Jan 2011 Designed to flourish by Designed to Flourish Magazine

Flourish is about inspiring, encouraging and uplifting women of Hampton Roads.

January / February 2011 FREE! Take one and pass it on! www.theflourishmagazine.com

New “Shoes” for New “Seasons” Who doesn’t love a new pair of shoes? They are art for our feet! Why, even Cinderella knew that one’s destiny can be all about the right shoes! But, have you finally discovered that your shoes need to fit what you are doing? Five-inch spikes are okay for limo shoes, but you can’t wear them on a five mile hike. That’s because it’s senseless to give yourself hammertoes or bunions. So, put away those shoes meant for someone or something else. Allow the KING to place the perfect fitting, beautiful glass slippers upon your pads. Oh, see how they sparkle! They are a precious gift just for you because no one else can fill your shoes! “ How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter!” Solomon 7:1

This

Issue

3 Letter from the Editor: Do your Shoes “Fit”? 4 Answers from the Experts: Happy Wives Share their Secrets for Wedded Bliss 4 Conquering the Dish Washer and Other Tales 5 Christianity in High Heels: The “Non-Negotiables” List about Mr. Future Husband 6 J oys of Style: Our Fashion Update Essentials for 2011 9 Health: Rest a Key for Spiritual and Physical Health 10 F rom Prostitute to Professor Founder of Shoe Revolt Speaks Out For Sex Victims 11 B lessing Wells Local Fourteen-Year Old Raises Money for African Well Projects 12 Simplified Living: Need Help Taming your Laundry Beast? 13 S mart Cents: Learning to Trust in Him for Provision 14 Musings from the Man Cave: Food Throwdown for Honey vs. Momma?

Christopher Post

Meet the Designed to Flourish Team: Back row: left to right: Dana Williams, Lori West, Joy Wansley, Jonathan Pettitt, Nicole Knight, Christopher Post Middle Row: Lisa Wright, Felicia Murrell, Joy Moore, Tiffany Post Front Row: Kelly Head, Cresta Shawver Not Pictured: Jennifer Miller, Virna Naomi, Amy Volk, Melissa McDermott, Rachel Olson Photo by–Christopher Post, postmediadesign.com

14 Put your Shoes on and Go

Learn More About the Team at www.theflourishmagazine.com

15 Can You Use your “Ordinary” for the “Extraordinary” this Year? 16 Artist’s Vision & Artistic Ability Restored after 14 Years 18 The Flourish: Passion Sparks Simple into Spectacular

About the Cover Artist Lisa Wright is a freelance artist from Hampton Roads who was practically born with an artist’s palette and paintbrush in her hands. Gifted as an artist, she began formal training in drawing, painting and sculpture from grade school all the way through college. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Mount Holyoke College and also studied art in Paris for a year. Lisa currently teaches several levels of Art (drawing, painting, sculpting)and French in a private program where she has had the privilege of instructing hundreds of children for the past fifteen years. You can find some of Lisa's illustrations in the children’s book, Light for the Sacred Vellum, by Cathy Idowu, which is at Barnes and Noble. She does work on commission and also has some awe-inspiring prints available of all her work. Lisa’s newest project is an effort to allow people from all over the world exposure to her art lessons, which are taught from a distinctively Christian perspective. Her new website is ChristianArtClass.com where her curriculum is available online. Lisa is very excited about being a part of the first issue of Designed to Flourish, as it is an inspiration to her as she prepares to “put on the new pair of shoes” in her current life season too. She is married to Dr. Tim Wright and they have four beautiful children–all of whom Lisa homeschooled since 1989. Lisa will be teaching a six-week painting class beginning March 5th. Please contact her for information through www.LisaWrightsArt.com, or call 757-217-0330 to register.

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Help spread the ministry of Designed to Flourish! Pick up extra copies and pass them along to the women in your life. Our goal is to steward the copies by getting them directly into the hands of the Christian women of Hampton Roads. Please show support for our advertisers by letting them know you found them in Designed to Flourish. We intend to only include people and organizations of excellence and intergrity recommended to us. Our hope is to provide resources that you can trust. We are looking for people with a heart for the Christian women of our community. If you have gifts of writing, painting, photography or administration that you desire to share with Designed to Flourish please contact us at Kelly@theflourishmagazine.com. Please review the writing submission guidelines prior to sending submissions at www.theflourishmagazine.com.

Visit: www.theflourishmagazine.com "Like" us on Facebook: Designed to Flourish Magazine

Editors

Note

Ishoes. Now, that probably isn’t immediately obvious

to the people who know me. Budget is one current barrier. Though, truth be told, my mind’s eye vision of me huffing around baby and all the trimmings along with my active two-year-old and four-year-old in stilettos . . . well, enough said. I like my neck, thank you very much. In a perfect world though, I would have a closet of shoes—displayed in all their glory! They would be carefully placed upon shelves and sorted by color and height, just waiting for my size 7 feet to parade them around to fancy places. On the flip side, I don’t heart shoes that don’t fit. My fellow shoe lovers know exactly what I’m talking about! Don’t we all have a few pairs of shoes that we bought despite the fact that we really needed the half size that the store didn’t carry? They were just too beautiful, too perfect for that special outfit, to pass them by. So, pinched nerves, blisters, calluses and all, they now belong to us. Lately I have been thinking about shoes, especially in relation to new seasons. The winter season has just begun here in Hampton Roads and with each new season, people dig out the appropriate footwear. In winter, we dig out our boots. Summertime, we love our feet free, with toes freshly painted to compliment our splashy, rhinestone-studded flip-flops. This got me thinking that as woman, we also all go through many life seasons. I once heard that as woman today, we typically need to reinvent ourselves about once every decade. We go from being single to married . . . to becoming new moms . . . to empty nesters. Too, we all go through bitter winter seasons, followed by happy days of spring, and then the droughts of summer, followed by a bountiful fall. There are the new jobs, moves, opportunities, health challenges, relationship troubles —the list goes on. Just like in nature, new life seasons require new shoes (both literally and metaphorically) too. Unfortunately, sometimes we are the last to know it. We continue to hobble around in last season’s shoes even though we’ve outgrown them. This launch issue cover of the Designed to Flourish magazine is about finding the perfect fitting “shoes” for each new life season. Perfect because for many of us here at the magazine, this is a new pair of shoes that we are finally stepping into. As woman, many of us have tried to wear worn out, drab, or too small shoes. Sure, they looked great on some other woman walking down her path, but we need to be free to dream and wear the shoes that are perfect for our own unique journey. God has something specifically designed for each of us. He has shoes that only we can fill. So, our charge this issue is for you to be inspired and free to find your own perfectly-fitted, new and sparkly shoes. If you have been holding on to last seasons’ shoes a bit too long, know that it is time to dream again. Do not be scared of your own passion that you were uniquely created to possess. That beautiful path is exactly the place that you are designed to walk with flourish! Blessings,

“But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalms 52:8

Designed to Flourish Magazine is for Hampton Roads Christian wives, moms, singles, friends, daughters . . . women. It is for those who aspire to be all they were created to be—their most beautiful and fulfilled selves. It is for women who desire to sparkle with the light of Christ in their relationships, roles, jobs, personal beauty, finances, businesses, life goals, and all areas of life. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13). This includes being a Proverbs 31 woman! 224 Springbrook Lane Chesapeake, VA 23320 757-348-5664 www.theflourishmagazine.com Publisher/Executive Editor Kelly Head Senior Editor Cresta Shawver Design Director Nicole Knight Flourish Ad Designer Victoria Moore Photographers Christopher Post, Lori West Section Coordinator Tiffany Post Contributing Writers Melissa McDermott, Jennifer Miller, Vierna Naomi, Rachel Olsen, Jonathan Pettitt, Amy Volk, Joy Wansley, Lori West, and Dana Williams. Special Thanks

Pastor David Addesa and Harvest Assembly, Joy Moore, Jason Head and all of the wonderful contributors for their support and loving hearts to bring this forth for the women of Hampton Roads. Thank you!

Designed to Flourish Magazine is published six times a year by Flourishing Media LLC. No portion may be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The opinions of the contributing writers do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Flourishing Media LLC, assumes no liability for products, services or statements made by advertisers. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertisements that do not meet the publications standards. Have your Designed to Flourish Magazine delivered for $18 annually to cover the cost of shipping & processing. Email Kelly@theflourishmagazine.com for details. All rights reserved.

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Christianity in High Heels: The “Non-Negotiables” list blessedbabe

here used to be an exercise practiced by certain single women years ago where they would each write down a list of “negotiables” and “non-negotiables” qualities in a man they would marry. I know of some women who were rigidly (crazy) stuck to their lists. One of my girlfriends conjured her own list of 85 non-negotiables, where it listed a requirement that the man needs to have “a perfect set of teeth.” So when I candidly asked her if she’d go out with a man who had one of his wisdom teeth pulled, she grinned Man A Good Christian sheepishly. Appard hes aren't wrinkle Great Dresser clot ently she would not r not bald marry anyone who Full Head of Hai only made 84 out anny Devito Taller Than Me D of 85 in her list of t of his teeth Set of Teeth mos ll Fu “non-negotiables.” alsa can 2-step Loves to dance S Why not? This is job Field has a steady faith, these women Doctor/In Medical argued. Aren’t we told Older Than Me At Least 3 Years e to “ask and we shall mature for his ag receive?” (Matthew 6:33) and that “God will give us the desires of our heart?” (Psalm 37:4). Single women are told to have faith by being specific and bold in their asking . . . in everything, including for the qualities of a man they would marry. To be honest, I only know of one “non-negotiable”— that Mr. Right should be a believer (2 Corinthians 6:14). It’s just practical. It may sound romantic to marry despite your backgrounds being different, but then reality bites when you have to explain to your spouse why you give a tenth of your income to church. There’s just a lot of compromise and adjustments going on in marriage; adding faith to that mix just makes it even more complicated. But even if you do marry a non-believer, these are not even grounds to kick you out of Christianity. That’s because Christianity was never rigid. It is simply encompassing of both love and freedom. God wants to hear us boldly ask for qualities in a man we want to marry, but it’s always better to let God take over that list. He will exceed it. Next year, I will be bridesmaid to that girl who made that list of 85. Her fiancé only made 3 out of 85 in her “non-negotiables” list. I didn’t bother to check his teeth though, but I think she’ll be fine. She said that she was sure of him—he is everything she prayed for. It’s great to have stories end like that. I like it not only because women end up finding great men, but they also end up getting over a rigid set of ideals. There are just some qualities they thought they needed, but later realized they didn’t. Or there are qualities of men that they didn’t like, but later realized they needed. That is why all these “lists” always end up getting rewritten in the end! That’s because in the end, we all come up to a sobering yet liberating realization that there’s just no perfect man. Just a perfect God.

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“blessedbabe” works as a marketing communications professional in the Philippines. She's also actively involved in organizing events for her local church's young adults and market workplace ministries. Aside from all this, she's a professional maid of honor, aunt, shopper and blogger. Her single Christian girl adventures are chronicled in www.christianityinhighheels.com. Va DMV Certificate #777, #148, US DOT 1913300, fully insured

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nswers from the A Experts: Happy wives share their secrets for wedded bliss Joy Moore

Founder of Daughters 4 God The last twenty-one years has taught me much about marriage, including the responsibility of a wife to value and respect her husband. With her words and actions, a wife can build up or tear down her prince charming. A wife who continually criticizes and seeks to create a “new and improved” husband communicates that she is discontent with the man she married, while genuine words of encouragement and thankfulness give a man confidence to lead. When a husband makes a decision, a respectful wife does not try to manipulate the situation to suit her own desires. Instead, a respectful wife will value her husband’s opinion and express her own ideas with kind words, recognizing that discussion is healthy but criticism shows disrespect and may cause her spouse to withdraw from future interaction. Value and respect are two necessary building blocks for a successful marriage.

Felicia Murrell

Co-Founder Wise Counsel Ministries Life lessons learned in my 18 year journey of marriage: 1) Don't beat yourself up about not having time for everything. Lean your heart into God and lean back and love others. Through His grace, the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom to do the things you need to do. So enjoy the moment and aim your heart at thriving in the season you are in. 2) On a good day, you control you. Tell yourself what to do and do it. Be honest about your feelings and your expectations (ones you've placed on yourself and on your spouse). It's important to understand that the goal of communication is not agreement. The goal of communication is to be heard. Make your heart and your home a safe place where honesty, transparency, and vulnerability can have free reign. 3) Lastly, keep it hot! Let your passion for God create the overflow and outflow of your passion for your mate. Love deeply. Don't hold back any part of you. Give freely. After all, you are created in the image of a generous Father. Forgive quickly. Unforgiveness blocks intimacy and opens the door to torment. Have fun! Remember that joy is 1/3 of the Kingdom of God (Romans 5:17). Laugh a lot. Play games together. Let your hair down and enjoy the journey.

Conquering the Dish Washer and other Tales Cresta Brooke Shawver Stuck Cheerios, crayons scattered, milk splattered. Groan. How does this happen each–and–every–day? Eternal optimist, you think, “Today, I will conquer the mess!” but before unloading even one Spiderman plate, child two yells, “MOM! Can I have some milk?” but that task is also short-lived because child one starts crying. Then, it’s child two again, now playing with what must be the loudest toy ever made. Thanks a lot Grandma. Between lunch, laundry, squabbles and unending requests for milk, it’s 4 o’clock. Dinner is not even thought of yet, the kids are restless and the dishwasher is still only half-emptied. Such is the life of many moms. We are the ultimate multi-taskers as the chauffer, maid, chef, teacher, nurse and more–all rolled into one tidy package. We often feel that we should be able to do it all. But, if so, why does it seem so hard? Well, it might be because our children are also the ultimate multi-taskers as the artists, mechanics and mathematicians—all rolled into one untidy package. They are little Jackson Pollock’s seeing what spaghetti thrown on walls looks like. They use their mechanical abilities to outsmart even the most elaborate child-proofing systems and can spot any inequity in how many fruit snacks they received at the speed of light. Even though parenting our munchkins can be humorous at times, we all know it’s also exhausting–especially when we expect only “perfection.” Thankfully, the Bible gives us some perspective. “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men . . .” (Colossians 3:23). While our children or husbands might benefit from our work, they are not the One for whom we work. God is our true Employer. It’s good to remember that we need to be the best mom that GOD wants us to be, not the one we think will impress our parents, husbands or fellow mothers. That is GOOD news because the Lord is loving, kind, forgiving and cares more about our munchkin’s hearts than cemented cheerios. Phew! So, keeping that in mind, let’s try something new this year. When we see the mess and think, I’m going to be productive today! Try something else first. Try to stop and pray. Lord, I thank you for giving me this home and family. Please help me to be the best wife, mother and guardian of my home that I can be. Help me to be productive, whether that means getting the house spic-and-span, or simply being extra supportive of my family today. Help me to see my productivity only in Your terms, and provide me with Your strength and grace. Amen. January/February

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Joys Of Style: 2011—A New Beginning! Joy Wansley

Welcome to 2011! A year exploding with a sense of eclecticism and a hunger for unique personal style! What was once old is new again, with stolen moments from eras gone by. With that said . . . The holidays are over; your New Year’s resolutions are set . . . so you think, and your yearly mantra of “what am I going to wear” begins! As you make that eerie jaunt into your closet, you look high and low for that special “something” to JUMP out at you as the hottest item of the season. But sadly, your closet overfloweth with fashion not-so-hots. How do you make sense of it all when the fashion magazines, models, teenagers, peers, and the Internet are featuring looks that may or may not be budget-wise or figure-friendly? Where do you begin? Never fear! It’s a new season, a new beginning! First, you want to keep it simple by sticking to the basics. With a little creativity, you can enhance your wardrobe this and any season with some “c’est chic” accents that are not only budget friendly, but also keys to pulling out your inner chicster!

Let’s begin with the Wardrobe Basics: 1. Black dress 2. Jeans 3. Neutral dress pants, blazer, shirt and skirt 4. Trench coat 5. Simple sweaters cardigan as a jacket alternative, pull-over 6. Add—on a novelty item: printed, fashion color, Tee 7. Shoes basic pump, ballet flat, wedge, sneakers

3, 9

Think outside the box: shop the sales, go to a “swap meet” party with friends of similar tastes, style and sizes, explore second-hand, discount stores or local consignment shops. For those who are more whimsical and playful with their wardrobes, delving into flea markets can be a showstopper’s dream.

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What’s HOT for 2011: 8. Crayola Colors muted oranges, turquoises, yellows, greens, reds and navy 9. Simplicity crisp white shirts, silk separates, intricate fabrics (luxe) 22

5, 20

10. Asian motifs 11. Pants many options of fluid, high-waisted, tapered to a narrow ankle, tailored, pant-suited/jumpsuits

Golden Glow

Living Coral

12. Skirts pencil, circle, gathered, full and romantic, ornate

Lipstick Red

13. Dresses structured, sheaths, suited, tank

Purple Orchard Rose Dust

14. Blouses/Tops feminine, flouncy, ditsy printed, chiffon, Tees,

15. Floral prints famous painting inspired and vivid 16. Fabrics layered, sheer, clashed

14, 17

17. Wrapped coats, jackets, and blouses 18. Western influences 19. Leather accents skirts, shorts, bustier, and wide belts 20. Cardigans embellished, cropped, and refined 21. Jackets menswear/boyfriend, tuxedo, cropped, trench, and belted 22. Belts Japanese style obi, skinny, western 23. Shoes lace details, flirty feminine, bows, and sequins, exotic skin prints, the new flatforms (between a flat and a wedge), traditional straps replaced by either shoe laces or fabric straps

2 uffle Chocolate Tr Lagoon

24. Old school glamour of the 1940s, 1950s, and the 1970s

Woodbine Oyster Gray Endive

Now that you know what is out there, creating a fresh look is as simple as adding on one or two key pieces at a time to your wardrobe. The key is not to be afraid to try new things, but in everything be mindful that not all looks are for you. Take a trusted friend with you who will give you honest feedback on what looks good or bad. The piece de resistance is to avoid closet clutter. In order to make room for the new in your wardrobe purge the old, tattered and torn. You have a few options depending on the shape of your clothing: trash, donate, or to make “cents” of it all, consign—my personal favorite. We shall explore that option in further detail in the months to come!

So ladies, here’s to a fresh start, new looks, and new beginnings! Enjoy Your JOYS OF STYLE! January/February

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Your

Health

Laying Me Down to Sleep Rachel Olsen "God called the light 'day,' and the darkness he participate in God's creative action. We respond in called 'night.' And there was evening, and there faith, in work. But always grace is previous. Grace was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:5, NIV). is primary. We wake into a world we didn't make, What time did your day begin today? into a salvation we didn't earn. Evening: God Did it begin as the sun poked begins, without our help, his creative day. through the widow urging you Morning: God calls us to enjoy and Consider to wake? Or, did the alarm share and develop the work he this research: buzz at 5:30 AM? Or initiated. Creation and covenant maybe at 6:45? Perhaps are sheer grace and there to The Nurses’ Health Study you slept until 8:00? greet us every morning." conducted by Harvard I don't know why God's What if I told you your University found that getting too Word marks out time in day began last night little sleep is linked to a greater this way in Genesis, but as the sun set–would risk of getting breast cancer, I am discovering I think you disagree? colon cancer, diabetes, and live differently when I In the modern, and heart disease. adopt this view of my days. I westernized world we see each night's rest as something think of our days as sun rise important, something to prepare for–and to sun rise. In other words, we something important that prepares me. I've long rise, we work, and then we end the day known that rest prepares me physically to rise in rest. We rest to recover from our work … with and work again, and now I'm finding it prepares whatever time is left over after the work is done. me spiritually to rise walk in grace and faith. However, in the ancient Jewish tradition the day As I lie down, close my eyes, pray, and slip from runs from sundown to sundown. That's quite a consciousness, I do so with the understanding that different concept. In other words, we rest, then we it is God who holds everything together during my rise and do our work. Rest becomes the source and fuel for the work rather than merely recovery from it. Where did the Hebrews get this seemingly backwards notion of the day beginning in the evening? From the God who never sleeps, in the Bible. Notice in today's key verse–in fact, in multiple verses throughout the Genesis creation account–there was evening, and then morning and that was counted as a day. A secular rhythm of life makes work primary. We work first, then go from temporary absence from the world. And it's Him who work to vacation. In contrast, a sacred rhythm will continue to hold everything together when I rise makes rest primary, moving us from God-ordained and work in the coming daylight. At no point–day rest into our vocation. The sacred rhythm is rest, or night–am I independent of Him. He even has rise, work rather than rise, work, rest. Let that the power to direct my dreams should He desire. difference sink in and sway the seat of your soul. So I've developed a theology of sleep that punctuInternalizing this difference is the ates my days. It helps me see my nights and my rest basis for connecting with God through as set apart and holy. It helps me to see God as I lay rest. Pastor and author Eugene Peterson myself down to sleep. In fact, it helps me see that it describes this ancient rest-first rhythm: "This Hebrew evening/morning sequence is He who lays me down for the gracious gift of rest. conditions us to the rhythms of grace. We go to What about you? How do you think about rest? sleep, and God begins his work. As we sleep he How do you treat it? How might God be calling you develops his covenant. We wake and are called to to look at it differently?

Declutter your bedroom.

Invest in your rest.

Sara Hamm–Chesapeake,

Holly Wathe Callan–Norfolk,

Jenny Bulloch Hahn - Virginia Beach,

Jaime Cox Walsh–Raleigh,

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e t a c o v d A o t r o v i v r u S From

t l o v e R e o h S e Th Dana Williams

Ateba Crocker never imagined she would be in the throes of prostitution for years, unable to escape the vicious cycle of abuse she encountered as a child when her father would slip into her bedroom at night to molest her. By the time she was a young teenager, Ateba began having sex—and lots of it. Like a slippery slope, her promiscuity led her becoming a teenage mom. In order to provide for her child, she accepted an offer to be a “high class” escort. Ateba never recalls feeling like an actual prostitute, because she wasn’t out on the streets working for pennies. She made good money as an escort, around $1,000 for every few night’s work. One night, as she lay in a hotel room with a customer, she had had all she could take. The shame of her choices caught up with her. She knew something had to change. Wanting to be a better mother to her young son, she cried out to God. She didn’t know much about the Lord, but she knew she was on a train wreck to nowhere and needed help. Shortly thereafter, Ateba made her way to a local church, committed her life to Christ that day and left the escort service. She had been rescued by Jesus himself! By God’s grace, Ateba was able to walk away from the sex industry that had degraded her body and shattered her spirit. She is now married with two additional children and is a college professor and advocate for victims of human sex trafficking. Many others, however, are not as fortunate. The statistics are staggering: an estimated 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked annually into the United States with U.S. citizens trafficked within the United States at a much higher rate. Some estimated 200,000 American children are at high risk for trafficking into the sex industry each year, according to the Polaris Project, one of the world’s largest anti-trafficking organizations. Ateba realized, after becoming aware of this epidemic, she needed to do something to help these women. Knowing firsthand the pain and shame of prostitution, she founded The Shoe Revolt, an online shoe boutique initiated in Hampton Roads that uses its profits to fund shelters that house victims of human sex trafficking. Since founding the organization earlier this year, Ateba and her family have relocated to Oregon—the nation’s second largest place for the highest activity of sex trafficking. The launch of The Shoe Revolt is a testament that ordinary women can accomplish great things for the glory of God and the betterment of others. Ateba stepped out of victimization and into supporting the abolishment of the second -largest criminal industry in the world, using the power of shoes. What birthed the passion in her heart to start The Shoe Revolt happened after reading an article on human sex trafficking in the Washington Post. “ I asked myself what I could do to raise money and awareness about this issue. I began looking for organizations that I could partner with.” (Shoe revolt partners with GEMS gems-girls.org). I was surprised to learn that there is not a lot of help available to the

victims. To date, there are only about 50 beds available in shelters around the country. My mission is to be able to fund the shelters so they can expand and help more survivors get back on their feet,” she said. Keeping the horror of the victims at the forefront helps Ateba continue to fight such a huge battle. Here is what a former victim had to say, “I can't describe to you the feeling of terror. No child should ever have to know that kind of fear. I didn't know what I was going to have to endure that night, for how long, or if I was going to come back home.” Another shared, “People think trafficking only happens in India and China. Just because you make $100,000 a year and live in a fancy house doesn’t mean that it won’t happen to your kids.” Ateba knows from experience that almost anyone could become a victim of this sinister trade. She remembers her own painful past and now uses that as fuel for her campaign to be a voice and provide a support network for other victims to get out. She encourages others to do what they can to get involved and help with this issue too. “Be mindful of this issue,” she says. “Be on the alert, and please pray! Pray that the rescue efforts for the victims and the crackdown on the demand for sexual exploitation would come together.” Dana Williams life's passion is to see broken people restored. She is currently working on young adult novels touching on social justice issues and inspiring readers to renew hope in God. Dana resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and four children. Currently, there are six states that do not have ANY anti-sex trafficking laws in place. The average age of entry into the commercial sex industry in the U.S. is 12-14 years old. 70-90% of sexually exploited children who have a history of child sexual abuse. An estimated 200,000 American children are at high risk for trafficking into the sex industry each year. Trafficking is a criminal industry driven by the ability to make large profits and a negligible-to-low risk of prosecution.

http://www.gems-girls.org/about/research-resources and http://www.polarisproject.org/content/view/26/47/

To support The Shoe Revolt by donating or buying shoes, or to learn more about how to help, visit http://www.shoerevolt.com/. For more information on this topic visit: www.missingkids.com to become familiar with the faces of missing children. To find your local congressman: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep. If you or someone you know needs to be rescued, seek help immediately. Call the Human Sex Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. 10

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Why Water Wells? According to dropinthebucket.org, a nonprofit ministry, 1.1 Billion people worldwide do not have access to clean water. The villagers of Africa

Local Teen a Well of Blessing

account for a significant portion of that number. Typically, women and

Kelly Head

young girls are the ones who must walk

All it takes is a little bit of passion to change the world, and if you are like visionary Anna Moore of Chesapeake, age has nothing to do with it. Anna, now 14, spearheaded Blessing Wells International when she was just 12 years old. The organization has a mission of providing family wells for impoverished families in Africa. “It is an organization I started to raise money to provide clean water for the people of Africa. I first thought of Blessing Wells about two months before my thirteenth birthday,” she said. “I didn’t want to be selfish, so I decided that I didn’t want to receive any birthday presents. I wanted to make a difference and help the people of Africa survive and live without diseases and to have clean water.” Anna’s main source of fundraising is through the making and selling of handmade sterling silver and gold-filled jewelry. “I started with simple earrings and now I’m doing single strand necklaces and bracelets. At first my mom helped me, but now I do all the work myself. I’m learning wirework and hoping to make rings in the near future,” she said. Anna sells her jewelry at flea markets and takes orders from friends at her church. She also hopes to start an online store soon. Anna has also already made quite a difference with her fundraising efforts.

“My first goal was to build a family well in one year,” she explained. “I achieved that goal and raised $750 in about 11 months. I partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to be a part of a well project in the mountains of Sudan.” “My current goal is to raise $6,000 to fund a community well by the time I graduate from high school in June, 2014. I am still in the process of looking at different organizations to partner with, but my goal is to find one where I remain anonymous. I would love to help build the well, but I don’t want my name on it or any other special treatment. It’s God working through me and not just me. We’re just God’s vessels anyway,” said Anna. So, what is Anna’s message for other girls her age? “Do hard things and make difference. You’re never too young to do something important,” she said. “You don’t have to wait until you’re a certain age to do something important. After I started Blessing Wells, I read the book, Do Hard Things (by: Alex and Brett and Harris) and it really encouraged me that I’m not the only one who is working hard to make a difference.”

miles each day to get the water for their family. This then turns into a social problem because they aren’t able to attend school because they spend all day walking to get the water. Further, poor sanitation and hygiene cause water-borne diseases to be common and deadly occurrences. Safe water through the drilling of a family well immediately reduces cases of water borne disease and eases the burden on women and girls. In many villages, clean, sustainable water directly means life, health and more freedom.

“Do hard things and make difference. You’re never too young to do something important . . . You don’t have to wait until you’re a certain age to do something important.

If you would like to partner with Anna and her efforts to support the building of wells in Africa, you can connect with her through her website at http://blessingwells.org/. (story excerpts taken from interview by Joy Moore at www.Daughters4God.com.)

For More Information Visit http://www.charitywater.org/whywater/

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The Laundry Beast Amy Volk

Laundry. The very word makes us cringe and hang our heads in defeat. But why? It’s just clothes and socks and blankets and well, anything else that someone forgot to take out of their pockets. It’s an issue for everyone and no one is immune to its wrath. I call it the Beast. Just like mail, it never goes away. Whenever we are working with a new client to organize their home, laundry is always, always, always on the list to make better. There are a million systems that have been tried, and yet there are very few people I meet that have conquered the Laundry Beast. There are stories of five-hour laundry days, clothes that get re-washed because they are so wrinkled, and carting freshly dried clothes to the living room couch where the family picks from all week. You’ve got your own story too. So what works? Is there really a solution to the Laundry Beast? The answer is yes, but it’s radical and it’s going to challenge your status quo. I tell everyone to try it for two weeks. If you hate it, go back to doing what you were doing with the laundry. If you will stick it out for the WHOLE two weeks and pinky swear me that you won’t cheat, it will work. Here it goes . . .  Do a load a day. Do NOT have a “laundry” day that takes you five hours to complete. Keep it simple with one load each day and have the family put their own pile away. Throw a load in just before breakfast and dry it in the evening.  Keep ONE small laundry basket in a common area of the house. Don’t have a laundry basket for each family member. That way it won’t allow you to let it overflow, and you will be more apt to do a load a day.  Hang clothes onto hangers when you are taking the clothes out of the dryer. Hang them as you take them out and immediately have each family member put them away. Don’t move piles of clean laundry to another place to fold them. Fold and hang as you remove from dryer!

 Number ONE laundry rule: if isn’t in the dirty laundry basket, it doesn’t get washed. No exceptions!  Have a basket to throw all the socks into as they come out of the dryer. Assign someone in your house the chore of pairing them all up. You can make this part of your chore chart!  P urchase one medium canvas basket for each family member in your home. As you fold clothes, sort into each basket. Then each person can take their own basket to put their clothes away. The person pairing the socks can easily put the paired socks into each basket. There you have it. Simple and easy, right? Like all things, change happens when you can whittle it down to tiny bits of action steps. Each new action yields a new result. Over time, the big change is obvious, but all along it’s been the little things you’ve been doing. A load a day is a tiny action step toward obliterating the giant pile of stinky socks and wet towels. Pinky swear you’ll try it? Simplified Living LLC founder Amy Volk has a passion for creating beautiful, clutter free homes and corporate environments. She helps people learn to live more simply. See her at www.simplifiedliving.org.

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 Even toddlers can begin to understand what to do with the clothes they take off. Encourage them to use the family laundry basket and give positive praise when they do it. Starting at age 7 however, there need to be consequences for leaving clothes on the floor. Decide on a system that encourages bringing the clothes to the laundry area.

Smart

Cents

Finances don’t have to make you “gulp” Jennifer Miller Finances. Money. Cash. These small, simple words sometimes bring about intense feelings of anxiety. However, that’s not how we have to live. When it comes to finances, there are many topics to consider: getting out of debt, saving for a house, or choosing an investment strategy for retirement. As important as these decisions are, there are some foundational views about money to look at first. I remember when my husband and I were going through a particularly difficult financial season. I learned a very important lesson: God, not my job, is the source of financial provision. If we look to our jobs, our businesses, our retirement accounts or even the government as our source of financial security, then it’s only logical to become panicked if we lose our job or our retirement portfolio tanks. If we understand our finances flow from Him, then there are all kinds of ways God can bring financial provision into our lives. Let me give you an example. When we were struggling, there were times we didn’t know where the money would come from just to pay our everyday bills, but the Lord worked

through so many different vehicles to bring provision. From my husband’s job giving him extra hours at work, to unexpected gifts. Once He even worked through the government with an unexpected refund on a car fee I had paid six years earlier, including interest! None of what I am writing should be interpreted to mean that God is our “genie in a bottle” to be rubbed when we want or need something. There’s much to be said in the area of finances regarding obedience, giving, wisdom, financial planning and so forth. These are important financial principles that should not be ignored. But I believe that until you know that God is your source, everything else, while good, is built on the shifting foundation of self-sufficiency versus the unshakable foundation of knowing we are completely dependent upon God (John 15). I was watching an interview of a celebrity a few weeks ago. Both he and his wife are highly-

paid movie stars. From the outside, it would seem that money would not be a concern due to their abundance. Yet, he said that he still goes to bed every night worrying about money. That surprised me. As I reflected on what he said, I realized it really doesn’t matter how much money you have; it’s the way you think about money that will determine whether or not you worry about it. If you view money itself as your security, then you will be in constant fear of never having enough; but if you look to the Creator of our Universe as your source, then you can live with the knowledge that He loves you and will take care of you. If you learn that He is truly Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, you can live with peace that passes all understanding—even in the sometimes nerve-wracking world of finances! Jennifer is a gifted encourager with a passion for seeing people set free in their personal finances. She desires to use her personal life lessons and experiences to help others on the journey to financial stability.

Programs for women who are the financial decision makers. So basically, all of us. We know you make most of the financial decisions in your household, and we want to provide you with the programs that will equip you to do that. Like our “Pearls of Wisdom®” seminar series. Designed by women for women, this series can help you make intelligent choices for your family. MassMutual. We’ll help you get there®. You’re invited to a Pearls of Wisdom Seminar Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 from 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm or Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 from 9:30 am - 11:00 am 222 Central Park Ave., Suite 1100 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 RSVP 757-493-4317 Kindly invite a friend to join you. Free parking in Town Center Garage

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Honey vs. Momma Jonathan David Petit

So how does a guy start writing a column that is about woman, but from a guys perspective? One way, and one way only… with the knowledge that if he makes a momma bear angry, he better have a really slow, chubby friend along so that he doesn’t get torn limb-from-limb. Unfortunately, I happen to be the chubby guy. Fortunately, I’m not slow. Good thing , because I plan to tell you some bear-sized truth today. First, let me say, I’m pretty much like any common man bear who enjoys eating food in my man cave. Like most man bears, I am not overly fussy with my food. Though, I do know what any man bear worth his salt knows, which is that his momma bear is always going to make the best grub. You may be a delusional she-bear and disagree, but know this - NO one makes a meat loaf like momma bear. Which brings me to the topic at hand: the love a man has for his woman, versus the bond a man has with his momma’s cookin'. Ladies, if you can cook and your man’s momma can cook, then pay very close attention to what I am about to tell you. I’ll warn you though . . . you might just be tempted to kiss me slam on the lips later if you do follow my sage advice because you will avert most certain disaster. Just sayin’! Now, if you and/or his momma can’t cook, then, honey, you just sit on back in your chair with whatever tasty beverage you happen to be consuming, and proceed to laugh at all of the other women for whom this does apply. Feel free . . . just let it out! Feels good, doesn’t it? Yeah, I knew it would. The advice is this, recognize that

you cannot cook your man bears favorite meal as well as his momma bear did when he was growing up. There, I said it. I have had, in my almost 34 years on this planet, numerous female friends that have dared to dream the impossible dream. They thought to themselves (in hushed thought voice, of course), “His favorite meal is his momma’s meat loaf, and I think I can make it just as good if not better than hers.” WARNING: If you have contemplated said thought, please know that the ramifications of that thought is a fool’s errand, and should be thrown into your brains psychological toilet and flushed with all expediency. However, if you have, God forbid, been unwise and tried to give birth to this Everest-sized task, then let me present to you your honorary membership to the “I-gave-my-man-no-other-choice-than-tolie-to-my-face-because-he-wanted-to-continuesharing-my-bed” Club. Ladies, listen to me VERY closely! One of the worst things that you can do to your man is make him choose whether your best version of his favorite meal is as good or better than his momma’s version. I don’t know if you have fully thought this through, but you are not just up against his momma’s cooking ability, which has cheered him up, calmed him down and (unbeknownst to him,)gotten him to do what she wanted him to do with all with her plates of sheer culinary awesomeness. You are messing with a

. . . recognize that you cannot cook your man bear's favorite meal as well as his momma bear did when he was growing up.

Put Your Shoes On and Go Magda Serrano

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." For those who are weary or burdened, “Come to Me” He says. Have you ever considered that the act of going to Him is active? Going to Him does not only mean sitting there asking, praying, or speaking, but putting on your shoes, walking out the door and GOING! It’s like heading to a friend’s house. We GO to someone to exchange something, share something, solve something or have a good time! GOING is not a simple phone call or e-mail. It means taking the time and effort of moving, walking, driving or flying to get there. It sometimes even requires going through the rain or snow or other harsh conditions, but still GOING! We can go to Him with that same determination. But why should we GO to Him? Because in Him we will find rest. Because in Him

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MASTER! However, you are also waging a war (which you can't help but lose) with all of the years of memories, emotions and physiological chemicals that accompany the enjoyment of his momma’s delicious gourmand goodness. These are the same chemicals that DRIVE him in other areas too, if ya know what I mean? Ahem. You have about as much chance of pulling this off as Abraham did when our great God told him to look to the heavens and number the stars. So here is what I propose. He already thinks that you’re amazing―otherwise he wouldn’t be with you. And you ARE amazing! Not because your man says you are, but because your Father says so. Therefore from that well of amazingness, begin to create a meal that is distinctly your own that he will do anything to have. He isn’t with you so that you could cook like his momma . . . well maybe he is, but that’s not the point—work with me, people! As I was saying, he is with you because he loves you, and wants you to be the best you that you can possibly be. So, stop tryin’ to compete with his momma. If you love him, then love her and watch what happens in your man’s heart towards you. It’ll be life changing, I promise. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all!

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An INCREDIBLY single dad of an awesome pre-teen daughter, Jonathan is quite a hilarious specimen. He is a worship leader, burgeoning writer, loyal friend, and, most importantly, a son to his Heavenly Papa.

we can depend fully and eternally on our Father, trusting and resting completely in Him. He is gentle and humble in heart. When we GO to Him, actively, trusting and believing in HIM, we exchange our burden. We deposit our heaviness and place our dependence, trust and rest completely upon Him. When we do this, that’s when we humble ourselves and we can find rest for our souls. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Our own heart becomes light when our dependence is on Him! Shoes are for going… day or night, let’s put on our spiritual shoes and GO to the one who will take our heavy burden and exchange it for lightness and ease. Then shall we flourish, without blemish, without wrinkle, lightly, easily, as HE has always willed. If we are carrying a burden that is too heavy for us, if anxiety and worry, fear or sadness have gotten the better part of us, that means we have not GONE to Him. If we are tired and weary, we need to GO! Thank you Lord for taking our burdens, our yoke, and exchanging them for a yoke that is easy to carry. Let our dependence be wholly upon You and as we abide in You. As we consistently GO to You, let us flourish, bringing glory and honor to Your name!

Life Purpose: What’s Your Story? Melissa McDermott I am very passionate about listening to people’s life stories. It is just amazing to hear one’s journey–how their past has brought them to the place where they are right now. It is amazing to me that the journey does not end there, but is just the prelude to the next adventure. We are entering the dawn of a new year–2011. It is the brink of a new adventure, new possibilities and the opportunity to write a fantastic story with your life. You have a clean slate and a blank page— but it can be difficult to know where to begin. In Exodus 4, Moses has a very transformational dialogue with the Lord. Moses was very timid and uncertain about his abilities to lead. But the Lord asked Moses a simple question, “What is that in your hand?” (v. 2). Moses replied, “A rod.” Just a plain, ordinary rod, probably pretty rough around the edges. But with this ordinary rod, the Lord was able to do the miraculous–He turned Moses’ timidity and uncertainty into an opportunity for God to show Himself to the people. And with that rod, the Lord parted the Red Sea and performed many other miracles, which were just signs to show that God was with Moses. This is an amazing thought—our gracious God was with him! And He is with you in 2011 asking you the same question, “What is in your hand?” Many years ago the Lord asked me the same question. I looked down and saw a pen. A pen was in my hand. It wasn’t a spectacular, fancy pen–not a Mont Blanc or anything. But I have always had a desire to write since I was a little child (an only child with a very vivid imagination). I made up stories of how my grandparents met on the boat coming from Europe to New York, and how my grandfather sold ancient Indian artifacts and that is how they met. Well, that is sort of how it happened, but I added my own flair to their story. But my grandmother loved it and saved it until she passed away in 2010 at almost 103 years old. I loved reading my stories to her and my parents. I would hang over the railings at our house and recite out loud every story that I wrote and it would be received with loud applause,

“Wow, that is fantastic!” I’m sure it really wasn’t fantastic, but they made it seem that way. And it encouraged something within me. They saw something in me and planted a seed. To know where we are going and what kind of story we are going to write with our lives, we just have to look directly in front of us. What do the people who are closest to you see in you? What are the opportunities right in front of you? Is it your children, the opportunity to build a new friendship, a new job? Proverbs 20:24 says, “A man’s steps are of the Lord; how then can a man understand his own way?” It is with our steps–one step at a time–that our way and path become clear. That means that we have to keep walking. We have to keep writing our story and taking risks and opportunities that will move us forward. At times the way seems dark; we can’t see the forest through the trees! It is during these dark times that we should ask the Lord to light our path. Knowing that He is with us can bring great comfort, boldness and joy. In 2005 I took some risks that didn’t work out so well, and I felt like a big failure. That same year, the movie Meet the Robinsons came out. My husband and I were the only adults in the theater without kids. The kid in the film was an inventor and he failed miserably at over 150 inventions. But instead of disappointment and punishment, his family reacted by cheering him on! They even created a museum in the house to display all of his failed inventions. Their motto was, “Keep Moving Forward!” Wow. That impacted me so much, I started crying in the middle of a kids’ movie! My encouragement to you in 2011 is to “Keep Moving Forward”! Move ahead into this New Year with boldness and encouragement that God is with you. Melissa completed her PhD. In Organizational Leadership in 2008. She currently lives in Virginia Beach and works on writing, consulting, and life coaching projects while caring for her one-year-old daughter.

story As you sort through writing your for 2011, here are several questions that can help guide your way: What are your natural gifts and personality?

What brings you joy?

kes What are you passionate about, ma ? you come alive, and energizes you

e What are the things that people hav encouraged in you or spoken into your life even from a young age?

ld a Who is in your life that you can bui help deeper relationship with and perhaps 2011? you sort through your life story in

your A good place to start is to consider hts, story in 2010–what were the highlig do the ups and downs, what did you ? or didn’t do but wish you did h your It is exciting to write a new story wit e more life this year. I encourage you to tak gs the thin ary din risks and see what extraor ry ina ord Lord can do with the seemingly t remember things that are in your hand. Jus way. that He is with you every step of the nal gifts?

Do you know your God-given motivatio

that can help you to pinVisit www.gifttest.org for a great tool ibed in Romans 12. point your own motivational gifts, as descr about yourself and help This online survey can help you learn more and interests so you can feel most identify areas that match your abilities g within the body of Christ. servin in ed satisfi and ive, comfortable, effect

Decision Making • Organization • Time Management • Self-Control

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Story & Photos by Lori West

itting at her art desk at home, often for hours at a time, meticulously and patiently drawing, shading, evaluating, comparing and shading some more, Beth Fox is fulfilling a lifelong passion. Shapes emerge, colors deepen and the beauty of a child’s face appears on the paper before her to be seen by any on-looking set of eyes, including her own. For almost two decades before, this would have been an impossibility for Beth. No one would have known, but she silently struggled with being visually impaired. Crowds of people in a mall would cause her to panic if she lost sight of whom she was with. Reading for pleasure, doing crossword puzzles, perusing a menu at a restaurant or even seeing her friends across the table clearly, were all difficult, frustrating, and brought her to tears many times. She dreaded being asked to read at Bible studies. She had to quit nursing school and finally her teaching job because she “just couldn’t read the books anymore.” But it wasn’t always that way. Beth has always had a passion for color and art. “Crayons and coloring books were my first love. I would organize my boxes of sixtyfour crayons into the rainbow and continually sharpened them to have as fine a point as possible for crayons!” Her mom would often enter her drawings and paintings into local children’s art shows. Beth eventually grew up and moved on from crayons to various media– graphite, colored and charcoal pencils, watercolor and oil paints, and even calligraphy. She took art classes throughout high school and college, and dabbled in art for twenty years or more while raising four kids, helping her husband pastor several churches, teaching math, working as a bookkeeper, and many other hats she’s worn. 16

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In her forties, Beth started noticing “floaters” in her vision when she would move her eyes. Floaters are caused when part of the eye’s gel-like vitreous breaks off from the back of the eye, casting a shadow on the retina and producing the appearance of tiny shadows seemingly floating around when moving the eyes. Floaters can be common and usually do not cause a lot of problems, but in Beth’s case, they were severe enough to occlude her vision and were slowly deteriorating her quality of life. Many visits to several ophthalmologists all kept giving her the same diagnosis for her destiny –“You will just have to live with it.” However, Beth didn’t give up. She continued to discuss how her poor vision was affecting her quality of life, and the doctor finally agreed to send her to a retinal specialist, who would help her reclaim her vision and her life. This doctor, with the help of two others, worked with Beth through eight years, four surgeries (two vitrectomies and two cataract surgeries), and months and months of complications. She feared that she “was going blind” many times. In the cool of a November day, Beth and her husband took a stroll through Westmoreland State Park to enjoy nature and the beauty that God had surrounded them with. Beth recounts that momentous and happy day in her life: “I walked through the woods taking in the colors of fall and just cried. I could see clearly for the first time in over 14 years!” Thankfulness overwhelmed her–thankful for her vision that was restored, thankful for God and the beauty He allowed her to see, and thankful for the retinal specialist “who understood my vision problem and was willing and able to help me.” The scripture that remained forefront in her mind through the many years of difficulty was Psalm 108:13–“With my God, I shall do valiantly! For it is he who shall tread down our enemies!” Today Beth enjoys many aspects of life and has reclaimed her passion for art that has been there since she was a child. After her vision was restored, Beth decided to try colored pencil drawing for “just a month” and then return to her love of watercolor. However, as she puts it, “I got stuck on colored pencils! I like the way you can get such rich colors

with them, and I like the control–and the ability to sharpen them to a very fine point! It’s like crayons on steroids!” Beth considers herself a minimalist, realist and colorist, and absolutely loves the play of light and colors in paintings. She recently has started exploring watercolors again as she loves how “you can be more spontaneous and free with watercolor than with colored pencils.” She also has her eyes on dabbling in graphite pencils. Currently this has just been an enjoyable part-time hobby for her–a chance to explore, learn, experiment and appreciate the visions of beauty that her hands and eyes create together. However, she has sold some of her work and has also done commissioned work for others. Beth has created a variety of pictures, but loves doing portraits, especially of children, and with nine grandchildren, she is not at a loss for subjects. Being able to capture a smirk, a slight smile, the seriousness or quirkiness that comes with childhood is evident in her creations. Beth

is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Artists Association, and has had her work displayed in several shows and venues in Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Richmond, including a high-end furniture store, a local church, and even the halls of Virginia Beach General Hospital. To those that have always wanted to explore their artistic and creative side, but haven’t for one reason or another, Beth says “Go for it! It is a gift God has given you. Use it!” She goes on to explain, “There are really three components to artistic ability: Talent–your God-given ability; Skill–your work on sharpening, exploring, expanding, and improving your talent; and Inspiration– creating from your heart, from your spirit, as God inspires you.” And with the gifts of sight and art that God has given her, Beth is investing in these gifts to share her own visions of beauty with others.

To view more of Beth’s artwork and connect with her, visit her blog at www.bethfoxart.blogspot.com. Lori West is a woman of many talents who desires to connect the hearts of women with God. Lori resides in Virginia Beach with her husband and 5 children. You can catch some of Lori's passion at www.drinkfromthedeep.blogspot.com.

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Passion Sparks Simple into the Spectacular Kelly Head There goes God finger painting again, daubing and swirling colorful strands of silver and pink into big puffy clouds. I imagine Him joyfully whirling and mixing colors to create today’s masterpiece, signed “with Love, from Love,” especially for you and I. Let's see, I'll make a pink elephant for Suzy . . . and Tommy, have fun finding the two monkeys playing congas, my son. I can picture Him with His miracle paints and canvas of air, adding a splash of pink, a dab of blue and a perfect touch of sunny brilliance breaking through the center. This one is for John who is dying . . . Receive my welcome home card in the sky as a gift of peace in answer to your tears. Yes, I shall take care of your children while you wait for them above, for I love them even more than you possibly can. Listen close; you will hear Him speaking to you too. I love you, He whispers through a cool breeze and ocean waves. He is an adoring Father who swirls mementos of beauty from up above. The splendor of creation reveal more than God's supreme power as the Creator, it also loudly illustrates His passionate love for us. What other reason would He have to create playful puppies than to lick the face of a little girl? Why create that radiant array of colorful, fragrant flowers but to be picked with love for a mother’s table? Sure, all white flowers may feed the bees, but our Creator is a wonderful passionate God who IS Life. He takes every opportunity to show His love through gifts of beauty. His passion inspires us to overflow with life too, stirring us to daub like mad, adding color to the canvas of others’ lives. As we purposefully behold His passion, we too will begin to overflow with life and beauty. So, what does all this “living a thankful life of passion” mean? Well, for starters, it means enjoying the trip, finding the cloud monkeys. It means helping the downtrodden, running around in a rainstorm without an umbrella, smiling at strangers and putting money where a child will find it. Passion means throwing a luau, taking your daughter on “dates” to teach her how she should expect to be treated, surprising your husband with a love letter hidden in His sock drawer even after 40 years of marriage. It means sharing the gospel and always believing the best about people.

As we purposefully behold His passion, we too will begin to overflow with life and beauty.

Passion is excellence, seeing at last the accomplishment of a dream. It rushes forward like fire on dry brush, blasting forth from the heart of God to ignite people with energy and vision for His purposes. Passion is the "glasses" that sharpens our vision and shows us how we can leave the world and those around us better than we found them. There goes God, finger painting again! Passion isn’t bound by gossip or trends; it sees a higher purpose and isn’t afraid to say so. The passionate have the courage to fail, to struggle back on their feet and keep on trying. Passion means catching a wave that could transform you, but could also embarrass you—and you won’t know which until you get to shore. It means risking it all— even unto death—to see the potential of others come to fruition. The passionate make the most of each moment, seeing any struggle as stepping-stones to character. Passion cannot be contained—it drives itself onward. The moment it starts secondguessing itself, it becomes self-conscious, a caricature of itself. Don’t expect any awards, admiration, or applause from others—for your reward for passion is the way it feels to be passionate and the incredible things God pours into your life when you are. Fearful people may hate your passion, but God will chuckle and keep on painting. Consider this from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting …. Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” So, take stock in life’s glory and you will be revived. Fly with passion into those clouds that were painted just for you. Break free from the humdrum by finding the beauty and strength you can live and give—for that is the secret to making the seemingly simple things spectacular. Ask God to release His passion into your soul, living each moment in gratitude for this gift of life. It is finished. Let the fire burn!

“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting … Welcome it in every fair face, in every fair sky, in every flower, and thank God for it as a cup of blessing.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson: The passionate rent a convertible car just for fun, start a garage band after retirement and visit those forgotten in nursing homes that stand in the shadow of death’s door. The passionate dance salsa and meringue ‘til dawn, wear silky pajamas, support missionaries, sing badly at the top of their lungs, laugh ‘til their stomach hurts and learn to make sushi. What better way is there to show appreciation for this gift of life than to use it with relish? When you are passionate, can’t you feel Him smiling down on you in pleasure?

January/February

2011

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Flourish

Kelly Head is a creative and faith-filled wife and mom of three who sometimes pretends that her life is a sitcom to try to preserve her often at-risk sanity. She loves to see the humor in situations, but also to find the gold in people. She resides in Chesapeake with her family and their fur-oucious dog Lucy.

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2011

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