Elisia Magazine // Issue 3 // Summer 2014

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FREEDOM

UNSPOKEN pg.18

6 THE TRUTH BEHIND

12 DR. G SPEAKS

THE FOOD PYRAMID

8 FOOD & RECIPIES

HEART PROTECTION

14 RELATIONSHIPS

MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL

10 LIFE COACHING

AND WHERE YOU STAY, I WILL STAY

16 THE GUILTLESS MOM

RETHINKING YOUR LIMITATIONS

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DR. LAWANA GLADNEY

22 WHEN DOING NOTHING IS GOOD

24 FASHION & STYLE LAST CALL

26 HELPING TO PASS THE TIME

28 LIFE & FAMILY TRUE FREEDOM

30 BLURRED LINES FAITH IN THE WORKPLACE

32 MORE THAN LUCKY AN INTERVIEW WITH SINGER MEGAN LUCKY

What is Elisia?

Being a Christian woman doesn't have to be a cliche. It is quite possible that a woman doesn't have to wear ankle length skirts and black stockings to be devoted to a life that reects the cross. Today's modern Christian women are nothing less than the woman reected in the notorious Proverbs 31. We are mothers, business women, politicians and homemakers. We are artists, entrepreneurs, writers, inspirers. We love the Lord. We value life and relationships. We are women who are intentional about loving God, pursuing purpose, and ďŹ nding joy in the lives we've been gifted.

Elisia Magazine is a modern bi-monthly digital lifestyle publication for the far from cliche Christian woman of today. From music to politics, fashion to social injustices, food to entrepreneurship, Elisia readers will experience life from the voice of women who love God, love people, and have devoted their lives to sharing their stories.

ElisiaMagazine.com elisiamagazine.com| ELISIA

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the

G

rab a sugary non-fat yogurt in the morning and sprinkle some granola on it. Quick, healthy breakfast, right? A subway sandwich on “healthy” whole grain bread and a diet soda for lunch. Pasta and salad for dinner. Is this a prescription for health, or a roadmap to disease and obesity? The fact is that the federal government’s famed pyramid of nutrients, emphasizing whole grains and minimizing dietary fat has led to nothing but an explosion in the overweight population, metabolic syndrome, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more.

Last issue I wrote about my mother and her dementia and osteoporosis. It is heartbreaking to believe it may have been prevented by different lifestyle choices. She was never overweight, but the refrigerator contained “low-fat” everything. She used pink packets of sugar substitute for sweetening her coffee and tea, despite my protests. My mother is the victim of propaganda that has been perpetuated time and again because of a flawed study completed over fifty years ago. A study which has now been soundly refuted by many decades of research.

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TRUTH behind

The Food Pyramid || JAMIE SNOW

FAT-TASTIC NEWS || A recent British Medical Journal article by Aseem Malhotra, cardiology specialist at the Croydon University Hospital in London, explains how saturated fat has been unfairly vilified. He states, “Indeed, recent prospective cohort studies have not supported any significant association between saturated fat intake and cardiovascular risk. Instead, saturated fat has been found to be protective.”

Beyond heart disease, fat is essential for proper brain function. The brain is about 60 percent fat, and it needs fat to thrive. Additionally, fat is necessary to manufacture hormones and absorb certain fat-soluble vitamins. Certainly avoid transfats at all costs, (found in MANY processed foods), but enjoy your butter, steak, cheese, whole milk, nuts, seeds, avocado, etc. and know you are actually improving your health.

BUT OF COURSE, THERE’S A CATCH

GO GREEN AND LEAN

|| While it’s okay to enjoy fat, beware of processed food, whole grains, and too many carbohydrates in general. Dr. Stephen Sinatra, author of The Great Cholesterol Myth, writes that brachial reactive testing (a measurement of artery function) showed “enormous peaks indicating arterial stress were found in the high [glycemic index] groups: the cornflakes and sugar groups.”

The glycemic index measures how much a particular food raises your insulin levels. High levels of insulin can lead to diabetes, (among other health defects). In addition, C-reactive protein (CRP) tests show that the lower your glycemic load, the lower the CRP test scored. It is also becoming increasingly apparent that inflammation – often another byproduct of eating insulin-spiking, processed foods – is the mother of all disease.

|| A diet centered around lots of veggies, healthy unprocessed proteins, spices, nuts, seeds, full-fat dairy if you tolerate it, and a little fruit is definitely more expensive than bagels, cereal, lunch meat, and chips. But you will more than get your money’s worth in the form of greater energy, less depression, better sleep, fewer (or no!) doctor bills.

Not to mention, of course, a hotter body! Take steps today to start your journey toward an old age full of vitality.

I was sitting on my patio on a warm July morning, thinking about my birthday the next week. I needed ideas for the first day of a three day celebration. I knew I did not want to serve barbeque

since the 4th of July had just gone by, and everyone was probably as over barbeque as I was. Actually, I was probably more “done”

with barbeque than most people. For the 4th of July weekend, Chef and I went on a barbeque tour with two of our friends on a quest for the best barbeque in Central Texas.

The first stop on our barbecue journey was The Salt Lick in Drift-

wood, Texas which is 22 miles south of Austin. Thanks to The Travel Channel, we knew all about the restaurant, and every-

one agreed it was a must see. We waited for our table for over 2 hours, but with a vineyard and winery on site, we didn’t even notice the time. And the Travel Channel sure knew what they

were talking about! The Salt Lick had the best barbecue I have had in a long time. It was definitely worth the wait.

MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL || BY YOLANDA TUCK

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The next day we went to the County Line On the Hill in Austin, a

historic barbecue restaurant that sits right on Lake Travis. The restaurant features a large deck and patio where you can hand

feed catfish and turtles. Country Line also makes its own sau-

sage, and it’s very good. But, after our road trip I was barbequed out.

Getting back to my event, all that beef and pork made me want

to take a turn in a whole new direction toward my favorite food

group: Seafood. I decided to make my Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.

It’s always been a big hit at any occasion I have prepared it for in the past. And with the July heat it was a cool and refreshing treat for all the seafood lovers like me. I hope you enjoy it.

1 cup chopped red onion

STEP 1:

Salt to taste

STEP 2:

1 pound medium shrimp, raw or cooked

If you have pre-cooked, peeled and deveined shrimp, skip to the next step. If you are working with raw shrimp, peel and devein them. If you have a little extra time and want your shrimp to be extra good, put the shells in 1 1/2 quarts of cool salted water, bring to a boil, then strain the shell stock into a separate pot and cook the shrimp in that liquid. Or you can skip that step too and just bring a medium pot salted water to a boil. (One Tbsp. salt for 2 quarts of water) Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just cooked through. Reserve a cup of the cooking water and chill it.

Cut half of the shrimp into large chunks, leaving the other half whole (for a more attractive presentation). Put the chopped shrimp in a bowl with the chopped onions, cucumber, celery, jalapeno, tomatoes, clamato juice, ketchup, cilantro, lime juice and hot sauce. Gently stir to combine, and chill.

Once the cooking water has cooled at least to room temperature, add a little at a time to the shrimp cocktail, until the shrimp cocktail is the consistency you want. (Use clam stock or lightly salted water—a third of a teaspoon of salt dissolved into a cup of water—if you are starting with peeled, precooked shrimp).

STEP 3:

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

To serve, add salt and more hot sauce to taste and gently mix in the chopped avocados. Dip the whole shrimp in the cocktail and arrange them on top. Serve in parfait glasses or in small bowls with tortilla chips on the side.

1 cup peeled, diced cucumber 1/2 cup chopped celery 1 jalapeno, minced 1 diced tomato 1 cup of cocktail sauce 1/2 cup ketchup 1 cup of Clamato Tomato Juice 1/4 cup chopped cilantro Juice of one lime, about 2 Tbsp Hot sauce (Tabasco or your favorite) to taste 1 avocado, cut into chunks

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|

RACHELPROCTOR

RETHINKING YOUR LIMITATIONS || RACHEL PROCTOR

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T

here was a gen-

tleman who took

a trip to the zoo.

As he was passing

the elephants, he sudden-

ly stopped in his tracks. He was amazed and confused

by what he saw. These huge

creatures were being held in captivity by only a small rope

tied to their front leg. There were no chains and no cages.

It was apparent to him that the elephants could, at any

time, break free from their

imaginary bond. But for some reason, they did not.

Isn't that mind-blowing to think about? These animals could at any time break free from the bonds they believed were holding them. They were more powerful than their captors and they

Like the elephants in this story, how many of us go through life allowing a limiting belief to hold us hostage and cause us to believe that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it before? We are all born with gifts that can change the world as we know it. But if we don't believe it, they just lie dormant and we never realize the full potential within us.

Maybe you spend all your time trying to live up to others’ expectations or even worse, trying to live them down! Holding on to these types of false beliefs will keep you stuck in difficult relationships and destructive patterns of behavior. Maybe you were repeatedly told as a young child that you would never achieve anything, and now it’s become so ingrained in your mind you believe it. Well, you have the power to break those bonds and change the course of your life!

[

He saw one of the zookeepers nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to get away. “Well,” the zoo-keeper said, “when they were very young and much smaller, we used the same size rope to keep them captive. At that age, it was enough to hold them. Now that they are older, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”

could overtake them at any time.

But because they had been trained to believe they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were.

"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you."

Galatians 5:1 (MSG)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

- Identify a pattern of thought that has held you back in your life. (Remember the elephants in this story. They only thought they were bound!)

- How would your life be different if you were able to transform those beliefs?

- What steps can you take to move you closer to that positive transformation?

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Heart

Protection

|| Dr. G Speaks

Break-ups are not easy. But there is freedom in admitting that you are hurt and need time. There is freedom in taking the time and doing what is needed to heal. There is freedom from anger, from unhealthy connections and from holding on to the past. There is freedom in receiving the love, peace and grace God gives us all of the time. Sayings like, “You can find better,” and “Hurry and go out with someone else,” don’t really help. And worst of all, the notion that “Time heals all wounds,” is not correct. It›s what you DO with that time that counts.

Guarding your heart is important before, during, and after a relationship. You must DETOX from the

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“

Guard your heart

“

Dr. G’s Practical After Break-Up Tips

person, as they are a part of your system. Otherwise, you will remain trapped and unhealed. Each of the following tips is for your Heart Protection.

above all else, for it

determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23

1)

Don’t communicate with him or her for a minimum of

pictures from social media pages. If the latter is too difficult, move

30 days. || No phone calls, texts, emails or DMs unless

all your social media pictures to a folder on your computer, and

you must. (That is, if you are parents together or you work together. If this is the case, keep it short and professional).

Even if you say you want to be friends, you need time for

when you’re ready, delete the folder.

5)

yourself in order to begin to heal, which can’t happen if

tempted to re-read the texts.

the 30 days, you may decide there is no need to get into To Do: Send a polite email or text stating that you need some time and that you will contact when you’re ready.

2)

To Do: Press. Delete.

6)

not to see pictures or updates from that person. Just

To Do: Give a friend a permission to check on you, hold you

seeing a photo or update from him or her might cause

accountable, and pray with you.

various reactions. You want to be on social media without

«A friend loves at all times and is born as is a brother for adversity.»

feeling worried, scared, stressed or anxious. reblog etc.) any of your posts for a while.

3)

-- Proverbs 17:7

7)

To Do: Ask God to show you what you can learn about yourself.

may need to be less or more depending on the connection

Really be still and listen.

and physical activity you shared. But NO rebound dating.

For real! Too often people move right into another

Read and pray on Romans 15:4. For everything that

relationship without healing from the last one because

was written in the past was written to teach us, so that

being alone isn’t always fun. But a little time not dating into your next relationship.

through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the

8)

encouragement they provide we might have hope.

Pray continually. || The Lord is close to the

with friends and family you put on the back burner. Take time for

brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

yourself to chill and reflect.

Some of those tips may seem hard, but you must be committed to

To Do: Be Still. Use this time to get more productive and hang out

4)

yourself. || Yes, about self. If you allow Him to show you, not so good things about you.

months. || Now, 3 months is just my rule of thumb. It

your life may prevent you from taking all of your issues

Ask God to show you what you can learn about you might be enlightened about some good and maybe

Don’t go out with anyone new for at least three

and allowing yourself to heal and focus on God’s plan for

You cannot see as clearly as you’d like and might not be need someone to check on you from time to time.

Twitter, Facebook, tumblr. Yes, everything! It is beneficial

them and politely ask them if they would not like (or favorite or

Invite a friend to walk with you. || Break-ups are hard. strong enough to handle even the little things. You may

Stop following him or her on social media. || Instagram,

To do: Send a message informing them that you are unfriending

Again, keep anything that’s related to work, school

or parenting. Other than that? Delete. You will be too

the two of you are in continuous communication. After contact. And that is OK and probably good.

Delete all text messages. || Yes, ALL text messages.

Psalms 34:18

your healing and freedom from hurt. Trust the Lord and remember

Delete all pictures. || Deleting pictures doesn’t mean you are deleting the person or the memories. But the pictures show something that is no more. Even if you get back

together, you will most likely be a different person in a

different place, and so will the other person. When you

see old pictures, you may be tempted to look at them, relive the past and reopen wounds.

it’s for your heart’s protection. Often after a break-up people are told, “You can find better.” But the better you need to find is the presence of Christ.

Was this story helpful to you? Do you have a story of healing and freedom that you would like to share?

Tweet us at @ElisiaMagazine and @DrGspeaks using the hashtag #HeartProtection

To Do: Delete all pictures from your phone and consider deleting

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... And Where You S

... And Where You S

“

... And Where You S ... And Where You

T

hree weeks ago I was a very sick man. I was in the critical care unit for a total 21 days due to some complications with my kidney transplant. For 7 of those days I

was in a coma. And, no, it wasn’t as theatrical as you might think. I didn’t see Jesus or any of my deceased family members or a beautiful garden; I was simply resting in the center of a dark place. I could not move and I could not speak. All I could hear was my wife praying and talking to me.

My wife and I have been married for 5 years

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now, and during that time we have never gone

an entire day without talking. So, as you might

imagine, a 7 day coma was unbelievably hard on us. I heard my wife crying and saying, “I wish

you would speak to me.” But I couldn’t. When the

doctors brought me out of the coma, I woke up to my teary eyed wife thanking the Lord for my safe return to her.

At that point, I began to weep because I felt the

pain I had caused her. My faith never wavered in that dark place. I believed in my heart that the

Stay, I Will Stay

Stay, I Will Stay

Stay, I Will Stay Stay, I Will Stay || Charles Bowman

“

day I was born God knew that I would be right

To me, my wife is the definition of a strong Chris-

over the heartache that I had placed on my wife.

is a follower of Jesus. And through her actions I

where I was in that hospital, struggling through

my recovery. Yet and still, I was truly distressed

When she asked why I was crying, all I could say

was, “I’m sorry.” She was unphased. My wife told me that when a couple is equally yoked in marriage, the struggle of one is the struggle of the

other. She assured me that she was right where

she wanted to be, next to me. During the entire process my wife never left my side.

tian woman. She doesn’t have to say she is a

Christian because her actions scream that she

am motivated to be a better Christian, husband

and father. I now understand the old saying that

“Behind every successful man is a strong woman.”

A wife has the ability to uplift and heal a man or the power to tear a man down. I am very bless-

ed because when I found my wife, I truly found a good thing.

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the guiltless

A

MOM

ttention all Moms, Mothers, Mamas, and Mommies. This one’s for you. I am thoroughly exhausted at the end of the day from running my own business, balancing the lives of four children and all the stuff in between. Before I had kids, I had no idea of the qualifications, benefits, rewards, bonuses, and guilt that was associated with being a mother. Everything seemed relatively simple. Love, marriage, and then those cute, irresistible, delightful, amazing

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|| DR. LAWANA GLADNEY

ELISIA | elisiamagazine.com

perfect little babies, who will one day grow into a big person living all on their own. It sounded so romantic and ideal.

It is difficult to formulate the appropriate words to describe the feeling of holding your baby in your arms. Oh, the exultation, excitement, delight, joy, the guilt. ‌ Hey, where did that come from? With the elation of motherhood comes the feeling that somehow I am responsible for every whimper, cry, need, smile, frown, booboo,

friends, and experience that life can bring. Well, to a certain point that is true, at least for the first year. Babies can’t feed themselves, scratch an itch, or even move their bodies to a more comfortable position, and their total dependence can be a little overwhelming.

Then the guilt really sets in. We feel guilty if we have to go to work. We feel guilty when we stay home because we could be lightening the load by contributing to the income. We feel guilty if our kids should hurt themselves while playing out of our sight because if we had been there it wouldn’t have happened.

We feel guilty if our kids hurt themselves playing in our sight because we should have known it would happen and somehow prevented it.

I definitely didn’t know that predicting the future was a job requirement for being a mom.

As our kids get older, the guilt somehow shifts to protecting them against

everything and everyone that could potentially bring about hurt and tears. We feel as if our motherly instincts should let us know who’s good for our kids and who’s bad for them. Yet, some children I know deserve academy awards for fooling me into thinking they were great people. And I let them hang out with my kids! Talk about feeling guilty. I didn’t know, but I should have.

Oh, and while we are sharing fault, let’s not forget the forgotten basketball practice, the missed first half of soccer game, and the brownie sleepover that your daughter has been looking forward to for a week.

Come on, mom, what’s with you? Let me tell you, there is nothing that can ruin a day like guilt because of something you did or did not do. Now, I really understand how Alexander could have had a terrible, horrible no good very bad day.

So, does the worry ever stop? Teenage years? Not

a chance. What about when they are grown adults? I have heard that you still feel it then too. And don’t even get me started on an adult child that somehow goes astray. Talk about blaming yourself. We have signed up for a lifetime of tumultuous stomach disorder, compounded by headaches and insomnia.

How can we minimize the guilt and maximize the guiltlessness? Stay tuned for part two. || As an emotional wellness expert and mother of four, Dr. Gladney has spoken to thousands across the country. She is a nationally known speaker, trainer, and coach. She is author of 4 books including her latest book entitled, You Can’t Be Sick, I Have to Work: 50 Tips to Emotional Wellness for Working Mothers.

For more information, visit her website at www.emotionalwellnessinc.com

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FREEDOM UNSPOKEN

as Dallas based actress Morgan Mabry Mason ends her summer on the stage of Dallas Theater Center’s production of Les Miserables, she reminds us that living a life of faith is more than just a performance.

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I

t didn’t take long for me to recognize that Morgan Mabry Mason knows a thing or two about being a woman. Not only does she have effortless taste in style and beauty, but the woman’s face is always, and I mean always, flawless. It’s actually enviable.

I

t’s 6:30 and we’ve just arrived to the theater for another day of fight call prior to Dallas Theater Center’s production of Les Miserables. Into the dressing room walks one of my newfound favorite people, Morgan, her hair pulled back in a hat, 2 bags in one hand, apple in the other, a little scattered, but always prepared. Just another day at the theater.

Anyone who has encountered the Dallas-based actress can attest to the fact that her voice is as big as her smile. This powerhouse vocalist has pipes that’ll blow you to the moon and back.

And her joy. Her joy is stupid contagious. After a 9-week 8-show a week run of Les Miserables, she’ll be returning back to the stage to play the role of Janet in the same theater’s production of The Rocky Horror Show. I’m sure she’s bound to turn some heads.

Toggling between work, her husband and the stage, Morgan knows more than a thing or two about balancing acts all while staying performance ready. Seems to be her life’s pleasure … and it’s struggle.

“We all want the role. The reality is that most frequently, we’re not going to get it.

It’s how we deal with the rejection that really counts.

You can make yourself better by learning from that talent, or you can imitate strength by judging other women and emoting negativity. It’s a choice that we have the power to make.”

The power to choose seems to be Morgan’s life mantra, so much so, that she’s committed herself to being intentional about building other women up rather than tearing them down. “Strong women are those women who build each other up. Is it hard not to compare yourselves to other women? Absolutely. [But] you are actually just in competition with yourself.”

Now, I would love nothing more than to tell you that Morgan is one of those cliché nice people.

She’s not. She’s legitimately, genuinely kind. If I hadn’t experienced it myself, I wouldn’t believe it.

Faith + Art

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Mrs. Mason is not her voice or even her impeccable beauty, but the intentionality of her character.

Morgan has been a Christian for most of her life, going to Sunday school, living a “good” life, doing all the things that good Christians do. She even married a guy elisiamagazine.com| ELISIA

19

she met in high school - the jock baseball player that would later become her husband. But, it wasn’t until later in life that she gained a true understanding of who she was as a believer.

“I was young, immature and sheltered,” she explained, “and I was friends with all Christians who were sheltered, too. They were all wonderful, amazing people, but I didn’t have experiences with people who are different than me.”

Her immaturity and lack of experiences caused her to do more judging than loving, a fate from which many less mature Christians suffer.

“Theater made me different,” she said. “It’s a melting pot of people who are so different than me. Being around them caused me to recognize how amazing people really are.”

And having relationships with her new found theater family taught her how to love as Christ intended.

On top of that, the stereotypes of typical Christian behavior don’t always make it easy for the Christian performer. “I think the world views Christians as people who yell what

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right and wrong is. The most powerful testimony is how you treat people who are nothing like you and who you won’t gain anything from.”

That’s the kind of practicality she believes other Christians should adopt – loving in a Christ-like way with the expectation of zero gain. “Your faith is not a checklist. Your beliefs don’t make you a good or a better person. Jesus preached what love is. We’re losing a lot of that, and it’s the most important thing.”

It seems common for Christians to believe that freedom in Christ means the freedom to say any and everything about the condition of others in the name of the gospel. But perhaps automatic judgment shouldn’t be our first line of defense. Jesus himself showed us that sometimes the most powerful tool of testimony is to say nothing at all.

Morgan admits, as I’m sure many Christian performers would, that the spotlight often seems a bit brighter on them, as if both Christians and non-Christians alike are judging their every action, especially the actions of those open about their spirituality.

“It can be tricky because you are worried about what other people are going to think about you. Christians don’t always understand that my roles on stage do not define me as a person. My character OFF stage defines me. God created me to do this. It’s a part of who I am.

It’s engrained in my DNA.”

Above all, Morgan takes great pride in the gifts she’s been given. She values the light and life in those around her, and she takes advantage of every opportunity God provides her with to share her gifts with others. One of Morgan’s favorite show quotes comes from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel turned stage musical, Little Women.

“If you feel your value lies in being merely decorative, I fear that one day you might find yourself believing that’s all you really are. Time erodes all such beauty, but what it cannot diminish is the wonderful workings of your mind: your humor, your kindness, and your moral courage.

These are the things I cherish so in you.”

MORGAN MABRY MASON

Having worked on and offstage with Morgan this past couple of months, I can honestly say that I have come to cherish the kindness, warmth, and true beauty that she exudes every day. Her life and her character are the definition of what it means to be genuine about your faith and beautifully human in a world that wants to box you into a cookie cutter mold. || FELECEIA BENTON elisiamagazine.com| ELISIA

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C

an you believe it? It’s the end of the summer already? As I watch the days evaporate, I must admit that I am grateful that it still does not feel like summer to me. We recently had our first 3-digit day here in Texas and I have managed to spend a fair amount of time indoors.

I pride myself on having well-planned and masterfully executed summer ac-

tivities for my family. By March, I have

already identified most of the upcoming summer’s activities and I am well on

my way to cover the financial cost of my

children staying “busy.” I have coordinated with my closest, like-minded mommy friends to strategically plan drop-offs,

pick-ups and play dates. And I have written exceptionally engaging and rigorous lesson plans to ward off any possibility

when doing nothing is good

|| Cheryl Skinner Rischer

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to my self-imposed standards, I am on top of my mommy game.

And then, life happened. My

children exercised their right

to refuse. Don’t get me wrong.

They are children and I am the parent and for the most part,

they do what I say. However, this summer, they took a stand and

communicated to me that less is

more. Despite the fact that it took me several blank calendars and a number of planning meetings over happy hour to create their summer schedule, they were not impressed with the line-

up. I wanted a week of Robotics Camp. They wanted to hangout with Grandma. I labored to get

golf, swimming and tennis all in the same week. They preferred to chill with their cousins and would settle for FaceTime.

My initial reaction was to exer-

cise my executive authority and

insist that they would attend ev-

ery camp that I had selected. But, I learned a long time ago that I

must choose my battles. When I considered why I thought they

should attend every camp from

June to the middle of August, I realized that the plans I made were

more about what I wanted,

tle has yet to show up in our

anyone who might ask that

in any structured activity. I

not what they wanted. I

wanted to be able to say to my children were having a

great summer keeping busy

lives, and I am no longer ad-

vocating for daily attendance now accept hearing, “Naw, we good,” as a suitable re-

as I ran all over town herding sponse to my inquiry about them into camp after camp.

Even while the thought of all that driving made me tired, I was willing to move full

speed ahead so that I could be Organized Mommy Extraordinaire.

Although I initially resisted their desire to “hang-out,” I took a moment to really

consider it. I realized that my boys were longing for

a relaxing summer free of

obligation. They wanted the

freedom to choose how they would spend their time. As

an adult, that is generally not an option for me, but it could certainly be a possibility for my children.

So, this summer hasn’t been

a usual summer for me since

our pace has been a lot slower than previous summers.

The overwhelming feeling

caused by the extreme hus-

upcoming camp attendance.

Their choice has yielded undeniable bonding time with their grandparents, quality time with their cousin, the

completion of the required

reading list for school in the

fall and countless memories.

And the look on other people’s face when I respond

with “nothing” to their question about what are the boys doing this summer?

Priceless.

“

“

of summer brain drain. According

And then LiFE happened...

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LAST CALL

all patterns, prints, colors. The bolder the better! I literally had to stop myself from purchasing this particular style of skirt because I suddenly realized I had more than my fair share. I had even designed a few and had some custom made.

PRINTED MAXI & SKATER SKIRTS

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|| Nikki Hurd

ere’s the thing about summer. It’s the time of year when we let our hair down. We engage in some of the most fun times and we live out some of our deepest fears. Whether it’s bungee jumping, zip lining, or swimming with sharks, summer just brings the stunt devil out of us. So, with the end of all those summer shenanigans fast approaching, it’s time to get the last wear out of this season’s must haves!

Two of my favorite articles this

season are definitely the printed maxi and skater skirts. Not just because they are fun and FORGIVING but because they come in

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Another thing I find appealing about these skirts is that you can wear almost any top with them.

The current trending style is the denim button down shirt. Now, you can follow the trend or you can set it. I’m not here to judge or dictate that (insert smirk here). However, I challenge you to change it up based on your own preferences.

Me? I tend to throw that little box out the window, so I didn’t wear denim with the printed maxi.

I wore cotton with a polyester blend, honey!

If you’re still not sold on the prints, length, versatility and the skirts’ ability to hide your “truth,” maybe this will do it: PRICE! I’ve found that skater skirts and maxis are all reasonably priced at local retailers. Now, while I’m a big fan of boutiques based on my love for exclusivity, I never cast away a great department store. Me and my Good Judys live for a great sale.

I’m willing to run the risk of having one or two of the exact same skirt another lady may have simply because taste will call for a different wear of it.

|| how to work this style Here are a few quick tips that will help you get these fashions in before the summer is out.

- Use the short skater skirts for fun social events and use the maxi for more formal events like church.

- It’s ok to walk that fine line and mix prints. I promise you no one will be mad. Just be careful to not look like a Garanimal advertisement. Remember, style is a reflection of who you are!

Flaunt it, darling. But don’t overdo it.

And My Choice Rule of Thumb Is …

If your blouse is a color mixture of black and white, your skirt can literally be any print or color because black and white matches everything. I don’t make the rules people, I just break them!

Will you join me in the fashion rebellion? Be you. Be confident . BE BOLD and turn heads. Dare to be different.

You might like it.

shop our spring/summer 2014 collection

NOONDAYCOLLECTION.COM

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t wasn’t so long ago that I couldn’t wait for summer.

The pool, getting tan, time off from school, lazy

days, fun vacations, and the list goes on. My how

times change! As a mom, I DREAD summer. Now,

a tan from a bottle works mighty fine and helps pre-

vent wrinkles. Vacations are “work trips” without being

reimbursable. “Time off school” now equals down time I MUST fill with camps and swim lessons for my daughter or we ALL go crazy. (There goes my vacation money!)

And “lazy days” mean a bored child—something I avoid like cockroaches and cooking .

I learned the lesson of Summer as Mom the hard

Serving as a family can have a tremendous impact

staring at each other, and I vowed never to experience

but it also opens up doors for meaningful conversa-

way—the path of most of my lessons. Jordan and I spent 2 summers ago twiddling our fingers and

that horror again. I have to balance my propensity

to over-schedule, so my approach has been a combi-

nation of activities that are different from the school year for variety and some built-in down time.

One of my favorite things that Jordan and I do togeth-

er during the summer is serve, and one of my favorite places on earth is Voice of Hope in West Dallas. Voice

of Hope is a “Christian community center founded on

principles of self-help, spiritual enrichment and urban renewal. Voice of Hope Ministries exists to provide

children living in the neighborhoods of West Dallas

with strong character models, education support, life skills, and family support services needed to become productive Christian citizens. Its vision is to equip

Inner-city families with resources and skills needed

to overcome and break the poverty cycle.” They feed people, clothe people, teach people, laugh with peo-

ple, listen to people, and love on people. It’s a magical place where magical things happen. And not because the walls are fancy (but they are!) or because the

classrooms are fancy (they are too!), but it’s because the transforming presence and love of Jesus Christ

is lived out. For more information on Voice of Hope, check out their website at www.voiceofhope.org

For the second year, our church has put on a Vacation Bible School for the kids at Voice of Hope. I volunteer with this summer program, and this year I took my

daughter with me for a day. She had an absolute blast.

Not only did she meet some new friends, but she

joined in on crafts, singing, snacks, games, and most

importantly, the truth about Jesus. She has asked me every day now, “When are we going back to Voice of Hope?”

on our kids. Not only does it plant seeds that demonstrate a positive and practical way to live their faith, tion and new friendships.

It took me some time to find Voice of Hope. I had to

try out several ministries before I found the one that

clicked for us. And Voice of Hope is just one outlet for

the Macatees. There are many places we love to serve, some as a family and some individually. Some minis-

tries are unorganized and outrageously fun, some are precisely and perfectly run with deep spiritual food.

And some can be both! Or neither! But all of these

organizations play a very special role in our lives and hearts.

This summer, I want to encourage you and your family to find your service outlets. And don’t be afraid to try something and say, “Nope, that one wasn’t for me.” It’s just as important to find those ministries that are not in our gifting as it is to find the ones that are! Just keep “kicking tires” as my mom likes to say. Eventually, you’ll find your ministries that fit like a glove, and then all of a sudden serving isn’t serving at all. It’s just the way you live. elisiamagazine.com| ELISIA

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true freedom || MEKEISHA STEELE

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erriam-Webster defines freedom as “the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint,” and many people believe that freedom is a fundamental right of the human experience. But what if that’s not God’s definition of freedom? Individuals, groups, and even whole nations have gone to great measures to pursue freedom. Still, I would argue that no one has put more on the line than Christ. So, I dare ask: What did God have in mind when Christ was put on an inescapable path toward freedom for all of

us? How many people would be offended by the thought that real freedom might not be about having the ability to do whatever you please?

The current ideals of freedom almost always go against the sort of freedom that is outlined in the Bible. Yet, thousands of people are in re-

lentless pursuit of their own platforms, agendas, and rights. No one wants to be told, “No,

this isn’t what God had in mind!” According to

the Bible, the freedom that we’ve been granted

is one that frees us from sin but insists that we instead become enslaved to “righteousness.”

But what does that mean? What does that look like? This kind of freedom actually looks like

service. It looks like one who bases his or her

decisions about lifestyle, habits, and actions on the Word of God. It means that nothing about

us belongs to ourselves. The liberty that we’ve been afforded through Christ is a process of

transformation and conformation. Transforming to look like Him and conforming to be like Him in action and deed. That kind of freedom is difficult for most adults to understand. It’s

almost unthinkable for young people to grasp.

Why? Because our society teaches us to love

ourselves, believe in ourselves, and be all about ourselves. It teaches us that self-gratification is the key to freedom. Such a mindset is destruc-

tive to relationships, families and communities.

So, should we really “fight for our rights?” Do

we continue to push for the ability to do what we want, when we want, and with whom we want? Nope. We are charged to follow the

guiding of the Holy Spirit. And following the Holy Spirit means that we can do so much

more. We have the right to speak as Christ’s

presence caused people to be set free. In turn,

how many people have we set free through our communication and actions?

Tony Dungy, a former NFL coach and current

NBC sports analyst, was recently criticized for comments he made regarding the first pro-

fessed openly-gay NFL player, Michael Sam.

You see, Dungy has openly proclaimed his faith in Christ. He doesn’t wear a sign or constantly

quote scripture, but anyone who knows a little about Coach Dungy understands that he’s a

man of faith. He didn’t speak negatively about Sam or his lifestyle. However, in an interview Dungy was asked if he would have drafted

Sam, and he answered honestly that he would not. And of course, his response about such a

controversial topic caused a media ruckus for

several days. Still, his defense for not drafting Sam was quite simple. He said he felt drafting

him would bring much distraction to the team.

Sure enough, Dungy’s prediction is proving to be true, as Michael Sam’s every move is being covered by the media before the 2014-2015 NFL season can even begin.

representatives without guilt or shame. Not

So, why was Tony Dungy’s opinion so signif-

so that others can experience true liberation.

faith. When others stand boldly to proclaim

to hurl Bible verses to everyone that we meet.

But instead to conduct ourselves as Christ did Think about it. Christ didn’t walk around con-

demning the world, yet people were convicted

just by coming into His presence. By the words He spoke and by things that He did, Christ’s

icant that it could cause a media frenzy? Be-

cause Christians will often be targeted for their rights and freedoms that are outside of God’s

will, we are presented with a golden opportu-

nity to demonstrate the real fight behind freedom which yields heavenly reward.

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blurred LINES || TRACY WILLIAMS

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I have a confession – I’ve lived most of my professional life bound and handcuffed. Bound by social pressures to say and do the right thing. Handcuffed by my limited view of how I am supposed to “show” my faith. If you add in trying to be PC in the workplace, this bondage was taken to a heightened level of confusion and timidity. In short, I was going crazy trying to be salt and light based on someone else’s standards. I was constantly questioning my level of “holiness” when someone asked how I was doing and my reply was, “I’m well,” instead of, “Oh, I am BLESSED!” I would falter when a coworker came to me with a problem and I wanted to share spiritual encouragement, but was afraid to offend them. I knew my faith was real, but how was I supposed to manage these blurred lines of faith, professional “standards,” and personal preference?

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hen, less than two years ago, some-

believe. They’ll see it. They’ll see it through the

and suddenly I realized that I couldn’t

on a daily basis. And, if you happen to fall short on

thing amazing happened. I began to

attend Freedom classes at my church, “present” my faith to accommodate

anyone or anything other than my heavenly Father.

It wasn’t about what other Christians thought I

should be doing and saying, or about how I would

be perceived by someone who may not know Him. I also realized that my witness in the workplace

wasn’t about how many “God Bless You’s” I said. It was about what others saw in me that would bear witness to my faith.

The evolution of my new thinking happened over

time, and it wasn’t until I was tasked with writing this article that I realized what truly occurred. I

began to make small changes in how I communi-

cated with coworkers. Instead telling someone I’d pray for them, I began to silently petition God as I

was talking with them. Rather than assume malice in someone’s actions, I evaluated what their true intent might be and stopped being so reactive. I began to recognize more of what was good than

what was going wrong. When I felt the nudge by

God to offer encouragement, I did so without hesitation. I wanted those around me to see my faith through my actions rather than through words

alone. This, my sisters, is what the evidence of our faith is.

When others around you see your faith by the

fruit you bear, there’s no bondage. You don’t have to have 50 crosses and 2 Bibles on your desk. You

love, joy, patience, gentleness, peace, kindness,

goodness, faithfulness, and self-control you show some days, that’s okay.

In a corporate setting, it may seem like you have

so many obstacles that threaten to limit your ability to walk in faith and present yourself wholly to those you work with. But, once you fully rely on

the compass of God’s Word, there’s no more doubt and the lines are quite clear.

Gone are the days of trying to live out my life

based on what I think I should say and do in the

workplace. I now have the simplicity of the fruit of the Spirit to guide me. Now, that’s true freedom.

Cultivation and Empowerment Opportunity (CEO) || Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit that we should bear as Christians.

After reading these verses, which fruit could use

a little more cultivating in your workplace? Set an action plan of how you will accomplish this over

the next 30 days. Chronicle your journey through writing your internal observations and any feedback you receive from others.

Memo: I would love to hear from you as you experience your workplace transformations.

Tweet me at @tracytrw so I can celebrate with you!

don’t have to constantly say or prove what you

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more than lucky...

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|| Cherish Robinson

Megan Lucky has seen more changes, twists and turns in the last 4 years than some people see in their whole lifetime. She sits down to talk with us about her relationship, her miscarriage, delivering a premature baby and the journey to find her voice while balancing life and faith with the seemingly harsh music industry.

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he theme of this month’s issue hit home for me: Freedom in Christ. I immediately thought about where I am mentally and spiritually as it pertains to my career. I’m a musician, singer and songwriter. Some people may like to use the word “secular,” to describe the genres I work in, but I’ve never seen it that way. I used to try to make myself into a gospel artist, but it never felt right. Ever since I realized that God was the giver of my gift and it didn’t matter what I sang, I’ve been intrigued by Christians who do music other than Contemporary Christian and Gospel.

I met the awesomely talented and beautiful Megan Lucky about a year ago. She inquired about lessons at my company The Vocal Store and after a few months, I realized that she was not only an awesome singer but she was ready for something bigger … an album!

In the middle of our writing and recording sessions, we met up for lunch to talk about her story.

How long have you been singing? Has this always been a dream of yours?

My mom told me that when I was little, little enough where my sister and I were in car seats, she used to play Ann Murray in the car and [my sister and I] would be singing. I was 2 and [my sister] was 4 and I would say “Sarah, don’t you know you’re on the wrong note?” I could just hear the tune!

I got the bug to perform when I was a cheerleader in high school. We had a football game and the pep band couldn’t play the national anthem because it rained.

Nobody was there and I was like, “I’ll just get up over the loudspeaker and sing it!” Afterwards, everyone was like, “You have a great voice!”

That was when it hit me, “I really want to perform and share this with the world!”

I’m noticing that there was a break between you finding passion to sing in high school and actually working on your upcoming country album?

Honestly? Personal development.

Was there a certain point that led you to thinking of the higher self?

I joined a multi-level travel company called World Ventures. That was my first exposure to personal development. We were at a retreat in Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean and the type of people we met were just so elevated compared to where I was. I sat down with this gal, who charges hundreds of dollars to help people have “breakthroughs,” and she said, “What do you really want to do?” I had put singing on the back burner for so long because it wasn’t making me money, and ya know … ya gotta eat! She told me that the first step was to put it out there in the universe that “I WANNA SING!” So, I made a Facebook post about it that night. From that, I got an inbox message from a Facebook friend that linked me up with you (Cherish).

That was that moment where I made a declaration that I was going to do something. I was vulnerable in a sense that I remembered saying to myself, “I’ve denied a dream my whole life, but I’m going to go for it.”

“

“

Up and coming country music artist

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So, let’s talk about your husband …

The beautiful Brazilian!

[We both laugh.]

THE Mr. Jefferson Santos!

Jefferson is a speaker and trainer and author of the

Harrison and Livingston!

You had a little bump in the road birthing Livingston. What happened and how’d you cope?

With Harrison [my firstborn] I totally took it for granted. I’m talking perfect pregnancy. They talk about that pregnant woman glow?

Well, I had it! [Laughs] Then with Livingston I was on

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book due out this fall, Higher Life Design: Arriving at Your Destination Healthy, Wealthy, and Happy. We were set up through a mutual friend. I was a hairstylist in Minneapolis. He was living in Dallas. At the time, I thought I was going to open up a salon. It was right after a bad breakup, and I

didn’t really want to be in a relationship. But our mutual friend just told me to talk to him. We completely hit it off.

We talked every day and saw each other every weekend.

I moved down. We got engaged. Got married. 4 years and 2 kids later, here we are!

vacation in Montana and my water broke at 29 weeks. I was an hour away from any type of civilization, as we were at my mom’s cabin. So, I was taken to the hospital where they told me that I wasn’t going anywhere.

After about week and a half into bed rest, I just didn’t think I could do this anymore. But that day I read a passage in my devotional that said some of the most

profound connections happen in places of rest and quiet. It was as if God said that I need to stop and refocus and put my faith in His hands.

Livingston was born eight weeks premature [and] he spent seven weeks in the NICU. I had to go to hospital twice a day, 3 hours every time. It was the hardest time in my life, but it strengthened my relationship with my husband.

And your two sons …

I can’t even imagine. Because during that time and you still had that smile! You were even coming to the studio to check on us!

I just knew that I was supposed to press forward with this album. I knew I could handle it.

How did the complications with Livingston strengthen your relationship with God? You know, it’s sad that sometimes it takes a tragedy to strengthen your relationship with God. But it’s through those times that your faith is tested. I never once was mad at God like, “Why is this happening to me?” I could’ve sat in that hospital bed and watched TV all day or I could’ve meditated in prayer.

It’s scientifically proven that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit. I was in a hospital bed for exactly 21 days, so my habit became turning to God! And what came out of that knowing?

I came out of it knowing that I could be beacon of light for anybody going through that situation. Interestingly

enough, I had a miscarriage a month before Livingston was conceived. I was compelled to post a video on Facebook telling people that are going through a hard time that there’s a purpose for everything. The outpouring that I got from people that had gone through a miscarriage was inspiring. I was also able to write a song called “You’re Not Alone.”

I wrote a lot of that song while driving to the hospital.

It’s about me being there for my son but also Christ being there for me.

Beautiful testimony! How do you feel as a Christian woman in the country music industry?

It’s interesting because, actually, I think you were the one that played some of my stuff to someone and they said, “Oh, is she a Christian Country artist?” It just naturally comes across. Even though that’s not the route I’m specifically going, it comes through because my faith is strong. I just hope to lead by example.

sion that is just a raw me. It’s my most intimate thoughts coming out through music.

It’s so different when you’re talking to somebody about your intimate thoughts and then when you sing it. Music is what I identify with. It’s easier for me to be vulnerable there.

What is one of thing you hope to tell your fans through your music?

People have all this selfdoubt and think, “Well, I can’t do that,” or “I would never be good at that.” I got to the point where I was like, “To heck with that! Yes, you can!” God gives you a desire because you’re meant to share your gift with the world. He doesn’t give you a desire that’s not supposed to happen. And that’s really what I want my fans to get from [this album]. If I can do it, they can do it. Don’t listen to anybody that tells you, you can’t. If you have a desire in your heart, follow your dreams and everything will fall into place.

What do you like most about what you do?

I love that it allows me to have that creative expreselisiamagazine.com| ELISIA

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#WhatsYourStory 36

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ELISIA STAFF FELECEIA BENTON: EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ARIAN AUGUSTUS: SENIOR EDITOR SYDNEY CORNELIUS: GRAPHIC DESIGNER KATHY IVEY: ADVERTISING SALES ERICA EDWARDS: ACCOUNTS MANAGER COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: FELECEIA BENTON

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FELECEIA BENTON // editor-in-chief senior editor ARIAN AUGUSTUS // managing editor SYDNEY CORNELIUS // graphic designer ERICA EDWARDS // accounts manager