{6} ISSUE
{grace} magazine
w i n t e r 2013
It’ s the most wonder ful time For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
HAPPINESS is
homemade with love .
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of
POWER a SIMPLE GIFT By Karen Pierce Lim
My mother was always supportive of all my endeavors—including my Operation Christmas Child shoebox habit. I packed my first shoebox for Operation Christmas Child in 1998, and after that, I was hooked. The next year, my sister and I set out to fill 100. Mom was on board to help us, finding and sharing deals and securing a large donation of wrapping paper from a local company—she helped to make sure our boxes were festive. Karen and her mother, Clara. That was Mom. Many times over the years she would hand me a bag or box of items she’d saved or picked up for shoeboxes. Her giving spirit and support of OCC continued until her health started to decline. When she passed away last year, I felt a part of me died, too. I miss my mother every day, but especially so during the holidays and on her birthday, which is November 18.
Last year, I filled a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child in her memory, packing it with things she would have loved or selected, things that reminded me of her. It was therapeutic, and I still wonder about the little boy who received that special box. I hope and pray that he knows the unconditional love of a mother like mine—and of Christ, whose love never fails and never ends. This year, as OCC season approached, I wanted to do something special to commemorate Mom’s birthday. She would have turned 70 on November 18, which happened to be the first day of National Collection Week. And so I thought it would be a nice tribute to host a packing party the day before. My goal was to invite friends over to pack 70 boxes in honor of Mom’s 70th birthday. A few weeks ago, I sent out an evite—and then started to panic. While I shop for OCC throughout the year and had accumulated quite a stash, I was concerned that I didn’t have enough stuff to fill 70 boxes. Likewise, I worried that no one would show up for the packing party. O ye of little faith, right? The week before the packing party, the Lord provided us with some awesome deals—complete with some 90-percent-off savings—so I was able to add to my shoebox stash! And the RSVPs slowly started rolling in. More than 30 folks filled our home for the party, many bringing bags filled with shoebox goodies of their own. The packing was steady that afternoon, and soon we started running low on the pre-printed shoeboxes I’d ordered from Samaritan’s Purse.
My husband and a friend started folding more boxes while I talked to guests and answered questions about the project. Before long, the boxes were stacked up in our living room, completely covering the fireplace. I knew then we’d passed 70 boxes—but I had no idea the Lord would double our efforts. By the end of the evening, after all of the boxes had been filled and I added in six shoebox gifts I’d had upstairs, our grand total was 140! That’s twice the number I’d set out to fill in memory of my mother. What’s even better is knowing the love from family and friends that went into each box. I hope to pass on my mother’s giving spirit to my own children, and Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful way to help. As Psalm 78:4 declares, “Tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done” (NIV). That applies not only to the children who receive the boxes, but also to those who do the packing. I am so grateful for a beautiful mother who practiced generosity, for wonderful friends who showed their support and love for children around the world, and for an awesome, hands-on project that allows children the opportunity to tangibly participate in giving to others. Mom’s birthday was a bittersweet day, but it was made brighter by remembering the kindness and generosity of those who came together to pack these wonderful shoe boxes—and by thinking of the children who will receive these gifts. I will continue to pray for them all.
peanut Rocky Road fudge
Ingredients 1 Container Chocolate Frosting 1 12 oz bag milk chocolate chips ½ C chopped dry roasted peanuts (set aside 2T to sprinkle on top) 1C mini marshmallows
Instructions Place chocolate chips in bowl and set aside. Melt frosting in microwave (30-60 seconds should do it). Pour over chips and stir until all chips are almost melted add marshmallows and chopped peanuts (except the 2 T set aside)and stir into fudge until they are completely covered in fudge. Pour in 8×8″ pan lined in parchment paper. Sprinkle remaining chopped peanuts on top. Let set up cut into 1″ squares and enjoy!
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D is for…
By Melissa Hawks D is for December. For me, it’s also for Daring Gold’s and Dashing Silvers! Don’t be afraid of sparkles and shimmers and colors. It’s all part of the fun! Try that Red you’ve always wanted to. Now is the time to be adventurous. Long sweaters with leggings and boots are the cutest thing ever and totally in right now so go for it. Splash on some color, put your hair up and wear a pair of sparkly ear rings just for fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously, the more fun you have, the more fun the people around you will have. That kind of attitude is contagious. D is also for Damage. In these cold months don’t forget to protect your skin because for your make up to look its best your skin needs to be at its best as well. My favorite skin care line is anything from Murad’s Environmental Shield (it usually has the orange stripe on it) It has ingredients that protect your skin from harmful pollutants that come from the air, sun damage, the wind and cold. It also helps prevent wrinkles or keeps existing wrinkles from getting any bigger. Another good product from Murad is their collegian booster (with the purple stripe) it provides an instant lift for any wrinkles and you can apply it anytime of the day. It makes your face look fresh and new. And last…
D is for DON’T forget Hydration! A great product that you can find in some salons or spas is from Sothys . It’s called the Hydradvance. It is on the pricier end but it’s totally worth it! The Sothys researchers found a mushroom that holds its moisture through drought, cold and other adverse conditions that would normally dry out our skin. They captured the elements of the mushroom and used it in their Hydradvance line to help skin hold its moisture, keeping it from the chapping and windburn associated with dry skin. Even though I endorse these products, always check with your local esthetician before starting to use them on your own to insure they are the right products for you.
Your skin is the underlying canvas to your beauty. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
your is a TEMPLE BODY
By Rachel Groves Many don’t think that what we feed our bodies and when we are lazy that it is destroying our temple. Health and Fitness play a huge roll in keeping our temple in tip top shape for The Lord to use us the best way that he can. So the next time you fly into a fast food restaurant or sit on the couch with a bag of chips, ask yourself if what you are doing is glorifying The Lord with the way you are treating your temple. This verse is also from 1 Corinthians 10:31, and is very fitting, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Ask yourself today how will you treat your Temple to honor God? Take a walk outside to pray and enjoy nature, listen to some praise and worship while working out, or ask God to help your prepare food in advance that may be a nourishment to your body rather then hurt it. Today lets do something towards our health that will make us be all that we can be for our Savior.
Do you not know that your body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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on the shelf
honesty
By Mona Ward
Such a simple word, yet so hard to face, to speak, and to live. To be honest with ourselves , and others, is a gift too often neglected, until we are forced by circumstance to practice it. Only then do we reap its benefits by being set free. Looking back, I can now see that every obstacle in my life has been brought on by my refusal to get honest with myself. In the time that I was living in my addiction, my denial took me further then I ever wanted to go, and kept me there longer then I wanted to stay. Until the day that I got honest with myself, of what I was- an Alcoholic- I would never know who I was.
I excused my behavior for years, blaming my childhood. I rationalized that what I was doing was not only justified, but expected of me, as the adult child of an alcoholic. I refused to see my part, and how I was affecting the people that loved me. One memory that will haunt me forever was Christmas of '95. We had used all our money on drugs and had no gifts for our four children. On Christmas morning we were too sick and ashamed to face them, and left our 12 year old daughter to try to explain to our younger children why Santa Claus had not come to leave them gifts. The look in their eyes as they cried by a tree with no gifts will keep me sober for the rest of my life. For me, those faces on Christmas morning were worse then losing our home, our vehicles, our jobs, our sanity. It is the look of sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear on the faces of those you love the most that is so painful. Knowing you caused it, and that you, alone , can't stop it.
When I finally got honest, and realized I truly was powerless over my addiction, my life began to change- ever so slowly. When my mind was not clouded by drugs and alcohol, my eyes began to see, and my heart began to feel. I had to be honest about the pain I had caused, and ask myself- "How much of my behavior was because of my past, and how much was just about me?" Once I could find my part, I began to make ammends, and clean up the destruction I had left in my wake. With each painfully honest moment, the guilt and remorse I was feeling fell away. Each heartfelt apology lessened the bondage I had placed on myself. It was in these powerful moments of forgiveness that God began to reveal Himself to me. I came to understand that though I may have felt un lovable as a child, I did not have to bring those feelings with me into my adult life. I realized that I was loved, by my family, who stood by me every moment of my struggles, and by God , who never lost sight of me. And I believed it. Today, I have learned to stand in my own truth; to live and breathe what I believe, and allow others to do the same. We may not all believe the same thing, and that's okay with me. I found mine- you need to find yours. And when you do, you will know Peace. For me, it began with HONESTY. Honesty about who I was, and who I am today; about what I became, and what I will become. You see, God isn't finished with me yet. We still have a lot of work to do. When God revealed Himself to me, my soul found its worth. I am a vessel for God to work through to reach and teach others. I believe that.......honestly.
13
Miles to Go‌
By : Cara Czarnecki
Have you ever watched an Ironman event? It consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and then a full Marathon (26.2 miles). Competitors have time limits for each category, and if they do not finish in that amount of time they are disqualified. Many competitors are overcoming various personal obstacles such as fighting cancer, running with prosthetic legs and feet, and other physical and mental challenges. To say that this is a challenge of the will is an understatement. While running, biking and swimming, one must battle the negative, defeatist thoughts in their head that can either slow them down and make them want to quit, or push them to finish. Relationships and the Ironman competition have something in common. They are both a test of endurance. The mindset that you embrace will either motivate you to finish, or make you want to quit. Do you look at the course and get discouraged because you still have 13 miles to go, or do you reflect in amazement on the 127 miles you’ve already completed? When there are difficulties in your relationships (and there will be), do you focus on the negative, the struggles, the tedious task in front of you, or do you focus on how far you’ve come? Set a goal, focus on the finish line, and battle those negative, defeatist, sometimes paralyzing thoughts that will keep you from finishing the race.
There are times when we wish the cards were dealt differently. But then we walk though, pushing ahead, and not loosing our courage and are rewarded with a new sense of hope. As the Newsboys sing, “Let hope arise and make the darkness hide.” Whether what we struggle with in life is big or small...what matters is that we walk though holding onto the hope that is ours. By : Ashley Littlejohn
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It’s Always a LOVEStory
By: Tara Tanner
I recently watched a Sci-Fi movie with my husband that he was sure I wouldn’t like. Not too far into the plot though I was not shocked of the love story that unfolded. Have you ever noticed no matter the kind of movie, it is always a love story! And depending on the season of life you’re in at the time, you respond one of two ways: you are either moved emotionally, which can sometimes involve the ugly cry or you’re simply not.
When I met my husband for the first time it was not love at first sight. Well, at least from my side of the story it wasn’t. But if you were to ask him how we met and fell in love from his perspective, it was. We both agree however, that neither one of us were looking for love when we met. Here’s the gist of it: we met by accident while he was looking for someone else. He offered to drive me home and I turned him down. But he insisted and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I finally agreed and thanked him for the ride. That was the end of the story for me. Unknowingly though, I had him at thank you.
After that day he began to come around quite a bit. He would find reasons to come by, dropping hints that I was not picking up. I thought he was just being nice, but his heart was somewhere else. And while he was pursuing me, I was blinded to his chase. I was closed off to the idea of love. And closed off to the weird way he treated me. He would do things like open the door for me which was {awk’-ward}. He would do things like look me in the eye when he was talking to me. {So weird}. He would buy me gifts and flowers. He wanted to be around me and spend as much time with me as he could. But my heart was closed off to the idea of a relationship like this. I didn’t feel worthy to be loved. Because my idea of love was based on the outward things. It was distorted.
Sure I could be in a relationship, just not a loving one. I wasn’t worthy of that. I wasn’t a loveable person. Because of rejection and hurtful words from the world, it became easy for me to reject everyone and throw hurtful words back. And I allowed my hurts to shape me. I allowed the enemy to lie to me that beauty is outward. Not only did I not fit that mold, I accepted that lie to be truth. And with all that hurt inside, I became ugly on the inside. And my heart became so hard and closed off to love. The only thing I did wholeheartedly was reject love from everyone. Thankfully though, his affections for me where unchanged by the way I felt about myself. It didn’t stop him from pursuing me. He kept coming around. He was relentless.
God’s love is Greater And though the love that we have for each other in human terms or what we watch on the big screen is not the same as God’s love, though it cannot be compared, though it cannot even come close, though it cannot even be measured--understandably, God is crazy about you. His love and affections do not change for us no matter how we feel about Him. I recently heard an evangelist say, “God’s love for you hasn’t grown any stronger.” I don’t know about you, but that is difficult to grasp. Because I fail at that kind of love. But just because I don’t understand it, just because I fail at it, doesn’t make it untrue. You and I cannot change His love. He remains the same.
“People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7||NIV
God’s Love is Received Not Achieved Not only is His love unchanging, there is nothing we can do to achieve His love. It is only received. Despite how you feel, God cannot love you any more for the good things you do, or the beauty you have, or the successes you’ve achieved, or anything that you have to offer. Likewise, He doesn’t love you any less for what you haven’t done, or the beauty you don’t think you have, or your failures, or anything that you think you don’t have to offer. He is love. And He loves you. Like, crazy love. It was always a love story. From the very beginning He had you in mind. He has always been pursuing you.
I’ll never forget in Josh’s pursuit of me, he drove me out to the country one day. He parked the car and got out a little box. Talk about awkward! I hadn’t even said yes to be his girlfriend and he was pulling out a ring box. Well, thankfully it wasn’t to ask me to marry him. He was simply giving me a gift. As he opened the box he told me that I had his heart. And this left me with a choice to respond to his gift. And Jesus does the same for you. You have His heart. You always have. And His love that will not change; that cannot grow any stronger for you, requires you to respond. Your response will not change His love for you. It can’t. But if you receive His gift, His love will change you from the inside out. It is a free gift that will free you. To love.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” Lam 3:22a || ESV It never ceases. His love is relentless.
philosophy  believe in miracles
By Melody Hawks With all that’s going on in the world right now, politically and otherwise I thought that it was interesting that these verses came up in my reading today. No matter your political bent, if you pay any attention to the national news, there are so many ways that government officials frustrate us. I was traveling recently out of Sea-Tac airport in Washington state. I was just in time to go through the security line at lunch time. This meant there was just a skeleton crew of TSA workers checking carryon bags and running us all through the x-ray machine. 40 minutes is probably a low guess of the time it took just to get through the line. I had plenty of time to get to my flight so I just sort of went with the flow. But there were some people around me who had a different thought process. They were complaining about the wait, and then it went to complaining about the intrusion into our belongings and just degraded from there. I thought to myself, “if there’s nothing in your bag to be worried about, then why do you care if someone looks in there?” but alas, I kept my comment to myself as I didn’t want the stairs of disdain from the crowd. After all, I was going to be spending a couple of hours on a plane with some of these people. But really, it was all I could do to keep from saying, “Give her some grace, they’re just doing their job.”
BE A good
CITIZEN
For some, the laws make no sense but God’s word has something specific to say about the way that we act when it comes to the laws, our government and our leaders and officials. Even TSA workers. Romans 13:3(NKJ) says, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same” Have you ever looked in the rear view mirror and all of a sudden, right behind you is a police car. You’re heart beat raises, your mouth gets dry and for some reason, you sit up straight (or at least think about it) It’s like a knee-jerk reaction. Then you think to yourself, “I’m not doing anything, what have I got to worry about?” and you’re absolutely right. Typically, In the United States, if you are doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to be afraid of.
Romans 13:4(NKJ) goes on to say, “For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Have you ever thought, “where’s a cop when I need him?” well, he’s right there, in your rear view mirror just in-case. Actually, he’s probably only behind you because he happens to be going the same direction but God places these people in authority to be on the lookout for those who might be practicing evil. Not only to keep us from breaking the law, but to help us realize that we should do right because it’s the right thing to do. Finally, Romans 13:6 &7(NKJ) says, “For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
In The Message version of the bible it says it like this, “That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.” We may not like the person in a particular office we don’t like some of these laws, but it seems to me that we should pray for those who are in authority. The Bible doesn’t say we have to agree, but let us pray for God’s ministers who are attending continually to us, our cities, states and yes, our country. Do you want things to get better? Do you feel hopeless to do anything about it? Pray. Pray without ceasing. God will hear us. James 5:16(NKJ) says,” Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” So, do what you know is right and pray for those who do their best to keep you safe. It could impact not only your life, but your surrounding community and maybe even the world!
you areENOUGH By Britney Reynolds
you
We live in a word of instant answers, information readily available at our finger tips, fast food, and even faster cars. There are neon flashing lights that clearly point us in the direction to go, quick fixes to everything, whether it be relationships, weight, or getting rich quick. So no wonder we get frustrated, disappointed, and feel as though we are in a dry spot and not good enough. We so quickly feel like we aren’t living up to what we are “supposed” to be.
We have in our heads that everything should happen in a flash and that if it doesn’t then we are CLEARLY doing something wrong. We are so consumed by this screwed up this that we as Christian women have come up with that is far from biblical and leaves us feeling empty and simply put, not good enough. We have all of these things we think we need to live up to, and we exhaust ourselves trying to live up to it and be the “perfect godly woman” that we thing we’re supposed to me. But guess what?! We are accepted. We are redeemed. We are loved. And we are ENOUGH. We are called to have fruit of righteousness, but this fruit is NOT produced on our own; It comes through Jesus alone. We become pure and blameless through obedience to Christ. This does not mean instantaneous spiritual perfection. It is a continuous growing and increasing in our likeness to Christ. I think so often because of the world we live in today, we lose sight of the process of sanctification. It is a daily battle. It is daily choosing to make the commitment to follow Christ, to love Christ, and to grow in Christ.
elegantees.com
By Anna Shlachter
give Â
everyone has something to
The holidays are a time for giving and receiving. We know many people are in need throughout the year and it becomes even more apparent during the holidays (eh hem‌. we are more aware). Growing up we were one of these families. Some of my favorite memories included the Christmas program/dinner at the church and getting a small gift like purple and gold gloves (our school colors).These small things have an impact on those involved at all levels, no matter what time of year. The holidays can be a cruel time for parents and kids alikeespecially when people lose sight of the essence of the season and some make it about the physical gifts. When I was younger, we always had a house full of people and plenty of food during the holiday- I am thankful that this instilled a little more than the commercial meaning of Christmas. I am not saying it was easy and the situation did become more difficult over time. However in my mind and heart, I’ve always felt it important to give something even when I had little to give but my time.
If you have everything or nothing- much can be done to help others and you get a great gift as well. Here are some examples of things that you can do for the holiday and year round:
The cost of food is high-and getting higher-help supplement a family’s meals by giving to a food pantry. Provide nutrient-rich foods such as canned meats like tuna/chicken, beans, canned and dried fruits/ veggies, whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice and more. Many pantries have a list of needed foods that can also helpful in choosing items. Also, ask if the food pantry has refrigeration/freezer space and consider donating perishables such as eggs, milk, frozen meat, frozen fruits/veggies and more. Cash donations are an option as well. If you cannot afford to donate food or money- donate time. Many food banks/pantries and soup kitchens love the extra hands on deck. Offer to collect food, deliver food baskets, and work the serving line at soup kitchen and more. Just ask to help and you’ll be put to work! Go caroling at an assisted living or nursing home (if allowed during flu season). Many facilities also have craft or activity time with kids-it a great opportunity for intergenerational bonding. I have a friend who has started doing this with her daughter and she loves it. Read to kids and also find programs that provide gently used books to children. I donate time sorting used books into appropriate age groups. Not the most fun activity ever, but I think of the kid that later gets the books to read! Adopt a family/kid for Christmas.
There are probably 100 other things you can think of to do. Tell us your favorite online at {grace} Magazine and make a plan for the season and year ahead. Coming from someone who has been on the receiving side- it is best to acknowledge that you’re helping someone that is experiencing a “difficult time and needs some extra help”. Do not label the individual as the situation. It is difficult for some people to even take the step to reach out for help and should not be made to feel badly. Extend the reach and encourage family and friends to join you in giving. Take your children along to sort food/books, etc. Make your next girl’s day a time to donate time or items. Invite them to participate with you and the joy that goes along with knowing that you’ve helped someone. Trust me; you receive so much more than you give!
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