Fall 2013 by Pam Lozano

STANDING THROUGH THE

STORMS Fall Issue 2013

Letter from Pam Lozano

executive director

Dear Friends, Autumn is upon us! This is such a beautiful season that brings so many fun things like colorful leaves, bulky sweaters and caramel apples just to name a few. This issue begins the second year of Pure Design Magazine. We are excited to venture into year number two! We have learned a lot this past year and look forward to implementing new things for upcoming issues. We desire to continue growing our audience and being a voice to teen girls across the nation and the earth. We have vision to keep expanding each issue to speak to a wider audience of young girls broadening our base of followers. We hope to inspire you to be confident young women who go after the dreams and desires of your heart. Life is often difficult. Families face separation and divorce, health issues, addictions, and many other things that cause us to want to escape. In this issue – Standing through the Storms, we want to pull back the curtain of life and dive into topics that are often hidden or not talked about. So many teens and young adults deal with very hard issues every single day. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts crowd in on the lives of youth. The “happy-go-lucky” life is not a reality, but many pretend that it is. Because these struggles are often on the inside, many choose to keep them hidden. Fear, shame or a lack of understanding keep teens from sharing what they are truly facing. When these things are kept bottled up inside, it can become harmful. Stress, tension and anxiety build up causing pain and frustration both physically and mentally. In this issue, some of our team members have volunteered to share their own personal struggles with you. They have faced some of these things head on and are in the process of learning how to cope and overcome them. We hope by reading their stories you are encouraged and inspired to seek out help to conquer issues you are dealing with. Our character is determined by how we face these hard things and the choices we make in dealing with them. James 1:2-4 says: Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. When was the last time you considered a trial pure JOY? This is easier said than done. But honestly, perseverance through trials causes us to grow. As we learn to deal with difficult things – facing them head on we become stronger. Sometimes we need help getting through hard times and that is okay. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but one of humility. God promises to give grace to the humble. As you face another school year filled with many difficult things – in your relationships, education and social life, may you be open and honest with those who care about you. Be true to yourself asking for help when you need it, learning to stand and fight even when it’s hard. We are confident that you can Stand through the Storms and come out the other side more confident and strong! Thank you for your ongoing support of this magazine! Please continue sharing it with others you know! Affirming His Design! Pamela Lozano Executive Director

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 5 team!

fall festivities

meet the

7 happens 11 shops when life

15 battle 19 35 wear 38 authenticity 41 sweet 44 a real life

local

fall into florals

ways to it

inside and out

correspondance

DIY sweater scarf

rainy

rhythms

s e i t i v i t s e F l Fal

SEPTEMBER 2 - Labor Day (First Monday of month) 6 - Read a Book Day 7 - Neither Rain nor Snow Day 8 - Grandparent’s Day (First Sunday after Labor Day) 10 - Sewing Machine Day or Swap Ideas Day 11 - 911 Remembrance 12 - Chocolate Milk Shake Day 13 - Positive Thinking Day 14 - National Cream-Filled Donut Day 19 - International Talk Like A Pirate Day 21 - International Peace Day 22 - Elephant Appreciation Day 26 - Johnny Appleseed Day

OCTOBER 1 - World Vegetarian Day 4 - National Frappe Day 5 - Do Someing Nice Day 7 - World Smile Day 14 - National Dessert Day (Take an extra helping, or two) 19 - Evaluate Your Life Day 21 - Count Your Buttons Day and National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day 24 - United Nations Day 25 - World Pasta Day 26 - Make a Difference Day (Four Saturdays of the month; neighbors helping neighbors) 31 - Carve a Pumpkin Day

NOVEMBER 2 - Book Lovers Day (First Saturday of the month) 3 - Sandwich Day 7 - Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day 8 - Cook Something Bold Day 11 - Veteran’s Day 15 - America Recycles Day 17 - World Peace Day 22nd - Go For a Ride Day 28 - Thanksgiving - Eat, drink, and be thankful. 29 - Buy Nothing Day - always the day after Thanksgiving (Does anyone abide by it?)

Family Matters Winter Issue 2012

P UR E D E S I GN PARTNERS

We Need You We invite you to become part of the Pure Design Team by becoming a Pure Design Partner. Pure Design Partners can help by supporting us in prayer and/or finances. Pure Design Magazine is a product of Pure Design Ministries which was started in 2012. Our team members generously donate their time and talent to produce a well-written, quality magazine for you to enjoy! We desire to continue offering Pure Design Magazine to our readers as an absolutely free on-line product despite operational expenses. We have committed to continue doing this throughout 2013. Any and all

contributions go directly towards costs incurred to publish future issues. Donations may be sent to: Pure Design Ministries - P.O. Box 123 Sunbury, Ohio 43074. Please designate on the check or envelope - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pure Design Magazineâ&#x20AC;?. Thank you for your generosity - our partners help keep Pure Design Magazine going, and will allow us to expand further and grow our team. If you have any questions, please contact our Executive Director, Pam Lozano at pam@puredesignministries.com.

Meet the Pure Design Team Pam

executive director

Ruth

photo director

Hannah photographer, design apprentice

Morgan editor, designer

Olivia prop and fashion assistant

Kerry creative writer

Sarah editor/designer

Laura fashion mentor

Nicole

Sophia

photographer, editor, designer

publicist,events coordinator

Caeilen

fashion guru

Kate art appreciator, fitness buff

Avery crafting apprentice

Maddie thriftaholic, master crafter

Natalie marketing director, webmaster

When

LIFE

Happens

by Lauren S.

Anxiety is something a lot of people deal with every day. Because of worry or stress, people go through life struggling to get simple things done. Ever since I was seven years old in the second grade I have struggled with keeping my anxiety under control. It has always been really hard for me when something big comes up or I look at a list of things I need to do. I get extremely overwhelme d and I panic. I would worry, “What if I didn’t get it done on time? What if I have to redo it and then I won’t get a break to see my friends?” These thoughts would run through my head over and over again almost every day throughout my middle and high school years. I would get stomach cramps and my legs and hands would tense up because of getting myself so worked up and upset. I would end up being miserable for most of the day worrying. For some people, anxiety comes and goes and is incidental, maybe relating to something traumatic that has happened. But for me it is an ongoing issue that must be addressed both medically and pract ically. In my case, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Over the years, I have learned lots of ways to deal with my anxiety. For example, every time I see a long list and begin to get a bit anxious, I tell myself, “It will be okay! I can get this done!” It helps me to stop, settle my thoug hts, and approach the list calmly. Recently, at my new job at a doggie daycare, there was quite a long list of dogs to let outside and play with. Since I have been enjoying my job so much, I was able to push those thoughts aside, and get rid of

my stress by petting all those cute dogs. Another way I get rid of my stress at home is to sit down for a few minutes, before starting on my schoolwork or chores, and just pet my dog or call my cat up on my lap for a few minutes and attempt to center myself. If you are allergic to fur, I would suggest getting a fish tank. I used to

have one, and watching the fish, as well as the noise the water makes, was absolutely relaxing. These may seem funny examples, but stepping outside ourselves, settling ourselves within our environments and realize the way we can impact others, can be an important step in gaining control over anxiety. Another great tool I love to use is listening to classical music or download an application for my phone with nature noises on it, such as the ocean or birds chirping. Anything calming really helps minimize my anxiety. Deep

breathing is another technique I use if something important is going to happe n the next day that I am not looking forward to and am overly stressed about. For example, I recently had my wisdom teeth pulled and I was really anxious about it all week. While in the waiting room, I took really deep breaths to calm my impending panic attack because when I get really stressed, I get out of breat h. Do this by inhaling really deeply, and then exhaling slowly several times. It is a fantastic technique and really helps me and a lot of other people who strug gle with panic attacks. Another tool I would recommend is to distract yourself. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit idle. I have stewed in my thoughts before and it is not good for me since what you focus on will surely increase. When you allow yourself to do that you are not helping yourself, you are only making yourself more stressed out. Instead when I am really upset or nervous about something I get out and exercise, work, take my dog for a walk, chat with my friends on the phone or ask for advice from my parents or friends.

continued >>>>

Talking to family, and in some cases of severe anxiety, seeking a professional’s

help can put anxiety into perspective. One bit of advice my mother always says is, “Things aren’t usually as terrible as you think.” If whenever you are nervous about something, whether it be a final exam, or a surgery, and you feel yourself getting

panicky, be sure to tell yourself to pick a time to worry! Remind yourself not to worry, and before you know it, the anxiety levels will lessen and you can focus on that long list, exam, or surgery.

Eventually when the day or time comes that you are nervous about, I encourage

you to pray. The most important thing I have learned is to depend on is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In the midst of this crazy, busy world, He has everything

under control! He is God, and always will be! It is so comforting to know that He who hung the stars in the universe, clothes the lilies of the fields and feeds the

birds of the air, knows every hair on all of our heads. He tells us not to worry in Matthew 6:27,34 (NIV). “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your

life? Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Every night, when I was younger, I would

listen to a song called God is in Control written by Twila Paris. This would help me calm down before I went to sleep and started a new day. God knows our concerns

and anxious thoughts and will take care of us. He is in control! He has taught me this firsthand through my personal struggle with anxiety.

I encourage all of you who have read this to try some of these techniques. I

hope they are helpful to you like they are to me. May you always find comfort in

God and His Word no matter what your circumstance or current level of anxiety. Right now, I have a good handle on my anxiety. I recently graduated high school and have a new job.

Nothing is impossible with God! Joshua 1:9 (NIV) says,

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When

you give your worries to Him, you are able to walk through life in confidence rather than anxiety.

Local Shops Pure Roots Boutique opened it's doors on August 12th, 2013! This boutique is a dream come true for our very own team member, Nicole Davis! Nicole has waited years to open a local boutique selling handmade goods from local artisans in central Ohio. She has a desire to help young artists find a place to sell their goods. The shop is filled with jewelry, art, t-shirts, and vintage pieces that speak "Ohio". If you are a local, stop in and shop for your family and friends. Check out her website at purerootsboutique.com or her Facebook page, Pure Roots!

Pure Roots Boutique 14 W. College Avenue Hours: 11 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 p.m. Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday Closed Sundays & Mondays www.purerootsboutique.com Check out on Pure Roots Facebook!

Heavenly Cup LLC is a quaint, community and faith based coffee shop located in the old Holmes Hotel on the corner of West Main and State Streets. It was established in January 2012 by Pastor Jon Fulton. Pastor Jon purchased the Heavenly Cup out of a desire to establish a spiritual outpost for the Westerville community in connection with Centerpoint Church Westerville. We believe serving a great product with a smile can make a big difference in someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day. Stop in anytime for a great cup of coffee or check us out on the web at www.heavenly-cup.com Heavenly Cup LLC 25 N. State St. Westerville, OH 43081 614.392.2261 Hours: 7am-8pm M-F, 8am-8pm Saturdays, Closed on Sundays www.heavenly-cup.com Check out Heavenly Cup LLC on Facebook and Twitter!

“WITH YOUR HELP I CAN ADVANCE AGAINST A TROOP; WITH MY GOD I CAN SCALE A WALL.” PSALM 18:29 “WHEN I AM AFRAID, I WILL TRUST IN YOU. IN GOD, WHOSE WORD I PRAISE, IN GOD I TRUST; I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT CAN MORTAL MAN DO TO ME?” PSALM 56:3-4

“Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that’s what makes you strong.” Sarah Dessen

“THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL US MAKES US STRONGER.” ― FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’” Isaiah 41:10

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

standingTall “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

“Pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our consciences, but shouts in our pains. It is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” C.S. Lewis

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The lord be with all of you” 2Thessalonians 3:16

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ― Haruki Murakami

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid of terrified because of them, for the Lord your God ges with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 “The most beautiful people I’ve known are those who have known trials, have known struggles, have known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” C. S. Lewis

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Real Life

Battle by Ruth P.

hen life gives you lemons, you’re supposed

to make lemonade… right? Well the truth is sometimes those lemons are the most rotten, disgusting things you have ever seen, and everyone around you expects you to take it in stride and keep living life like nothing ever happened. But you know it’s not that easy, in fact in my opinion it is impossible. In our society depression, self-harm, anxiety and suicide are social taboos, so to speak. It is everywhere around us, yet very few people are willing to talk about it. So many people are worried that if they try to tell someone they will be seen as weak, insecure or needy, which to our world is a big no-no. But ironically statistics show that 14.8 million American adults and as many as one in every eight adolescents suffer from depression, and those are just the ones who are diagnosed. Every year, 864,950 people attempt suicide, which means 1 person attempts suicide every 38 seconds, and on average there are 94 completed suicides every day. We hear statistics like these all the time, but for some reason we seem to just write them off. How often do we stop and wonder if some of the people closest to us are going through things so terrible that in their eyes the only solution is to take their own life? How often do we feel that way?

For me, depression has been my biggest battle

to date. My life has never been a happy fairy tale, not that anyone’s really is. By the time I was two years old my parents were divorced and my father was in another relationship. Around that time, my mom and I moved to a new house and she remarried when I was five. Every other weekend I would go to my dad’s house. On these weekends I would often witness terrible fights. My father, in alcohol fueled rages, would tear through the house yelling horrible things, breaking plates, punching holes in the walls among other things. To say that I wasn’t afraid would be a lie, but I have been blessed with a mother who showed me what it truly meant to have a relationship with God, and taught me how to trust Him when I was afraid.

“The

Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

These weekends were horrible, but they always ended

night I would go to bed and cry, and when I ran out of

and I got to go home.

tears, I lay curled up sobbing, trying to find a way to

Just as I was coming to view my mom’s home as

ease some of the pain. Then more came crashing down,

my safe haven, her new marriage began to get rough.

painful memories from years before reared their ugly

She and my step-dad began to fight, and while these

heads, things I had tucked away and forgotten about.

fights were nothing like my father’s fights, the home

The time I wasn’t at school or sleeping I spent laying on

that was once my refuge became another battle ground.

my bedroom floor staring at my ceiling, trying to decide

During this time, along with the fighting at home I was

what would be the least painful and most efficient way

bullied in school for various things, but since it had

to take my life because at this point in time that was the

been going on since preschool it wasn’t much of a sur-

only solution I could see.

prise to me. Through all of this one hope I had was God

and He gave me strength.

known God was there but had not allowed him in so

Looking back over my earlier years I was a hap-

He could help me. I found Exodus 14:14 which reads,

py child, whose faith allowed her to look past the cir-

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

cumstances and see the good in life. My favorite verse

This is when I decided that giving up and ending my

at this time was Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know

life was not an option. I had a God that was bigger and

the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans

stronger than any of the lemons life had thrown at me.

to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

It took a while, and I still have my bad days, but God

hope and a future.” This reminded me that though I did

who is my Father, Savior, Protector, and Creator is car-

have difficulties in my life God would use them one day

rying me through.

for something good. As I got older I made friends and

started to separate my life with them and my home life.

to be ashamed of, 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, “But he said

But the November before my sixteenth birthday one of

to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is

my best and most valued friendships crumbled. Things

made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the

at home with my mom and step-dad got worse, my dad

more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s pow-

and now step-mom’s relationship was crazy and unreli-

er may rest on me.” The Lord your God loves you more

able, school got harder and a second friendship ended.

than you could ever imagine and will use whatever it is

This is where it got bad for me. My entire life was crash-

that you go through for the good of the kingdom. You

ing down around me and I was falling into a deep, deep,

are a beloved princess of the Most High King. He will

dark hole. As the depression took hold I was no longer

not let you fall. “God is within her, she will not fall; God

myself. During the day I would walk around lifeless, go-

will help her at break of day.” Psalm 46:5

ing through the motions, looking but not seeing. At

Then one day, I realized that in all of this I had

Experiencing things like depression is nothing

PURE DESIGN MAGAZINE INVITES YOU TO OUR

Autumn

Gala

FRIDAY, NOV. 1 st , 6:30-9:30 p . m .

Featuring Motivational Talk by OSU Kicker/Punter, Ben Buchanan Ben was OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kicker/punter from 2009-2012. He has many community service projects including three medical mission trips to Honduras. He will be working at WSYX ABC 6 this fall analyzing OSU games with Clay Hall.

Live music with Heather Evans, thrifting fashion show by Lindsey Turner, photo opps, food, designing activities and more!

Tickets

$10 pre-reserved by emailing pam@puredesignministries.com $12 at the door

Vineyard Church of Delaware County in Sunbury (only 10 min. north of Polaris) 1001 W. Cherry St./Rt. 36/37 Sunbury, Ohio

fall into FLORALS

BUDDING BORDERS Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a normal day at school or a fun night out, a simple jean skirt with lace tights creates a stylish look for any venue!

Vintage rings are fun and classy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can find some great deals at thrift or antique stores!

TUNNEL VISION No matter how casual or dressed up your outfit is, add a floral scarf or clip for a touch of glam. Bold vibrant patterns are fun to mix and match.

YELLOW GLOW A pop of color with a hair pin and shoes adds flair to a neutral or basic outfit.

BLOOMING ACCESSORIES Jewelry makes every outfit unique, like these cute floral rings and feathershaped bracelet!

MAXI-MUM POTENTIAL Olive green is this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trend for sure! Pair it with black and you have a hot combination! A light floral scarf will keep a hint of summer alive!

TRIBAL TRIBUNES Tribal prints are bold and fun for both school and play! Neutral boat shoes are a great comfy look for the cooler fall season!

A POP OF RED An accent of “poppy” works great as a blazer or a bright lip color! Olive and black are a classic fall combo.

FELINE FRENZY Mix up your day wear with a fun cat print shirt or a roaring tiger bling ring!

STUDS AND FLORALS A leather jacket with studded detailing is a great staple for autumn. Floral or vibrant colored shirts are great underneath for a strong, yet feminine look.

GARDEN GEAR A black cardigan and large print bandana or floral print backpack work with any school ensemble.

A ut h e n t icity Inside and Out

Allowing others to see or know what is truly going on inside is a vulnerable

place to be. Very often we hide the “real” us because of fear of rejection or judgment by others. We go through life as if everything is okay, when in reality we are hurting and broken inside. In order to avoid getting hurt, we hide behind masks pretending to be something we are not. We draw our identity from things that we do - gymnastics, music, art or academics, trying to prove to ourselves and everyone around us we have value. What we truly desire is the ability to be ourselves with no strings attached. We want to be loved for who we ARE and not what we DO. But often, we do not even like who we are. We are filled with hurt, anger and brokenness, and are afraid to reach out asking for help or support.

by Pam Lozano

I have several fond memories from my childhood. One was spending eve-

nings with my grandparents “in the city.” In reality, they lived in a suburban house with close neighbors and sidewalks we could ride bikes on. But for a country girl like me, this was city life and it was tons of fun! One thing I enjoyed during a visit was sitting outside at their back picnic table eating ice cream and talking with neighbors across the fence. I remember listening as the adults talked about their families, giv

ing updates on how their children and grandchildren were doing. People did life together, checking in on one another, sharing a coke, and yelling out the score of the baseball game on the radio. Life seemed simpler back then, and maybe it was, but relationships were a high value. People truly cared about what was happening in their neighbor’s lives and invested time getting to know them.

Today, many of us are too busy to talk with our

neighbors. We stay inside our air conditioned homes working, watching television or playing electronics. It’s usually too hot out or too cold out or too allergic out to enjoy spending time playing catch or talking across the fence. We are filled with hundreds of reasons to remain isolated, cut off, and alone.

We were created to be in relationships. At

creation, God saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so He made a companion. But in order to have quality relationships, we need to be authentic with one another. Authentic means being real, vulnerable and honest. It is defined as: not false or copied; being genuine, reliable and trustworthy. As believers, we are called to live authentic lives and to be in authentic relationships with one another. Is this easy? No! It’s much easier to “fake” it and pretend we are doing well, when inside we are struggling. No one likes to be weak and vulnerable. No one likes to admit we are broken inside.

However, if we are willing to face our broken-

ness and allow others in to help, we begin walking in a brand new place of freedom and power. Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” What a promise! When I am weak, His strength takes over. If we really believe this, why do we shy away from admitting our weaknesses? Why are we afraid to admit when life feels like it’s closing in and we are drowning? Why don’t we reach out to ask for help?

The answer is really simple... PRIDE! Pride

keeps us from being authentic. Pride keeps us from reaching out and asking for help when we need it. Pride keeps us from dropping the mask and saying I am hurting inside. Pride keeps us from going to counseling and admitting we have an addiction. It keeps us from asking for accountability from the friend who believes they truly know us, but have no idea what’s really going on. Pride is the number one enemy of authenticity.

God desires authenticity inside and out.

Scripture says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” He promises to come alongside and help us when we admit we need it.

By confessing

our faults and weaknesses, we disarm the power the enemy has over us. We remove ourselves from the web of lies that can entangle us. Satan’s lies sound something like, “You are the only one who struggles with this,” or, “No one else understands you,” or, “If you admit your problem, your friends won’t like you.” He loves keeping us isolated and disconnected from people who can help.

What areas of your life are you not being

authentic in? What are you hiding from family or friends that keeps you in bondage to shame? Maybe some things you struggle with are not even be your fault. Many girls battle because of things done to them or things they have been exposed that are absolutely ungodly and harmful. Please do not be afraid to reach out and find help! God draws close when we humble ourselves. Find a pastor, teacher, parent or friend who you can be honest with and tell them what is going on inside of you!

God encourages us to “have truth in the in-

most parts”... are you being truly authentic to yourself and those around you?

Sweet Correspondence by Kate D.

Distinctive handwriting scrawled across a

it smells and tastes. In a way, the person

piece of notebook paper, slight engravings

inscribing the words on a letter is like a

on the paper due to the pressure applied

cook; the creativity of the one preparing a

to it by the author, and occasional ink

dish comes through its flavor.

smudges. The post man who delivers

However, when two friends are finally

a hand-written letter may simply be transporting a piece of paper with a few words on it, but he also carries joy. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because the writer cared to take a few moments to encourage you and share a story, feelings, or dreams, or perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the act of correspondence between friends, knowing that you and your friend anticipate a response from the other.

reunited in person, communicating their unique personalities via words and actions, the bond between friends is stronger. My desire is that through these recipes, you will be encouraged to pair unique flavors when you cook or bake, and maybe even write an encouraging letter to friend while the muffins bake. Personally, I have found that tea + muffins, when eaten and sipped

Similarly, as two people have individual

together, taste and smell marvelous. Try

handwriting and expression in their words,

out these pairings to begin a new journey

each spice and herb are distinct in the way

in the kitchen!

Muffin Ingredients: 1 and 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour 1/2 cup of sugar

Lightly Lemon Muffins + Mint Tea

2 teaspoons of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2 eggs 2 tablespoons of melted butter, or oil 1/2 cup of skim, coconut, rice, or almond milk 4 tablespoons of lemon juice 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 400째F. Prepare the muffin pans by greasing them or by placing paper liners in each cup. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together all liquid ingredients (including eggs) with a fork or whisk. In another bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry mixture, and gently combine all ingredients with a spatula or spoon. Pour batter into muffin cups, filling them 3/4 of the way full. Bake for 20-23 minutes. Decorate with some grated lemon peel and a dollop of yogurt!

Carrot Cake Muffins + Chai Tea

Muffin Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 3/4 cup of sugar 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey 1/2 cup of oil (I prefer grapeseed or canola oil) 2 eggs 1 cup of grated carrots 1/2 cup of dried fruit (optional)

Preheat your oven to 350째F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners, or grease well with oil. In a mediumsized bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and spices. In a separate bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, and blend well with a fork or wire whisk. With an ice-cream scoop or large spoon, fill the muffin cups until each is about 1/2 of the way full. You may need to bake a second batch! Bake for 20 minutes. Take out of the oven, and allow the muffins to cool for 10-15 minutes. Top with cream cheese and garnish with dried fruit and grated carrot.

BLueberry Crumble Muffins + Lavender Tea Muffin Ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1/2 cup of sugar 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt 2 1/2 cups of fresh, washed blueberries 1 tablespoon of maple syrup 1 egg 1 cup of greek yogurt 2-3 teaspoons of cinnamon 3 tablespoons of vanilla extract 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Preheat your oven to 375째F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners, or grease well with oil. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt with a fork. Place the berries in the mixture, and using your (clean) hands, coat them in it. Get out a large bowl and mix together the maple syrup, egg, yogurt, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture to the liquid mixture and gently mix until combined. Equally distribute the batter among the muffin cups (note: you may need to bake a second batch.) Bake in the oven for 20-22 minutes, or until the top of the muffins are brown. You can allow the muffins to cool, or enjoy them warm. Top them with a dab of cream cheese and garnish with a few berries if you like! Toothpick test: Insert a fork or toothpick into the center of a baked good, and then pull it out. If there are crumbs and batter on it, the baked good is not thoroughly baked! If there are very few crumbs and no batter, your dessert is done baking.

Consider it pure joy, my sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

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RAINY RHYTHMS

The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson Review by Kate D. Feelings and aspirations placed deep inside us by God speak to us throughout our days, sometimes quite loudly, and sometimes inaudibly. As circumstances change and moments pass by, this call in our hearts can become softer and more easily ignored. The Lord has called you to great things and will place the opportunity for you to pursue your aspirations throughout your life. After all, He placed those desires in you since the beginning of time! Read The Dream Giver to see the story of someone who had lived a comfortable, unfulﬁlling life, and decided to leave it all to pursue his dream. Learn from the imagery of this book how to step out of your comfort zone, pursue trust in God, and discover some of your own dreams. Luke 18:27, “What is impossible with man is made possible with God”. - Jesus

Crazy Love by Francis Chan Review by: Ruth P. Crazy Love had a huge impact on me when I was in a dark place. It opened my eyes to how blind I was to some of the parts of my faith. This book is great if you’re looking to learn more about your faith and your relationship with God.

Lifebuilding Literature

Smart Girl Stupid World By Sarah Siegand Review By: Pam Lozano In Smart Girl Stupid World, Sarah talks about how important the choices we make are and how one bad decision can affect our entire lives. She encourages teen girls to “empower themselves” with wisdom as seen throughout the Bible. Through real life stories and examples from her own experiences as a teen, she encourages girls to be smart in every life choice they make. Sarah’s desire to help shape the hearts of the next generation is evident. This counter-cultural book is designed both as a personal read and for the context of small group discussions. I highly recommend her book to teens, parents and and those working with teens. Check out her website at www.smartgirlstupidworld.com to purchase a copy.

Behind the Scenes With the Pure Design Team!

SNEAK PEAK AT ISSUE 6! Stayed tuned for our Winter/Holiday issue that will be published on December 1st, 2013. Many Americans celebrate the holidays in tradition. We all have our rituals of decorating, gathering as a family and shopping for gifts. Many people often include some type of church service in their Christmas tradition as well. Hundreds of people will attend that service without truly understanding the deep and powerful reality that Christmas holds. We want to explore the topic of “Religion vs. Relationship” and unpack the true meaning of this wonderful holiday. It is so much more than the glitz and glamour that Hallmark portrays. It’s about a humble baby born in a manger to save the sins of the world. We pray this will be an inspiring issue that will help you be able to further express your walk of faith with those around you! Please continue checking in at our website for each magazine issue, as well as our blog posts, which we commit to begin updating on a regular basis! Keep sharing the magazine with your family and friends! We love hearing from you - post comments on our FB page, or email us at: pam@puredesignministries.com with thoughts or ideas you have for upcoming issues.

What to Expect this Winter • Real life stories and articles • Winter and Holiday Fashion • Great recipes for your holiday gatherings • Scriptures and Quotes to Inspire •

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All contents copyright ÂŠ 2012 by Pure Design Teen Mag. All rights reserved. No part of this document or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the written permission of the publisher. Please write to Pam Lozano at P.O. Box 123 Sunbury, Ohio 43074 or e-mail Pam@puredesignministries.com