Beauty From The Inside Out Spring Issue 2013
Dear Readers Dear Readers,
executive director
Letter from Pam Lozano
Happy Spring Everyone! I am so excited to share this issue with you! I have anticipated it for months because I am so passionate about this topic – Beauty from the Inside Out! As a youth pastor for over a decade now, I have seen the hold that self image has on many young women. It is such a central issue for many teen girls, so much so, that it leads many to take extreme measures – like purging, cutting, or putting themselves on an indefinitely long diet. I am excited to delve into this topic and reveal what God has to say about it.
Beauty is an issue that ALL women struggle with no matter their age or race. Teens, young adults, mid-lifers, and seniors all desire to be beautiful! Women all over the world try to conform to the image of beauty portrayed in society. We spend enormous amounts of time, energy and money trying to find ways to improve our looks – whether it’s on hair products, makeup, diet or exercise. Beauty is very important to most of us. I believe beauty is something we desire, because God is the initiator of it! If we look around at creation, we see beauty all the time – a beautiful sunset, a beautiful forest, a rainbow, the majestic oceans. All of these reflect the beauty of their Creator. Beauty often becomes a stumbling block when we begin comparing our beauty to that of others. Hollywood, fashion and glamour magazines, billboards, and other venues try to define beauty for us. They portray one tiny standard and call everyone to fall in line with it. And when we don’t? We are defined as not good enough – overweight, ugly, too tall, too short, not this or that, and this is where the trouble begins. This is so contrary to the definition of beauty found in God’s Word!! I Samuel 16:7b says: “The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” Throughout this issue we want to focus on God’s definition of beauty and the fact that He looks at it in an entirely different way. He defines it from the inside out!! Proverbs 31 portrays of woman of Noble character and ends in verse 30 with, “Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” If beauty is a fleeting thing, then why do we try so hard to attain it? Our desire is to help you redefine beauty for your own life. How can you focus on the inner qualities that truly define beauty? I pray that as you read through these articles and glance at the pictures, you gain a broader perspective of what real beauty is!
Affirming His Design! Pamela Lozano Executive Director
Contributors
Table of Contents
3 6 fun! 7
meet the team
spring
Don Zaiser Petty's Auto Electrical Service Photo Shoot Setting
how he sees it
9 13 contest 20 23 31His creation 33 45 47 culinary
Kandi Mayo Makeup/Hair Artist Photo Shoots
Todd Taylor Markt Solutions Pure Design Tshirts
Mike & Kim Lotz Lotz Studios Galena Studio Space
Vineyard Church of Delaware County Photo Shoot Setting
creations
beauty
DIY
beauty reflected
elegance in bloom
God’s view of you
beauty secrets
Meet The
Pure Design Team Nicole
publicist/events coordinator
Pam
Sophia
executive director
photographer/ editor/designer
Kerry
creative writer
Laura
fashion mentor
Sarah
editor/designer
Morgan editor/ designer
Natalie
marketing director/ webmaster
Caeilen fashion guru
Ruth
Kate
photo director
art appreciator & fitness buff
Maddie
Katelin
thriftaholic/ master crafter
media critic
Avery Olivia
prop/fashion assistant
Hannah
photographer/ design apprentice
crafting apprentice
Winter fun! Fun g n i r P S
March 1 - Peanut Butter Lover’s Day and Share a Smile Day 2 - Old Stuff Day 3 - National Anthem Day 9 - National Agriculture Day 10 - Middle Name Pride Day 12 - Plant a Flower Day 13 - Jewel Day 14 - Learn about Butterflies Day 14 - Popcorn Lover’s Day 17 - St. Patrick’s Day 20th- International Earth Day 24 - National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day 25 - Waffle Day 26 - Make Up Your Own Holiday Day 30 - Take a Walk in the Park Day 31 - Easter
April 1 - April Fool’s Day 2 - National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 5 - Cinco de Mayo 6 - National Tourist Appreciation Day 8 - Draw a Picture of a Bird Day 10 - National Siblings Day 14 - International Moment of Laughter Day 15 - Titanic Remembrance Day 18 - National High Five Day 22 - National Jelly Bean Day 27 - Tell a Story Day 28 - Great Poetry Reading Day 30 - Hairstyle Appreciation Day
May 1 - May Day and Loyalty Day 8 - No Socks Day 12 - Mother’s Day 13 - Frog Jumping Day 14 - Dance Like a Chicken Day 15 - National Chocolate Chip Day 18 - International Museum Day/ Visit Your Relatives Day 20 - Pick Strawberries Day 25 - Tap Dance Day 28 - Memorial Day 30 - Water a FlowerDay
Family
Matters
Winter Issu
e 2012
P ur e D e s i gn Partners
!
We Need You Pure Design Magazine is a product of Pure Design Ministries, a non-profit organization launched in January, 2012. All of our team members generously donate their time and talent to pull this magazine together. Our hope is to continue to be able to offer this on-line magazine absolutely free to all of our readers, despite operational expenses. We have committed to do this for at least our first year. W e i n v i t e y o u t o pa r t n e r w i t h u s f i n a n c i a l ly b y do n at i n g t o P u r e Design Magazine.
All donations will go directly toward the operational costs of future issues. You can send cash or a check to Pure Design Ministries, P.O. Box 123 Sunbury, Ohio 43074. Please designate on the check or envelope “Pure Design Magazine�. Thank you for your generosity — our partners will help us expand Pure Design Magazine. For more information, e-mail Pam Lozano at Pam@puredesignministries.com.
We decided to ask a few of our Christian guy friends. BOYS are a topic of much concern for the majority of American teenage girls. They are everywhere you go—school, church, the mall, the movies, and sometimes in your own head once you get home. You might think you have them figured out and then, WOOSH! They do something and you are left, once again, utterly confused about what’s going on inside their heads. It can get quite frustrating constantly wondering what that half of our society is thinking. What better way to understand boys than to ask them questions about the way they see things? We decided to ask a few of our Christian guy friends.
by
Ruth P. & Kate D.
Q: In general, how do you feel about the way media portrays how young women should look and act?
GuyS: • “That they should be perfect and act perfect even when they are not.” • “I feel like the media stresses girls out in regards to looks and performance, and that modesty doesn’t matter as long as it works for you, and that you can’t mess up.” PD: It’s nice to know that these guys also feel it is unfair how women are expected to look, act, and appear based on the opinons the media portrays!
Q: How does a girl’s modesty in dress
affect you?
GuyS: • “It makes me uncomfortable. Especially when I know the girl, I want to respect them, but immodesty makes it hard to.” • “I think modesty is an incredibly attractive trait.” • “It affects me in many ways. It causes me to sin (if dressed immodestly). It makes me look poorly on them both in judgment of character and the obvious.” PD: Most men are greatly affected by how we dress, and for Christian guys an immodestly dressed girl can draw their eyes away from Christ and onto something that will cause them to sin. If we begin to pay a little more attention to the clothes we wear and how thy may affect our brothers in Christ we can help keep them on the right track. Just because we dress modestly doesn’t mean we cannot wear cute clothes!
Q:
Sometimes communication between girls and guys is difficult and awkward. in your opinion, what would help this problem?
GuyS: • “Letting it be known that you aren’t looking for a relationship, and that if a guy is talking to a girl it does not mean that they like them. They are just trying to be nice.” • “I think looking to be friends instead of boyfriend/girlfriend will help this problem.”
• “Be honest. But keeping in mind that we communicate differently and need to keep that in mind.” PD: Often girls judge what guys say or do too quickly based on what it would mean if she said or did the same thing. We forget, that even though we are all humans, guys and girls see things differently, and they view things from an entirely different perspective. Their brains work differently than ours.
Q: What qualities do you look for as you
consider pursuing a friendship with a girl?
GuyS: • “Kindness, a good sense of humor, and intelligence.” • “Modesty, maturity, Godliness.” • “What she believes in and how her personality is and how she treats others.” • “Kindness, a sense of humor.” PD: As you can see each of these guys were more interested in a girl’s character than her looks. These are the kinds of things that are most important in authentic friendships, and even in friendships between guys and girls. Remember, to a good guy, personality and who you are in God is everything!
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to girls of this generation, what would it be?
GuyS: • “Don’t try so hard to impress guys, just being yourself is much better than looking desperate, ‘respect yourself’.” • “Be yourself don’t worry what other guys/girls think.” • “Pursue God and make Him your rock, and everything else will be way easier. (P.S. You’re beautiful.)” • “Just be yourself around other people.” • “Be yourself.” • “HAVE FUN!!! Look nice, but remember, no real guy is picking you out for looks. Maybe at first, but your personality is what really counts, so build up your character in Christ.” PD: In closing, it is clear that these guys are attracted to girls who have a good self image, one who is able to be herself, and who has a strong faith in God! These would all be great things to develop and work on throughout our teenage years!
Colorful Culinary Creations by Kate D. Fruit and Yogurt Pizza
Yogurt Spread Ingredients: 3 tablespoons of non-fat plain greek yogurt 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract Mix together yogurt, vanilla, and honey or maple syrup with a small spoon or fork until well blended. Topping Ingredients: 1 piece of whole-wheat pita bread 1/4 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup cinnamon Cut up fruit of your choice (I used apples, bananas, raspberries, and strawberries!) Evenly distribute the yogurt spread onto the pita. Top with fruit, and lightly sprinkle on cinnamon. You can make patterns with the fruit if you would like to add a touch of design to this yummy, nutritious treat!
CLassic Italian Pita Classic Pizza
Pizza
Ingredients: 1 piece of pita bread 1 medium tomato, sliced 1/4 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella Cheese (or 3 small fresh mozzarella balls) 1/4 teaspoon of basil olive oil Preheat the oven to 400째F. Place the pita bread onto an ungreased baking sheet, and lightly oil with olive oil. First, layer the tomato slices on pita, then top with the cheese and basil, careful to distribute equally. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
Color Wheel Greek Style Pizza As the sun shines down on
me through my window, I peer past the bright light to see a beautiful world full of color, vibrancy, and life. Personally, Spring is my favorite time of the year, because of the new life and pops of color that it brings.
Ingredients: 1 piece of whole-wheat pita bread 5-7 pitted black or kalamata olives 1/4 cup of fresh spinach 5 banana pepper rings (or 5 small pepperoni pieces) 1 small white or cremini mushroom (optional) 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese 1-2 tablespoons of hummus 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Any person can capture the hues and flavors of Springtime by cooking with creativity and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. Here are three simple, delicious pita bread pizza recipes to help you adventure in the kitchen.
olive oil Preheat the oven to 400째F. Place pita bread on an un-greased baking sheet, and oil lightly with olive oil. Spread on the hummus, then layer the remaining ingredients. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
FAMOUS QUOTES “Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a duty, complete it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is luck, make it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it.” Mother Teresa
“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt
"Be yourselfeveryone else is already taken."” Oscar Wilde
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Mother Teresa
“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else.” Judy Garland
“Never dull your shine for somebody else.” Tyra Banks
“Be yourself- not your idea of what you think somebody else’s idea of yourself should be.” Henry David Thoreau "People are more than just the way they look.” Madeleine L’Engle
“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she knows.” ― Audrey Hepburn “No matter how plain a woman may be, if truth and honesty are written across her face, she will be beautiful.” Eleanor Roosevelt
Pure Design
y t u a e B t s e t n Co
As we have all heard “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. Beauty means different things to different people.” Often sentiment adds to beauty - a memory, feeling, or emotion that is triggered when you look at something like a photo, sketch, or other piece of art. We thought we’d capture some of this beauty by having our readers submit entries of things they deemed beautiful. Our team chimed in on their favorites! We hope you will enjoy our first ever “Beauty Contest!”
Molly O. Age 15
Upper Sandusky, Ohio “Marilyn”
Pencil drawing
1
st
Brenna M. Age 17
Be Who You Are
Centerburg, Ohio,
“Pulchrissime Invisabilis, If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, what
do you look like when all eyes are turned away?” Colored pencil drawing
Cassandra S.
Age 19
Cardington, Ohio
“Be Who You Are” Poem
Everyone has their deep inner person. This is the most beautiful, this is who they are. Not the person you know, but the person you misinterpret. Not to judge, but to watch and feel the vibes. They will catch you off guard. Understand. Take the time. Feel that inner person of yourself. Never hide it. It will lash out and hurt you. You need to give your feelings and deep thoughts to the world You owe this to the world. Be your deep inner self, and take the time to understand your own, Inner beauty.
2
nd
Melissa Houben (Photographer) Age 23
Utrecht, The Netherlands
“Black Bird in a Silver Sky” Photograph
Katherine T.
Age 13
Westerville, Ohio
“Sanctified.”
Photograph
Blind Man’s Eye
Take off your mask, embrace yourself. Allow the world to see your spirit. Be free, be wild, never look back. Find love wherever possible. Forgive, forget, throwaway regret. Chase after your dreams, and be your own inspiration. Always remember, True beauty can only be seen, Through a blind man's eyes. Cassandra N. Sage Age 19
Cardington, Ohio
“Bline Man’s Eye” Poem
Catherine H.
Age 16
Mount Vernon, Ohio “The Swing”
Photograph
Kate D. Age 15
Centerburg, Ohio "When God Smiles" Photograph
3
rd
Carly Sage
Age 16
Cardington, Ohio
“Untitled”
Photograph
Melissa Houben ( P h o t o g r a p h e r ) Age 23
“Black Bird in a Silver Sky” Utrecht, The Netherlands Photograph
Gluten Free salted caramel cupcakes 1 stick butter 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup cocoa powder 1 cup ice water 1 1/4 cup GF all purpose flour 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
Cupcake
Frosting
Cream butter, sugar, vanilla. Add cocoa powder, then baking soda. Alternate water and flour until all is added. Lastly, add xanthan gum, but be sure not to over mix!
1 stick butter 3 cups powdered sugar 2-3 tablespoons half and half 3 tablespoons caramel sauce (purchased or homemade) sea salt for sprinkling Beat butter and slowly add in powdered sugar and half and half. Then beat in caramel sauce. Frost your cupcakes, drizzle with more caramel, and sprinkle with sea salt!
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7b
by Eri n
Hodge
Where do we look for beauty? If it’s found in the reflection that greets you each day—if you look and your own eyes look back and you see the beau-
tion, body and soul, magnified by the crushing weight
ty there, then you know the Secret. It isn’t your face
of unmet expectations—yours and others—and may-
wash or moisturizer, it’s Him. Not the boy who turns
be, you think, even God’s. The why me’s and should-
your insides out with just a word. No, it’s the One who
be’s feed the furnace of failure, and it burns deep. The
made you from the inside out, and it’s His Word, alive
last thing you want is for someone else to see what you
and active. When God’s love is reflected in you, you
see. And so you start to disappear…at least that’s what I
know beautiful.
wanted to do.
But, maybe you don’t…maybe you can’t see it. It’s not for
There was a summer that swallowed innocence. Life
lack of trying. You look, maybe you pray, but what you
no longer made sense, and, at the risk of minimalizing
see is not beautiful. You see each and every imperfec-
complicated events, simply put, love and people were
not to be trusted. Layers of life began to wrap around
there was nowhere to hide. I remember looking down
me tightly and I was suffocating. I grasped desperately
at that spoon and seeing skinny fingers and wrists way
for something to hold on to, something that would give
past slender, and I began to realize the beautiful perfect
me a sense that I had some kind of control. I don’t think
I had strived for took me to a place ugly and darker than
anyone wakes up one morning and decides to embrace
where I had been.
an eating disorder. Ironic it is a “disorder,” since those most entangled by it started out seeking the opposite:
But there was hope. Many weeks and sessions passed,
order, perfection, and beauty.
and God was so patient and even present when I felt most alone. I remember a movie that came out about
When my world was chaos, I sought calm in counting
that time called, “Hope Floats.” Break-free hope was re-
calories. Looking back, I think I found comfort in be-
vealed in my journaling and praying one night, a kind
lieving that if I could start with one simple thing, like
that will not shatter—even if encased in a fragile glass
what goes in my mouth, and tame it and bring it un-
globe and smashed on the ground. Instead, it floats. I
der control, then I could make things appear to be the
had found real hope, not in numbers on a scale, not in
way I thought they were expected to be. Then maybe by
a manufactured safety net of stability. This was a hope
sheer willpower and determination the rest of my life
that followed the ups and downs and the way-deep
would follow suit. But if there were too many pretzel
downs. It continues to be a hope that reaches in, lifts
sticks, there would be running, and when the running
me out of pits, and places my feet back on solid ground.
couldn’t cover the calories consumed, there would be aerobics, and then anything that went in had to come
Slowly, much too slowly at times, I began to understand
back out. And I became a shell, hollow from the inside
(and am still learning) that I cannot look where the
out. For too long, I received praise for my “dieting,” my
world directs my gaze. If I strive and search and only see
exercise, and constant work (school, two internships
short-comings enlarged in fun-house style mirrors; if I
and a waitressing job). A girl so thin, so disciplined…so
expect beauty reflected from puddles of muddy water;
devastated that no one recognized I was dying inside.
its not that everything is distorted and ugly, it’s just that
Until the curtain was raised, the show was over, and I
I am looking in the wrong places.
was exposed. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the spirit of the That was when God’s grace came in a flood of tears. It
Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled
was over that bowl of yogurt topped with granola. I had
faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed
the spoon in hand, but could not get it to my mouth. It
into his image with ever increasing glory, which comes
wasn’t until that first day of treatment that I realized
from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18)
I had relinquished the control I had worked so hard
It is still hard to say, but I am trying to be teachable,
to achieve. I could
so I will say… I have
not physically make
learned to see my-
myself
They
self as beautiful. I see
were kindly waiting
beauty when I take off
and watching, and I
the layers, remove the
could no longer per-
lenses that distort my
form. The false per-
image, and choose to
fectionism fell, the
see the love reflected
mask slipped and
back on me. Through
eat.
the Son’s eyes to the Father’s and back, there is
nothing
to
protect or hide when the Spirit of
God
wraps
you up in perfect love. That is beauty—beauty down deep, beauty from the inside out. I don’t see it every day, but I have learned how to refocus my eyes. If you are struggling with disordered eating, please do not rely on yourself or even the “me and Jesus” method. It requires so much more strength and courage to ask for
Statistics Say 1 in 5
young women struggles with an eating disorder.
help than to deny a problem. I am praying right now that God is working someone into your life who is safe and can help you find the help you need. If you have tried before, do not give up. You are not alone, and I can say with confidence that it will not always be this way. If you are concerned about a friend or family member, reach out gently in love and offer support, and keep reaching out! Eating disorders are about so much more than food, and recovery is not only found in renourishing the body, but in allowing God to feed the soul again too. For me, that was the hardest part, believing that God can forgive and look past all the ugly and nourish me with His beautiful. And He does, and He will. There really is no beauty apart from the One who made you. Look for it; it’s in you and all around you!
God SAYS There is a freedom found in Christ that can keep you from being trapped in the bondage of an eating disorder. Galatians 5:1
Erin Hodge has a degree in Public Relations and Journalism, and is a wife and stay-at-home mommy to two busy little boys. She is inspired by the words of Angela Thomas, “God is not mad at you because of your humanity. He is fully aware of your limitations, your weaknesses, and the frailties of your heart...Your beauty is not diminished. Your value can never dwindle away. You are beautiful to God.” (Living Your Life as a Beautiful Offering)
If you or someone you know needs help finding freedom in Christ from an eating disorder, go to
MercyMinistries.com.
Join us on Friday, May 17th at the Vineyard Church of Delaware County for an evening of art, fashion, food and fun! We will hosting this as a fund raising event to help cover the costs of publishing Pure Design Magazine!
Bring your girlfriends and come on out to enjoy a fabulous night with a photo opp, music, food, arts and crafts that will be on sale, and a whole lot more! Last year’s release party was a hit, you won’t want to miss out!! Ticket information and further info. will be up on our website and FB page next month!
Stay tuned for more details!!
Blooming Books
&
Timeless Tunes Jesus Calling for Teens by Sarah Young
Do you find it hard to have a daily quiet time? Do you struggle with, “What should I read in the Bible today?” I have found an amazing devotional that I am currently going through called Jesus Calling for Teens. It is inspiring and speaking to me each and every day. It reminds me that Jesus desires to walk this journey of life with me. Whether I am hanging out with friends, heading out to school, or at home with my family, Jesus desires to be part of my day – moment by moment. If you are looking for a devotional that is simple and easy to understand, yet inspiring for your walk with the Lord, I’d highly recommend Jesus Calling for Teens! – Ruth P. Still LoLo by Lauren Scruggs This book tells the amazing journey that fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs faced last year as she recovered from being struck by a plane propeller blade. Her courage and tenacity allowed her to overcome amazing hardships physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her entire family shares how they faced this incredible trial together, and how their faith in Jesus carried them through this tragic event. I would HIGHLY recommend every teenage girl to read this book. It will inspire you to face every hardship head-on and to rely on your relationship with Jesus to pull you through the storms of life. Lauren has been interviewed on The Today Show, The Katie Couric Show and several other newscasts. God is using her story for His Glory!! - Pam Lozano
Sister Freaks by Rebecca St. James As I flipped through the pages of this book, I read the stories of many genuinely beautiful women who followed Jesus when He called them to walk with Him, even into hard places. I was encouraged to see that, although they were very ordinary women, God used them in extraordinary ways. I highly suggest you read this book. Understand that when you step into His plan for your life, He can use you in extraordinary ways, just as he used the women who have gone before you. – Kate D.
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Taking a backpacking trip to California to complete Wilderness Expedition training
is possibly the best last-minute decision I ever made. Although physically and mentally challenging, my confidence grew in ways that would have been impossible had I not been confronted with the challenges of the elements. One night, the group I was training with dropped our packs on some selected flat rock by a river that flowed from a lake, which was in a basin surrounded by three mountains. My friends and I cooked dinner together, our laughter bouncing off the rock walls and the smells from our stir fry tempting the animals hidden within their cracks. I refused to sleep underneath the shelter of our tarp that night, and laid my sleeping bag on the flattest spot of rock I could find. My wearied body was happy to sleep, but my imagination wanted to lay awake and look upward. I could not help but let my mind be opened to the view above me.
In the city the stars don’t shine brightly because of the light pollution. But here,
encrusted in-between mountains, I could see the light of their glorious display right before my eyes. I wished I could reach up my feeble hand and touch them. Just once. Because maybe then I could touch the face of God. If that’s what God looks like; then His beauty really is beyond my worthless description.
I felt insignificant next to their
magnificence. How do humanists think they can reach such heights of glory? I could hike a thousand peaks and never even come close to reaching such beauty. I imagine when God
threw the stars up into the sky, His desire and purpose for them must have been to shine brightly in the night sky. He also knew that when He breathed mankind into existence, we would gaze upon them and worship Him. God’s purpose for creation is to reflect Him, the Creator.
Years ago, throughout high school and most of college, I used to stare
at my reflection in despair and disgust. I tried makeup, clothes, working out, and perfecting my image so that others would like my reflection. But I was still unhappy with myself. My self esteem was a zero. I started hating myself for not being like most of the girls at my school. I wasn’t into what “the popular girls” were into; all I really wanted to do was roam in the woods and write poetry. What kind of a weirdo did that?? What started as low self-esteem turned into self-loathing and hatred any time I let myself down. I never felt good enough, and I hated the one God had beautifully and wonderfully made... me.
Most people may not think of self-loathing as a sin. But when you don’t
appreciate your body, your reflection, or even the talents God created you with, you are not glorifying His creation. This is a sin that can lead to other more dangerous bondage such as eating disorders, self-mutilation, and depression, which are all traps.
I am not saying you should be vain and stare at yourself in the mirror all the
time, but I do think we need to realize we are fearfully and wonderfully made from the Creator Himself. I am God’s creation and I am wonderful, strong, and beautiful. We are all part of His creation and we are most beautiful when we reflect HIM. I am so thankful God has given me a talent to write and express, and I want to use it to bless others in His name. I used to not really care about that-but God is the one who has uniqueily created me and I want to use all of the gifts He’s given to glorify His name.
God even created me with a unique gift and love for the outdoors, which
would eventually lead me to my incredible Wilderness Expedition training. And through that experience, I can now help other people grow in confidence as they challenge themselves in exploring the outooors. God has used me to help others become inspired by His creation and find inner peace. True beauty is not found in the reflection of your mirror, it is found when you use the talents that God has gifted you with to reflect his glory.
Beautiful one, please do not burry your talents. Be like the stars that shine ever
brightly on in the universe and use them to reflect the beauty of your Creator.
Elegance in
Bloom
Rainbow Daze multi-colored accessories always add instant drama and pizzaz! (Left)
Patterns, prints, and ballet flats Patterned tights add extra flare to an otherwise “ordinary� outfit. Ballet flats are always fun with or without tights or socks. (Below)
nature instincts take a cue from nature this spring by incorporating spring colors, animal accessories, and flower-patterned pants to your outfit
silver linings even with a pop of color, silver or gray is a great basic to start your look off with
vivid strands bright cardigans are always fun as the weather changes, add some extra flare by adding bold, colorful beaded necklaces to your look
flower power nothing adds instant confidence and fun like a large flower pin
beaming accessories adding a natural shelllike bracelet or scarf creates fun sophistication
Tangerine Mania why not try a bold hue of orange for prom with some comfy kicks - great for dancing!
dazzling delight opt for a sequined bodice if you want to have a touch of sparkle to your prom night
the right kicks be unique and go for a casual, fun, unexpected prom shoe
denim flare who says jeans can’t be worn to prom? if your strapless dress feels a bit uncomfortable, throw a jean jacket over
! u o Y f o w GodsVie For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was women together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. Psalm 139:13-15
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? . And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:25, 28, 33
See what
God
values as beautiful!
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. Proverbs 11:22
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2:9-10
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. I Peter 3:3-4
The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord. Psalm 45:11
Beauty Secrets Pam Lozano
Beauty products, beauty makeovers, beauty tips, beauty magazines---everywhere we look, we are inundated with things having to do with beauty. According to the YWCA’s report called “Beauty At Any Cost,” women in the United States spend $7 billion a year on cosmetics and beauty products averaging about $100 a month per person. We spend this money on products to help us feel more beautiful, more attractive, or more appealing. We have this insatiable urge to improve the way we look with things like facial creams, body lotions, make-up and hair products. Everywhere we go, we are flooded with the latest and greatest product ads to hide this blemish or that flaw, to cover up acne, or to create a natural even tone to our imperfect skin. The promises and sales pitches are endless, and the price paid goes far beyond money spent. In addition to beauty products, women spend crazy amounts of money on face lifts, diet products, and fitness trainers all in an attempt to remain young and attractive. We try to conform to the images portrayed on television, movies, billboards and magazines. What most of us seem to forget
when we are gazing at these images, is that they aren’t REAL!! Magazines Photoshop, airbrush, and tweak all of their images to make women look sleeker, thinner, younger and sexy. They do not leave images as they are – showing flaws, pimples, scars, and imperfections. Imperfections show weakness and authenticity, and don’t usually sell products. No one is perfect, yet these images barrage us with the exact opposite – they are society’s “version of perfection.” The 5’8” model that wears a size 0 and weighs 100 pounds looks rather appealing in her skimpy clothing. She might be displayed as the “average American woman” we should all attain to be. The delusional part of that picture is that unless you starve yourself, purge food, or fast most of the time, there is no way to maintain that size or weight in a healthy manner. The details of the medical issues models have in order to remain this thin is mysteriously missing in the fine print. They forget to mention the emotional damage inflicted when these girls are told they’re “fat” or just don’t make the cut. And they certainly don’t
include all they have done to modify those photos – shaving pounds, erasing acne, and changing features – in order to create an imaginary picture of perfection. Movie stars have commented how they don’t even recognize themselves on magazine covers, yet we take the bait, becoming depressed and insecure when we don’t measure up to the standard set before us. The industry continuously pumps out these “fantasy photos” causing women and girls to spiral into unhealthy choices about their life, health, and image. Often girls turn to harmful dieting habits, which can lead to eating disorders. Depression, shame, and sometimes suicidal thoughts creep in as girls fight to become like those portrayed in the media. The only answers we can turn to are those that are counter-cultural. The truth is established in the Word of God, by the One who created us long before society set these standards of perfection. God’s Word speaks over and over again about what He thinks about us. As we learn to embrace and believe God’s truths, we are able to combat the lies we have embraced about this false beauty.
I Peter 3:3-4 says – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” A gentle and quiet spirit? What in the world does that have to do with beauty?? And you may be thinking, “I’m not a gentle or quiet person at all, so that must disqualify me as beautiful before God.” A gentle and quiet spirit refers to being at peace with oneself,
being secure in how you were made. When you are at peace with yourself on the inside – knowing you were made by God – fashioned and formed by Him, intricately made by Him, there is a security and peace that exudes from the inside out. There is an ability to walk confidently before others, knowing that God loves you as you are. He created us with a variety of hair colors, with different heights, shapes, sizes and skin tones. If we look at the beauty of God’s creation in the earth upon which we live, we can see that God is a creative God, full of beauty and color and complexity. From the smallest creatures we cannot even see, to the whales within the depths of the ocean, God loves variety. He is a masterful artist who loves what He has made.
Genesis 1:27, 31 says – “So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them… Then God looked over all He had made, and He saw that it was very good!” God’s design was perfect. And His creation of you is very good!! He is absolutely crazy about you and loves you as no other can. As you learn to embrace this truth, you will slowly see yourself in an entirely new way! You were created on purpose with a specific purpose in mind. We must learn to quiet the voices of society – the ones screaming at us to conform to a standard that isn’t attainable or healthy. Instead, we must learn to listen for the still small voice inside that says – you are beautiful just the way you are! If you grasp this secret in the deepest part of your heart, an inward beauty will grow and be reflected on the outside for everyone to see! God’s view of beauty, though somewhat harder to grasp is a lot easier to attain, and a whole lot cheaper than the tons of money for beauty products!!!
s e s n e e n e c S c S e h e t h t d n d i n hi BBeeh
With the Pure Design Team
SNEAK PEAK at Issue 4! Check out our Summer issue on June 1st, 2013 as we talk about “Finding Your Voice.” This issue will be filled with articles about how to stand up and speak out for what you believe, as well as just being uniquely you – the individual God created YOU to be!! Being different isn’t always easy or fun, but learning to embrace your uniqueness allows you to be confident in how God has made you - your personality, your quirks – all make up YOU! We hope you continue to stay tuned to our quarterly magazines, as well as to our blog!! Keep sharing the magazine with your family and friends!! Share our FB page with all you know!! Check out all our contact information below.
Things to look for this Summer! Inspiring real life articles Great looks for summer fashion Ideas to keep you from getting bored this summer And maybe some fashion “faux pas”
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All contents copyright Š 2013 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