Issue 1 by Grafted Magazine

GRAFTED MAGAZINE

We are wild olive branches. We have drifted in the wind, aching for a home, a place to call our own. We were undisciplined fruits, our roots were cast into the ground on impulse, they traveled underground searching for stability, finding sand and stone. We are wayward daughters, we are defiant sons. But most of all, we are grafted.

THE MANIFESTO

IN ISSUE 1

2 - LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Editor-in-Chief Johanna, talks about this issue and Grafted Magazine as a whole. 8 - FEEDING THE FIRE Joannah Zimmerman shares some encouragement in our walk of faith. 16 - HE’S OUR FATHER, AND WE ARE HIS CHILDREN.” Ellie Berry talks about her trip to Guatemala. 22 - INTERVIEW WITH PHILLIP GARNER Caroline the executive editor of Grafted

Magazine interviews writer Phillip Garner 28 - EXPLODING STARS A stunning poem from Sky Destrian 30 - THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Roger Marsh talks about ministering in a secular enviroment. 34 - ON BEING HOME A moving fictional story from Sonja Langford. 36 - ADOPTION IN ANCIENT TIMES Mangaging Editor Jessica Rackley talks about adoption in the Ancient Times. 40 - WRITING A RESUME Noble Nimmons, Grafted Magazines BUsiness Director talks about writing a good resume.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree.â&#x20AC;? ROMANS 11:17

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Friends, It’s my pleasure to finally be writing this letter and welcome you to our first issue (hopefully of many) of Grafted Magazine! It’s been a long few months and lots of late nights up chatting with the team, discussing the best ways to do things and for me it’s such a blessing. Last year around this time, I wouldn’t have imagined that I would be here today with all of you. Since January 2014 we’ve been overcome with the love we’ve been given and the new friends we’ve made, we’ve written over 50 articles on graftedmagazine.com, partnered with fantastic business owners and talked to a lot of young people in love with God. Frankly, I’ve been encouraged by what our Lord is doing in the hearts of young people across the world, His light is being shown, dearhearts, and it’s spreading like fire across the nations. In this issue of Grafted Magazine we are focusing on what the term ‘grafting’ means to us as Christians and individuals. The verse we’ve chosen that inspired this whole venture is Romans 11:17 which talks about Gentiles being cut into God’s chosen people, an unheard of concept at the time which just shows The Lord’s crazy love for us. I encourage you to take some time out to read the whole chapter, but what sums it up the most for me is verse 17: “But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree.” (NLT) It wasn’t until a few years ago when I was talking to an old friend about gardening that I understood the magnificence of that verse that illustrates what God has done for us. He told me how trees are manipulated to form a better fruit. A wild branch of a strong, healthy sappling, once growing in an untamed place is cut off and grown into the firm branch of an older, wiser tree. The notches are made in the wood so that they fit so tightly that it’s like they’ve always been that way. The saps run together, they’re bound together and someday they’ll look like the same tree, only stronger. They’ll

make the same sorts of fruit, but they’ll be different, the flowers will bloom at slightly different times, the fruit will be tarter or sweeter than the original but the sap inside that branch is the same. That’s the beauty of what God has done for us. We forget sometimes in our Christian ‘culture’ what the awesome power of Jesus Christ has done for us, in that we were pulled from the mire of our sins and into eternal life. So in Issue One of Grafted Magazine, we’re talking about the joy that comes through the adoption into the Kingdom of the One True God is so overwhelming and different to anything we could ever imagine in our broken, human state. We are exploring the pure freedom that Jesus Christ gives us when we let go of our old selves and we are adopted into His tree of forgiveness and everlasting life. Many warm hugs! Johanna Schankenberg, Editor in Chief

THE GRAFTED MAG TEAM JOHANNA - EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hey friends, I’m Johanna Grace Schankenberg, but you’d probably know me best by Johanna Grace throughout the internet and photography world. I’m in the last of the finale of my seventeenth symphony, or you might just say I’m 17. I live on a farm in Texas with my parents and six siblings, write a lot of words, sing a lot of off-key songs, and try to see the art in the every day. I’m filled with joy because of Jesus Christ; the light and air I breathe. I read a lot of books, sometimes play some musical instruments and blog an awful lot. You can find me at these places: www. johanna-grace.com, and follow me on twitter (if you like) @imjohannagrace.

CATHERINE - CREATIVE DIRECTOR I’m Catherine a designer and photographer living in Australia. I love Jesus, my family, my dear friends, travelling and sleeping in. I have to use two hands to count the number of schools I have being to. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is the only movie that makes me cry. Windy and rainy days make my heart full, so do long talks with friends. You can have a look at my blog over here : blog.imcatherinegrace.com

CAROLINE - EXECUTIVE EDITOR Caroline, 18, born and raised on the east coast, writer living in central North Carolina, lover of the Atlantic and dying for the Pacific. I like the earth beneath my feet and ocean water around me. I write poetry and novels, want to create films someday, and have an unquenchable desire for 1920’s fashion. To me, rivers are home and southern summers are my aesthetic ideal. Not unlike mostly non-evil versions of Jim Moriarty and Rumplestiltskin. God tells me to come to Him as I am. May my life, through Him, cast a light for His kingdom.

JESSICA - MANAGING EDITOR Hey there, I’m Jessica. I’m twenty years old, born and raised in the southwest. I love good literature, film photography, indie/folk music, iced coffee, stormy days, and Italian food. God has really blessed me with an aesthetic personality and a love for creating. I’m the Managing Editor for this here magazine, and I’m working on writing my first novel. I love God’s Word, His instructions, and the salvation He freely gives. I don’t know where I’d be without His grace and mercy. He’s blessed me with a wonderful husband and family, as well as everything else I could ever need. I love my King more than I can say and I want to be more like Him in everything that I do.

NOBLE - BUSINESS DIRECTOR Just a normal kid stumbling on awesome stuff. Started playing music at a young age allowing me to now play many instruments, sing and write songs in my spare time. I have swam for many years, enjoying it to this day, and love being in competitions when I am not in school. I am currently attending Sam Houston University studying Finance where I trade stocks between classes and hang out with friends around campus. I love my Jesus and He continually trains me in His ways showing me how to interact with those around me.

LOUIS - PHOTO EDITOR Hey, I’m Louis! I’m a 16 year old lover of the one and only Jesus my Lord and Savior. I am one of eight. Four of us are biological, three are adopted, and one is already up in heaven having a blast with Jesus. I have a huge heart for the orphan. In 2011 I went on my first mission trip to Uganda and was changed forever. I am a Texas native but I have lived everywhere from Wisconsin, Missouri, Oklahoma, to now living in Chicago Illinois. I love to spend my days with the people and family I love while having an iced coffee in hand.

DYLAN- TRAVEL + MISSIONS DIRECTOR 16 year old Seventh-Day Adventist Christian, Living in Darwin, Australia. I love Sports, particularly Football (Or for you Americans, Soccer) and barefoot water-skiing, both of which I compete in at a state level. I also enjoy mechanics, and doing things with my hands, and while I don’t find school amazingly hard, there’s plenty of other things I’d rather be doing. The biggest thing in my life is, that I know I’m not perfect. Far from it. This is where God finds himself, always picking up after my mistakes, saving me from dangers I didn’t even know and fixing the messes I make. God. Is. All. Philippians 1:21

KEATON - ART DIRECTOR I’m a photographer, a writer, a Christ follower, and a lover of people and art. I am seventeen with the soul of a hundred years, Dual Enrolled, and an Eagle Scout. Currently residing in Florida; I spend my days collaborating with other artists in the area, growing further in faith with my church family, and living each day to the fullest. you can keep up with me on instagram @keat0n

THE CONTRIBUTORS ELLIE BE. hello! I’m ellie be, a wedding and people photographer in gaithersburg maryland. i love the color yellow, summer, and the beach (can you be a cali girl without being born there?) i dream of living in london or california and i adore traveling (so far, guatemala takes the cake You can have a look at here gorgeous photos and read all about her travels at blog.elliebe.com

photo thanks to hannah nicole

JOANNAH ZIMMERMAN. My name is Joannah (Jo-âh-nâh). I am 16 years old, the oldest daughter of 8 children. I have never fit in with other girls very well because I was always ready to sword fight with any boy that would fight me. You can read my blog here - midwifetotheeast.blogspot.com we are also very pleased to welcome Joannah to the Grafted Magazine team as the editorial assistant. photo thanks to johanna grace

ROGER MARSH

PHILLIP GARNER

Roger is an Australian, who became a Christian

Phillip is a 35 year old Iraq War veteran, full

at the age of 17. He is married with children, and

time student at Texas A&M, husband, and father

has been in the Army most of his life since leav-

of two. He still hasn’t figured out which role is

ing university.

toughest. He graduates this spring with a BA in Creative Writing, which he will then take to A&M Law School in fall of 2014.

SKY WALDEN. Sky is an aspiring writer and almost-high-school graduate. She loves disappearing into fictional worlds, often for hours (or days) at a time. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not writing, analyzing stories, or crying over her latest fictional-character-crush, you can find her drinking coffee, watching a gazillion TV shows, and aspiring to attain Tony Stark-like wit. Find her personal writings, on her blog www.furtherup-and-furtherin.blogspot.com

SONJA LANGFORD. I laugh lots, smile more, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pretend to know much (or really anything) about math. I write lists for my lists (three cheers for organizers!) and dance to music in deserted hallways. I celebrate traditions, good stories, and grass stains earned during a family game of badminton.

we are always looking for submissions for the website feel free to email us your submission to

contact@graftedmagazine.com 7

FEEDING THE FIRE wri t t en b y Jo h a n n a h Z i m m e r m a n pho t o s ta ken by J o h a n n a G r a c e

So many times we get lit with fire!

at you, or stomp you out. Something that we have to do is be filled with God’s joy, wheth-

The Holy Spirit moves in our hearts, lighting us er or not we have the friendship and help that with a spark, that is, a desire to do something makes our spark burn brighter. Even if we’re for God. Passion turns the spark into a fire that

alone and have to share the good news by how

causes us to reach out and share the new dream we live, (Then it’s even more important to live with others, the hope and love we might have

joyfully.).

just found, or rediscovered. But then life happens, or somebody not feeling the passion for

Sometimes we can’t seem to spread our spark,

Christ can just weigh us down, and we slowly

it’s like throwing soaked wood on our fire, it

fizzle out, and go back to our normal lives, hid-

doesn’t get higher. No one comes and shares

ing the spark deep down inside. It will remain their passion, much less form a group of encourhidden until something happens and the Holy aging people, pushing each other further than Spirit stirs it up again.

they thought they could go. You get really tired of trying to keep your spark and passion, it’s

When we get a spark, it’s like throwing wood on

hard, but you have to live, but not just live, but

a fire, and as it blazes higher it calls others with live in a way to keep your spark. This will make the same passion, to come and add their sparks, us ready to share with those who wonder at what and little pieces of wood, (And the occasion-

we have, and why it is so different . I think that

al gasoline. ;)). It becomes a group of people,

is called Living Contagiously!

young and old seeking different ways to further Let’s be honest, it can be hard to be a joyful the Kingdom of God. We encourage each oth-

person if we are not depending on Jesus for

er, and listen to how we want to use the pas-

our joy. Seems that someone always wants to

sion God gave us, and where we want to go, and rain on your sunshine day, or point out all the what we want to do to bring him greater glory.

problems, or flaws with you or the ideas on how to serve God. But I’ve noticed if we can just

Sometimes we don’t get others to come and keep our eyes on Jesus, and the joy that was set bring that fire, wood, or resources they have to before Him, soon or later someone is going to spread your fire, and you have to go it alone. come along who wants to know why, with all It’s hard keeping your fire, when the worries of

the problems and flaws, you can keep such a

the world, and the troubles of life throw water joy. If we are living for Christ, and as the body

of Christ, then we will be spreading that joy like fire. We’ll be living it out, with the character of Christ and His love.

To live out this joy, it’s even more important to pray. So many times we forget that prayer really matters, and sometimes God is waiting for us to just ask. When I say prayer is important, I don’t mean to the person beside you, or across the room, I mean you, the person reading this. Every prayer of the saints matter, and if we don’t pray then why do we complain, when we haven’t asked. Prayer is the key to all of it. It the fire we want to spread is from heaven, then we need to make sure that we are connected(grafted) to the King of heaven, so we know our direction is sure. If not, we are lighting our own fire, and as scripture says, shall lie down in sorrow or torment. (Isaiah 50:11) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:2829)

photo thanks to catherine grace

“Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.” OSWALD CHAMBERS

“HE’S OUR FATHER, AND WE ARE HIS CHILDREN.” - BY

Y ELLIE BERRY

I’ll admit, I looked up the definition of “graft-

the orphanage compound for the first time, the

ed” before I started writing. There were a few soccer field + school to my right and a great definitions, but the one that drew me in the most

stone wall to my left. That wall was to protect

was “To unite (a shoot or bud) with a growing

the young ones that were inside this safe haven,

plant by insertion or by placing in close con-

a place where they could heal and grow. That

tact.”

wall kept them with the “growing plant,” a family that would care for them and bring them as

Catherine asked if I could write about my two close as they could to the childlike innocence months at an orphanage in Guatemala. As I was that they had missed out on. The soccer field looking at the definition for “grafted,” all of the was to give them an opportunity to laugh and little children I saw and loved on while I was play, something they needed desperately, as in Guatemala came to my mind. Little “shoots kids. and buds,” if you will. All of them had been in abusive or negligent homes. They were bro-

When children are brought to this place, they

ken souls that were in need of great love and a

are welcomed in, joined to the existing fami-

fantastic community. I remember driving into ly. No one is left out, everyone is included. I

worked in the toddler house, which consisted of

ers had because of the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happiness was

14 boys + girls aged 2-5. These little children so evident. It reminded me of God, He delights were just beginning their life, but they had so in us and when we are trusting in His plan and much hurt and pain behind them. It reminds me have joy, He has joy. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to see us of our journey with Jesus, when we are saved upset or sad. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our Father, and we are His and taken into His family, we have so much his-

children.

tory behind us. A history of guilt, shame, and hurt. Jesus takes us as we are because He loves Sometimes we have to step out of our comfort us, just like the orphanage welcomed every zone to fully see what Jesus is all about. He welchild they could.

comes us with open arms and commands and encourages us to do the same with others. His love

I remember one day, the leaders of a couple of

is unconditional, and He calls us to love uncon-

the houses put on a water slide for the kids. We

ditionally as well. God used Guatemala to teach

put a tarp going down a hill and put soap + a

me this things, and I am so incredibly grateful.

house on it. The joy that the children had slipping down that tarp, and the joy that the lead-

all the photos thanks to ellie berry

an interview with

PHILLIP GARNER

WHEN DID YOU BEGIN WRITING CREATIVELY?

I grew up around publishing and writing. I remember sitting with a friend and trying to write our own scary story when I was only 12. I still

We’re excited for the opportunity to profile fellow mostly unpublished writers and creatives with a love for God. Caroline Kelly, our executive editor, talked to Phillip Garner about his writing process and inspiration. Keep your eyes open for Phillip’s writing in the future! You can check out an excerpt fom his writings over the page

have some of them. WHAT KIND OF THINGS DO YOU WRITE ?

This is a curious one, because God’s led me so many directions with my writing. For example, I really enjoy the high fantasy stuff, like Tolkein, but I’ve been writing about my experiences in Iraq and people seem to want to hear that, so I’m writing about it. ARE THERE ANY BOOKS FROM YOUR CHILDHOOD THAT HAVE STUCK WITH YOU?

Tolkein was big for me, like I said. I think it was 6th grade that I read “The Hobbit”, and it opened doors for me. By eighth grade, I’d read

all photos thanks to catherine grace

the “Lord of the Rings” series twice, 1984, even

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO YOUNG

a few things I probably shouldn’t have been

CREATIVE WRITERS?

reading at that age, like Steven King. There are 5 elements of creative writing, but ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR FILMS, SONGS,

I’m not going to bore you with that; you can

OR PLACES THAT INFLUENCE YOU?

Google that, and you should. What I’d say is that really great writing takes revision. They

I’m a music fan…can’t play a single instru-

say Tolstoy would write a manuscript 3 times,

ment, but I love listening to it. I kinda change each time from memory, and would turn in the up what I’m listening to set the mood for what third version to his publisher. I’m not that draI want to put on the page. If I need mysterious,

matic, but you gotta let it change, gotta keep

it’ll be Evanescense, anger: Metallica, tears: polishing your writing. Stevie Ray Vaughn. DO YOU WRITE FULL-TIME?

IF YOU WERE ABLE TO MEET ANY WRITER, ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Don’t I wish!

No, I’m actually starting law

school this fall. Writing is something I do be-

They say never meet your heros, it’ll ruin the

cause I have to, because it’s a part of me. If I myth.

That being said, Edgar Allen Poe.

get paid for a piece, I’m thankful, but I’m not adore his pace, his flair. I know he had plenty of writing to pay the bills, I’m paying the bills so I issues, but he was brilliantly talented. have time to write.

When I was 12, a pastor I don’t remember baptized me in a church I also don’t remember, and nothing changed—that I remember. I kept hoping for something dramatic, like some cheesy superhero plot where the kid is a ninety-pound wuss when he goes to bed, but a freak gamma ray from Jupiter turns him into a mind-reading ninja by morning. Instead, I still got my fingers slammed in lockers, still had my books kicked down the hallway. My only solace rode grey clouds, as Mom and I sat watching summer storms rage, and listened to raindrops tap-dance on the tin over the carport. To me the hot ozone smelled like Earth’s Pine Sol, scrubbing away the hate and bitterness built up inside. They helped me become a storm of my own. AN EXCERPT FROM ‘STORMS’ BY PHILLIP GARNER

E XP L ODI NG S TA R S by s k y wa ld e n

y ou fe e l broke n , l ike th e c ra c k s i n si d e y o u a r e t oo jagge d t o fi t i n an yon e e l s e ’ s hands. l i ke if a nyon e t o u c h e s y o u , t h e y’ l l bl e e d, t orn ap art from t he i n s i de ou t. a n d i a m h e r e t o t e s t i fy t hat i t i s t rue , i f p e o p l e t o u c h y ou, t he y wi l l be t orn ap art , ( a s w i l l y o u whe n t he t i m e c om e s ) bu t i t i s n ’ t a de at h s e n t e n c e ma y be i t w i l l be t h e be s t t hi n g t hat e v e r hap p e n e d t o you. t h e w o rl d i s a dark p l ac e bu t you, m y de ar y o u a r e an e xp l odi n g s t ar a n d e ve r yon e wi l l be de s t roye d i n y o u r w ake whe n you c om bus t bu t i , f o r o n e , do n ot fe ar t he e xp l os i on s i ’ ve d e a l t w i t h t he m l on g i n t o t he n i ght y o u ’ r e n o t t h e o n l y on e who’ s de al t wi t h darkn e s s . bu t t h e t h i n g a bo u t s t ars i s t hat t he y’ re be aut i ful e ve n whe n t he y’ re dyi n g e ve n w h e n t he y’ re fal l i n g ap art , a n d i t t ake s c ourage t o l ov e , w h e n you’ re fal l i n g ap art , a n d i ’ m so g lad i ’ m t he on e you c hos e t o p i e c e ba c k t oge t he r wi t h your s i l e n t , shaki n g han ds be c a u se y ou are n ot t he on l y on e n o t t h e o nl y on e i n t hi s un i v e rs e n o t t h e on l y e xp l odi n g s t ar y o u t a u g ht m e how t o e xp l ode a n d t h a t i t i s a be aut i ful t hi n g s om e t i m e s t o fal l ap art

THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Roger Marsh talks about ministering in a secular enviroment,

I am an Army Chaplain in the Australian Army, kick crazy self-righteousness right through the and it is a truly rewarding and amazing way of living-room window and leave it bleeding in the serving God. However, one of its distinctive street, because as soon as we point the finger at features is that I am working in and for an or-

others for the bad things they do, we ourselves

ganisation that is not explicitly Christian, and are being stared down by all the perfection of is interested in different issues than might be of

God. Jesus died for sinners such as you and me,

concern to me. Every day I serve people whose

and if Paul could call himself the chief of sin-

worldviews and lifestyles may be wildly dif-

ners then we had better stand alongside him and

ferent to what I might think is right, true, or say the same thing. Biblical; yet I have a responsibility to minister to all comers, regardless of their convictions Viewing the human race in this way is actually a or behaviour. Furthermore, Chaplains are some

very liberating thing. It means that the whole of

of the most fundamentally trusted people in the humanity is on a level playing field, it means we Army; a trust that has been built up over a hun-

can look past the peripheral problems of peo-

dred years of sharing in the suffering and death pleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behaviour, to the heart of the issue; that and triviality that can characterise military life.

is, hearts that are estranged from God by sin. The solution to this of course is the gospel, the

So how is it that I can talk to someone, whose good news about Jesus Christ, God incarnate, lifestyle I disagree with? Or whose actions I who lived a perfect life in obedience to all of deplore? Or whose decisions I view as sinful? Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s law, who died in the place of sinners on The answer really is rather simple; because I the cross, and who rose again from the dead, view all of the human race as sinners in need

conquering death on our behalf. None of these

of redemption, I do not view sinful behaviour

things were possible for us to do by ourselves.

as shocking in itself. It is a sadly natural part Instead, Jesus did them for us, so that all who of being a fallen human being. Further, I see

trust in Him have forgiveness, peace with God,

the people with whom I work as no less in need

and life everlasting. However, it is at this point

of the grace of God than I am myself. If we are

that ministry in a secular environment becomes

saved by grace through faith then we need to a little tricky. Am I going to suggest to someone

in this age of political correctness that the real that the horrors of life in this world will one reason why their life is such a mess is that they

day evaporate, and tears will forever pass from

are worshipping false gods and that they need to view. All this is done through prayerful readrepent and turn to Christ? Well, I may not blurt ing and understanding of God’s Word the Biit out, but it is very much what is on my mind; ble, otherwise like a man with no navigational the proverbial elephant in the room if you like. equipment I will become lost in a world that is A few times I have had that discussion, usually constantly and adaptively trying to squeeze me when a soldier has specifically asked if there

into its shape and sense of identity.

might be a spiritual solution to their problem, however it is not always so straight-forward. Many people with whom I work, and maybe even Yet a crucial element of making the most of the me too, struggle daily with the consequences opportunities to speak God’s truth into the cha-

of living in a fallen world, where morally am-

os of people’s lives is my own walk with God. biguous or questionable decisions are made, In my experience, if people see the fruit of the and where sadly harm must be done in order to Holy Spirit in Christians; love, joy, peace, pa-

prevent even greater harm resulting. Ministry

tience and so on, then they are more likely to in this realm allows no half-measures or platlook their own lives and wonder if something is itudes. Rather it demands real answers to the missing. However, if I undermine my credibil-

real problems of evil and imperfection. As we

ity through hypocrisy, then my entire role, not live and work in world that has lost touch with just my witness as a Christian, is undermined. Biblical reality, the truths of the Scripture are Therefore it is critical that I take time to re-

like the proverbial elephant in the room, bring-

member who I am in Christ; that I am a child of ing forward a view of humanity that recognises God through faith in Jesus; that I have signifi-

the facts of human nature and the need of for-

cance, security, and cleansing from sin through giveness through Jesus, rather than indulging in Him. I also need to remember that every day feel-good fantasies that don’t address the reality of my life I am a debtor to God’s grace, and of evil, or else descending into bleak cynicism dependent on the Holy Spirit. Further, I need that sees no hope of redemption. to live each day in light of eternity, knowing all photos thanks to catherine grace

ON BEING HOME sonja langford

Growing up only minutes from the beach, I don’t

and as I stepped out of the truck my breath was

believe I really understood what it meant to me. nearly caught away as the scent of the salt air It was one of those things you take for granted

reached me. Homesickness I didn’t realize I

when you’re little—surely everyone had had a even had pushed itself forward, glaringly inchance to see this wonderful playground I called dignant at the neglect it had received these past home. The warm salt air, the waves endless-

years. I breathed deeply and walked the board-

ly cascading upon the shore, the seagull’s and walk to get my first glimpse of my childhood pelican’s comical personalities, seashell comb-

playground. Burying my toes into the sand, I

ing and shark tooth hunting, the early morning again felt the damp coolness that I relished so sunrises and tides, and the breaking white foam much on those hot summer days when the sun whitehorses as a hurricane churned offshore— would beat relentlessly against happy beach goall of these were normal and so very much a part ers. The water came forward greeting me with of me I don’t remember a time without them.

a happy wet kiss; the salt air wrapped itself around me, teasing loose strands from my braid.

Many of my childhood memories are tangled I just laughed. I was home. tightly with the ocean. I remember vividly Friday morning farmer’s markets just yards from The ocean is in my blood—salt water does the twenty-odd stairs leading to the ocean’s course through these veins of mine. No matter edge, afternoons spent playing in the sand and what roads I travel, no matter what adventures waves, and naps under the colorful umbrella I have, or people I meet, I will always find my with flushed sand-crusted cheeks. Oh yes, the

roots in the ocean. I find that strangely comfort-

sand…forever in my shoes, my hair, interwoven ing. Living the life of a gypsy, moving often, I into every beach blanket, and always in the old relish in knowing with absolute certainty that gold suburban car.

there is a place where my roots run deep—deep into the cool sand, far out into the waves, and in

It had been two years since I’d seen the ocean, the midst of the salty breeze.

In this way, Pharaoh was the accuser of the Hebrews. He ordered their baby boys to be thrown into the Nile, and when they drowned he declared that the god of the waters found them

ADOPTION IN ANCIENT TIMES by jessica rackley

guilty. However, when Moses survived the test of the waters by way of the ark his mother made for him, his innocence was proven (Exodus 2). Pharaoh’s daughter knew this -- it’s apparent in the name she chose for him. (Moses means “to draw out of the water.”)

All throughout scripture, we see examples of Because Moses had survived the test and been adoption. It’s present in the stories of Moses, proven innocent, all of Pharaoh’s possessions Esther, and even the life of Messiah. But what had to become his. Under normal circumstances, did the process of adoption look like in ancient Moses’ accuser would have been executed... but civilizations like theirs? What did it legally because it was illegal to kill the king of Egypt, mean to adopt someone, or to be someone’s ad-

Moses was adopted into his house and treated as

opted child? And what kind of parallels can we a son, and was able to share in the inheritance of draw between the biblical instances of adoption, Pharaoh’s family. and our adoption into God’s Kingdom? Let’s look at some of the historical facts and see if we We can see a parallel of this in our relationship can get a deeper look at this age-old concept.

with Messiah. Think about it: Satan is our accuser. The Bible says that he comes and goes

THE ADOPTION OF MOSES

before the throne of the Father, bringing our sin

At the time in which the Hebrews were in bond-

against us as an accusation. (Job 1:6) This tradi-

age in Egypt, the people of that region believed

tion of the ancient times may be where the tradi-

that the god of justice was a fish! As such, it

tion of baptism came from, and why it is such an

was tradition that when someone was accused important part of our relationship with Messiah. of a crime, their hands and feet would be bound When we are ‘tested by the waters’ and survive, and they would be thrown into the Nile river we are proclaiming our innocence through Mesto be “tested” by the god of the waters. If the siah and presenting it before the throne of the person drowned, they were declared guilty and King. Not only can Satan no longer condemn their death was considered right. However if us for our sin, but everything that belongs to they survived, they were considered innocent. him (the kingdom of earth) become ours for the Their accuser was then declared a false witness taking. -- they would be executed, and all of their possessions were to be given to the one they had falsely accused.

THE ADOPTION OF ESTHER The book of Esther says that she became an orphan when both of her parents died, and her

photo thanks to catherine grace

cousin Mordechai (a man who feared God) took wedding Mary and adopting Yeshua as his own her in and raised her as his daughter. It was he son, no one could question the Messiah’s family who cautioned her against revealing her lineage line. and status as a Jew in the King’s court, and it was he who visited the palace every day to make

OUR ADOPTION

sure that she was safe. Through Mordechai’s In Romans 8:15, Paul writes, “For you have love for Esther, we see a shadow of the kind of

not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear

love a righteous father has for his adopted child. again, but you have received a spirit of adopWe see that He was willing to risk his own safe-

tion as sons by which we cry out, ‘Abba! Fa-

ty in order to keep her from harm.

ther!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children,

This is much like the love that Christ shown heirs also -- heirs of God and fellow heirs with us. Romans chapter five says, “But God, being Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we rich in mercy, because of His great love with

may also be glorified with Him.” The Bible is

which He loved us, even when we were dead

clear that those who put their lot in with Christ

in our transgressions, made us alive together are not just made servants of God, but His chilwith Christ (by grace you have been saved), and dren! Through the sacrifice of Messiah, we can raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him be adopted into the Kingdom and share in His in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that

inheritance.

in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in

An interesting note: in Paul’s time, Roman-Syr-

Christ Jesus.” The Messiah has such love for us ian law made only one distinction between chil(even when we’re still lost in sin), that He came

dren who have been born into their parents’

down to the earth to be the ultimate sacrifice for homes, and those who have been adopted. While our sins, so that we might be saved from dark-

a father was allowed to disown his biological

ness and be able to live in His Kingdom. How son if he had good reason, he could never disamazing is that!

own his adopted son. Once you had chosen them and taken them into your home, it was binding

THE ADOPTION OF MESSIAH

forever.

Did you know that if Jesus had not been adopted by His earthly father Joseph, He would not have Much like in the times of Paul, we can be sure met the requirements for being our Messiah? that our heavenly Father will never leave or forJewish tradition and prophecy both state that to sake us (Deut. 31:6). He promises to stand by us be the ‘King of the Jews,’ the Messiah had to be in times of adversity, to go before us as a light a descendant of the line of David on his father’s

(Psalm 119:105), to provide for us anything we

side. Because He was conceived of the Holy might need (Phillippians 4:19), and to always Spirit, Yeshua would have been considered fa-

forgive us when we go against Him (1 John 1:9).

therless (illegitimate, even) by His people. But because Joseph obeyed the voice of the Lord by

"Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will."

- A. W. TOZER -

photos thanks to johanna grace

WRITING A RESUME with noble nimmons

all photos thanks to catherine grace

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Since a resume is the first impression employers will have of you it is very important for it to be well put together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

With the first light of day come the little things of every morning. The warm smells coming from the toaster, the crackling sounds of the frying pan or the crisp outdoor air that can carry every sound across the cool earth. However, these things are often overlooked or ignored as a frantic rush demands everything to be ready for the day. The list of what needs to be done is reviewed multiple times as each duty is checked off the list. Getting all the books ready for school, making sure there is gas in the tank, bringing the uniform for work later that day and remembering the favors owed to friends. As the day progresses there is less time left but it feels as if there is just more to do. So, when someone tells us that we have to plan for our future and be responsible we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but feel discouraged. Preparing a resume for the future is something we are often told as being a wise thing to prepare now but, because of our busy lives this bit of advice will usually bring about some anxiety. We think it will be time consuming and difficult so we tell ourselves it will be done later. However, the fact is making a resume is very simple and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take up very much time at all. Since simplicity is key in making a resume attractive and professional, it is very easy to get it done quickly. The simpler the resume the easier it is for it to get the attention of the right people who can get you to where you need to go. Since a resume is the first impression employers will have of you it is very important for it to be well put together. Employers, like the rest of us, want to save time and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to spend more time than is necessary to get a job done. If a resume is too lengthy or detailed it gives the impression that the person is not very conservative with their time. Also, when going through a pile of resumes nobody wants to read something several pages long filled with content that is irrelevant to the job being applied for. With this said, I would like to share some quick steps that I used to put my resume together and keep it simple.

1. DECIDE WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH. Wri t e a si n g l e s entence stating your pur pose in pr e se nting the r e sume . Like a nyt h in g w e wri t e w e m u st keep the audience in mind a nd be str a ight to the point. I f we don â&#x20AC;&#x2122;t k n o w what t h e p o i n t of the resum e is, then the r e is mor e of a c ha nc e f or unne c e ssa r y th in g s to be w r itte n in the r e sume .

2. IMPRES S YOUR EMPLOYER. M ak e a sm a l l l i st of your greatest accomplishme nts, skills a nd e xpe r ie nc e s whic h q u a lif y y o u f o r w h a t y o u are trying to accomplish. This is de f inite ly not the pla c e to b e s h y o r m o d e st . I f y o u h ave done som ething n ote wor thy a nd r e le va nt the n it should de f in ite ly b e o n t h e l i st . Ju st make sure that it is re le va nt. I f you a r e a pplying f or job a s a co mp u te r t ech n i c i a n y o u r em ployer w ill probably not c a r e too muc h a bout your e xpe r ie nce o n th e d i v i n g t e a m . H o w ever, if you are yo ung a nd this is the only thing you c a n me n tio n to d em o n st r a t e y o u are dedicated hard wor ke r, the n you ma y c onside r it r e le va nt. J u s t r em e m b e r t h a t you’re trying to be conc ise so tha t you don’t wa ste a nybody’s time .

3. TYPE UP YOUR RESUME. T here ar e se ve r a l f or ma ts you c ould f ollow but th e le s s flash and c olor the be tte r. Tr y to use a f or ma t tha t u s e s s imple categ or ie s whic h a r e f a ir ly ge ne r a l. This a llows th e e mployer to know e xa c tly wha t is ne e de d with just a g la n c e . If you are still in sc hool the n your r e sume should ea s ily f it on one p a ge . I f it goe s on f or mor e tha n tha t the n th e r e is probably ir r e le va nt inf or ma tion whic h c ould be don e w ithout. T he f or ma t be low is one tha t I ha ve suc c e ssf u lly u s e d ma ny time s a nd it ha s se r ve d me ve r y we ll.

Your Name Your Address Your Work Phone Number Your Work Email O BJE C T IV E That sentence from Step One should go here.

E DU CAT ION Name of School – City and State of school Month, Year (Graduation Date) Major Overall GPR: 4.0

WO R K E X P E RIENC E Job Title (Dates Worked) Month, Year - Month, Year Name of Company, City, State Write a concise but detailed description of the kind of work done with the company, keep this to a single sentence in length, you may use commas but do not to use a period at the end For example: Construction Worker July 2013- August 2013 Construction Co., Houston, TX Aided with the construction of several housing facilities with the drywall, paint, carpet, tile, plumbing and electrical portions of the buildings

S KI L L S Write a line or two of skills relative to the job you are applying for. This can also include extracurricular activities which have developed a particular skill. List in order of relevance. Example: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Maplelab.

Once your resume is complete it would be a good idea to update it once about every six months or whenever you do something noteworthy. If all this seemed too easy that’s because it really is that easy. Telling about yourself shouldn’t really take up that much time and it should be something you enjoy doing. You are exactly who God intended you to be and sharing this with everyone should be one of your greatest pleasures. When you see the greatness God has given you then that will shine through when you tell others about yourself.

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” MARY OLIVER

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