Studio G Magazine Spring 2009

Gateway Women’s Magazine | studiogmag.com

Holly Wagner stop focusing on the future and live in the NOW!

Spring 2009

ROOV

getting people online connected offline

40 million Sexless Marriages in America

Is one of them yours?

OUT OF EGYPT one woman on a mission to spread the gospel to the Arab world

Having children was medically impossible

and then‌ GOD STEPPED IN

Fireproof

takes on the real growing pains of marriage

solutions for the soul

pink represents more than a color or a cause‌

it’s a movement!

we are passionate about knowing God. we are positioned to love extravagantly. we are purposeful about our destiny. we are powerful in our influence. we are poised for this moment.

we are pink.

pink.gatewaypeople.com

2 Studio G

CONTENTS

Spring ’09

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 CONTRIBUTORS 7 FYI Ideas for Spring 9 FITNESS Ready. Set. Go! 11 SOLUTIONS FOR THE SOUL Dear Debbie 13 SPICE FOR LIFE From My Table To Yours 29 BEAUTY Sun Damaged Skin?

Soak in some C! 32 SMILE 33 PULSE Music, Book & Movie Recommendations

19

FEATURES 8 And Then …

Discover the two ingredients common to all “and then …” moments. by Debbie Morris

14 Seven Tiny Layers Celebrate your God-given uniqueness and diversity!

by Arnita Taylor

16 And So It Was “I wasn’t looking for love, but love found me”

by Angie Schuller-Wyatt

17 Sexpectations How an unexpected conversation completely transformed my thinking about sex. by Debbie Morris

19 STUDIO SPOTLIGHT: Holly Wagner—The Now Moment Holly Wagner asks, “What are you doing with your now moment?”

22 All in God’s Time The true story of one women’s seemingly impossible struggle to get pregnant. by Cheri Cochran

26 Stop and Listen An empty nester facing a crossroads in life has a divine appointment with God. by Kathy Henigan Jimerson

29 STUDIO PROFILE: A Heart for the Lost— A Q&A with Hala Saad Get to know the woman behind one of the top Arab media ministries in the Middle East.

26 Get Your ROOV On How three young entrepreneurs created a unique online social network that connects people to one another.

by Elisa Michieli

Spring 2009 3

check out the brand-spankin’-new

studiogmag.com

Gateway Women’s Magazine

Spring 2009 Editor-in-Chief

DEBBIE MORRIS Managing Editor

DEBORAH MASH Senior Editor

STACY BURNETT Assistant Senior Editor

S. GEORGE THOMAS Editorial Assistant

JOYCE FREEMAN Art Director

KATRINA SIRMON Creative Direction

GATEWAY MEDIA MINISTRIES Photographer

Along with a fresh, new look, you’ll find new and exclusive articles, fun and exciting videos and, best of all, easier ways for us to keep you informed on the latest Studio G news.

NATASHA BROWN

StudioGMag.com Exclusives • check out video testimonies of powerful “and then …” moments • a revealing Q&A with Hillsong’s Miriam Webster • learn how to battle the damaging effects of dry skin in Studio Beauty • Read the inspirational story, “Become Convinced” by Connie Swain

SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS

What’s more, you can check out all of our past issues of Studio G online.

It’s a whole new way to enjoy Studio G … visit studiogmag.com today!

4 Studio G

2121 E Southlake Blvd Southlake, Texas 76092

NRH CAMPUS 7501 Davis Blvd North Richland Hills, Texas 76180

a note from the editor

Hello!

I hope you’re as excited about Pink Impact as I am! I look forward to Pink Impact like I do Christmas or my birthday, because I know I’m going to get a spiritual gift—three days devoted to loving and being loved by the Lover of My Soul. Everything else is ignored—my dishes might not make it to the dishwasher and my clothes could sit in the dryer all three days—because the splendor of encountering God with a mass of devoted women is, well, breathtaking!

The theme of this year’s Pink Impact is “and then …”. You’re probably thinking …

“Huh? What does that mean?” Allow me to explain. You are a believer because of an “and then …” moment. At some point in your life, you had an intersection with God—a point where the Divine touched your life—and then (pun intended), you were forever changed. But “and then …” moments aren’t just about salvation. “And then …” moments can be as big as a grand miracle or as small as a slight attitude adjustment. Every day God manifests Himself in our lives through countless “and then …” moments, and the outcome the Enemy would like to ensure is defeated.

Why Studio G? The title, Studio G, was inspired by Psalm 144:12 which is a prayer asking God “that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.” The name reminds us that we, as Christian women, are in God’s studio as unfinished works of art. Studio G is committed to reminding us of the ways of the Master Sculptor

This year is an exciting year for women at Gateway Church. Our new name and logo are reflective of some of the fresh things on the horizon. The name of the Women’s Ministry is now Pink. For years we’ve hosted Pink Impact, which has defined much of our ministry. When searching for a name (other than the boring “Women’s Ministry”), we looked for something true to who we are. The two things we all have in common are our devotion to God and our female composition. We are pink, and we want to define it with godly characteristics.

When the angel appeared to Mary announcing Jesus’ birth, Mary responded, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it happen to me as you say!” In essence, she was saying, “I belong to the Lord, body and soul; let it be as you say.” When you hear, “I am pink,” what we are saying is, “I belong to the Lord, body and soul; let all He says about me be.”

I hope you enjoy this issue with some “and then …” stories. And be sure to visit pink.gatewaypeople.com to learn more about Pink and explore all of our exciting groups, classes, events and opportunities.

as He continues to fashion us into “women of palace style.” In His studio, we discover who we are

Blessings,

created to be and we come to realize our true worth.

Spring 2009 5

contributors

 



 Angie Schuller-Wyatt

 Angie Schuller is passionate about guiding people through their

spiritual journey into a life of wholeness in Jesus Christ. She received a B.A. in Church Ministries and an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from Oral Roberts University (ORU). While at ORU, Angie worked first as the Assistant Director of Music Ministries and then the Director of Spiritual Life (overseeing community outreach, chaplains and missions). She currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Ministry Teams at Gateway Church and is married to Chris.

Angie loves life; you’ll most likely find her traveling, reading, dancing, playing with children or singing in the hallways.

Arnita Taylor

 Floral designer, chemist and small business owner— who would have known that this unique package would make such an amazing minister to women? Arnita is known for her personal flair, outspoken nature and powerful capacity to raise up women leaders. The only thing she is more passionate about is being a mom to Evan and Nolan and a wife to Michael.

Her personal decorating philosophy goes something like this … “Drama, drama, drama—when it comes to design, you can’t go overboard!”

6 Studio G

Cheri Cochran

Kathy Henigan Jimerson

 Kathy is the author and

creator of an abstinence-based program, Children No More, passion for great relationships. She loves to get to know new used in classrooms throughout people and connect them to their personal passions with flair. the country. This awardProfessionally, she is known for her lively, interactive training winning program was featured style, and she conducts workshops on speaker training, business on Good Morning America presentation skills and meeting facilitation skills for corporations across the country. Most importantly, she and her husband, Pastor and The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Kathy was honored with Randy Cochran, have two children and have been in full-time a Resolution by the Texas ministry for 15 years and at Gateway Church for two.

Legislature for her work Elisa Michieli against teenage pregnancy. She always says God has a real  Elisa is a Coordinator for Pink at Gateway Church. As a sense of humor, because even native Oregonian, she loves warm and “sunny” Texas. She has though she has an incredible participated in two church plants and spent several months East Texas southern drawl, she leading worship at a church in New Zealand. She is passionate taught public speaking! When about seeing her generation embrace true Christianity and be mobilized to make a difference where they live and work. Elisa has people ask Kathy if she speaks a second language, she answers, an incredible capacity for leadership, and her youthful energy is “Yes … East Texan!” contagious. Coffee is her mainstay, and love is her motivation!

 Cheri’s red hair and fun-loving spirit are indicators of her

studio fyi

T

his SPRING celebrate the season with intention and purpose. It is a season of new beginnings, so try something for the very first time.

by DEBORAH MASH

Purposely BEGIN and END each day with a time of prayer. Take that exercise class you’ve been talking about. PLANT a flat of flowers or A SINGLE POT OF MINT. Have dinner as a family, and take a walk around the neighborhood before coming back home for a SURPRISE dessert. HIDE EASTER EGGS.

Pack a picnic basket and head to the park or simply take your lunch to the park during an otherwise busy work day.

TAKE A NAP. Buy (and use) a can of silly string.

Remind yourself of the importance of not taking life too seriously—fly a kite. Walk somewhere BAREFOOT (even if it’s across your front yard). As you tackle your house for a little spring cleaning, turn up

the music, burn your favorite

candle and reward

all your hard work with

a vase of beautiful

flowers. LAUGH OUT LOUD!

Spring 2008 7

by DEBBIE MORRIS

Things were so bad at home, running away seemed like the only answer. Although Hagar had obeyed, her attitude tested whatever tranquility that existed. She was seeking refreshment along a desert stream from her flight. And then … an angel appeared with instruction and a promise. Her encounter with the angel changed her view of God. From that moment on, the servant of Abraham and Sarah referred to the Lord as “the God who sees me.”

Caught up in doing what seemed right in his own eyes, Saul was determined to eradicate all of the Christ-followers in Damascus. And then … while en route to carry out his plan, a light from heaven blinded his natural eyes but opened his spiritual eyes. A name change personified the transformation of his heart. Paul, as he would be known from that moment on, forever impacted the Church he once sought to exterminate.

“And then …” moments don’t just happen. They are not random. They are intentional Godembraces—embraces of love. Although at times, they may not feel so loving. It’s like when a child runs towards a freeway unaware of the dangers and a loving and caring parent apprehends them with force before they step in front of a speeding car.

The two ingredients common to all “and then …” moments are grace and faith. Grace comes when we don’t deserve God’s goodness, yet He finds us in the desert or on a road and redirects our path in such a way that we realize an all-knowing God sees us and loves us. Faith is not ignoring the facts; it is just adding God to the equation. God trumps all facts. Abraham and Sarah were promised a child, but that was the beginning of the process. They waited and waited. Romans 4 grants us insight into Abraham’s journey: “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise.” Now that is faith.

The angel’s declaration was beyond Mary’s comprehension. How could a virgin give birth? Yet Mary chose to have faith and believe God’s word to her. And then … one of the most amazing miracles of all time took place—our powerful, loving, holy God became a man and lived with us. Immanuel—God with us—stepped into our situations to be with us.

Like Abraham and Mary, faith comes from hearing and believing God’s word for us. And while hearing God is definitely an “and then …” moment, when we experience the fulfillment of the word of God in our lives, we actually begin to live out our “and then …” moment.

The beauty of “and then …” moments, is that we all qualify because of God’s immeasurable love. Grace finds us, and faith propels us. Regardless of what expression, God is embracing us. His strong arm rescues His beloved children or leads us to victory.

8 Studio G

studio fitness

by EMILY GILSTRAP

Have your New Year’s resolutions fallen by the wayside? Are you someone who has a history of almost getting into shape?

Have you started and stopped more programs than you care to remember?

You were running a good race.

Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?

Galatians 5:7

Year after year, many of us make healthy New Year’s resolutions that wither and fade over time into another failed attempt to transform some aspect of our lives. What begins with hopeful optimism eventually fizzles into yet another unmet aspiration. And nowhere do we find more lofty goals than in the area of health and fitness.

Studies show that regular consistent exercise provides the greatest benefit, but very few people actually start and maintain structured exercise programs. Here are some steps on how to initiate and maintain a lifestyle change.

Know Where You Are My husband always says you can’t get where you’re going unless you first know where you are. Knowing your starting point is essential to establishing a realistic program. First, schedule an appointment with your physician to make sure there aren’t any underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Don’t be afraid of the scales, ladies. Remember that weight

Spring 2009 9

is only a number and just one measurement of progress. Take snapshots of yourself, and have a fitness assessment done by a fitness expert (including measurements and body fat composition). These measuring tools will help you establish a baseline and allow you to track your progress along the way.

Make Up Your Mind The struggle to change is indeed difficult. According to Romans 12:2, transformation really begins with renewing the mind. We first have a thought that’s driven by a wish or strong desire. This, in turn, sets in motion an even stronger feeling of intention. Have a clear picture in your mind of what you hope to obtain both outwardly and inwardly. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.”  Write the vision down and commit to it daily. Good intentions simply aren’t enough. If you have to, put specifically what you will do, when, where and with whom in your calendar.  Map out a specific course to reach your goals. It’s not uncommon to initiate change and then over time retreat back into the old familiar ways and loosen the grip on the new progress.  Make a heartfelt commitment to change, and prepare for the inevitable setbacks that will occur.

When the setbacks occur, don’t let them derail the whole program.

Be Accountable Sustaining change is more difficult than initiating it. What typically happens is a change is made; we enjoy the success of making the change and then give ourselves a break. That change then evaporates quickly. This is where an accountability partner can facilitate and strengthen the resolve to move forward.

Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Express your intentions to someone, find a workout buddy, hire a personal trainer, or work with a wellness coach to ensure you’re staying on track. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” Not only do you need the moral support of another, but you also tend to become like those you hang around. Find positive role models who are wellness-minded to inspire and spur you along.

Create New Habits Hebrews 12:1 instructs us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” This doesn’t mean “don’t lift weights.”

Maybe the weights we need to lay aside are wrong thoughts and bad habits. Old habits die hard because they want to defend their territory. Galatians 5:17 says, “The Spirit and your desires are enemies of each other. They are always fighting each other 10 Studio G

and keeping you from doing what you feel you should.” Habits are formed when there is a pattern of thought or repetitive action.

When we give attention to a habit, we feed it. However, although we all have bad habits, repeating a good thought and action enough times allows a new habit to be formed. Eventually new good habits drive out the bad. This process requires welcoming the temporary discomfort of new behavior. Research shows that it takes a minimum of 21 days to develop just one new habit. That’s why a good fitness program should be at least 12 weeks long.

Over the next 12 weeks, find out where you are, set your intentions, be accountable to someone and create new habits. As you develop a lifestyle of fitness, you’ll experience the rewards of greater health.

Emily Gilstrap, a former All-American gymnast, has a Masters degree in Adult Fitness Management and over 24 years experience in the Health and Fitness industry. She is a Wellness Consultant and is married to Matthew.

Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.

3 John 2

studio solutions for the soul

Dear Debbie

Q Q

Recently, I found myself in a conversation about sex with other soccer moms. The discussion had to do with how much sex is enough. Two women on virtual opposite sides of the universe on this subject battered back and forth about the issue. As a rather new believer, the chat on the soccer field caused me to wonder if there are biblical guidelines for sex.

A

~SEXY SOCCER MOM

The Bible does have much to say about sex, but it doesn’t tell us the “magical” number of times we as married couples should have sex. Sex is a gift from God and given to married couples for enjoyment and procreation—a wrapped gift that He’s given us to explore.

If you’re wondering whether or not you’re satisfying your guy, I think you should ask him. I should warn you that his need for sex is much different than yours. It’s one of his top God-given needs. On the other hand, one of our top needs is security, which comes because your husband gets out of bed and goes to work every day to pay for your home and bills. It’s perfectly reasonable for him to meet your needs, but as women, we often ignore our men’s needs. More often than not, sex is always a contributor to marriages that don’t make it. Here’s my suggestion … surprise him, initiate it and initiate often.

I remember being so excited about reading my Bible and having incredible quiet times where it seemed God was in the room with me. Now I hate to admit it, but I feel like a dry stick spiritually. Whenever I reluctantly find a few minutes in my day to read my Bible, it feels like a chore. I want to regain the passion I once knew but really don’t know where to begin. Have you ever felt like a dry stick? ~WANTING MORE

A

I’ve felt exactly like what you’re describing.

I remember one such time when I was pouring my heart out to my husband and admitted to him that I didn’t want to read my Bible.

A few weeks earlier, a friend hurt me deeply, and I felt like God should have protected me from the pain.

Robert’s response was, “Tell God.” That sent chills down my spine; it was the last thing I wanted to do.

Robert encouraged me to open up a dialogue with God about where I was and why. His encouragement to be honest with God and my hesitancy to be real and vulnerable was more than just a little eye-opening.

As I kept pushing in, I discovered I had bought into the most splendid misconception of all, which is that, as believers, we are exempt from difficult situations.

And out of my newfound transparency came a renewed spring in my spiritual step.

Well, that’s my story, and I’m sure you have your own reasons. So let me leave you with this thought: our God is big enough to handle the truth. As Robert told me that day, “He already knows, so you might as well just be honest.”

Spring 2009 11

Q

My youngest child went off to college last September. Now I find myself moping around and wandering aimlessly around the mall just to fill my time. Some of my friends have suggested that I need a counselor to help me deal with my depression. But I don’t think I’m really depressed, just a little lost. Do you have any suggestions for me? ~MOPING MALL WANDERER

A

I have great news for you! You may feel like you’ve recently lost your sense of purpose and direction, but it’s only temporary. Today is your day to start investing your life in new ways. Consider some of these options: take a cooking class, dust off your old paintbrushes and cover a canvas, host a Gateway Group or mentor a young mom who would love to learn from your experience. If all that sounds too big for today, then find one project in your home that you can conquer in a single day. It can be as simple as organizing a drawer or rearranging a bookshelf. Tomorrow, find one more project and tackle it. Continue for a week, finding and knocking out projects and then look back at all you have done. If you still feel a little blue, then I suggest you listen to your friends and seek help. I personally recommend Gateway Church’s Freedom Ministry as a great place to start the process of getting help.

Q

I recently lost my job, and things in my husband’s field of work are pretty shaky.

We’ve cut back on all of our expenses.

We’re currently able to tithe and pay our bills, but there isn’t any extra money. And while I am grateful for my husband’s job and income, I feel nervous and anxious about our finances. Do you have any advice? ~ANXIOUS JOB SEEKER

A

I have to commend you for all of the steps you’ve taken. You and your husband were wise to organize your finances in such a way that you don’t require both incomes to survive. Your continued commitment to tithe speaks volumes about your walk with the Lord.

I know it’s hard to believe this right now, but there may be a day when you’re grateful for all the wonderful things happening in your life. When you’re totally dependent on God, miracles happen even if you’re not aware of all of them. Marriages are often strengthened, values established and character sharpened. I know that if you watch and listen to the news often, there seems to be plenty of reasons to worry. One thing you might want to evaluate is what you’re listening to, because "faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word of God." Tune your ear to listen for God’s voice. I think He will give you creative ways to make it through this season.

“Dear Debbie” letters are answered by Debbie Morris. If you have a question that you would like to submit to “Dear Debbie,” please email it to deardebbie@gatewaypeople.com. Everything submitted is anonymous and won’t be shared with third parties.

By submitting your questions, you give us permission to edit and publish. Only questions published will be answered.

What are you interested in?

Whether it’s Bible study, prayer, freedom, professional women or leadership development, we have a group just for you! Topics, leaders and locations change each semester, so check back often to find a group that’s right for you.

PINK More info? call: 817.552.3705 email: pinkgroups@gatewaypeople.com visit: groups.gatewaypeople.com

studio spice

From My Table to Yours

by LYNDA GROVE

M

y fondest childhood memories are of my family gathered around the table. For me, “family” meant at least 35 cousins and grandmas and aunts and uncles and friends and neighbors. We gathered for any and every occasion we could use as an excuse to share food, life and love. But the greatest of these was the passion to please the palate.

For an Italian family, it is the utmost statement of love to share a bountiful, flavorful meal.

For most of us, daylong-simmered soups and sauces are not practical, but the magic of a rich sauce is still the star of the table. It is indispensable for pastas, lasagna and as a garnish for all types of meats.

These recipes are for everyone who desires to bring their family back to the table to share not just food, but to share life and love.

Ciao!

“30-MINUTE” TRADITIONAL SAUCE 1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce 2 cloves of garlic, minced 3 tbsps fresh basil, chopped Dash of salt & pepper ⅛–¼ tsp crushed red pepper 2 tbsps water or chicken broth Cover and simmer 5–10 minutes.

For the Passionate Cook: It takes a little time, but it is well worth it! And it makes plenty, so you can freeze the leftover sauce up to three months. Use in all of your favorite recipes!

TRADITIONAL SAUCE 2 med onions, chopped

2 cans tomato paste

Olive oil

4–5 tbsps sugar

2 tsps dried parsley, or 3 tbsps fresh minced Italian parsley

2 tsps dried basil, or 3 tbsps fresh chopped basil

¼ tsp crushed red pepper

1 can tomato purée

1 can petite diced tomatoes

2 bay leaves

4 C of water

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 head of garlic, remove 2 cloves & mince

Heat oil over medium heat in a large, non-stick stew pot (I use my skillet and transfer to a stew pot to simmer).

Add minced onions and sauté, stirring often, for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and tomato paste stirring continuously until the paste thickens and turns deep red, about 8–10 minutes (make sure you have plenty of oil in the pan or the paste will burn—all oil will be strained off at the end of cooking).

Continuing to stir, add spices and continue cooking until the mixture turns even deeper red, about 5 minutes. When you think it’s done, let it cook 1–2 minutes longer.

Add the canned tomato products, water, bay leaf, salt and pepper and the remainder of the garlic. Bring sauce to a slow boil, reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 3½–4 hours. Remove bay leaf and garlic head. Using a fork, squeeze the “meat” from the garlic head—stir “meat” back into the sauce.

Skim off all excess oil with a spoon.

by ARNITA TAYLOR

SEVEN TINY LAYERS At some point in time during my life at college, I sat in a lecture hall and listened to a very smart person discussing immunity (the way we fight disease) who said that our skin is the first line of defense in fighting disease: it is a protective barrier with seven different layers. I know this may sound boring to you, but the whole idea was actually quite interesting to me at the time.

One day, several years later, the whole thought revisited me in a completely different way. It seems we often react or treat each other differently on the basis of our skin. Of course, we’re not often concerned about the number of layers; it’s usually the color. Throughout my life, it’s been common for my skin color to be viewed as a limitation or at least a variable to make me seem very different. I began to realize that the effects of feeling this rejection were very real to me. At a core level, I had a lot of work to do with God. Over the years, I had internalized some thoughts, pain and certainly some lies from the Enemy!

As I began to walk through the healing process with God, He was gracious to remind me of an incident that occurred when I was in high school.

During my senior year, colleges would come into the high school to recruit and offer scholarships. I was invited, along with my guidance counselor, to meet with a local college whose students were predominately African-American. At the end of the meeting, I graciously declined the scholarship opportunity. My guidance counselor was baffled and asked me why. I explained to her that I desired to go to a large school in the state that wasn’t the obvious “safe choice.”

Because of her prejudice, she was quick to inform me that I wouldn’t be successful in that environment because of the color of my skin. I was baffled!

But her response certainly motivated me to prove her wrong! Now that I’m further along in my healing, I recognize that incident planted a seed of rejection in my heart. As I’ve walked with the Lord through this issue, He has taught me many things.

First, He is the God who celebrates uniqueness and diversity on many levels.

Just think about one square inch of grass. In this small cross section, there are 14 Studio G

literally hundreds of species of organisms and microorganisms. Each of them is unique in their own right. All of creation was fashioned in the mind of God to bring Him great pleasure. Each of us was designed and chosen before the world was formed. Ephesians 1:4 says, “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world.” God uniquely designed each one of us down to the minute details of our skin tone! He has given personalized detail to every aspect of our lives.

Psalm 139:13–16 says: 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 woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

No one else brings to the kingdom what you do. Just as I’ve learned to walk in my unique contribution, you need to celebrate your own uniqueness and diversity!

Secondly, I’ve come to know and appreciate the enrichment that difference and diversity brings. The practice of embracing this in my personal life has had many positive results. Several aspects of my life have become better because I’ve chosen to connect with and allow myself to be influenced by many people whose skin tones don’t resemble mine. I have chosen not to allow the first seven visible layers to be a disqualifier. This decision is aligned with the Word of God and epitomizes God’s desire for interdependence and uniqueness within the body. In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes: The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. If the foot

should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?

But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:12, 15–20, 27).

Thirdly, as a mom, it’s very important for me to leave this viewpoint and legacy to my children. And not just mine … but any child I have the privilege of influencing and speaking into their life. God is calling us to a season of unity and togetherness.

We are being held accountable to another level of love—a higher level. So let’s all go forward celebrating our differences, learning from them and not allowing for added division in the body due to skin—it’s only seven tiny layers!

Spring 2009 15

And So It Was

by ANGIE SCHULLER-WYATT

As a single woman, I was content with my life. I wasn’t looking for love. Rather, I was focused on my career, singing on tour, speaking and writing. I was making new friends and loving life.

In fact, I didn’t even want to date. I was indifferent to marriage altogether. After all, I was busy building a career. I can vividly remember telling my family, “Don’t talk to me about the one … I’m not interested!”

And then … God started nudging my heart.

His prodding began so softly that I didn’t recognize it at first. But day after day, my desire for love slowly and gradually intensified. I could no longer ignore His urging.

Not knowing how to deal with this new desire that was completely contrary to how I had been living my life, I met with my spiritual mentor to express my sheer frustration. I poured out my heart and asked, “If the longing I’m feeling is from God, then I know I need to be open to the plans He has for me, but doesn’t living with an unfulfilled desire mean living with something outside of my control?” I remember thinking, “I don’t know if I can live this way. How can I live with this desire that I can’t fulfill?”

An entire summer passed, and my frustration only grew. On Memorial Day, I poured my heart out to my father about my longing, hopes and fears. And so it came full circle. After repeatedly telling my father, “Don’t talk to me about the one,” I was now asking him to pray that God would bring my husband into my life.

And then …

The very next weekend, my dad shook the hand of the man I was to marry. My father often talks about the moment he was introduced to Chris Wyatt. The first time he looked into Chris’ eyes, God told him, “You’re looking into the eyes of your future son-in-law.”

Nine months later, God’s promise was fulfilled. We were married.

And so it was.

A checklist for reaching your own “and then …” moment:

After months of struggling with this life-changing paradox, I decided to embark on a monthlong fast.

I prayed for my husband and my future. On the last night of the fast, I had a prophetic dream. The dream was crystal clear … my husband was on his way. I coveted God’s promise in my heart.

❖❖ Pursue happiness despite your circumstances.

However, despite God’s promise revealed to me in my dream, I grew more anxious and unsettled with each passing day. There were no suitors in my life; I had no options. There weren’t even any appealing prospects!

I had opened my heart to God, yet all I was left with was a lonely, empty longing.

❖❖ Commit to a time of fasting, prayer and worship.

16 Studio G

❖❖ Remain open and obedient to God’s voice. ❖❖ Be willing to change. ❖❖ Meet with a spiritual mentor or friend to make sure your desires are Spirit-led. ❖❖ Immerse yourself in community for support. ❖❖ Ask for help. People love to help others reach their dreams. ❖❖ Wait on God’s perfect timing.

by DEBBIE MORRIS

SEXPECTATIONS

S

ome events are so significant to history or our own personal life that we often remember the smallest details that may seem trivial in light of the grand story. Many people remember where they were when Kennedy was shot.

More recently, most of us remember exactly what we were doing when the events of 9/11 gripped our nation. In less catastrophic markers, we may remember what we were wearing for our first date. The smell of our bouquet or the butterflies in our stomach may crown our wedding day memories. And sometimes, even the most insignificant conversations make a great, lasting impact.

For me, I remember the day when a shift occurred in my thinking about sex. My husband and I were in a car with our pastor and his wife heading west on Highway 183 towards Northeast Mall when our conversation took an interesting turn as our pastor said: “The marriage bed is undefiled.” I had heard that before, but this time something changed. In some ways, it was like scales fell off my eyes. In that moment, I realized that sex isn’t an aftermarket addition conceived by man. It’s God’s plan, and it’s a good one. Somewhere in all the lectures I had heard about not having sex before marriage, I had come to

believe that sex was evil and not something to be enjoyed.

Recently I turned on my TV, and Oprah just happened to be on. The on-screen text read: “40 Million Sexless Marriages in America.” I didn’t watch the show, but that staggering statistic has been lingering in my head. It made me think all of those 40 million couples need a pastor to say to them, “The marriage bed is undefiled.”

Much of our concepts of sexuality are based on commercialized influences.

Everything from ruby red lips and tight jeans with cowboy boots to a deep voice and ample cleavage has defined sexuality. And, every day more and more people are turning to pornography. Yet “the more pornography that men watch, the less sex they are actually having” according to Julie M. Albright, a sociologist at USC. Her study, “Sex in America Online: An Exploration of Sex, Marital Status and Sexual Identity in Internet Sex Seeking and Its Impacts,” is based on the responses to a survey taken by over 15,000 people, in which 75 percent of men stated they viewed or downloaded porn. Surprisingly, 41 percent of women also acknowledged viewing porn. Both groups agreed porn has had a negative impact on their sex life.

Spring 2009 17

God’s version of sexuality is so different than today’s society. Our pastor went on to say that the marriage bed is undefiled when it’s protected from a third party and both partners are agreeing. He was essentially saying that when those boundaries are in place, a couple has permission to have fun with their sex life.

75% of men and a surprising 41% of women say they have downloaded or viewed porn

God gave us sex, and He wisely established it solely for married couples. In marriage, there is a commitment to love and honor. In their book, The Language of Sex, Dr. Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham masterfully explain that honor and security is the pathway to great sex.

When we honor our spouse, we create a loving environment that enables us to respond affectionately.

Security is important as well, because it tears down walls that divide us.

Why should we talk about sex? Because our sex lives are a reflection of what’s happening in our relationship. It’s difficult to be passionate towards the guy who you’re plotting to poison in the recesses of your mind. If we find the thought of sex appalling, we should

evaluate why and deal with the issues in our own heart and marriage. A great sex life begins outside of the bedroom by cultivating a great relationship.

Linda Dillow and Lorraine Pintus remind us in their book Intimate Issues, “Your sense of sensuousness begins in your mind before your husband enters the room. Thinking sexually is a frame of mind, a focus.”

Our insensitive thoughts towards our husband’s sexual needs could be crippling our ability to respond appropriately.

The most sensual thing we can do for our guys isn’t painting our lips, tugging on jeans a size too small or flaunting our cleavage. “The top thing a man wants from a woman is responsiveness,” while a woman wants gentleness (The Language of Sex). Becoming the responsive partner God intended us to be could be the answer to our spouse’s prayer.

God gave us to our spouse as a gift, but what good is a gift if you can’t enjoy it? Our sexuality is God-given.

I highly encourage you to pursue the reward of a healthy sex life within your marriage!

The Language of Sex

by Dr. Gary Smalley & Ted Cunningham and

Intimate Issues

by Linda Dillow & Lorraine Pintus availabe at Passages, located at both the Southlake and NRH Campuses.

18 Studio G

solutions studio forspotlight the soul

THE NOW MOMENT...

by Holly Wagner

One morning at 7:00 am, I was in the kitchen doing the breakfast show.

(Those of you with school-age children know what I mean!) Sometimes I think God should have given women about four hands ... or at least have given us the option! I was making breakfast for my family (pouring milk into bowls of cereal ... chef that I am!) and making coffee at the same time. We women can do multiple tasks like this ... or rather I thought we could! I was pouring boiling water into a filter of coffee grounds when the cup tilted over.

Boiling water and very hot coffee grounds poured onto my arm. OUCH!!!!!

I immediately stuck my arm into a sink of very cold water and continued to pour juice into glasses ... after all I had to get breakfast finished. (what a woman!!) My arm began to feel better ... mainly because the ice water had numbed it! My husband came into the kitchen, took one look at my arm in the sink and said that we had better call the doctor. He commented on the fact that my skin was peeling off ... and that he was seeing layers of my skin he didn’t think he was supposed to. (men ... so squeamish!!) Nonetheless, he called the doctor and described the burn. Because the burn actually went all around my arm, I was told I needed to go to the emergency room so

Spring 2009 19

It is taalent y p p ha now how to ko play …son t E mer a ldo W h p Ra l

that my arm wouldn’t swell up and fall off. (or something like that!) So off to the emergency room we went. I was now in excruciating pain because the numbness of the ice had worn off. At the hospital, my arm was bandaged and I was given a shot of Demerol for the pain. I have never really had any strong pain medication. But when the nurse described the woozy, floaty feeling I would have with the Demerol, I told her to give me that shot! The pain was so intense I wanted the woozy feeling!!!

However, about five minutes after I was given the shot, rather than the spaced out feeling I was hoping for... my blood pressure had dropped to 50/20 and was continuing to drop ... and my heart was headed for arrest. I remember lying on the gurney, hearing my husband making the comment that I didn’t look too good. (thanks, honey!) Then I heard the nurses yelling down the hall that they needed help in here. (I guess my condition was serious) In the midst of this commotion, I could feel my body shutting down ... but my mind was still functioning ... well as much as it does at any time! I started to laugh in my head, “This is an ER episode ... that’s what it is ... a woman goes in for burn treatment and ends up with a heart attack!” Well, thank God for technology. The medical personnel did whatever they needed to do to bring me back. A few hours later, I was sitting up and feeling better. (although the arm still hurt!!! Are you feeling sorry for me?? ) 20 Studio G

After my near death experience, I am very glad to be alive! My suggestion is that we don’t wait for an experience like that to cause us to love life. Jesus told his followers that he came to bring life ... not death or destruction ... but life. And the word that he used for life is the Greek word, Zoë. This word implies more than the breathe-in, breathe-out kind of life. (Although I am grateful to be breathing in and breathing out!) This word means abundant, over-flowing, rich and plentiful life!!

We should be living life with passion. Life is for living!!! We should be celebrating the life we have been given ... not just trudging through the days, but really living them!

One of the ways we can enjoy life is to celebrate the moments of it we are given.

We each have different abilities and different talents. We come from different backgrounds and families. However, there is one thing that we are all given that is exactly the same. We are each given twenty-four hours in a day, seven days in a week and fifty-two weeks in a year. We are each given the moment called now.

And this moment will not come again.

We are to live each moment. Time then becomes our responsibility. We are only given now once. What are you doing with your now moment?

I should be living out every moment of my day fulfilling the purpose for which I have been created. Destiny isn’t a destination, but a journey ... it is living every moment the way you were created to ... so every day of my life I am living out my destiny. This does not mean that I run around like a crazy person all day. No. It means that I make every moment count. My purpose on the earth includes being a wife, mother, teacher, author and friend. So, whether I am cooking dinner (it happens occasionally!), helping my kids with homework (algebra is my specialty!) writing, studying, praying, talking (among other things ... ) with my husband ... I am living out destiny and

making the moments count. Sometimes we mess up our now moments by not living in them. There are a number of us women who work outside of the home. What I find in talking to women is that rather than being in the moment at work, we are wrestling with feelings of guilt, or at the least, we are wondering if we did everything we could for our kids that morning. Or, maybe we are concerned about all of the stuff we have to do around the house. So we are not living in our now moment at work. We are not present. And then, when we get home, oftentimes we are wondering if we finished everything we were supposed to at work. So, we are not fully present at home either. Maybe while you are sitting at church or a seminar you are wondering where you will go to lunch and whom you should go with. Maybe, while you are having a conversation with someone, you stop listening and begin thinking about your weekend. So once again we are not living in our now moment. These moments become wasted ones, simply because we weren’t fully present in them. Let’s live in the moment we have been given. We have got to quit wishing we were somewhere else!

From when we were young, (OK, some of us still are!) we put off enjoying the now moment. When we were fifteen, we could hardly wait to turn sixteen so that we could drive. Then, we would be really happy once we graduated from high school. No, we’d be happy once we got accepted into the college of our choice.

Then, we’d be happy once we graduated from college. No, we’d be happy once we get that job we want. No, we’ll really start living once we get married. It’ll be great once we have kids. We’ll be happy once the kids are in school. No, we’ll be happy once we get divorced. We’ll be happy when we change jobs. We’ll be happy once we retire ... and the list of waiting to enjoy the moments goes on and on. Looking forward to something is great, but not at the expense of enjoying the now moment. Live the moment you are in to its fullest!

Getting to Know Holly Holly Wagner has a passion to see women become who God has designed them to be and to see women of every generation extend a helping hand to the younger generation.

Out of this passion arose GodChicks, a thriving and innovative women’s ministry based out of Oasis Christian Center that reaches thousands of women around the world through their annual GodChicks Conferences. With her trademark witty style, Holly uses Scripture passages and her own life experiences to deliver humorous yet poignant principles for facing any crisis life throws at you. Holly and her husband, Philip, have been married for 24 years and co-pastor Oasis Christian Center, a growing, relevant, multi-cultural, multi-generational church located in Los Angeles. She loves spending time with her two dogs and two children, Jordan (21) and Paris (16).

Learn More About Holly Wagner and Her Ministry • GodChicks.com • OasisCentral.com

Fun Facts

What do you do to chill out?

When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up?

How do you want people to remember you?

An actress or a medical missionary How would you describe yourself?

Read and hang with friends.

As a cheerful, passionate person who stayed committed to the path in front of her.

Outgoing, happy, energetic, talks A LOT!

What are your favorite things to eat?

What makes you laugh?

I love to eat … Indian food, Thai food and big green salads.

Sooooo many things ... I love to laugh!

What are your favorite books?

What kind of things do you like to do?

Have coffee with friends, swim in a warm ocean, read a book What are you most passionate about?

Seeing God’s church be strong and healthy … seeing women thrive.

The Mark of the Lion series

by Francine Rivers What is your favorite dessert?

This changes, but now it’s fruit cobbler … and anything with caramel.

What is your favorite TV show?

24

What is one thing that drives you crazy?

Lazy people What is your favorite place in the world?

Other than Los Angeles, my two favorite cities are Sydney and London ... and for blobbing, Cancun.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I have a black belt in karate.

What are your favorite scripture verses?

Hmmm … so many!

2 Cor 2:14 (MSG) In the Messiah, in Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.

Eph 3:20 (MSG) God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams!

Spring 2009 21

All In God’s Time

by CHERI COCHRAN

It was March 1996, and Randy and I had been married for three and a half years. Just six months after our wedding we decided we were “ready” to have kids. Both of us longed to be parents, and like most couples, never imagined we’d have any difficulty having children.

I guess I should have known there could be problems, but over the years I hadn’t really put it all together. As a teen, I’d paid a few visits to my family doctor because my cycles were so unpredictable it had become almost impossible to live with. He said not to worry … it was “just adolescence,” and as I grew older everything would be fine. But by the age of 20, my cycles had disappeared completely (which, I have to admit, seemed more like a blessing than a problem).

Like most young brides, I went on birth control pills shortly before our wedding, and everything seemed to be fine—until we started trying to have children. Within a few months of going off the pill, my cycles became sporadic and unpredictable once again.

“Are you doing okay?” asked my husband, Randy, as the minutes ticked by in the waiting room.

“Umm … I think so.” I tried to sound cheerful, but I was scared. We’d received a call from my gynecologist’s office asking us to come in—Dr. Tullar wanted to talk to us in person about the results of my recent tests. I was pretty sure that wasn’t a good sign.

22 Studio G

As months turned into years, another cycle—this one emotional—was in full swing. Each month or two I’d begin to wonder if this was “it” … maybe the late cycle was a sign that I was finally pregnant. I’d do another pregnancy test, only to be disappointed again. My frustration level became so high and my faith so low that I eventually stopped testing at all … almost.

Physically, I was having problems. But the emotional and spiritual side of struggling with what seemed more and more like an infertility problem was even harder to deal with. Well-meaning people constantly questioned when we were going to “get around to” having a family. My friends seemed to be popping out children with great ease (yes, I know they don’t “pop out,” but it seemed that way at the time!). With each announcement of another friend’s pregnancy came a rush of conflicting emotions—genuine happiness for my friends and deep grief for me. Mother’s Day grew more difficult each year,

but baby dedications were the worst. Scriptures such as, “Children are a gift from the Lord,” always seemed to land on my heart with a heavy thud. When, Lord? I want a baby, too. Remember me, Lord? Why not me?

While Randy remained annoyingly unworried, steady and full of faith, I felt like World War III was being waged in my mind every single day. I scoured the Scriptures and filled my journal with verses about God’s faithfulness.

My heart would lighten, and I’d have faith … for a few hours. Or sometimes minutes. Then the nagging questions and fears would hound me again: “Is God punishing me for the mistakes I made in high school? Am I not good enough?

Do I not have enough faith? What am I doing wrong? In 10 minutes, I could swing from just “knowing” that God would give us a child to absolute despair.

I thought about it every day, several times a day. I often cried myself to sleep, feeling confused and frustrated. The doubt, accusations and questions would sweep over me faster than I could process them, as if there were 20 people all simultaneously yelling at me in my mind. I’d squeeze my eyes shut and silently scream, just STOP!!!! All the while, I tried as hard as I could to “let go and let God” as everyone told me to do.

But as the months dragged by without a pregnancy, I continued to battle with fear. I wanted to just trust God, but I didn’t know how. Through the years there was nothing I wanted so badly as to be a mother. And now there was absolutely nothing I could do to make it a reality. It was totally out of my control. Randy was totally confident that we would have children of our own.

I had times of great hope, but deep down I wasn’t confident God cared about this quite as much as I did.

Now here we were at the doctor’s office, waiting for news I wasn’t sure I was ready for.

Dr. Tullar took us back to his office. We small-talked for a few minutes as we all got settled, and then he looked at us from across the desk. “I have bad news and good news,” he began. “The bad news is that with or without fertility treatment, it’s going to take a miracle for you to get pregnant.” He paused to let it sink in. “The good news is that I believe in a God who does miracles.”

Over the next 30 minutes, he went on to explain that I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, a hormonal imbalance that causes a whole slew of problems, many of which I was experiencing: difficulty becoming pregnant, irregular or absent cycles, acne, weight gain, darkened facial hair, blood sugar imbalances, increased testosterone and very low progesterone levels. Longterm, PCOS can cause heart problems, diabetes and ovarian cancer. Even if I became pregnant through fertility treatment, Dr. Tullar was fairly certain I couldn’t sustain a pregnancy because my hormones were so far off. I wasn’t ovulating. I was infertile.

I was numb.

My doctor explained our options, but without health insurance (or money) we had no option but to wait for a miracle. Like Dr. Tullar, I certainly believed in a God who did miracles, but could I believe that God would actually do a miracle for me?

The next four months were a blur of busyness, including a two-month national tour with the worship team we led at the Bible college where my husband and I worked. The constant activity, combined with being with 20 other people on a bus every day, left little time to think very deeply about

pregnancy. But once the new school year began in August of 1997, the hope/fear cycle re-emerged with a vengeance: There are lots of people who were certain God promised them children who never had any. What if you’re just setting yourself up for huge disappointment? … If you never doubted Him, you’d be pregnant already … And so on and so on. I was afraid of being disappointed. I didn’t want to assume that having children was always God’s will.

And the thought that “if I just believed strongly enough, God would give me what I wanted” didn’t sit right with me either. My quiet times became one confusing, emotional session after another. I was stuck.

And then … in September 1997, the Lord interrupted with a question: “Either I am everything that I say I am and will do everything I say I will do, or why would you bother to serve Me at all?” At once, who God was flooded my mind like a tsunami: Ever-Faithful, True, Perfect, Worthy, Just, Merciful, Wise, Sovereign, King of Kings, Good, Loving, Gracious, my Provider, my Father, my King, Trustworthy … My God doesn’t give stones to His children when they ask Him for bread. My God’s thoughts are far superior to mine. My God’s love never fails. My God’s ways are always perfect.

I wasn't ovulating.

I was infertile.

I was numb.

Suddenly, I understood. I could no longer trust God only when I understood Him and question His nature when I didn’t. I had been a Christian and served God since childhood. I knew a lot about God and had experienced His presence many times in meaningful ways. But until that very moment, I never truly understood that trusting God didn’t mean believing that He would do something; it meant believing that whatever He did, it was good. Because He is good. God was incapable of doing anything in my life that wasn’t for my good and His glory. His ways, whatever they were, would always be perfect.

Spring 2009 23

I fell to my knees and from the depths of my heart tearfully declared to my Lord, “I believe that You are everything You say You are and will do everything You have said You would do. You have promised me that I will have children of my own.

So whether I become pregnant next week or must wait another decade, I believe that Your way for me is perfect. And … if I never become pregnant, I will still believe Your way is best for me. I trust You.” And with that, there was peace—the kind that passes all understanding. The kind that stays a lot longer than 10 minutes.

To me, that moment with God is the climax of this story. Every physical and emotional problem I battled with was worth what God taught me about Himself that day. I learned that God gives good gifts to His children because He is good, not because we are. I learned to seek His face and not His hand. And since then, I’ve discovered that God almost always moves in my heart before He moves in my circumstances. I am thankful for my infertility, because it opened the door for God to totally change the way I relate to Him. He was worth it all.

24 Studio G

But the story does go on …

In October 1997, a month after my encounter with God’s goodness, I was enjoying praising the Lord at a worship conference I was attending. And then … He interrupted (again) and said to me: “No one will know the day or the hour that you become pregnant. It won’t be after anyone in particular prays for you or prophesies over you, so that only I will receive the glory. And … your first child will be a boy.”

On the way home that night, I announced to Randy that God had said our first child would be a boy. He snapped his head sideways to look at me. “You sound like you really believe that,” he said, a little incredulous. And I really did.

Andrew Mark Cochran was born July 29, 1998. He was three weeks overdue.

We think. No one knew for sure when he was due, because no one really knew when (or how) I became pregnant. After all, it’s challenging for a doctor to calculate a due date when the patient’s paperwork reads: Date of last cycle—1994! But only God received the glory.

A year later, I had a thought: “Wait a minute … did God say our first child would be a boy?”

Our second child, Lindsay Eden Cochran, was born on June 26, 2000. Again, no fertility treatment, just another miracle from the God who is always good.

I still have PCOS. I still have no cycles without drugs. I am still believing God to heal me. But His goodness doesn’t rest upon whether or not He heals me. He is good because He is.

d n a p Sto . . . n e t Lis Several years ago I read a book titled, Where Does a Mother Go to Resign? At the time, my children were in elementary school and what I gained most from the book was the fact I wasn’t alone in how I was feeling. I had the hardest job in the world without a “how to” manual to help me, and sometimes I just wanted to run away!

by KATHY HENIGAN JIMERSON

Somehow I made it through the middle school and high school years, balancing home, family, a full-time job and usually living in survival mode.

Then came the empty nest syndrome. Suddenly, my husband, Phil, and I were alone in a very quiet house. That’s when “alone” took on a whole new meaning for me. Without realizing it, we had been so focused on raising children, being involved in their lives, making a living, excelling in our jobs and being involved in our church that we left one of the most important items off the list. Somehow we got lost in the busyness, and our relationship was almost nonexistent. The kids, our careers and even church work had become the glue that held us together. We were doing things together, but the intimacy of two people sharing, caring and changing together wasn’t there. We shared our family’s needs, but somewhere along the way we had stopped sharing in each other’s hopes, dreams and ideas.

After some time of feeling empty, I put some things in the car and waved goodbye. I drove to San Marcos, Texas, where our youngest daughter was living while attending college. For days I sat alone on the balcony of her apartment: no tears, no thoughts, just feeling empty and lifeless. I knew I was at a serious crossroads, and the wrong turn could create a world of hurt for many. When I could muster words, all I seemed to whisper was, “Does anyone see me? Does anyone hear me? God, will you help me?”

That was the depth of my prayer.

Several days later, I was at a gas station filling up my tank when two men walked by. They stopped, backed up and casually asked, “Are you visiting here?” I just nodded yes and didn’t engage in conversation. “We live in Wimberley, just down this road, and we go to a great church. Love to have you visit.” They proceeded to tell me the name and location and

Spring 2009 25

then walked away. Evidently I listened. The weekend came along with no answer to my plea for help, so I decided to find that church.

It was just as they described—small and tucked back into a wooded forest, relatively out of sight. I slipped into a back pew unnoticed and listened to the message. When they were singing the last hymn, I gathered my things to make a quick exit. As I eased towards the door, I heard, “Excuse me … don’t leave!” A young woman pushing through the crowd was heading my way. Extending out a hand holding a piece of paper, she said, “This is for you. I think the Lord gave it to me for you.” She offered it with such meekness and kindness that I took it and began to read it in front of her: “I see your hurt and your wounded spirit; I will heal you. You are loved; I see and hear you.” Now the tears were flowing. I knew the words on that paper came from the heart of God. The young lady was standing by quietly. “We have prayer for people on Tuesday mornings here at the church. You are welcome to come,” she said. By now I couldn’t even talk. Nodding my head that I heard her, I slowly walked to the car.

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

Psalm 37:23

When Tuesday came, I arrived back at the little church to see a group of five women waiting inside. I seemed to be the only new face. They smiled as I entered. Surrounding me, they began to gently pray, quoting familiar scriptures and words of encouragement as a healing ointment seemed to flow from my head down to my feet.

They invited me to lunch where others from their church were also waiting. Probing questions ensued: “Where are you from? How did you hear about our church?” There were smiles of recognition when I told them about the two men at the gas station. Evidently that was what those guys did, going throughout the small town looking for new faces to invite to church. As I skirted their deeper questions, they continued to probe, undaunted by my evasiveness. Finally, the young lady who handed me the note on Sunday spoke: “Several years ago, an evangelist came to our church and prophesied that God had placed us here to minister to hurting people. He said people would come from all over the world and slip into a back pew unnoticed, but it would in fact be a divine appointment. Our mission and our purpose is to pray for and allow God to heal hurting and wounded people.” Smiles radiated around the table as they focused on my surprised look. From the hours spent alone on a balcony to the two men at a gas station, God had orchestrated it all. He saw; He heard; He answered. What began as a crossroads of decision culminated into the gift of clarity. It was time to go home and trust God to change what needed changing and heal what needed healing. It wouldn’t be easy, but it would be all right.

Changes and challenges are ongoing; there is never a time to coast.

Relationships require sharing your heart, listening carefully to each other (especially to what isn’t being said) and making uninterrupted time for each other. Sometimes it sounds like the impossible, but we invest in what we value. When your mate doesn’t feel valued, it’s time to check the investment. Years ago the Lord took my hurting, wounded spirit and put me back on the right road. I’m better equipped today than I was then. But marriage, like life, isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. And it’s a good one!

With God as our guide, my husband and I now have 43 years to back that statement.

26 Studio G

studio profile

A Heart for the Lost:

A Q&A with Hala Saad

Hala Saad, a member of Gateway Church since 2002, says that being a part of this vibrant body of believers has helped launch the ministry she is doing today among Arab people around the world. Studio G caught up with her between trips to Egypt, where her television ministry is based, to learn more about her interesting journey that brought her to the place where she is now leading one of the top Arab media ministries in the Middle East.

Studio G (SG): Tell us a little about

your background? How did you become a Christian? Hala Saad (HS): I was born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, in a Christian family. Egypt is a Muslim country where Christians are a 10% minority. Mom came from a Coptic Orthodox background and Dad from an evangelical one, so we attended different kinds of churches growing up. At 13, I made Jesus Lord of my life at a youth camp in the coastal city of Alexandria.

Eventually my sister and brother were saved as well, and then, one by one, every member of my family received the Baptism in the Holy Spirit. It’s an amazing blessing that we never take for granted!

SG: How did you get involved in media?

HS: I never thought I’d be in TV ministry.

I am a marketing consultant by profession and was always very content with being a behind-the-scenes person, helping companies and ministries excel in communicating with the people they’re trying to reach. During a

business meeting in 1997, my client suddenly interrupted our conversation, “Stop! God is speaking to me.” I fumbled for a pen to write down what she would say next. “The Lord says that He will put you on television to proclaim His name. You won’t have to do anything to make this happen. They will seek you out.”

or inspirational thoughts. At that very undignified moment, I just started telling stories from my life—simple testimonies about the goodness of God and what I learned through my journey with Him. At the end of the session, the director cornered me and said, “You need to be on television.”

I tucked this “wild” prophetic word away and didn’t think about it again. In January of 2003, a dear friend asked me to tape a segment for a music program he was doing for an Arabic Christian TV station. I was told to sing a few songs and share some inspirational thoughts. Unfortunately, the last time I had sung in a praise group was about 20 years prior. But, not wanting to let him down, I agreed.

to building a TV ministry? HS: We began by laying a foundation in prayer. For all of 2003, we did nothing but pray, not necessarily for the ministry itself but rather for the people we were going to minister to.

We wanted God’s heart for them and asked that He give us His plan for maximum fruitfulness. I have an amazing intercessory team—prayer is the secret to our success!

On taping day, to say that I “bombed” as a singer is, well, a huge understatement!

Sheepishly, my friend asked if I would just move on to share some encouraging

SG: So, how did you go from that point

In early 2004, we started taping our first program, a variety evangelistic show. We have since grown exponentially. Today, we have 10 long-running shows and over 600 Christian music videos.

SG: What is the focus of your

programs? Do you have a favorite? HS: The goal of all our programs is evangelism and the discipleship of new believers, but each takes a different approach. We have programs for children, youth, apologetics, music and more. The one dearest to my heart is our women’s program.

SG: What is special about your

G O G LO B A L G LO B A L M I N I STRY TRI PS FO R WO M E N

More info? call: 817.552.3756 email: trips4women@gatewaypeople.com visit: global.gatewaypeople.com

Walk through the seasons of life with a friend!

pinkmentoring More info?

call: 817.552.3705 email: pinkmentoring@gatewaypeople.com visit: pink.gatewaypeople.com

women’s program, Daughter of the King?

HS: Daughter of the King is based on extensive research. We learned that there are many shows, both secular and Christian, that target women, but none deal with the real problems that Arab women face or address the fundamental issues of intrinsic value, basic equality, unique abilities and divine destiny.

In addition to inspirational teaching, music and docudramas, we have outstanding male contributors and presenters who speak directly to Middle Eastern men. God wants to tear down so many strongholds in the minds of both women and men. The fruit we are seeing so far is beyond all of our expectations!

SG: So what challenges face women in Egypt and the Middle East today? HS: I believe the most fundamental challenge is how women think of themselves. Finding an identity outside of marriage, family or children is very unusual for most Middle Eastern women. Many struggle with an inferior self-image; this is partly the byproduct of society’s preferential treatment of men over women from childhood onward.

Other contributing factors are polygamy (among Muslims), physical abuse by family members, harassment in the workplace and the lack of a good education.

SG: How does the average woman

think of herself? HS: This varies somewhat from urban to rural areas and is affected by whether or not a woman is educated. It is also greatly influenced by her religious upbringing (Muslim vs. Christian).

Most women see their primary role as being good wives, mothers and homemakers. A small percentage aspire to a career or making a difference outside the home. Egypt has

also been experiencing a shift to Islamic fundamentalism and the wearing of the veil—either by a woman’s volition or due to extreme pressure from her family. But because it’s an outward expression of piety, it hasn’t really changed the way women think of themselves on the inside.

SG: What about young girls? Are they

following the same trends? HS: The general move to stricter Islamic practices has undoubtedly influenced young girls. I see veiled preteens all over Egypt now—they aren’t even waiting till adulthood to decide for themselves. It’s different for girls who come from a Christian background, of course. But generally, girls aren’t encouraged to do much outside of attending school and socializing some with family friends.

Things that we take for granted here like participation in sports, the arts or other extracurricular activities are extremely rare over there.

SG: This fall, Gateway Women will

be directly involved in an outreach to women as well as other ministry activities in Egypt. Can you tell us about that? HS: I’m accompanying a group of women from Gateway to Egypt for a week. We’ll be involved in ministry to underprivileged children and to some of the Egyptian Christian leaders. We’ll also tape segments for Daughter of the King with a group of Arab women. I believe it will be a wonderful opportunity for Gateway women to impact Arab women with their love, encouragement, wisdom and godly insights. I encourage every one of my sisters to consider taking this trip. It will be a life-changer!

SG: For many, this will be their first

trip to the land of the Pharaohs. What should they expect? HS: Egypt is unlike anything in the Western world. It is busy, boisterous and very crowded. People are genuinely warm and friendly, and the food is scrumptious. We’ll cover lots of historic sites from Ancient Egyptian to Coptic Christian to Islamic places of interest. But I think the most rewarding thing will be to see the Egyptian church thriving in the middle of it all. God has a remnant in every land.

studio beauty

Sun-Damaged Skin?

Soak in some C!

by ALICHA THORNTON-RAY

Spring is here, and it’s time to start preparing your skin for the harmful effects of the sun. The skin is the part of our body where free radicals are most active and their effects are most visible. Due to their constant exposure to the environment, epidermal cells receive the full impact of pollutants and daily UV rays, which fosters the proliferation of free radicals.

BEAUTY TOUCHUPS Who said everyone “must” wear black mascara? Give yourself a mascara update for spring and summer!

BLUE OR GREEN EYES? Try a plum or violet color; it will put the twinkle back in your eyes.

HAZEL OR LIGHT BROWN? Ditch the black and try a brown, brown-black or amber.

DARK EYES? Stick with black; it was made for you. ÀÀ A fine line of brown or brown-black eyeliner into your lash line makes them appear thicker. ÀÀ Consider a waterproof mascara for beat-the-heat anti-smudge. ÀÀ Pop some color or a shimmery neutral on the middle of your eyelids to capture some eye contact.

The presence of an excessive number of free radicals can even cause damage to the genetic structure of cells and consequential harm to the epidermal structure, thereby resulting in premature aging. Skin damage includes the loss of elasticity, firmness and hydration, as well as the appearance of wrinkles, expression lines and dark spots.

Fortunately, your skin has several biological mechanisms able to deactivate free radicals and repair the damage. However, the damage produced is often much greater than the skin’s repairing and self-protective systems can handle, leaving the skin clearly weakened.

The skin doesn’t always possess sufficient natural resources to repair the damage and replenish the energy reserves of one of the most important antioxidants we can benefit from—Vitamin C. Vitamin C is neither made by our bodies nor stored by our bodies, and merely drinking orange juice every day isn’t enough to prevent your skin from being damaged by the sun and the environment. It is therefore vital to incorporate products and treatments containing Vitamin C that neutralize free radicals, prevent premature aging and alleviate sun damage.

QUICK TIP When looking for products, be a smart shopper and look for brands that use “air tight” packaging (like pumps not jars).

Spring 2009 29

ON!

Get Your My Need for Community

I’ve always heard and believed that a crucial element for growing in your walk with the Lord is community—surrounding yourself with people who spur you on towards the things God has called you to. Sometimes in large churches it can be overwhelming to know how to begin finding community amongst the masses of people. That was certainly my story.

I moved to Dallas from Portland, Oregon, a year ago. During my search for a church home, I landed at Gateway and was instantly hooked. I loved the worship and Pastor Robert’s rich teaching, but I didn’t instantly find “my people”—you know, those people who like the same things you like, do the same things you do and share the same passions you share. As I was looking for community, someone suggested I check out Seven, Gateway’s ministry for young adults which meets on Tuesday nights. By that point, I was so tired of feeling alone in Dallas and was desperate to feel a part of something that I decided to take a chance.

Seven offered a chance for me to be around people my own age and start getting involved. Within just a few weeks of going, I started playing in the flag football league and began to meet some amazing people. Among those were Chris Capehart, Micah Davis, Ethan Fisher and Hannah Newlin. Their passion to connect people to each other astounded me! They were always planning an event of some 30 Studio G

kind. Whether it was a birthday party, a Casino Royale Night (to benefit some nonprofits), an outdoor concert in Dallas or some other big bash, they always made sure everyone knew they were welcome and wanted! I quickly learned that they had turned this passion to connect the body of Christ into their life’s mission.

Their goal was to connect people around their shared passions, interests and experiences—their ROOVs. And thus began … ROOV.com.

Getting ROOVy

One of the cool things about ROOV.com is that it was birthed out of Gateway.

The three co-founders—Chris, Micah and Ethan—started attending Gateway after a recent move to Dallas. Being entrepreneurs with a heart to build God’s kingdom, they were in the process of seeking the Lord about the type of business they should start. One morning while at Gateway, they started thinking, “Surely there are many entrepreneurs here who have a heart for the kingdom, but how do we find them?” This question began to bother them, and they began to pray about what they could do to facilitate that.

Realizing that there are so many people in the body of Christ aching to be connected with people who are passionate about the same things as they are but that it’s not always easy to find them, Chris, Micah and Ethan began moving towards addressing this issue. In response to my

by ELISA MICHIELI

question as to the “why” behind ROOV, they explained: The church was built upon the foundation of relationship within a unified community. Yet, each week people of similar passions, pursuits and ambitions walk in and out of auditoriums across the country without even knowing that the people sitting behind them, in front of them and beside them may very well share great commonalities. We believe that this fragmentation has led to unfulfilled callings, dormant dreams and untapped potential …. We want ROOV to help in bridging that gap.

How Does This Work in Real Life?

A ROOV is basically any kind of shared experience. There are all kinds of ROOVs on a number of different topics. Some ROOVs that users have created are: •• Go on Overseas Missions •• Start a Business •• Do Inner City Outreach •• Pray for Others •• Develop Leadership •• Salsa Dancing •• Stop Human Trafficking •• Visit New Places •• Cultivate Community •• Go Skydiving •• Baking

ROOV.com is built to answer a ton of simple questions that are bridges to community like: Who else at your church …

•• is a twenty-something who has started their own business?

•• has been on a mission trip to Rwanda?

•• plays Frisbee golf at the park on Saturdays?

This past summer a group from Watermark Church in Dallas decided to form a “gathering” on ROOV.com through the “Visit New Places” ROOV. The gathering was a two-day tubing trip down the Guadalupe River at a very inexpensive price. Because some of my friends were in that ROOV, I ended up finding out about it. I joined the ROOV and was on my way to explore a new part of Texas! The organizers set up a carpooling plan and took care of all the hotel arrangements for almost 50 people! All that was left for us to do was simply show up and have a blast … and we did! It was so much fun!

The crazy thing was that out of the 50 people who attended, I only knew about 10 people on the trip, most of which were just acquaintances from Seven. But after tubing together, rooming together and carpooling together, we found that we had a lot in common and became better friends because of the experience.

common interests as well as longterm passions. Whether it’s through business, missions, activities that deepen relationships, community outreach or volunteering, the heart of ROOV is to connect people around things of substance.

opportunities you’re used to if you’re a Facebook user.

Why the Web?

How to Get Involved

The world is quickly moving online … in fact, it’s already there. So rather than fighting it, we as the Church have to embrace technology and then leverage it. Using the ROOV online community, ROOV.com is creating real, tangible community offline. Their aim? To connect like-minded people of faith around more than just their affinities for their favorite books, movies and bands (what Facebook, MySpace and others have already done).

It’s designed to be centered around items of action … commonalities that hold more substance when it comes to building relationships that stem beyond the virtual world. And the really cool thing? ROOV is integrated with Facebook, so you don’t have to lose all the functionality and

On March 18, 2008, ROOV.com launched in three cities. Since then, it has grown virally and is now open throughout the entire U.S.

Anyone can ROOV and, personally, I’d say EVERYONE SHOULD ROOV! The users on ROOV.com are an exceptional group of Christians with a passion for community and for making a difference.

As long as you’re over the age of 16, ROOV is a great place to get connected to other people and causes and make a difference in the world around us. Once you log in, you can choose from a number of ROOVs that are already created or create one of your own for people to join.

If you’re interested in finding people with similar passions, interests and experiences, you should definitely visit ROOV.com …

I’m so glad I did!

I still stay in touch with the people I connected with on that trip, and I’m so grateful. Had I not gone, I may have never gotten to know them on a deeper level, not to mention all the sun burns, slippery situations (that you can’t avoid while on a wet tube for 2+ hours) and laughs we shared together.

The goal of ROOV goes further than that as well. Their deepest desire is to connect people in community around everyday

Spring 2009 31

studio smile

From a Child’s Point of View

M

y husband, Yuri, was sitting on the couch with my son, Colsen. Out of the blue, he looked over and said, “Papa you have gray hairs.” Yuri replied, “I know, son. The Bible says that having gray hairs means you have wisdom.” Colsen paused and looked back at my husband’s gray hairs and said, “Well Papa, you don’t have a lot of wisdom.” ~Contributed by Marissa Star

A father was reading Bible stories to his young son and said, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.” His son asked, “What happened to the flea?”

At Sunday School, they were teaching about how God created everything, including human beings.

Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs.

Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, “Johnny, what’s the matter?” Little Johnny responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”

A children’s teacher began her lesson with a question. “Boys and girls, what do we know about God?” A hand shot up in the air. “He is an artist!” said the kindergarten boy. “Really? How do you know?” asked the teacher. “You know …

‘Our Father, who does art in Heaven.’”

More info? call: 817.552.3655 email: pinkinc@gatewaypeople.com visit: pinkinc.gatewaypeople.com

Don’t Miss Our Upcoming

LAUGH Thursday, July 9 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Gateway Church Southlake Campus

COFFEE CHAT Thursday, October 29 | 7:00 pm | Auditorium Gateway Church Southlake Campus

Just for Fun An English professor wrote the words, “A woman without her man is nothing” on the blackboard and told his students to punctuate it correctly.

The men wrote: “A woman, without her man, is nothing.”

The women wrote: “A woman: without her, man is nothing.”

More info? call: 817.552.3756 email: pink@gatewaypeople.com visit: pink.gatewaypeople.com

studio pulse

Must-Have Music

Recommended Reading

by JOSH MORRIS

CompassionArt:

Creating Freedom from Poverty CompassionArt was an album created with one thing in mind … change.

All over the world, millions of people suffer. They suffer from poverty, hunger, disease, abuse and torture.

This album was written to change that.

Twelve artists from all over the world united together to bring that change to a dying world.

The album consists of 15 diverse songs, each reflecting the individual styles of the artists involved. Here’s a spotlight of just a few of the standout tracks on this album.

On “King of the Broken,” an uplifting song of hope and restoration, Darlene Zschech and Israel Houghton partner together with Leeland and Lakewood Church to deliver a powerful anthem that could be heard in churches all over the world. It’s a song that truly inspires worship.

I’ve always loved the band Delirious?, and I think frontman Martin Smith has two of the best songs on the album—“Fill My Cup” and “There Is Always a Song.” The first is a big, fun choir number led by Martin Smith and CeCe Winans that has a unique bluesy gospel-meets-U2 flavor, while the other is an ethnic sounding song with a heartfelt message featuring Michael W. Smith and the Watobo Children’s Choir.

When purchased on iTunes, the album includes a bonus 15-minute documentary about the album’s creation. It offers a compelling behind-the-scenes look at how artists like Steven Curtis Chapman, Matt Redman and Paul Baloche wrote and recorded the songs. From conception to completion, you get to experience the great story of artists coming together to make a difference.

The awesome thing about CompassionArt is that every penny ever made off the album will go to the poorest communities around the world. The vision behind the album is that we can no longer be a generation that sits back and lets injustice happen; we have to say, “No more … this stops with us!” I encourage you to buy the album and make a donation at www.compassionart.tv. And then, don’t let it stop with you.

Share the vision of CompassionArt with everyone you know so it can continue to bring help to people beyond your reach!

Outliers

The Story of Success

by Malcolm Gladwell Have you ever heard a comedian crack a joke about something commonplace in everyday life, but he put a whole new spin on it?

If you’re anything like me, you probably wondered, “That is so true! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Good communicators have the skill to take those mundane things we’re all familiar with and present them in a fresh and simple way. But great communicators go beyond that … not only do they have the ability to make complex things simple, they have the ability to discover and communicate truth. Malcom Gladwell is one such person with that gift.

Several months ago I read his latest book, Outliers: The Story of Success. This book answers the question: Why do some people succeed far more than others? Using numerous historical examples, Gladwell puts forth the idea that extraordinary success is determined more by outside factors like an individual’s family, birthplace and even birth date than by self-determination and intelligence. He argues that the true story behind why some people are so successful is far more fascinating and intricate than what appears on the surface.

Outliers opens up with one of Gladwell’s most intriguing stories. He tells about a group of individuals who emigrated from the Italian village of Roseto Valfortore and settled in a small Pennsylvanian town during the late 1800s. During the 1950s—a time when heart disease was a raging epidemic in the US—a physician stumbled onto the astounding discovery that these Rosetan settlers didn’t have any reported cases of heart disease. Although heart attacks were the leading cause of death in men under 65 at that time, the doctor wasn’t able to find a single person in the Rosetan community under the age of 65 who suffered from heart disease. After conducting several extensive studies, researchers discovered that the reason for this wasn’t the food the Rosetans were eating or the climate they lived in; it was, in fact, because they lived in such a close

Spring 2009 33

community! If you walked down the streets of their town, you’d notice that everyone knew everyone … they all greeted each other as they passed people in the street. The researchers discovered the astonishing truth that being a part of a community caused people to live a healthier life.

Since I finished reading Outliers, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Gladwell’s stories and points have stayed with me, and I can honestly say this book has affected my life in a positive way. For example, my son turns two this August, and as crazy as it sounds, the stories I read in Outliers have affected my decision on whether or not I hold him back when it’s time for

Faith on Film

him to start school. The book sheds light on how what school you place your children in or what sports and activities they’re involved with can significantly contribute to their success later in life. Even something as trivial as a person’s birthday can affect how well they do in school or how far they advance in sports or their career.

I cannot begin to communicate how highly I recommend Outliers.

It will completely transform the way you view success. Go out and get the book for yourself, read it and learn the true story of success in your own life!

by MIKE & JUDY BRISKY

Fireproof “Never leave your partner behind, especially in a fire.” And so we are introduced to the theme that runs throughout Fireproof, a feature film directed by Alex Kendrick and produced

by Sherwood Pictures, the same company that produced Facing the Giants.

The biggest differences between this movie and the former are a bigger budget, bigger promotion and a bigger name in Kirk Cameron who plays the lead character, Caleb Holt, Captain of the Albany Fire Department. You may remember Cameron as the teenage star of television’s Growing Pains. While he was cute and funny on TV, he has grown to become a formidable leading man in this film that deals with the deterioration of a marriage and the miraculous changes that take place and bring restoration to the relationship.

As the movie begins, we quickly learn that Caleb’s self-centered nature is the heart of contention in his marriage to Catherine, played by Erin Bethea. Caleb’s commitment to his work comes second only to his dedication to fulfilling his own personal dreams, and his marriage doesn’t quite make his priority list.

We see Caleb and Catherine struggling in a relationship without any life and love. Every conversation finds them in a 34 Studio G

shouting match or in the midst of angerfilled silence. Furthermore, Caleb has an addiction to something that his wife calls “trash.” The director does a pretty good job of not showing what exactly the “trash” is. Here’s a guy who’s so totally selfabsorbed that he shouts disrespectfully at his wife one minute and the next blames everything on her. He has absolutely no idea how miserable his wife is feeling.

For her part, she’s become immersed in her career and is finding solace in the attentions of another man at work.

realistic look at what can happen when one person chooses to put the needs and well-being of their spouse before themselves. It beautifully illustrates the lesson that only when we truly lay down our desires and put our spouse before ourselves will we know the joy and intimacy that God wants for each of our marriages. In fact, The Love Dare book which is introduced in the movie is all about dying to ourselves and putting our spouse first. This book, currently on sale at bookstores, is an extremely practical tool that uses godly principles to help strengthen, heal and restore marriages.

When Caleb finally starts to realize his marriage is in serious trouble, it appears to be too late to do anything about it because Catherine is already filing for divorce. However, through the encouragement and help of his father and one of his co-workers, Caleb begins to see himself from his wife’s perspective.

When his father gives him a book called The Love Dare, Caleb sets out on a 40-day trek to win the heart of his wife back. During the course of this process, he begins to recognize what is missing from his life and his marriage. Through the godly influence of his father and his faithful co-worker, Caleb realizes that only God can bring healing to himself and to his marriage.

Fireproof does a great job of showing how only by knowing Jesus and following His ways can we live a life of real joy. Every marriage has its share of challenges and difficult seasons, but as this film shows, when you fully devote your heart to God, your relationship will only grow stronger during the tough times. And it’s during these tough times that we’re reminded to “never leave your partner behind” no matter what kind of fire you are in.

In a world where it’s all too easy to just give up and walk away, Fireproof offers a

*Be sure to also check out the book The Love Dare.

NOW AVAI LAB LE The debut solo project from Kari Jobe

Pink Impact 2010 Permission Granted Conference A Monday–Wednesday April 12–14 Conference B Thursday–Saturday April 15–17 pinkimpact.com

2121 E Southlake Blvd Southlake, TX 76092

featuring the songs • I’m Singing • Everybody Needs a Little • Healer • Revelation Song

Purchase your copy today at Target, Wal-Mart, Best Buy, iTunes or passages.gatewaypeople.com!