H O LI DAY
M AG AZ I N E
20 1 5
A NOTE F R OM
Gretchen
I remember the first women’s conference I ever attended. Thousands of women surrounded me, all from different life stages, generations, and backgrounds. Each woman had the unique thumbprint of God on her life. Not one woman looked similar, and not one story was exactly the same. And yet, the common thread in each of their lives was Jesus. The reason we had all gathered in the arena was to worship our King. I looked around, wide-eyed and wonderstruck at how great our God is. In that moment, the Lord planted a seed in my heart to see women all over the world connect with one common purpose - to make much of the name of Jesus. This dream and passion was tucked away safely in the depths of my heart for years. I journaled about this Godsized dream, but was afraid to speak it out loud. How in the world would the Lord ever make this vision happen? The dream for an international women’s ministry was beyond my comprehension. Little did I know the Lord would use the internet to create this community years later. I never knew my mission field would be online, and now, more than ever, I believe that God is doing something beyond our comprehension..and it is right at our fingertips. Every day women congregate together both in person and online. The internet can be a very dark place, but the light of Christ is greater than the darkness. The mission of Life Lived Beautifully is for women to come together to know Christ, encourage one another, and share truth boldly and beautifully. Women are getting on their knees in prayer, lifting their hands high in praise, and putting on their gospel shoes to walk out each day in obedience. It is beautiful, and it makes me tremble all at the same time. God is doing something new in this generation. He is always at work, and I want my eyes to see, my hands to join, and my feet to walk out His will. I want you to join me in this. Let’s live for something greater. Let’s embrace the Kingdom of God, right where we are. You have the unique thumbprint of God on your life and a unique mission for His glory. Live on purpose this day. Live life beautifully for His glory. your sister,
CONNECT WITH GRETCHEN | Instagram, Periscope, and Facebook: @LifeLivedBeautifully; Twitter: @LLBeautifully
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in this issue LETTER FROM GRETCHEN
2
MEET THE LLB TEAM
4
SEASONS IN MOTHERHOOD
6
A L I F E L I V E D B E A U T I F U L LY
8
THE LLB JOURNAL
9
AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY
10
KUPENDWA MINISTRIES
12
GIVE ME JESUS JOURNAL
13
THE REFLECTIONS JOURNAL
14
INTERVIEW WITH GREG SAFFLES
15
C E L E B R AT I N G A D V E N T
16
LLB GIFT GUIDE
18
layout and magazine design by // kyla3fetzner
MEET THE Gretchen Saffles
Team
I’m Gretchen, a lover of Jesus, wife to my husband, Greg, momma to our son, Nolan, and co-owner of Life Lived Beautifully. In May 2013, the Lord planted a seed in my heart to encourage women to embrace the Gospel in everyday life and love the Bible. I created the “Give Me Jesus” journal for women to use to spend daily time with Jesus, drinking deep from the Well of His Word. After creating the journal I began writing studies to equip women to open God’s Word and dig in the treasure chest of truth. My deepest passion is to see women love Jesus and know Him. I create, write, and dream in between naptimes and pray that all I say, do, and make points women to Jesus! Favorite Books: Keep A Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot, The Best Yes by Lysa Terkheurst, Insanity of God by Nik Ripken, Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman Favorite Fall Beverage: This fall I loved the Toasted Graham Latte as my “treat” drink! Each morning I look forward to grabbing a hot cup of coffee with sugar cookie creamer to drink while I have my quiet time.
creator & co-owner
Whitney Saville
Favorite Christmas Tradition: Each Christmas my family does a scavenger hunt on Christmas Eve. My dad creates a list of things we are to accomplish around town, including Christmas caroling to random strangers, doing random acts of kindness, and sometimes doing puzzles and pyramids. We laugh a lot and enjoy spending time together as a family! Each year is different and it is one of our favorite traditions!
I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. I've been married to my best friend, Mike for 6 years, and we have two little boys and a third on the way. I am the co-owner and shop manager for Life Lived Beautifully. I manage the business and shipping side of things so that Gretchen can focus on ministry and creating beautiful products that point to Christ. It is a joy and privilege to be a part of such a Gospel centered ministry and business, and I can't wait to see how the Lord continues to bring glory to Himself through Life Lived Beautifully. Favorite Books: Heaven by Randy Alcorn, Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn, Glimpses of Grace by Gloria Furman Favorite Fall Drink: Apple Cider Favorite Christmas Tradition: Baking and decorating cookies with my boys
shop manager & co-owner
Amelia Granberg
I am Amelia, wife to Garrett and mommy to Mary Mason (2) and Ford, our sweet baby boy that we look forward to reuniting with in heaven. I enjoy running, reading all kinds of books, and cooking for friends and family. I help Whitney get the LLB packages out as quickly and prettily as we can, with 3 toddlers underfoot. I love scrolling through IG and seeing the excitement of all the customers when they receive the products we've worked hard to put in their hands! Favorite Books: My most recent favorite read is On Milk and Honey: How God's Goodness Shows Up In Unexpected Places Favorite Fall Drink: Fresh Market's Christmas Blend Coffee
shop assistant 4 //
Favorite Christmas Tradition: I am loving starting new Christmas traditions with our almost 2 year old, Mary Mason. Last year, we did an Advent calendar with Christmas books that she got to unwrap each day leading up to Christmas. It was so fun picking them all out and having a variety of meaningful Christmas stories with fun and silly mixed in too. I think we will continue that and choose books each year that are fitting for her age.
Kyla Fetzner
I'm Kyla, a self-taught designer and lettering artist who lives in Southern New Hampshire. I have a huge heart for adventure and am daily learning more of what it's like to live and create for His glory. Favorite Books: What Women Fear by Angie Smith, Passion and Purity by Elisabeth Elliot, Make it Happen by Lara Casey, and The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner Favorite Fall Drink: Mulled Cider (served in a big mug!) Favorite Christmas Tradition: Putting up the decorations in our home is my favorite tradition because it marks the start of the most festive time of year. My mom buys apple cider and gingerbread eggnog and we listen to
junior designer
Katherine McBroom I’m Katherine! I am currently a junior at the greatest university in the world – (I know I’m biased!) Liberty University. I am so blessed to be able to attend the world’s largest Christian University and meet some of the greatest people on earth. I am studying Strategic Communications, and I have a strong passion for all things fashion and photography. While I’m not sure exactly what profession I want to have later on, I know where my strengths lie and what I love. Favorite Coffee Drink: Hot Caramel Mocha
photographer
Tina Stanley Favorite Books: Love Does by Bob Goff and Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler Favorite Fall Drink: Chai Tea Latte or Peppermint Hot Chocolate Favorite Christmas Tradition: Decorating gingerbread cookies with my sisters and now with my nieces and nephews!
marketing intern
Taylor Carp
Favorite Books: Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved reading books. Since being in college I have found a love for Christian books. Some of my favorite are Crazy Love, Love Does, Lady in Waiting, and Redeeming Love. All have a unique way of portraying The Gospel, the Bible, and how to live out love in your life. Favorite Fall Drink: My favorite fall drink is called Football Season. It is a latte from my favorite coffee shop in Nashville, Tn, FIDO. The drink is made up of Salted Caramel Apple Cider, Milk and Espresso. It definitely feels like fall and football season in a cup!
design intern
Favorite Christmas Tradition: One of my favorite Christmas Traditions is spending Christmas Eve with my family. We have always gone to the Christmas Eve Service at my church and then headed to my grandparents. My grandma would have a stocking for each grandkid and every year we would always get a tangerine in it, candy, and some other little gifts. There was something so special in the tradition behind it. Another tradition about that night is that we always had Chinese food for dinner on Christmas Eve (which is super weird in a way, but it was always my favorite.) We enjoy time as a family, share memories, and celebrate the sweet birth of our savior! My grandma passed away two years ago, and since then we have carried many of the traditions on, which makes it all the more sweeter and memorable. // 5
Seasons Motherhood IN
Four years ago my life went from my busy life as a working woman, teaching elementary school to what felt like a screeching halt as my life as a mommy started. I had been working and going to school full time since I was 16, had a busy schedule and jobs that went beyond a 40 hour work week. Then all of a sudden, I’m sitting on the couch with my sweet little boy in my arms, in the stillness of an empty house and I felt out of place, but loved it at the same time. When my motherhood journey started, I was slowly learning that my type A ways weren’t working for me and that I needed to chill out a bit. I was coming off a very trying teaching job, where I was brought to my knees and humbled in my mistakes and the mistakes of others. God brought me through the tough season, but I was ready for a big change-to a different kind of busy-calm. Life as a mom is, in a way, unexplainable to those who haven’t lived it, in that you are constantly busy and doing, but there never seems to be any product that comes. We feed a baby who needs to be feed again in what feels like minutes, we change a diaper that seems to fill up as soon as the new one is put on, we clean a room that is cluttered and full of toys 2.2 seconds after you walk away and you wash mounds and mounds of laundry that only seem to grow instead of shrink! (How does that happen??) But honestly life as a mom is different from any job I’ve ever had. The job never ends, the tasks are always there, you never get a day off (unless you go away) but now four years later, those jobs just feel like day to day life and tasks. Some get done and some don’t but are our kids loved, happy, fed and alive? Yes? Then okay, I’ve done at least a decent job for the day. Motherhood is unlike anything or any job. Yet the thing I have struggled with is the constant changing in the seasons. It often feels like the minute you have a handle of the season you are in, that season changes! We go from feeding every 2 hours and sleeping just as often, to 2 naps a day, then 1 and then, don’t say it, naps go away. Bed times change, feeding schedules change, discipline is going well and then mid-day everything falls apart. Then you add another baby into the mix and the seasons of change multiply! As I’ve gone through these past four years of motherhood, I’ve started truly seeing these changes in life much like I see the changes in our seasons and weather, although much faster. I’ve had seasons where things felt so overwhelming
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> > > W RITTE N BY SAMAN THA JARD I N
and hard that I didn’t know what to do, I’ve had seasons of loneliness in my life as a stay at home mommy to little ones when my friends weren’t in the same season, I’ve had seasons of great joy when things were going well, when I felt accomplished and like I was getting things done! I’ve had seasons of questioning. Questioning if I was doing the right thing, if staying home was the right job for me, if I was failing as a mother because it just didn’t feel like it was working. Anyone else feel these ways??? Now in these seasons, I’ve noticed that my time with the Lord changes too, not necessarily because I’m in a dry season with the Lord (although those come too), but more my time and my availability to meet with the Lord changes. In the first early days as a mommy to one little boy, who didn’t nap well, but would sit nicely in his swing for a chunk of time, I could spend a good amount of time each day. The time of the day was always different because we woke up when he did (because he was up every 2 hours all night for 10 months) and I was home and able to just do what I needed to when I needed to. Then he grew and he actually napped! Hallelujah! So I did my quiet time during his nap time…then entered our precious, and very, very hard new baby girl and my time with God fell apart. I was exhausted as a mom to two kids, the season was harder then I expected and my time with God just felt apart. I felt guilty and desired time with Him but I just couldn’t seem to find it. In that season, even She Reads Truth, which was super quick and easy for me to read before, was just too much and I wasn’t even able to read that. Through prayer and a time of searching the internet for something for mommy’s, I found Jesus Calling. If you’ve never read it, it is a very quick devotional that gives a few verses and then a very small devotional for each day. In my season of emptiness and feeling so far from the Lord, this gave me 5 minutes in His presence and He used it to feed my soul. I have since learned of some theological fallacies and recommend it with caution because of some claims made by the author. After about 6 months, I was able to get back to She Reads Truth, which is great for mama’s with limited time to dig deep in the Word on their own. Then, in January (con't)
"He is aware of the seasons we are in. He knows and gives us grace in those seasons..."
of this year, I was feeling the desire to really get deeper and was in a season of life as a mommy where things were going smoothly, I had more time to myself and I was doing my quiet time during Leia’s 1st morning nap, while Aston had some quiet time in his room. It was a full season and I went in search of something to get me deeper. That was when I found the Give Me Jesus Journal. After much looking and watching Gretchen’s video, I decided to give the 90-Day version a try since she said that it was great for mom’s. I fell in love instantly and used it along side my daily She Reads Truth reading. I at first used the journal to write down key verses that stuck out and quotes from the devotion for the day. As I dug in more, the more time I wanted and the more space I needed. I began waking up before the kids, now that I wasn’t waking up in the middle of the night for feedings, I was less tired and more able to function in this way. My days started out so much better this way and I felt prepared to start my day. In this season, I transitioned to the 40-day Journal because I had time to take and had more to write. My kids currently are in a super “easy”, more self-sufficient place of life at 2 and 4. They can get up and play in their rooms for a bit and don’t need me the moment they wake up. They play well together and life with toddlers is yet another season.
As I think of what my life will look like come Spring with a 4 year old, a 2 year old and a new baby, I know that my time with the Lord will look different. I will transition to the 90 day journal to write quick notes and prayers or a verse that’s on my heart. Will I miss a day or 2 in my journal? Absolutely! And thats okay! As long as I’m getting some time with God each day, how it looks in your season is okay. We need to give ourselves the grace that God so easily gives us. We need to accept it and not allow Satan to make us feel guilty. I’m not saying to not get into the Word, I’m just saying that in each season of life we have to change what that looks like and if you aren’t sure, seek the Lord and ask Him to show you. We will some day be able to spend an hour in the Word, digging deep and learning big things, and if you are in a place like me where that is possible, take the time! Make the priority to glean and learn in a big way, so that you are ready in the harder, busier and more quick season of life and motherhood.
M E E T SA M A N TH A
We however decided that life was just too quiet, haha, so we are expecting baby number 3 and my season of quiet time with the Lord has changed again. I was really sick for about 5 weeks where I couldn’t read anything much at all. But you know, the Lord has taught me in this season that He meets us where we are. He meets us in our desperate cries for help and strength in our sickness and weariness. He meets us in the moments of just resting in His presence. In this season, I haven’t journaled much, my time with the Lord has been a time of saying the verses I have hidden in my heart and a deep time of prayer and leaning hard and basically just laying at the feet of the Lord. And do you know what? That guilt that I use to feel, it’s not there. The things that the Lord taught me and prepared me with before we got pregnant was that He knows where we are far more then we do. He is aware of the seasons we are in. He knows and gives us grace in those seasons and I really think His desire is just that we come to Him, that we rest in Him and that in whichever way we can, we come to Him each day, ready for Him to work.
I am first and foremost a follower of Christ. I’m wife to Maxwell and mommy to Aston and Leia and have the privilege of being a stay at home mom. I love to cook, craft and decorate my home for the seasons and holidays and when I have time, I blog over at bearcubcreations.com. Connect with Samantha: @bearcubcreations on Instagram and @bearcubcreation on Twitter, Facebook, BlogLovin.
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a Life Lived Beautifully
> > > FE ATURING RE BECCA K UN TZ
W H AT V E R S E S D O YO U C L I N G TO ?
I’ve always clung to Romans 8:28 as my life verse, but also speak Psalm 139 over Ellie and every child that enters my home. H OW H AV E G O D ’ S P R O M I S E S T R A N S F O R M E D YO U R O U T LO O K , D EC I S I O N S O R D ES I R ES ? W H AT I S YO U R D E F I N I T I O N O F A ' L I F E L I V E D B E A U T I F U L LY ' ?
To me a Life Lived Beautifully is one that is filled with reckless abandon in every aspect of life. Pursuing God’s calling on your life without questioning. Pressing into meaningful relationships with those near and far. Loving yourself fully and entirely. Speaking truth and encouraging each person you come across. And knowing that absolutely nothing will change or alter Jesus’ unending love for you. I think a beautiful life is one without chains, guards, or walls. Such a life is vulnerable, raw, and palms open to where the Father leads. We only have one wild and precious life, why fill it with worry, doubt or fear? W H E N WA S A T I M E YO U E X P E R I E N C E D T H E BEAUTY AND REDEMPTION OF CHRIST IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS, DISAPPOINTMENT OR FEAR?
The biggest story of God’s redemption in my life is my daughter Ellie Grace. I had been living in Ghana, West Africa off and on for 2 years before moving indefinitely in January 2015 at the age of 20. I didn’t really have a plan and I had no idea what was in store for me. I simply heard God’s call, packed, and moved. Within three weeks of moving to Ghana I got a call about twins with special needs who were recently orphaned due to horrible circumstances. Over the next six months they dug their way into my heart like no child had ever before. I began pursuing legal guardianship through court and social services. In my heart they were my son and daughter, we were just waiting for the papers to make it official. Heartbreakingly my son Prince passed away before I was able to bring him home. My daughter Ellie came home a month later and was very sick, scared, and shocked. She now has been with me for almost 15 months and is thriving. She is a light and a seeker of joy. Without her life would be lonely and much less fun. If I would have followed my fear and disappointment after losing my son, I would have missed out on watching God turn ashes into beauty.
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Over the past year I have been in a dark season filled with a lot of struggle and anxiety. Single motherhood and overseas missions work are not all pretty pictures and awe-inspiring stories. One heartbreaking thing happened, and then another, and soon it spiraled downwards into a deep valley. This season has been filled with a lot of questions without answers. The unknowns at times have taken over my thoughts and I have been left feeling like the season will never end. I have to seek encouragement from friends, continue to pursue quiet time, and not be afraid to ask for help. God's promises are ever so true on the mountaintops and in the valleys. When you faith is tested, you can guarantee that God is making you golden. You will shine, sister. read more and connect with Rebecca at together-we-are.com
LIFE LIVE D BEAU T I F U L LY JO U R N A L The new "Live Life Beautifully" journal for 2016 was created to encourage women to live their lives intentionally for the glory of God.
The weekly sections for this journal include:
Instead of simply making a new years resolution, we should make commitments to follow Jesus, serve others, and share the gospel. This journal has been intentionally designed to help you craft your mission statement, dream big, and plan ways to serve Jesus and remember what He has done throughout the year.
- Who I am praying for
There is an introduction with guided pages as well as 52 weeks worth of pages to write down ways you will "live life beautifully" and remember what God has done.
- What I am memorizing or studying in the Bible
- Ways I plan to live life beautifully this week - What God did this week - Unexpected blessings + Answered prayers - An adventure I had or risk I took this week
Each week has two pages for you to plan, write, and remember. This journal is undated and can be started anytime.
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Authentic Community
> > > W RITTE N BY EMI LY RI LEY
the depths of authenticity. For we are exposed by the light of the Gospel, and the darkness will have no place in light: 'For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of the light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true.' -Ephesians 5:8
In college, my roommates and I would constantly find ourselves at Target. On nights where we had no plans, we would ride out to see the latest products, clothes, or useless items we thought we needed to fill time. I am sure you can relate! During one of those fun trips, it was nearing the season where all of the masks, costumes, and candy lined the aisles in preparation for the upcoming Trick-or-Trick extravaganza. I was wandering around the store when I found a mask lying on one of the shelves; I was tempted to put on the mask and scare my roommates. Needless to say, I startled them to the point where they screamed and started yelling, “Take the mask off ! Emily, that is not funny. We want to see your face!” We all laughed and carried on, and I may or may not have continued to wear the mask the entire time we were in the store that night… As I reflect back on this story, it could not be truer of the way I was living during that season of my life. I was hiding under the mask of an eating disorder no one knew about, not even my closet friends and family. The mask I wore was not as easy to remove, only through true authentic community was I able to remove the mask and dig deep into the darkest parts of my heart. Wearing these masks constantly causes us to feel alone. A popular quote says “You are only ever loved to the extent that you are known.” We cannot feel loved for who we really are as long as we are not known as we really are. At the same time, we fear that if we expose our true selves we will be rejected. This frustrating cycle keeps our real selves masked and our relationships shallow and unfulfilling.
Loneliness. Alienation. Isolation. We can experience any or all of these feelings and emotions within a single day. You may be a single woman, desiring a relationship, a mommy with thoughts of time outside of the home with friends, or an empty nester that cringes at the thought of a quiet home. We crave deep, rich community where we can thrive and not be consumed with thoughts of loneliness, alienation, and isolation. When we allow these emotions to take precedent in our lives, we easily start to mask our insecurities and cling to the idol of perfection and a works-based righteousness. We know that we are created in the image of God in Genesis 1, but we quickly become aware of the fall of man in Genesis 3. Every sin, feeling of shame and desire to remain hidden can be traced back to that fateful encounter between Eve and Satan. Eve believed the Serpent’s lie about God and his intentions toward them: “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it [the forbidden fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God” (Genesis 3:4-5). Because of the fall, our deep desire for authenticity was tainted by sin, which causes us to isolate and alienate ourselves and use others to meet our own flesh-centered needs.
When we take off the mask that we all are wearing, we can be fully known, genuine, and real to the community and people surrounding us. Authenticity brings a new height of exposure to the light. The Light of the Gospel exposes
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photos on this page: katherine mcbroom
Think through the below questions and see if you need to start the process of peeling off the mask:
“Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
Do you catch yourself wondering how people would react if you were to expose your true self ?
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32).
Do you wear a mask to cover a past pain or shameful act that you could never imagine telling anyone?
Although we will never be able to perfectly walk in community on this side of eternity, the truth is that we will fail, but through authentic godly community, we are redeemed, sanctified, and transformed by the power of the Gospel.
Do you desire to be set free from a habit or sin-pattern in your life? The truth of the Gospel transforms our thoughts and attitudes towards people, our purpose, and our community. Through the Cross, Jesus has redeemed us and allowed us to live a life that reflects his goodness in the world. In this redemption process, Jesus has also redeemed our ability to be invested in authentic community. You may be thinking, this just sounds too easy and simple, like we should all be living in a perfect little utopia where no one has any sense of struggles, loneliness, alienation, and isolation. We know as believers that we are living in a fallen, sin-filled world that causes us to be prone to walk in darkness and unbelief. We feel alone and our thoughts trick us into believing that we have no friends, no purpose, no community. I have days where I feel completely alone, but what is the root of those feelings? I have forgotten the truth of the Gospel and have fallen back into a pattern of relying on people, instead of Jesus, to fulfill God-created needs and desires. In 1 Corinthians 15:1, we are reminded to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel. When we are consumed with self and our feelings, we start to believe the lies of our emotions and totally forget our redeemed purpose which is to know God, to be His people, and to do his work. How do we walk in the truth of the Gospel through community with others? 2 Peter 1:3 tell us, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” "Love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10).
“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 In a world that is fragmented, broken, and left to isolation and individualism, we must invest ourselves in the counter-cultural community of togetherness comprised of great diversity but united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we have a new identity and purpose, and through Christ, we love, serve, and give ourselves to one another, and in doing so display to the world that we are indeed followers of Jesus Christ.
M E E T E MILY
Emily Riley is an injury prevention program coordinator here at Children’s Hospital with a background in adolescent health and development. She currently lives in Nashville, TN, and has a heart for ministering to women and helping them find their true identity in Christ. When she is not working, Emily enjoys running, cooking/baking, and loving the outdoors. She also has a hard time putting down a good book, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with the people she loves.
“Comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace” (2 Corinthians 13:11).
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Kupendwa Ministries M E E T A M Y, T H E F O U N D E R O F K U P E N D WA MINISTRIES
I’m Amy Washington, a 28-year-old single, working, adoptive, and homeschooling mother of 7 children ages 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 years old (three 5 year olds!). I am also the foster mom to 27 teenage mothers and the foster grandmother to their babies & children. In addition, I am the executive director of Kupendwa Ministries and oversee all of our ministry projects in Uganda, Africa. M O R E A B O U T K U P E N DWA M I N I S T R I E S
"Kupendwa's vision and how we share the gospel truly go hand in hand, as sharing the gospel, and saving spiritual as well as physical lives is our vision and purpose. Kupendwa is saving the lives of mothers & babies, in addition to spreading the gospel, through a variety of Maternal, Infant & Child Health services. Kupendwa is able to penetrate into Muslim communities, slums & unreached villages, as well as reach the government & local leaders through its vital health services that are saving the lives of women & their children. By reaching women & mothers with the gospel, Kupendwa in turn is also reaching the children, husbands, and families and entire communities.� - Amy Washington, founder A P O RT I O N O F A L L P U R C H AS ES F R O M T H E L L B S H O P S U P P O RT S K U P E N DWA M I N I S T R I ES !
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learn more at www.kupendwaministries.org
G IVE ME J ES U S J OU R N A L The new "Give Me Jesus" journal is a 40-day or 90-day quiet time journal. It is designed to guide you as you study Scripture, pray, sit still in the presence of Jesus, and fall in love with Him every morning. The beginning of the fall "Give Me Jesus" journals goes through ways to live as "well-watered women" who daily seek Jesus. This introduction has questions to fill out as well as guides you through how to have daily time with the Lord. The middle of each journal has a guided "Heart Check" with questions to set your heart on Jesus and evaluate where your heart is at the moment. This was intentionally placed in the middle to be a reminder of your purpose and to set your heart on Jesus. The journaling pages are meant to be used as your read your Bible each day and get to know Jesus through studying the Word. There is a different quote and verse on each day.
FAL L FLORAL
SU N RI SE
40-day journal with 4 pages per day (broken into sections for prayer, study, and action), 18 "Notes" pages at the back for sermon notes and/or extra prayer requests for study and a "Heart Check" at the beginning, middle, and the end. There are also two pages in the back to "celebrate God's faithfulness" and write down answered prayers and praises. This journal is great for someone who loves to write when studying and wants space to dig deep into the Word, pray and sit with the Lord. This journal is a 40-day journey with the Lord because of the significance of the number 40 in Scripture. 40-days is a season of life that you walk through with the Lord. 90-day journal with 2 pages per day (great for a momma with little ones!), a "Heart Check" at the beginning, middle, and the end, and a page to "celebrate God's faithfulness" and write down answered prayers and praises. This journal is great for someone who prefers a shorter journaling length per day. You can also use the journaling pages for sermon notes. I pray this journal option will work for those who don't write as much when studying but want something to keep their time with the Lord in a journal. Several women use this journal to draw, letter, and paint during their time with the Lord! Size: 5.5 x 8.5, Front: Give Me Jesus in Gold Foil with original paintings and hand-lettering by Gretchen Saffles, Back: Same painting as the cover, Gold Spiral Bound, Made in USA
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The daily sections for this journal include:
REF LECT I ONS J OU R N A L The Reflections Journal is a men's quiet time journal that is a companion to the Give Me Jesus Journal. This journal is a 60-day journal that has two pages of journaling per day with a breakdown to help men open the Word and study it. This journal is gender neutral and can also be used by women who desire a simpler format for study!
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Date & Scripture/Topic you are studying A verse or quote for the day Reading/Context Ask & Apply Prayer God's Grace - a space to write down an evidence of God's grace in your life.
A N I NT E RV IE W W IT H G REG SA F F LES \\ W H E N D I D YO U S TA R T F O L LO W I N G J E S U S ?
I became a Christian in December of 2000. I grew up like most other church kids - spending their Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, and many after school hours roaming the halls and classrooms. Growing up in the church, you generally think that you're doing okay. You probably know all the answers, have good friends, and generally avoid trouble. The problem is, that isn't the Gospel. It wasn't until I was 10 years old that I came to understand, best I could at the time, that following Jesus was more than knowing about Him. It was knowing Him. From that point, the Lord has been gracious in putting experiences and opportunities in my path where I've come to trust and know Him more, as well as people to spur me on toward Christ-likeness. WHY I S I T I M P ORTA N T FO R YO U TO S P E N D TIME IN T HE WOR D E AC H DAY ?
Psalm 19:7-9 tells us that God's Word revives our soul, gives us wisdom, enlightens our eyes, and endures forever. In this day and age, who doesn't need that? With all noise and chaos in the world around us, God's Word is the one thing that will be constant, and the one thing worth knowing above anything else. I want everything about my life to be grounded in the Word of God, and it's impossible to do that without time in it. It's also worth noting that, as believers, we should want to be in the Word (Psalm 19:10). If I ever feel like reading my Bible is a "have-to" thing, I immediately know that I need to check my heart for what I'm really trusting in and finding my joy in. WHAT DOES YOU R T IM E W IT H T HE LO R D LO O K L IKE E AC H DAY?
For me, it happens each morning, either at my desk or in our living room chair. I was not blessed with the gift of being an early bird, so a cup of coffee is typically by my side. Also, depending on how our son slept, the sounds of his squeals and his Jumperoo may be the soundtrack to the morning. I'll typically walk through a book of the Bible, and have a plan on how to get through it. If I don't have an end goal (finish James by this date, for example), it's tough for me to stay focused. This is also helpful because it doesn't let you skip the hard passages. HOW CA N WOM E N E N CO U RAG E T HE M E N IN TH E IR L IVES TO TRE ASURE G O D’ S WO RD?
There's so many directions I could take with this question, but the first thing that comes to mind is to simply to encourage him in the things he does well, and to give him grace in the areas he needs it. This could be His time spent in the Word, an act of service, a step of faith, or a family leadership decision. It may seem like each time you do this, it falls on deaf ears, but ultimately, it's your faithfulness in supporting Him that will speak volumes. The other important aspect here is to treasure God's Word yourself. Be enamored by the Word and the things of Christ, and let that overflow into your life and your marriage. Pray that God's Word will be visible in your actions and words, and that it would spur on and encourage your husband in his love for Scripture.
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Celebrating Advent
> > > A NOTE FRO M GRETCHEN
Twinkling lights, hot cups of cocoa, Christmas caroling around the town, and the reading of the Christmas story by a crackling fire – there’s something heart warming about the traditions of celebrating the birth of Jesus each December. As soon as the weather starts getting cold, our hearts begin preparing for the new season. However, it is easy to quickly become overwhelmed with holiday preparations and festivities that, by December 26th, we wake up and realize we missed what Christmas is all about. We focused on the planning, the giving, the cooking, the traveling, and the shopping, that we missed simply being, rejoicing, and worshiping. When I was in high school, the Lord flipped my view of the Christmas season upside down. My family was going through a financial struggle and my parents told us that we wouldn’t be doing presents that year. I love the joy of giving gifts as well as receiving them and took this news in a hard way. I’ll never forget waking up Christmas morning to a present-less tree. Instead of experiencing a feeling of emptiness, we all got a glimpse of the joy of Christ. We didn’t need presents to celebrate, we needed Him. My dad read Luke 2:1-22 to us, and the words sunk deep into my heart. That day was filled with a sweet rejoicing, and December 26th felt exactly the same. There was no disappointment after the gifts had been opened because we had received the greatest gift we could – the treasure of celebrating Jesus and not what we could bring ourselves. This year, don’t allow all the things that need to be done distract you from the reason we celebrate. When you are shopping, give to bless others and thank Christ for the greatest gift of the cross. When you are cooking, cleaning, decorating, and wrapping presents, do it all for His glory. Focus on Jesus and celebrate Him in all the holiday preparations. May Jesus be the center of your Christmas and the center of your life. W E L IKE TH E NAP TIME DIARIES C E L E BRATI ON LI N E U SE T H E CO D E B LAC K F R I DAY1 5 FO R 3 5 % O F F A LL P R I N T S A N D CA NVASES
16 //caroline howard photo:
// 17 photo: katherine mcbroom
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.. .AND MA K E A DI F F ER E N C E T HR O U G H T HES E SH O PS
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Gift Guide
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Romans Be Still and Know Study A study on Romans 12:921 designed to help you memorize this passage.
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Be Still and Know Bookmark
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“C hr ist be w ith m e, Ch r is t w ith in m e, C hr ist be h in d m e, Ch r is t b e f ore m e, C hr ist be s id e m e, Ch r is t to w in m e, C hr ist t o com f or t a n d re s tore m e. ” -S t. Pa tr ic k We w ish you a Ch r is t-ce n te re d Ch r is tm a s and a joy -fil l e d Ne w Ye a r !
Love, The LLB Team
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