometimes scary, but oh, so exciting!

Be a light in your little world. We often think that in order to show the love of God, or to be His light, we really must sail to the other side of the world and live in a poor village as a missionary. At the least, we should go on a short term mission trip. Not so! These things are well and good if they are what God calls you to do, but often we are called to be faithful in the little things before we can be faithful in the big things.

Who are the people in your little world? I once heard a quote that goes something like this: “If you can get along with your brothers and sisNever underestimate how ters, you can get along with anyone!” Ouch! it’s hard to love those who are closimportant these seemingly Sometimes est to you. But what is the most that we can do little opportunities are, to show love to the ones in “our little world”?

I am currently living out a dream that I’ve because as Jesus said, had for years of working on the foreign mis“He that is faithful in that sion field, but I will tell you that God gave me which is least, is faithful also plenty of opportunities over the years to “practice” on my siblings. Loving your family in much…” is one of the best ways to test real, sacrificial love. Looking closely at how you treat the peoAs always, the best place to start is to look ple in “your little world” is a good indication at the life of Christ and at the example that He of where your heart is! Never underestimate has left for us to follow. What are some practi- how important these seemingly “little” opportunities are, because as Jesus said, “He that is cal ways that we can be Christ’s love and do faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in well at loving those around us? much…” (Luke 16:10) Be willing to sacrifice. Probably one of Be Christ. Because without Him, we are noththe biggest obstacles that we face as we seek to ing. I have often prayed, “Lord, teach me to

love as Jesus loved is ourselves and our selfishness. I always have such good intentions of serving and loving those around me, but far too often I allow my selfish desires to get in the way. “Oh, but God, surely you’re not leading me to give up my free time today to go and spend time visiting ___________. This is the only free day I have this week, and I have sooo much to do!” Sound familiar? Fill in the blanks ---but any number of excuses that we come up with for not spending time loving people are often rooted in selfishness. Taking time to serve those around us takes time and energy and a willingness to sacrifice. Far too often in my own life, I have chosen selfishness over service and regretted it. But for the times when I made the right choice, the joy that comes from serving others as led by Christ is unprecedented!

Be aware of every opportunity God brings. Again, it’s so easy to think that in order to be a good Christian who loves and serves well, it has to be the big things, like mission trips or teaching a Sunday school class. These are good things, but sometimes it’s the small things! Small things are important in the kingdom of God, and often we miss small opportunities just because we are looking for big important ones. Take the opportunities that God brings to you and make the most of them!

Some examples might be taking a moment to read a book to a little one, stopping in to encourage a busy mother, visiting an older person, smiling and expressing gratefulness to your waitress at a busy restaurant, or any number of things. I have come to realize that whoever God places in my life on a certain day is there that I might show them how much He loves them. I am His hands and feet, and so are you. How will He show them unless He can use us? One of my mottos is, “Whenever I come in contact with any person, take that opportunity as the last opportunity I will ever have to show them how much God loves them.” Sometimes it’s as simple as a loving smile, but never underestimate what it can mean to a person. If God leads you to do it, chances are, they need the encouragement!

Be a servant. When I think of being a servant, my mind goes to the example of an older couple who served as pastoral staff at the church that I attend. They were always just available, almost without a second thought it seemed. They seemed to fill in all of the gaps when it came to the needs of those within our church. You know what I mean, if you’ve ever seen it. Those people who never make you feel like a bother for asking for any kind of help.

They are the ones who just ask if you need help, or make themselves ready in anticipation of need. If you’ve ever experienced how it feels to be the recipient of such service, you know how much of a blessing it can be.

There are numerous ways that we as young women can be servants to those around us. It can be so easy for us to focus on our own amusement a pleasure—we feel very entitled to have a good time as a young person! It’s not a bad thing to enjoy ourselves and have fun, but it can often turn to a self-focused lifestyle in which we focus inward rather than outward as Christ called us to. How often are we willing to give of ourselves and our time to those around us? These years as a young person without the obligation that married people have are a prime time for us to spend serving those around us!

Learning to love as Jesus loved before us is a journey that will probably take a lifetime! But praise God He is a patient God that leads us one step at a time, teaching us as we go. As we seek Him with a wholehearted devotion, His character will become ours, and the world will be changed by His beautiful love.

Melanie Beachy My desire is to reflect Jesus in everything I do. I love life and find joy in simple pleasures, like sunsets, coffee, music, and the color yellow. I am passionate about women's ministry and have a desire to see women everywhere enjoy intimacy with Christ and express His beauty through Godly femininity. I live in Thailand and I absolutely love it here--the people and the Country.

Some of my happiest moments are moments of solitude with my Jesus, getting my hands dirty with yet another DIY project, reading a good book, or laughing and talking with my family.

"Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our p e a c e and j o y.

Peace does not dwell in outward things, but in the heart prepared to wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely i n H i s h a n d s."

Elizabeth Elliot

The Girl With

Blue

Photo Credits Cherie Barkman

The

e Feathered Pen

Christy Barkman

I'm sitting here in our living room, and my brothers are sprawled around the room, music is playing off of Grooveshark and our family is leaving in about an hour to go eat some Thai food at a well-run, very authentic and thus inexpensive Thai restaurant beside the road,

and we set off across the Seven Seas.

Now, I guess we're settled into our new house, but I'm not sure if I would say that I'm settled into our new land

and then it's to the Night Bizarre for family night.

or culture or people.

This isn't normally the atmosphere I generally choose to write my articles in.

I wonder how one really does that?

But, as usual, I procrastinated, and can't be too picky.

Does it happen slowly over time, and all of a sudden you realize that you are officially adjusted, or do you always just sort of feel like a

Where on earth do I try to pick up the little moments of everyday life from the past two months?

'poor wandering stranger'?

I hardly know what to journal when I'm alone, much less write an article about 'my life'.

There are definetely a whole lot of awkward moments here already, moments when you know for SURE that you are a foreigner

For those of you who don't know,

and yes, even though I live here now, I am still a tourist, I think.

our family was called to Asia, specifically Thailand last year, right after Christmas we got 'the call'.

We've learned the traditional greeting (hands clasped in the 'prayer' position: SA WAT DEE KAH),

We packed up our clothes and books and socks and laptops and Settlers of Catan and set off across the Seven Seas‌

we've learned that it's not 'if' you have an accident, it's WHEN your accident happens, (I had a small accident, I suppose, it wasn't too bad; I just got dragged along about 10 feet into the shrubbery beside a house, but I like to think that with my accident already under my belt, I'll be good for a while now),

It's really difficult to sum up the next months of that year ...

we've learned to appreciate air conditioning and

knowing that 'this time next year',

ice cream more than ever,

we'll be in a place that we've never seen before.

And we'll be LIVING there.

we've learned that Thailand really really appreciates their speed bumps.

And all those terrible, heart-wrenching goodbyes to beautiful people that I've known

We've also seen buddhist temples,

for as long as I can remember, and some who've known me for even longer than that, those were hard.

we've seen innocent children imitating their parents

but with God's grace, we said them, no matter how much they hurt, we packed up our clothes and books and socks and laptops and Settlers of Catan (one must always have that)

in worship to grand statues made of gold and we live right next to people who live in huts

I am seeking a greater calling, a greater kingdom of a greater God than anything I can imagine. monks everywhere, and houses with offerings to appease the spirits.

You see the kind of fear that these people are enslaved in.

In America, we don't worship statues.

We don't offer food in little dishes to appease spirits.

But that doesn't make our secret, dirty sins any less sinful.

Sometimes, I don't feel like being a 'missionary'.

Sometimes, I just want to go HOME. I struggle with my attitudes, my thoughts, and my actions.

Just because I have moved across the ocean does NOT meant that I now don't get mad at my little brother for yelling or crunching popcorn too loudly, or that I suddenly love to work in the kitchen and serve people, or that I spend all my waking hours in some sort of deep spiritual ministry, even though maybe I should.

There's a lot of just every day LIVING that I'm doing right now.

I know we're here for a reason, and we only have a limited time here, or anywhere else or that matter.

There are so many things that I have yet to learn, and a lot of things that I have to learn AGAIN. The importance of prayer is on my mind, living JOYFULLY, living a servant-hearted life, learning that I don't have rights other than the right God gave

me to be His daughter and heir of the kingdom of heaven.

What right have I to get angry when things don't go my way?

When my pride gets hurt? When someone does something better than me?

None, because I am not of this world.

I am seeking a greater calling, a greater kingdom of a greater God than anything I can imagine.

May I learn to YIELD, learn to be FILLED head-to-toe with His power, His Holy Spirit, His wisdom and His servant-heart.

God bless you, reader.

May He give you GRACE ABUNDANT and make HIMSELF REAL in your life, right now.

"Never stop shining His light just because it hurts someone else's eyes."

Email me thoughts, encouragements and/or critiques at / browneyed996@gmail.com and subscribe to my new blog at / barefoote.wordpress.com

Savannah Knepp

1 T. Baking Soda 1 T. Freshly squeezed Orange juice Combine. Apply to face, rinse off after 20 minutes or until dry.

From a Reader: Emily Slaubaug

2 lb. powdered sugar 1 lb. cream cheese peppermint extract (or peppermint oil) to taste Knead cream cheese and powdered sugar until it is the consistency of play-dough (you might want to start with half the bag of powdered sugar and add the rest gradually) add peppermint. Make into balls or find special molds online.

theflyingcrochethook@gmail.com

Girlfriend Gazette: Spring 2013 Cover Photos ::: Deborah Miller

Girflriend Gazette is the property of Monica Miller‌ and I ask that no content in part or whole be reproduced without permission. Thanks!