Spring 2012 | studiogmag.com
How One Woman
STOPPED
a Mass Murderer
ELAINE FISHER ADANA WILSON HOLLY MORRISON
On the Brink of Something Great
A Ministry of Pink | Gateway Women
How everyday moments lead to your
DEFINING MOMENT
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contents
IN EVERY ISSUE
FEATURES 6 Practice Eternity
4 CONTRIBUTORS
Preparing for your defining moment. by Thomas Miller
5 FYI From Chaos to Beauty 11 Health Small Steps Equal Big Results 21 INSIDER Debbie Morris 25 SPICE Natural Healthy Recipes 32 PULSE Silent Tears
8 At the Top of the World in a Dung Hut A family’s treacherous trek through the Himalayas. by Lynda Grove
9 Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak
One woman’s struggle with infertility. by Kim Slater
12 Forever. Now.
An ordinary rock, a “certain woman” and one big God. by Debbie Morris
20 Free to Be Me
Trapped in a prison of my own making. by Kerri Oles
22 A Voice to Be Heard The stuttering king who inspired a nation. by Michele Cohen
24 Guilt Removed
Feel like you never measure up? Exposing the Enemy’s lies. by Adana Wilson
26 Born to Be
Spotlight 13 Stepping Into Destiny: Elaine Fisher, Adana Wilson & Holly Morrison. by Shea Tellefsen
From a field of dreams to a palace of destiny. by Elaine Fisher
28 Taking it to the Valley
God hijacked my pretty little plan. by Preston Morrison
30 Choosing to Live Your Forever Now
Lead. Live. Give. Three life-changing principles. by LoriAnn Lowery-Biggers
Spring 2012 1
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a note from the editor
Hello My Beautiful Friends! Spring is here … and so is Pink Impact! Both are favorites of mine, and I look forward to them because both represent fresh new life. Just like spring overtakes the drab hues of winter to create a lush canvas of vibrant colors, I know new life overtakes our hearts at Pink Impact. In years past, I have watched women traverse from a winter of their souls to a renewed spring in their hearts (pun intended). No wonder I love both so much! Speaking of fresh, is there anything as fresh as now? Yes, I mean, right now. In this, as of yet, unexplored moment, we can write a story worth repeating, love unashamedly, be different or catch our breath. Now is not ours to squander; it’s ours to steward. Forever records our now. Our decisions in this moment play a part in the symphony called life. Forever is hoping in us. My earnest prayer is that we, as Pink women, will be light in darkness, beauty in ugliness, hope in despair and love in hatred. Jeremiah 1:4 says, “Now the word of the Lord came to me.” I believe God is speaking the same message to us that He spoke to Jeremiah in his now moment: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5). Jeremiah argued with God (just like we tend to do), but God said, “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you … They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:17, 19). The victory is ours if we do our part. One of Pink’s mandates is to equip and release women to obey the calling of God on their lives. In this issue of Studio G, we’re highlighting three beautiful women who’ve heard God and said, “Yes, Lord!” I pray you will be inspired by their commitment and pray for them as they step out in faith. There are several other great articles we know you’ll enjoy. Ever wondered if kings struggle? Michele Cohen answers that question, while Elaine Fisher highlights lessons a king learned. In another article, Kerrie Oles reminds us we can be freed from the prison of our past. And even though we may all struggle with guilt, Adana Wilson exposes the lies guilt tries to get us to believe. I’m also excited for you to read Pastor Preston Morrison’s article in which he shares the story behind the history-making launch of Gateway’s very first church plant. I hope you smell the flowers, feel the warm spring breeze and find new life in your soul as you enjoy this issue of Studio G. Blessings,
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 as He continues to fashion us into “women of palace style.” In His studio, we discover who we are created to be and we come to realize our true worth.
Spring 2012 3
contributors Michele Cohen A British-born speaker, actress and artistic director, Michele is a wife to Geoffrey and mum to three sons. She enjoys time in the kitchen, writing her book and working out at the gym.
Kim Slater Kim has a passion for trying new recipes and attempting anything crafty. She serves as a Pink Mentor, is a member of Pink Prophetic and writes a Christian blog called My Unfolding Truth.
Thomas Miller As an Associate Senior Pastor at Gateway, his passion for the presence of God and zeal for authentic worship are evident in his leadership and life. He is the husband of Mary Beth and the father of Harrison.
Kerri Oles Kerri’s passion is to see people walk free from the chains of their past and embrace their God-given purpose. She is a speaker and author of Invisible Chains. Kerri is married to Phillip and has two sons.
LoriAnn Lowery-Biggers Loriann has more than 22 years of experience in the insurance/financial services sector and has held executive positions with Wells Fargo, Marsh McLennan and Lloyd’s of London.
4 Studio G
Elaine Fisher Elaine is married to the love of her life, Ethan, and is the founder of Impression Ministries. She is passionate about sharing God’s truths with anyone who will listen. elainefisher.com
Lynda Grove As Associate Pastor of Pink, Lynda is passionate about seeing women valued and encouraged. Known as “Mamma Mia” because of her Italian cooking, she is a mother of four and married to Kevin.
Adana Wilson Adana is the Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries (Frisco Campus) and has been married to Craig for 17 years. The mother of three boys, she spends her time as a chauffeur, nurse, tutor and cheerleader.
Preston Morrison Senior Pastor of Gateway Scottsdale, Preston is passionate about creatively and effectively communicating God’s Word. He and his wife, Holly, have three children: Rylie, Tyler and Preston.
Shea Tellefsen A Staff Writer at Gateway, Shea has a Bachelor’s in journalism. You can often find her editing with a red pen, on the ski slopes, shopping for antiques or cheering on the Texas Rangers.
studio fyi
From Chaos to Beauty Ashley Jackson
Spring. Cleaning. What emotions or thoughts arise when you hear those two words together? Joy? Panic? Stress? Or are you one (of the few) who gets excited to pounce on those piles? Are you ecstatic about conquering clutter? Most women dread the daunting task of deep cleaning and purging their homes this time of year. For those of you feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are few encouraging thoughts regarding organization. Before you begin scouring the Internet for “10 Ways to De-clutter Your Life” or run to the Container Store and purchase more Rubbermaid bins than are good for you, I encourage you to do this first: Stop. Breathe. Read this.
You Don’t Need to Feel Pressure.
Whether you’re feeling pressure to have a catalog-perfect-looking home for your mother, your mother-in-law or Martha Stewart, the Lord wants to remove that anxiety off of you today. Bring your stress and worries to Him. He can lift the weight of expectation from you. This is a new day. This is a new you. This is a new season for your family and home. Organization doesn’t have to be a burden any longer; it can be a joy!
Spring Cleaning Tips 1. Make a list of the areas in your home, office or car that are bothering you.
2. Start with the area that’s bothering you
most. If everything seems overwhelming, I recommend starting with your bedroom. Let this place become a sanctuary of peace and beauty. I can guarantee you will sleep much better at night.
3. Schedule organizing blocks of time.
But be realistic. If it’s taken you 20 years to accumulate the clutter, it will take a while to sort through it. Some of these 60-minute home makeover tv shows don’t accurately represent the actual time it takes to accomplish the task.
4. Turn on worship music or a fun movie while you work.
You Have a Helper.
Genesis 1:2 says, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” On numerous occasions, I’ve gone into homes and asked the Holy Spirit to hover over my client’s chaos and help bring about a beautiful creation of order, structure and life. The Holy Spirit wants to help you, too. Where you feel like there is chaos, He wants to bring peace and beauty. Ask Him today to help you, to give you creative ideas and the strength to dive in and execute them.
5. Have a junk drawer. Even Martha
Stewart has a junk drawer. But limit it to one or two in your home, not five!
6. Trade services with a friend. If one of
your friends loves to organize, figure out an act of service you can swap with her for coming over and helping you.
7. Slow down! So often, life gets cluttered
Have Fun!
There are so many ways to order your life and home. I encourage people to simply have fun! There is no right or wrong way to organize. Do whatever works for you. Go buy containers that reflect who you are, what you love and value. Play with colors and patterns that stimulate you so you want to keep it looking nice (and tidy). There are countless incredible ideas out there (e.g., Pinterest), and new ones are being created every day. If it hasn’t been done before, do it yourself. Although paralysis can often set in when the time for spring cleaning comes around, the Lord wants to partner with you to bring order to areas of chaos. He alone can help make the process both beautiful and fun!
Ashley Jackson is native to the Pacific Northwest where she had a small organizing business called “Miss Organized.” She moved to Dallas in April of 2011 and now works in the Worship Ministry at Gateway where she helps bring order to a world of very creative musicians. She is all-things Texan—big hair, big sparkles and brimming over with southern hospitality.
because we’re going too fast and flying by the seat of our pants.
8. Make your bed first thing in the morning.
It’s amazing how a tidy bed will make you want to keep the rest of your room clean.
9. Hire an organization consultant (if you have the means).
10. Ask the Holy Spirit for help. He knows
you and your family better than anyone else, and He’ll give you creative ideas and the accountability to maintain.
For additional resources, visit studiogmag.com.
Spring 2012 5
solutions for the soul
Practice
Eternity
Racing faster than the fastest sprinter at the Olympics, my heart feels like it is about to overtake the rest of me. My mind begins coaching my heart. “Okay. Slow down! Pace yourself! Calm down now!” Even then, my heart obstinately decides to ignore my dire warnings and instead chooses to run like the wind.
During the early years of my life, there were few things that piqued my interest more than music. By the time I was five, if there was ever a stereo in the room, you would find me nearby. I’d take my family’s collection of records and play one after the other for hours on end. My parents, noticing my proclivity towards music, made the wise decision when I was a nineyear-old lad to sign me up for music lessons.
Thomas Miller
With my heart racing like a speeding bullet, I sit there quietly, motionless on the piano bench … as still as a statue. Hovering less than an inch over the piano keys in the “ready” position, my palms sweat uncontrollably. My brow, taking its cues from my palms, joins in on the exercise. A slew of conflicting emotions play within me. I am nervous. I am excited. I am anxious, fearful, elated, scared, overwhelmed! All I knew is this: I am here, now, about to put all of my hours, days, months and years of practice and preparation on the line for the very first (and if it doesn’t go well, possibly the last) time. Here I am … awaiting the defining moment of my life! It will either be a moment of sublime success or the moment of my deepest failure. Having lived all of fourteen and a half years up to this point, there has never been a bigger moment than now! The silence swallows the room. Beyond the blinding stage lights, I know thousands of eyes are staring right at me. Positioned in the very front and center of the stage with a full orchestra ready to accompany me, I sit behind a grand piano awaiting the beginning count from the conductor’s baton. I lock my eyes with the eyes of the conductor. A silent nod in my direction signals the inevitable. With tiny micro-movements of his baton, the conductor begins the count … One … Two … Three … Four … (gulp)
6 Studio G
As I began taking piano lessons, I was amazed at how I could learn a song from hundreds of notes written on a page and play it myself. Instead of passively listening to music that came out of speakers, I could create music with my fingers! But not too long into the process, I learned that a large investment of practice time was also needed to grow in my newfound skill. Soon, coupled with the fascination of performance, came the fatigue of practice! Although I never wanted to give up on playing the piano, I sure wished someone would come up with an easier way to learn without such a large investment of time. I quickly learned that in order to grow and develop in my craft, I had to have a plentiful dose of good, old-fashioned discipline. So, because I loved playing the piano so much—and with the help of a few “gentle” nudges along the way from my parents—I practiced hour upon hour every week in order to become a better musician.
Here I am ...
awaiting the defining moment of my life!
Through the process, I discovered the true joy of being able to master a piece of music and play it with a sense of confidence and enjoyment. Although the practice time required was quite extensive, I found joy in the journey. I often found myself, even during the commitment of practice, caught up in the pleasure of the music … to the point the time felt more delightful than dutiful. Sure, it was a discipline that
solutions for the soul
oftentimes necessitated a good daily dose of gumption to get myself going; but once I was in it, I loved it and could never imagine life without it! So here I was … at my “defining moment.” After years of seemingly unending practice and preparation, I was about to perform a Rachmaninoff piano concerto in front of the biggest audience my mind could imagine. (Since I couldn’t really see them past the lights, I could only imagine how many throngs of people were there.) After the conductor gave the opening fourcount, with nervous fingers and a racing heart, I played with all my might. At the end of the performance, in the midst of the applause and with the greatest sense of accomplishment I had ever felt up to this point in my life, I once and for all settled this in my heart—every single moment of practice and preparation was worth it! One day—very soon—we will all have the defining moment of our lives. We will gather together from every nation and tongue, encircling the throne of God, offering our worship, our adoration, our love and our thanksgiving. We will sing songs and melodies more beautiful than have ever been heard in this life. We will sing, we will bow, we will shout, we will worship! We will behold the beauty of our Lord!
But until that day, we can have moments right now—every day of our lives—that prepare us for that moment to come … when we will worship our King forever. Each day, as we exercise the discipline of worshipping our King, we get to “practice” what we will one day get to experience for all of eternity. As we worship, we truly get a glimpse of the beauty of His holiness (1 Chronicles 16:29). And it is so much more delightful than it
One day—very soon—we will all have the defining moment of our lives. ever feels dutiful! Sure, some days are harder than others, but once we enter into worship, the pleasure and sheer joy of His presence displaces all the worries and fears this world brings. A taste of heaven is waiting for you. Practice eternity today. Worship the King!
PINK
Where you will always fit in
call: 817.552.3705 • email: pinkgroups@gatewaypeople.com • visit: groups.gatewaypeople.com
Fall 2012 7
Top of the World In a Dung Hut
At the
Lynda Grove
T
here is nothing like sinking into a hot bath filled to the brim with luxurious bubbles as a beautiful fragrance floats about you. Saturated in the warm, silky softness, the realities of life drift away as you submerse yourself in the tranquility of the moment. One of the greatest mentors in my life taught me the importance of taking the time to do that in my spiritual life—to look beyond what I could see, to indulge, to peer beyond into the heavens, to luxuriate where impossibilities are reality, to linger there until what is impossible is not only possible but tangible. My husband’s grandmother, Celia Dodge, learned to walk in this blissful reality in the midst of life’s greatest trials.
Knowing the first blizzard would be impossible to survive, Celia was once again pressed to look up from her dim circumstances. Stepping out of the dung hut one morning, she lifted her eyes for what seemed like the first time and was overwhelmed by the exhilarating scene before her. She stood at the top of the world! As far as she could see, there was nothing but the beauty of the whole world at her feet. Sinking into the warmth of God’s gentle voice, she was engulfed by the sweetness of His love and all-surpassing peace. The realities of her situation wafted away as she was submersed in the tranquility of a single word from Him—“patience.”
Celia packed up her kids, and with her one-year-old baby strapped to her back, she and her husband set out for Tibet via the steep, narrow and treacherous Silk Road where thieves waited in the night for their prey. How? She lived by faith. And she taught all who were willing to learn from her how to live by genuine faith as well. Called to missions in a foreign land with four small children and one soon on the way, Celia packed up her kids, and with her one-year-old baby strapped to her back, she and her husband set out for Tibet via the steep, narrow and treacherous Silk Road where thieves waited in the night for their prey. As she traveled on a donkey down that narrow path with hairpin curves and watched her children disappear around each terrifying bend, the stark reality of her situation confronted her—she was helpless. Her only choice was to trust in God’s protective hand. They finally reached the top of the Himalayan Mountains. This was as far as they could safely go by themselves. Before continuing, they needed to join with a larger caravan to ensure protection from thieves. But the hope of continuing their journey grew dim as caravans came and went, each guide demanding more money than they had. Days of freezing temperatures and dwindling rations turned into weeks. The path ahead looked bleaker and even darker than the ebony smoke that filled the tiny dung hut they had temporarily settled in.
8 Studio G
Finally, after one month, a caravan arrived! This time, they were determined to leave with them no matter what it cost. A few days into their journey, the caravan came to an abrupt halt. Slowly making their way down the path, a stilled hush rolled over the convoy. Ice sculptures were in the snow before them … it was a trail of men still on their horses. They were all frozen! Chills ran through Celia’s body as the full impact of waiting patiently dawned on her. By waiting on God’s word, He had spared them from a vicious band of thieves. Once again, in the tranquility of the moment, she was engulfed by God’s love and faithfulness. Each of us travels down our own Silk Road. Facing thieves and fears, we have a choice. We can keep our eyes on the hairpin turns and threatening shadows of our treacherous mountain paths. Or, we can look to God and luxuriate in the warm presence of the One who made the Silk Road and designed the way through. Just like submerging into a hot bath can transport you into a place of peace, choosing to submerge yourself into a place of faith will bring you to an eternal view where the impossible becomes possible.
solutions for the soul
Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak Kim Slater
I
f anyone had asked me five years ago about my life, I would have said I had it all. I loved my career (although reflecting back on it now, I have to admit I was a workaholic). I could control every aspect of it, and I was successful. My job completely defined me.
I also enjoyed the company of good friends, and we often indulged in dining out at some wonderful restaurants. Anyone who’d been around me during a meal back then can testify to the fact that I never ordered anything as it was described on the menu. In fact, it became a running joke among my friends. And while I’ll readily admit I was a picky eater, the real truth is I liked to control what I ate. I believed if I was paying for the meal, I should get it exactly how I wanted it. It didn’t matter what type of food it was or which restaurant was serving it— fancy or not. It was always “substitute this for that,” “add extra cheese,” “hold the mayo,” “86 the mushrooms,” “no olives” and “absolutely no sour cream.” Can you say “control freak”?! 2006 started off as a stellar year in my life. In mid-April, I married my amazing husband Scott. I was 35 years old at the time, so starting a family quickly became priority one! The majority of my friends had already started their families, and I was determined to catch up. God seemed to agree, because six months after we married, I became pregnant. I was thrilled; my husband was terrified. But before we could settle in and enjoy what was going on in our lives, I suffered a miscarriage. I felt like I’d been punched in the gut. Even though we were both in shock, this experience made us appreciate just how much we actually wanted a child, and we began trying again as soon as the doctor recommended.
Thus began a long, agonizing 15 months. Every month this control freak had charts that showed exactly what days we should conceive. Every month, I was sure I was pregnant right up until the day came that I realized I wasn’t. Month after month, I rode an emotional seesaw. As months drifted into a year, I began to question God’s plan for us. I started to pray a bit, but at this time in our lives, Scott and I weren’t active in church. We were jumping from church to church trying to find a place where we both felt like we belonged. But honestly, I believe we were still trying to live life on our own terms. We hadn’t placed our lives, our marriage and our desires in the hands of our heavenly Father. Remember … I was a control freak!
... Every month, I was sure I was pregnant right up until the day came that I realized I wasn’t ... At the end of those agonizing 15 months, I found out I was pregnant again. Scott and I were elated! My parents, who had moved to Keller, Texas, from California just for grandkids, were excited too. Finally, we were pregnant! But I started having complications early on in my pregnancy. By the end of my seventh week, an ultrasound revealed I was pregnant with twins but was losing one of them. We did our best to focus on the good news that there was still one viable baby growing. I began to frequent Babies “R” Us, and by week ten, we had already picked out furniture. We constantly kicked around names for our baby. I was obsessed with being pregnant, and I wasn’t shy about telling everyone I knew that we were expecting.
Spring 2012 9
I woke up on the Tuesday morning of my thirteenth week happily awaiting our doctor’s appointment. They were going to perform some routine tests and then do an ultrasound! My parents were at home eagerly waiting for us to come by after the appointment with photos. I remember lying on the table, anticipating seeing the baby. I laid there in silence for what seemed like an eternity. At some point, Scott took my hand as anxiety set in. I remember the look on my doctor’s face as he told us the surviving twin did not have a heartbeat. I could not process this. I was swimming through an ocean of emotions. It killed me to knock on my parents’ door knowing I was going to tell them our baby was gone. In the days that followed, I kept myself busy between doctor’s appointments, blood work and surgery, but I was slowly dying on the inside. This was now our third loss.
... I felt extreme guilt for my failure to give my husband a child ... For some crazy reason, I decided I’d get pregnant again immediately. As the next couple of months passed by, I turned into a determined woman on a mission. I also grew angry at God. I didn’t understand why this was happening to me. I believed God created us to bear fruit, and I was furious that I couldn’t! Because I felt like I had a right to have a child, I started to resent my friends who were having their second and third children. One friend of mine gave birth two weeks after I had my surgery. My behavior toward her was atrocious. This friend had been there for me since high school, and I couldn’t even visit her in the hospital. The truth was I resented her sweet baby and never wanted to meet her. I dodged her calls and pulled away from a friendship that meant the world to me without even realizing I was doing it. Five months passed, and I didn’t conceive. I was an emotional wreck. The light went out of my eyes. I noticed newborns and pregnant bellies everywhere I went—I couldn’t handle it. The
10 Studio G
doctor explained to me that one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Everywhere we went it seemed like I would see three pregnant women, and I would always be the one who was not pregnant! I felt extreme guilt for my failure to give my husband a child. I refused to attend birthday parties for my friends’ children. I cried at the drop of a hat. I was damaged. And I was beyond mad at God. One very hot day in late July 2008, I told my doctor I didn’t feel like I was doing okay mentally. I was depressed because I wasn’t getting pregnant again. That day, we decided my controlling nature hadn’t allowed me to really grieve the losses. My doctor asked me to take some time and see if I could work things out. If not, he said he’d send me to a counselor. Later that day, I went to Mouton’s Salon. My trusted hairdresser there knew of my woes and listened patiently as I griped about how unfair it was that we couldn’t have kids. I was desperate, sad, alone, wounded and crying out for help. As I arose from my chair to leave, I saw a tall, blonde man standing in front of me telling me he needed to speak to me. He told me the Lord asked him to tell me I was going to have a child. I stood there frozen, barely able to speak. I didn’t cry, but I felt overwhelmed on the inside. Who was this man? Why did God send him to reach out to me? After all, I had blamed Him for what was happening in my life. But the softspoken gentleman continued … He asked if he could pray for me. I managed to utter, “yes.” And before I knew what was happening, this stranger had placed his hands on my left arm and was praying for me! He prayed for my healing. He prayed for my child to come. Every bit of depression I had been feeling seemed to lift off me as this man prayed. When he finished praying, he simply smiled at me and introduced himself as Robert Morris, the Senior Pastor of Gateway Church. I thanked him and silently walked away. To read the incredible conclusion of Kim’s story, visit studiogmag.com.
studio health
Small Steps Equal Big Results Kandace Noah
W
hen I was in my early twenties, my health began to fail. Not only was I underweight and malnourished, I was also battling constant infections, hypoglycemia, migraines, depression and anxiety. I visited doctor after doctor, only to be given more and more drugs and little hope.
I asked the Lord for direction and understanding to help me deal with my health issues, He led me to a nutritionist. I began to learn how God designed our bodies to heal themselves when given the proper fuel and environment. Once I started to give my body what it needed, it began to heal, and I discovered true wellness wasn’t about counting calories but rather embracing the body as a whole and nourishing the temple of the Holy Spirit. That was ten years ago. As I’ve continued on my journey, I can say I feel better now than I ever thought I could. Here are a few things I’ve learned that you can implement into your journey today. Cut Out Sugar Sugar causes serious inflammation in the body and cripples our immune system. It also causes a variety of health problems including weight gain, hypoglycemia, mood swings and depression. Sugar is a highly processed foreign chemical and our bodies were not made to handle it. Start replacing the sugar in your recipes with maple syrup or raw honey. Not only are these sweeteners natural, they also contain valuable nutrients for our bodies. Free-Range Meats Of all the food we consume, animal products retain the highest amount of toxins when chemicals are used to process them. God’s design is for animals to be free ranging in the pastures. Allowing animals to be raised as God intended results in a more pure, nutrient-dense meat, which are free of toxins. Choose Good Fats Fat is not our enemy! God made our bodies to need fats, and they’re used by nearly every process within the body. They provide the building blocks for cell membranes and many hormones. They’re a concentrated source of energy and are important carriers for fat-soluble vitamins. Some good fat sources include olive oil, avocado, butter, ghee and coconut oil.
Fresh Is Better Choose fresh or frozen veggies and fruit rather than canned. Canned items have all been pasteurized, which considerably reduces their nutrient content. Also, recent research suggests heavy metals from aluminum cans may be leaching into our foods. Whole Grains Choose whole grain breads and sprouted or sourdough. Because of the sprouting, the nutrients inside were more easily absorbed by the body. For this reason, many people who have trouble consuming grain are likely to find they can tolerate sprouted or sourdough grains. Take Your Sabbath A Sabbath rest can seem like a stretch for many of us, but it’s essential to our health. Though it may seem difficult to implement, it’s essential for us to rest our physical bodies and equally as imperative for our minds to rest as well. The Sabbath is a day for taking a break from our regular routine and duties and focusing on the Lord. You may need to plan ahead, but it’s more than worth it. Health and nutrition can feel like an overwhelming and confusing topic, yet God in His goodness has designed our bodies to function perfectly and desires to teach us how we can live in health. Simple changes to our lifestyle and diet can make a tremendous difference in how we feel, both now and in the future.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 2 For some of Kandace’s naturally healthful recipes, check out Studio Spice on page 25.
Spring 2012 11
solutions for the soul
forever. now. Debbie Morris
Forever. Now. Don’t those words seem like they’re on opposing sides? They appear to be polar opposites. Futuristic versus current. One you can only dream of, while the other plays out in living color in front of you. Forever seems so far away. It’s hard to grasp the continuum of time. Forever floats in space somewhere. Forever seems more like “never ever” than a sure reality. And none of us can expect to live forever in our natural bodily state. Now is, well … now. Right now in the middle of our lives. Our “now” occurs in the mundane, current and routine patterns of life, but “now” also happens in the lifechanging events. Our now is significant. Ever think: “What I do doesn’t really matter!”? There is a woman in Judges 9 who is only described as “a certain woman.” We don’t know her name, but Scripture tells us about how she liberated her friends and family from a wicked tyrant. Abimelech was on a killing spree. He and his men had recently burned about a thousand people to death (and that was after they had already laid siege to a city of innocent people, massacred everyone and destroyed the town). But Abimelech’s thirst for blood wasn’t quenched yet. The people of Thebez were his next target. Fearing for their lives, the people of Thebez ran to what they hoped would be a place of safety—a local tower in the town. Abimelech’s plan was simple—burn down the tower. There was little they could do to stop him. But in a now moment, our “certain woman” used something so common it could have been easily overlooked. At exactly the perfect moment, she launched a rock that struck the tyrannical arsonist in the head. Think of the odds! Well, actually, they were pretty good. An ordinary rock, a “certain woman” and one big God against an evil despot. God used this woman—who dared to pick up something ordinary in her now moment—to free people and change their “forever.” Our destiny is much like this woman’s. If the woman had waited just a few seconds longer, she would have missed her “now” moment. What she did mattered, and it changed the “forever” of the people of Thebez. While we may not be slinging a rock at an evil tyrant to save a city, what we do matters too! We pray with those who are hurting; we share a kind word with a friend; we give graciously to those in need. As a parent, I often found myself telling my children, “Now!” That exclamation demands a quick or speedy response. Don’t delay! Not in a minute or when you feel like it. Not when the game is over, but as close to this instant as possible. It means, don’t even waste a millisecond to give me a look and don’t dare take your life in your hands by asking, “Why?” Get to it! I’m not counting to three! There’s an urgency in “now” because it affects people’s “forever.” And this is our now! God wants to use our regular, ordinary lives to free people. I can hear our heavenly Father saying, “Now!”
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spotlight
Stepping Into Destiny
Shea Tellefsen
Elaine Fisher. Adana Wilson. Holly Morrison. All have something in common. Each woman is on the brink of something new. Each is forging a path as a leader in the areas they’re passionate about. For Elaine, it’s all about reaching this next generation of women. For Adana, it’s leading the Pink women of Gateway Frisco. And for Holly, it’s moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, to minister to the women there. Each woman is moving in the direction God is leading her, and each has arrived at her destiny in a different way. As you read their inspiring stories, you will be encouraged and challenged to become a leader in your own area of passion.
Spring 2012 13
Elaine Fisher
Making An Impression A young woman timidly enters Elaine Fisher’s apartment. Standing on the outskirts of a Gateway Group, she tries to figure out how to mingle with the other young women. She isn’t alone for more than a few seconds before she’s greeted by Elaine’s genuine smile, bubbly laugh and heartfelt greeting: “I’m so glad you’re here! What’s your name?” The new visitor immediately relaxes as Elaine links an arm in hers and introduces her to another girl.
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spotlight
Elaine’s a natural born leader. She leads a young women’s Gateway Group, and she and her husband, Ethan, are leaders at Seven (Gateway Young Adults). She speaks around the nation and is starting an international women’s ministry. Sounds like she’s a little intimidating, right?
hand. When they dated, they didn’t talk on the phone later than 10:00 pm, and they didn’t kiss until they were engaged. “God not only gave me my innocence back, but He also took away my desire for that lifestyle,” Elaine explains. “God’s redemptive love just took over, and He used Ethan to help me through it.”
Even though Elaine exudes confidence and leadership, she couldn’t be less intimidating. She’s the kind of girl who stands with arms wide open—approachable and ready to love anyone who comes her way.
Once Elaine rededicated her life to the Lord, everything started falling into place—and quickly. Within a year of turning her life around, she met and married Ethan. And not long after that, the Lord catapulted her into her destiny.
But Elaine’s life hasn’t always been this way. She has slayed many dragons to arrive at the destiny she’s so gracefully living out today. It all started when she was four years old. Elaine was saved when she attended an evangelistic play that portrayed people being sent to either heaven or hell. She grew up serving the Lord and attending church, and was called into ministry when she was just seven years old. But things started to shift in Elaine’s life when her father, Robert Morris, founded Gateway Church in 2000. “I began to resent the church,” Elaine says. “I believed a lie from the Enemy that my dad loved the church more than me.” Even though she began viewing the church in a negative light, Elaine still enjoyed being a part of Gateway and remained involved. When Elaine reached her teenage years, she started to stray from God. At 16, she fell in with the wrong crowd. “They’d tell me, ‘Come to this party … it’s fun! You don’t have to drink. You can party and still be a Christian,’ ” Elaine says. She started making compromises that caused her to abandon the values she grew up with. She also began looking to guys for validation and to fill her need to be loved. Over the next few years, Elaine lived a lifestyle that wasn’t leading her any closer to the destiny God spoke over her as a child. “At this point in my life, I had everything I needed and, unfortunately, I had the wrong kind of attention from guys,” she says. “I had what everyone thought was a glamorous lifestyle … but I was miserable.”
I always had an excuse as to why I couldn’t be in ministry, why I couldn’t do something great for the kingdom. Elaine pinpoints Pink Impact 2010, a Gateway conference for women, as the time when she started walking out her calling. Before the conference, Pastor Lynda Grove came to Elaine and told her she thought she was going to have a word to share at Pink Impact. Elaine laughed at the thought, wondering how God could really use her. A few days before the conference, she met with Pastor Lynda. She didn’t have a word yet, so she decided to just share what God was teaching her personally. “It was all about Jeremiah and how he had an attitude of excuses. That really hit home for me,” Elaine says. “I always had an excuse as to why I couldn’t be in ministry, why I couldn’t do something great for the kingdom.” It turned out to be the exact word God wanted her to share. “The moment I was up there, I had all the peace in the world,” Elaine says. “I got off the platform and said, ‘Okay, that’s what I’m supposed to do. This is what You’ve called me to do.’ ”
After three years of living a life that was tearing her up inside, Elaine reached her breaking point one night—a night she says she was stripped of everything she had: “I hit rock bottom, and my life came tumbling down.” Elaine surrendered to the Lord that night and said, “Okay Lord, I can’t live like this anymore. If You want me, I’ll do whatever You’ve called me to do.”
Giving that one word led to Elaine stepping into her purpose and destiny. She booked 20 speaking engagements in 2011, and plans to attend The King’s University at Gateway in the fall. Elaine is embarking on a new adventure to reach the next generation. She recently launched Impression Ministries, a ministry that was sparked when Elaine heard the word “impress” from the Lord during a pastoral roundtable. From there, He showed her Jesus made a “favorable impression” on the world by glorifying God through dying on the cross.
She began traveling full-time with her dad, and got rid of her cell phone and Facebook page. “I had no connection with anyone from my past,” Elaine says. “I had no connection outside of my family for a month.”
“Everywhere we go, we either make a positive or negative impression,” Elaine says. “My whole heart is to teach women how to make a favorable impression on the world around them and do what God’s called them to do.”
It wasn’t too long before Ethan Fisher came into Elaine’s life. When he told her he was interested in her, she told him to run because she was only six months removed from her old life and still dealing with her past. “I gave my heart to my dad after I turned my life around. Any guy who wanted to pursue me had to go through my dad,” Elaine says. And that’s exactly what Ethan did. He courted Elaine for several months, and during that time, the two didn’t so much as hug or hold each other’s
It didn’t matter how far she ran from Him, God led her back after she took one simple step of faith. Elaine says her heart is to see all women living for the Lord and fulfilling their own God-given destinies. And today, she stands confident in the destiny God has called her to. For more information about Elaine Fisher and Impression Ministries, visit elainefisher.com
Spring 2012 15
Adana Wilson
The Perfect Catch
Adana Wilson constantly has a smile on her face, and today is no different. She sweeps her blonde hair from her face as she describes her journey to becoming an Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries at Gateway Frisco. The job is brand-new, so she’s a little nervous; but the job is also perfectly aligned with her calling, so she’s bursting with excitement.
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spotlight Adana has worked in the church her entire life. She started off at the age of 18 as a receptionist at the church where her father was an associate pastor. Throughout the past 20 years, she has led Bible studies, worked in children’s ministry, served as an administrative assistant to pastors and worked with Victoria Osteen in the women’s ministry at Lakewood Church. Oddly enough, she never saw women’s ministry as her purpose from the get-go. Adana never thought she’d be involved in ministry, but now here she is, pioneering Pink at Gateway Frisco—doing exactly what God has planned for her. Her face lights up as she details all the events she’s planning and the goals she has for the ministry, confidence radiating from her because she knows she’s in God’s will. The confident woman who leads Pink Frisco today didn’t get here on her own accord, though; God’s been teaching her things and building her up all along. “In 2001, I received a prophetic word, and it was totally tied to women … ‘you will minister to masses, thousands of women,’ ” Adana says. “I was very young, and I thought, ‘this woman has lost her mind.’ ” On two other occasions, Adana received the same word with the exact same phrase from women who knew nothing of the other prophetic words. God was confirming His plan for her everywhere she went. He even confirmed His will for her concerning her husband, Craig. “The Lord spoke to [my father] in a worship service and said, ‘That’s Adana’s husband,’ but he was engaged to someone else at the time,” Adana says. “Shortly after, they broke off their engagement … we didn’t even run in the same circles, but we ended up meeting through mutual friends.” The two married in 1995. Even though God had shown Himself faithful with other prophetic words, Adana still wasn’t completely comfortable with what she’d heard in 2001 about her purpose. She pursued other careers, even sending out more than 60 résumés and didn’t land a job from a single one of them. “I was frustrated. So I asked God, ‘What’s the deal, Lord? I’m a good catch! I’m faithful, I’m administrative. I’d make someone a great employee,’ ”Adana says.
“It wasn’t long after we became Gateway Frisco that I got an email about wild (Women in Leadership Development). I didn’t even know what wild was,” she says. It was during wild that Adana met and formed a connection with Pastor Jan Greenwood and Pastor Lynda Grove. Then, a few months later, Pastor Debbie Morris approached her with the opportunity to help build Pink at Gateway Frisco. She started out volunteering and ministering where she was needed. “My role just gradually increased because I was the one who was there on the weekends and I had relationships with the women,” Adana says.
Admittedly a shy person, Adana says her shyness benefits her in her role because she understands how to reach women looking to connect. Now, Adana is leading the Pink women of Frisco, carrying out God’s plan for her life. She’s passionate about the vision of Pink and is positioned to carry the banner at Gateway Frisco. Her heart is that Pink women feel accepted, loved and valued. “When they feel valued, they’ll fulfill what God’s called them to do,” Adana says. Along with fulfilling God’s calling in their lives, Adana also wants to get all women involved in a Pink Group. She even makes it her personal mission to help every woman find the right group. “Women like to do things in groups. We even go to the bathroom in groups!” Adana says. “We like to be together with other people; we need it.” Admittedly a shy person, Adana says her shyness benefits her in her role because she understands how to reach women looking to connect. “In the past, when I was driving up to a house to a group and I didn’t know anybody, I’d stay in the car and put on my lipstick until I saw somebody I knew,” she says through laughs. “I think a majority of women are like that.”
It wasn’t until she worked in women’s ministry at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, that Adana recognized her passion, how it perfectly aligned with God’s plan and how she really was the perfect catch.” It just confirmed to me God had called me to do this. In fact, He’d been equipping me all along,” she says. “He was so faithful.”
Adana says she’s not the typical girl, especially when it comes to being a Pink woman. The mantra she frequently uses to describe her family is “band, boys and baseball.” She’s the mother of three boys—Christian (15), Caleb (11) and Joel (9). She hates to shop, can’t stand to cook and would rather be keeping score at her son’s baseball game than decorating her house. “I have no pink at my house!” Adana laughs. “It’s just all boys, so I’ve got to have a little bit of girly somewhere in my life.”
Just as she began to get comfortable in her role at Lakewood, God moved Adana and her family from Houston to Frisco, Texas, in 2008. This was the first time in years Adana wasn’t working in a church. She became a regular attendee of Northstar Church, and she led a few women’s Bible studies. But as Gateway Church adopted Northstar and it transformed into Gateway Frisco, Adana’s role began to form.
A few months ago, Adana attended her first Pink Night as Associate Pastor where she emceed the evening and shared a message. As she took the stage, she squealed with laughter and broke the ice in the room, but, an instant later, she made a serious point that had the ladies scribbling notes. It was clear then, as it is now, that Adana has found her outlet to reveal her girly side and fulfill God’s purpose for her life.
Spring 2012 17
Holly Morrison
It’s My Destiny Too
“You’ll spend the greater half of your days here, serving in this area.” Those are the words the Lord spoke to Pastor Preston Morrison when he first visited Arizona in 1996 as a high school senior to look at attending Grand Canyon University—the place where he’d eventually meet his wife, Holly. It was also the same area where he’d end up planting Gateway Church Scottsdale more than 15 years later.
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spotlight But this isn’t just a story about Preston. It’s also a story about a woman, clinging to a word from God her husband received as a high school senior and stepping into her own destiny in the process. It’s a story about Holly Morrison. When Holly first met Preston in college, she knew there was something different about him. She knew God was up to something good. “I had dated other guys before, but this wasn’t the same,” she says. After graduating, Holly chose to stay in “The Valley” (the Phoenix metropolitan area) and coach volleyball so she could be with Preston. Arizona quickly became a very special place to both of them. They even chose to get married there, rather than returning to either of their hometowns for the wedding. After marrying, they moved to Texas where Preston became the first youth pastor at Gateway Church. He went on to become the Senior High Pastor, the Pastor of Seven (Young Adults) and then the Executive Pastor of Gateway Frisco. Although she wasn’t sure exactly when, Holly always knew God had planned for her and Preston to return to Arizona one day. Now, 11 years later, God released them to plant Gateway Church Scottsdale.
We’re both really passionate about reaching the Valley—men, women, children, families … everyone! “I’ve always known Preston was called to the ministry,” Holly says. “But I never thought I would ever be a part of something like that.” The greatest part of the move, Holly says, is she knows Scottsdale is part of God’s destiny for her … not just her husband. “My heart’s desire is to live life with my husband. So, a lot of his calling is my calling, too,” Holly says. “I’ve listened to him talk about his dream for so long that it’s really become my dream now too. We’re both really passionate about reaching the Valley—men, women, children, families … everyone!” When Gateway Church Scottsdale opens, Holly will be leading the women’s ministry—a role she never thought she’d hold. Although admittedly more comfortable in smaller, less visible settings, Holly’s eyes light up as she talks about how the Lord is stretching her and placing her in different roles so she can serve and help the women in Scottsdale. “I know I was made for the women of Scottsdale. Something just feels different,” she says. “I just really feel like the women’s ministry will raise up strong, passionate, godly women to help the families in the Valley.”
I know I was made for the women of Scottsdale. Something just feels different. “I want to serve women—insecure, trampled, beautiful, wounded women,” Holly says. “I really want to see women living in freedom so they can have a streamline of communication with their husbands, with God and with their families … and not have to hide behind a façade.” The only thing that gets Holly more fired up than talking about Gateway Church Scottsdale is talking about her family. She and Preston have three children: Rylie (9), Tyler (6) and Preston (5). She becomes overwhelmed with gratitude and happiness as she shares stories about hunting with her kids or doing outdoor activities and sports with her husband. “My passion is my family,” Holly says. “My three kids and my husband are what make me tick, what makes me live.” All three kids are on board and excited to be moving to Scottsdale. They keep asking how long it’s going to be before they get to move. They’ve sensed their parents’ own excitement, and they can tell the Lord is in all of it. “Our kids are also called to be there. I think they’ll bloom as they become a part of something great there,” Holly says. In fact, Holly knows God has placed a special anointing on her entire family specific to the Valley. And she’s looking forward to seeing her husband walk in his anointing. “I’ve walked through so many stages with him. I think the most exciting thing is to get to see him live out a new facet of his calling,” she says. “He’s allowed God, Pastor Robert and the elders to bring him through an incredible process these last 12 years, and now he’s going to take the next step.” Holly gets to see Preston take that next big step when the first official service of Gateway Church Scottsdale kicks off on Sunday, September 9. “It’s a new day … a new season,” Holly says. “I know the Lord has prepared me for what’s next, and I could not be more excited!”
Holly’s heart and passion for the women of Scottsdale is clearly evident. Her expressions get more animated, her eyebrows lift and her smile shines when she talks about her plans. Although she says she’s never been the type of person who thinks she can change the world, her vision for women’s ministry certainly seems life-changing.
Spring 2012 19
When you begin to live free from your past, you’ll start to awake, arise and accelerate to the purpose He has for you.
Free to Be Me Kerri Oles
I
have been in and out of several prisons, yet they all look the same—cold, dark and very depressing. Each time, as the security guards led me to a bleak, sterile visiting room, I would see my brother in his stark white prison uniform and think: “Don’t cry, Kerrie. You’re not the one behind bars!” And every time, I failed. Placing our ears to telephones, we would talk to each other divided by three-inch thick plate glass. That scene is a perfect picture of what my relationship with Christ looked like for many years. I said the prayer of salvation at 28, but for many years I lived in religion instead of relationship. You see, faith wasn’t a part of my adolescent years—years punctuated by the losses of the four most significant men in my life. I lost one brother when he became a Jehovah’s Witness. Another brother was trapped by a life of drugs and prison. And my oldest brother was tragically killed by a drunk driver on Christmas day. Consumed by grief over his sons, emotionally my father had nothing left to give me, his daughter. I eventually became trapped in a prison of my own making. As every man in my life drifted away and disappeared, I desperately began seeking a loving relationship. I turned to other men to fill the void in my heart, but every relationship ended in rejection. As a result, I developed the mentality that I needed to change who I was to be accepted. I began to accept abuse of every kind, and the Enemy sold me the lie that I deserved it. I altered every part
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of me to fit whatever I thought these men were looking for. Still, it was never good enough. The result? I became a woman who didn’t know what I liked, believed or even who I was. I experienced a complete loss of my identity. I felt I’d been dealt a life sentence of having to cope with the person my past had turned me into. My visits to my brother in prison were a direct correlation of my distant relationship with Jesus. I would basically talk to Jesus through the glass, thinking we would someday be close when I had proven to be a better person. Even though I had said the prayer of salvation years earlier, I believed if all the men I had encountered couldn’t love me because of all the mistakes I had made, then why would Jesus? After all, I still had the same past. I eventually came to the place where I wanted so much more out of my relationship with the Father, so I began to read the Word of God more and more. That’s when my life started to truly change. Through His Word, God showed me Jesus came to open the prison doors and set every captive free—including me (Luke 4:18)! That was the key I needed to unlock the iron bars on my heart. I now know God’s love for me isn’t based on whether I come from a good past or not. He didn’t send Jesus to die for the person I’m going to be; Jesus died for the person I already am. I don’t have to be imprisoned by my past. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has given me a new identity in Him!
1. Awake
God’s Word is true, and you can apply His promises to your life. We need to wake up to the fact that the light within us shines on the path where we’re going more than on the path where we’ve been.
2. Arise
One person can make a difference, but an army rising up together can take over any land. God has a land of perpetual inheritance just for you. Is your heart beat down and discouraged because of your past? Rise up and align yourself with Christ. Don’t let the chains of your past keep you in prison.
3. Accelerate
Except for Joshua and Caleb, the generation of people whom the Lord called out of Egypt never entered the Promised Land. They all died in the wilderness because they refused to believe and accept what God had promised to them. Let’s not waste any more time wandering in the wilderness and wondering if Jesus can really use us because of our pasts. Instead, let’s speed up the process, knowing that the God who created everything can free you from the prison of your past and propel you to your purpose!
studio insider
STUDIO INSIDER: DEBBIE Stacy Burnett
today. I knew if I could learn from them that other women could too.
Was it difficult to open up and be transparent?
What spurred you to sit down and write The Blessed Woman? A great resource to any woman is a godly mentor. While many of us lack that type of relationship for various reasons, we long for it. For most of my adult life, I didn’t have a mentor, but I found the Holy Spirit is a truly amazing and insightful mentor. He showed me mentors from the Bible and taught me life lessons from women who lived a really long time ago. Although they lived a long time ago, the truths we can learn from their lives are fresh and relevant
There were times when I felt awkward about being transparent with precious, intimate moments. While it’s one thing to tell something that’s near and dear to my heart to a close friend, it’s quite another to put it down on paper for people I don’t even know. One day, when our family was all together, our son James started telling silly, and somewhat embarrassing, stories we’d never heard about his high school years. We laughed so hard we were crying. Amazed at his candor, I asked, “James, why are you telling us this now?” He replied, “What’s the use of doing dumb stuff if you don’t laugh about it?” His answer has stuck with me. So while writing this book, I asked myself, “Why learn lessons if you don’t share the truths that have been revealed to you?” That question, in addition to my core belief that older women should teach younger women, motivated me to write this book.
What was the greatest challenge you had to overcome? Myself! At first, I thought this might be a very short book. But as I got into preparing the notes, I had to make decisions between which women and lessons I would include and which ones
MORRIS I didn’t have room for. I chose to include biblical examples that reminded me of God’s faithfulness every step of the way. In the book, I also share some lessons I’ve learned in my life. Some were difficult; some were easier. But all were of great value in shaping me to be the woman God has called me to be.
What is the most important thing you want women to walk away with after reading The Blessed Woman? That being blessed isn’t about our net worth, external beauty or accomplishments; it’s about the hidden person of the heart. This is the result that comes from living a surrendered life. I also hope we see the tenderness of God toward His girls. One of my favorite chapters is the one about Hagar, because she encountered the “God who sees.” In addition, I hope women see the Holy Spirit is an amazing guide into all truth. I want them to understand if they don’t have a mentor, they don’t have to become discouraged. Instead, they can look to the Holy Spirit to reveal the lifetransforming truths in Scripture.
The Blessed Woman is available now at Passages and online at passages.gatewaypeople.com.
Stacy Burnett is Gateway’s Director of Communications and Managing Editor of Studio G. She is married to Travis, the most amazing man she knows. Stacy loved the TV show 24 so much, she named her dog Jack Bower.
Spring 2012 21
A Voice to Be Heard
Michele Cohen
The Academy Award-winning movie, The King’s Speech, beautifully portrays the true story of the close and often highly-charged relationship between King George VI of England and his unconventional speech therapist and confidant, Lionel Logue. The story takes place at a crucial time in history. The British nation was poised to enter into World War II, and the responsibility for informing the people fell to King George. In order to rally national support, his speech needed to be clear, bold and compelling—a tall order for a man (royal or otherwise) suffering from a troublesome stutter. The movie reveals how King George, or Bertie (as he was affectionately known amongst family and friends), ultimately overcame his handicap in the hour of need and delivered a powerful and motivating radio address. Although some historians may claim the king’s stutter was perhaps not as debilitating as the film suggests, I nevertheless found the film to be inspiring and challenging. King George VI’s powerful testimony of personal victory reminds me of three magnificent lessons, which are particularly relevant in this day and hour.
“Let me hear your voice for your voice is sweet.” Song of Solomon 2:14
WE HAVE A VOICE Right now our country is in an hour of need, as is the entire world. While we may not necessarily be standing on the precipice of a world war fought with guns and missiles, we are living in a battle. The powers of darkness are relentlessly waging war against us, our children, our families, our relationships and our moral stability as one nation under God. Handicaps come in all types and sizes. For King George VI, who was required and expected to be an eloquent spokesman, there could perhaps have been no handicap worse than a stutter. Research tells us most who stammer or stutter begin their struggle as children. All too frequently, they’re victims of situations in which their opinions are not permitted to find expression. Most of us are fortunate to say we don’t suffer with the handicap of a stutter. However, too many of us have experienced situations when we were forced to shut up and be quiet because the people around us were too selfish or too self-absorbed to embrace our hurts or our need for expression and validation. When this happens often enough, we learn to bury our feelings and ideas as well as our hopes, dreams and desires. Fearing a repeat of painful consequences previously experienced for daring to “speak up,” we’re crippled into silence and “lose our voice.” The King’s Speech portrays Bertie as a man who vulnerably and courageously confronts his handicap. He rises above his condition, finds his voice and positively influences his nation. We need to do the same. Whether for personal reasons or for the sake of a cause greater than ourselves, we are being divinely urged in this hour to overcome our fears and rediscover our voice once again. We are to speak out for the sake of God’s kingdom—boldly, persuasively and in love. We are charged to be a voice for those who cannot be a voice for themselves. Our voice is a Godgiven gift to the world around us; He expects us to use it faithfully.
WE HAVE A MANDATE TO LISTEN If it’s true everyone has a voice to be heard, then it’s also true we have a responsibility to listen. God strategically places precious and valuable souls before us in various seasons of our lives. It’s our divine mandate to listen to their hearts.
Every one of us needs a listening ear. We can exercise our voices all we please; however, without a sincere ear to hear, our words feel meaningless. God places incalculable value on the expression of each individual. To give ear to someone’s voice is one of the greatest gifts we can give. When we really listen to someone, we communicate genuine and sincere love. We build a sense of value and confidence in the heart of the speaker with every moment of our undivided attention. Never underestimate the power of listening. Never underestimate your contribution to a soul each time you give them your ear to hear. Minutes spent listening are the bricks and mortar of confidence built into the heart of the one who speaks.
WE MUST TAKE OUR PLACE No doubt there were many times King George longed to give up his oratory responsibilities and find someone else to deliver his speech for him. But something kept him from buckling to such defeat. He knew deep down his efforts to overcome were not merely for his own benefit. The people of his nation needed him, and he knew it. Destiny had a hold on him, and although tempted, he did not run from its grasp. We, too, are needed. In this critical hour, we are being called upon to persevere through personal difficulties and weaknesses to speak words of encouragement and life. At times, we feel crippled and inadequate for the task. And the truth is we might never be completely free from our own unique struggles and handicaps, yet destiny calls us to keep moving forward. Inspired by courageous overcomers who have gone before us, we, too, must rise up to take our place in history for the sake of a greater cause and a common good. Have you lost your voice? You can find it again. Face the fears that have paralyzed your expression and seek out personal healing. Allow your voice to become an instrument of encouragement and grace and a catalyst for positive action. Song of Solomon 2:14 says, “Let me hear your voice for your voice is sweet.” You have a voice to be heard for the betterment of your own life, your loved ones, your nation and the world. You have ears to hear so you might communicate value and worth to the people all around you. You have a destiny to fulfill. Let no handicap stand in your way!
Check Your Bags Upcoming Pink Nights August 16 & October 23 More info? call: 817.552.3756 email: pink@gatewaypeople.com visit: pink.gatewaypeople.com
GUILT REMOVED Adana Wilson
Several years ago, I came across the results of a survey issued by a popular Christian leader. She asked almost 500 women what they thought was the hardest thing about being a woman. The overwhelming response? Guilt! I was shocked. But truth be known, guilt is a significant part of most women’s lives. Guilt makes us feel like we can never measure up, like we’re lacking in some area. We feel guilty for wrongs we’ve committed, guilty we aren’t a good friend, guilty we didn’t attend a certain function. I feel guilty just typing this! Guilt touches all of us. So what does the Bible have to say about guilt? The book of Isaiah gives “See, this coal has us great insight on the subject. In the beginning of chapter six, Isaiah has a touched your lips. Now vision where he sees the Lord sitting your guilt is removed, on His throne with all of His royal and your sins are robes filling the temple. Isaiah sees mighty angels attending to the Lord forgiven.” (Isaiah 6:7) who are calling out to one another: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” As the angels are proclaiming their praises, the entire temple fills with smoke and Isaiah declares, “It’s all over. I am doomed, for I am a sinful man.” After Isaiah’s declaration, one of the angels comes to Isaiah with a burning coal. In verse seven, Isaiah says, “He touched my lips with it and said, ‘See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven’” (Isaiah 6:1–7, nlt). When Isaiah comes face to face with the holiness of God, he “sees” how sinful he is (Isaiah 6:5). All of us have sinned, and when we truly see our sin in the light of a holy God, we have to confront it. Let me encourage you to quickly deal with your sin—no matter how big or small. Sometimes we compare our sin with the sin of others and rationalize that their sin is worse than ours. We think, “I’m not so bad.” But sin is sin. And there is no sin that can stand up against a holy God! Going back to the passage, we see the angel take a piece of coal, touch it to Isaiah’s lips and then tell him: “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven” (Isaiah 6:6–7). Notice what the
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angel said first? It wasn’t “your sins are forgiven.” No, he first said, “Now, your guilt is removed.” Then, he followed up by saying, “your sins are forgiven.” The Message version puts it like this: “Look. This coal has touched your lips. Gone your guilt, your sins wiped out.” I find the order of words there so interesting. Why would the angel address Isaiah’s guilt before he addressed his sin? I believe he did it that way because he knew that guilt in the Enemy’s hands can be powerful and can wield tremendous destruction in our lives. I think a lot of times, especially for women, we understand God has forgiven us but we remain stuck in guilt and never truly walk in total forgiveness. Guilt is defined as an intense feeling. While anger is the feeling that someone owes you, guilt is the feeling that you owe someone something. God doesn’t want you to feel guilty. Are there consequences to sin? Absolutely. But when we truly repent and ask God for forgiveness, He forgives us and completely removes our guilt. If you’re feeling guilty over a situation, expose that lie to the truth of God’s Word, which says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, niv). Let go of the guilt, and replace the lie with the truth! When the Enemy tries to make you feel guilty, fire back with what God’s Word says … your guilt has been removed!
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Natural Healthy Recipes Kandace Noah
These easy and healthful recipes are ones your family is sure to love! Enjoy the Maple Nut Granola as a cereal, over yogurt or just by itself. And my Homemade Lemonade is delicious served warm if you’re feeling under the weather or cold if you want to enjoy a refreshing summertime treat!
Maple Nut Granola 5 cups whole rolled oats 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened ½ cup almonds, chopped or sliced 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds 1/3 cup pecans 1/3 cup sunflower seeds ½ cup maple syrup ½ cup coconut oil ½ cup water Combine all the ingredients and spread onto a pan. Bake at 275° for 45 minutes. Stir and bake an additional 45 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and store in an airtight container.
Homemade Lemonade 2–3 organic lemons, juiced 3/4 cup raw honey 2 quarts filtered water Pour honey and half of the water into a saucepan. Whisk together over low heat just to incorporate. Quickly remove from heat and add to lemon juice and remaining water. Serve warm or over ice. To get more recipes and health tips, watch Kandace’s videos on studiogmag.com.
Kandace Noah is passionate about showing people God’s ways for health and bringing light to the stewardship of our bodies. She’s married to her wonderful husband, Tim, and homeschools their two “all boy” boys. wellnessbydesign.tv
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Born to Be Elaine Fisher
When you were a little girl, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up? For me, I always wanted to be a teacher. I remember lining up all my baby dolls and giving each one a paper and pencil so they could take notes during my lecture. All of my life, I’ve been told I was born to teach. And now here I am—traveling and teaching women the Word of God. But leading up to this point, there were various times when it seemed like I would never see this day. There’s someone in the Bible who could relate to that feeling, and his name is David. David was a man born to be king. But while he was serving in the fields and tending sheep, he probably didn’t think he would ever see the day when they crowned him. Even after being anointed, it took years before he was actually crowned king. During that time, he surely had thoughts like: “I wonder if they forgot I was anointed king!” or “You want me to what? Come and serve in the palace? But I’m supposed to be king!” Finally, he was called one day to step up to the plate and become king. Can you imagine what a moment that must have been for him? We can learn several things from David and his journey in becoming who he was born to be. No matter where you are in your journey, these are truths you can remind yourself of as you align your life with God’s Word.
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One major key is attitude. As women, we tend to have a little more attitude in our step. This can either help us or hurt us. Sometimes we’re inclined to blame our bad attitudes on circumstances or situations, such as a lack of sleep, our monthly cycle or a rough day at work. But the truth is we can choose our attitudes, and God is calling us to clothe ourselves with a righteous attitude. David’s ability to walk in his anointing came from the attitude he obtained while tending sheep in the fields. His attitude was shaped by devoting time to spend with the Lord and simply being in His presence. Have a bad attitude? Do what David did. Taking time to be with the Lord can completely change your attitude. One thing I love about David’s story is that he never left the field to go looking for a position. Instead, David worked to develop his skills in the field. He killed a lion and a bear while tending sheep. God had a plan David couldn’t see. He was teaching David how to tend physical sheep so one day he could handle God’s sheep—His people. David stayed in the field until he was called to leave. God is looking for people who will have the patience to wait in the field and remain diligent until He calls them. It’s important to note that David didn’t waste time in the field; he diligently sought God and sharpened his gifts. If David had gone looking for a position, he could have very
well missed the moment when they came to anoint him as king. Likewise, if we get consumed and caught up in looking for a position, we could miss our moment. Fast forward a bit in David’s life to when he was called into the palace to sing and play his harp for the king. Put yourself in his shoes. Wouldn’t it be hard to serve in the palace and then go back to the field? It would be tempting to covet or envy King Saul’s position. But David’s attitude remained righteous, and he kept a servant attitude. When you keep the right attitude, promotion will come. One day, David was sent to take his brothers food while they were at war. When he arrived and heard the enemy yelling from the other side, he naturally started to ask questions. Before he knew it, he was telling King Saul he could take out the giant they were facing. So how did a young boy like David have the confidence to stand up against a giant? Let me remind you, he was born to be king. David consistently allowed himself to be empowered by God. He served in the field, and he was prepared in more ways than one. He was prepared spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally—he was ready. When David put on Saul’s armor, he almost fell down from the weight of it; it didn’t fit him. In the same way, anytime we try to fight our giants while wearing someone else’s armor, we’ll stumble and, most likely, fall. We’ll never slay our giant that way because God has called each of us to use what we’ve uniquely developed in the field. David took off the armor and grabbed what he had used in the field—his slingshot. He then knelt down to gather some smooth stones. It strikes me that David must have walked over stones the whole way there. I wonder: how many times do we do the same thing? We walk over the very weapons—the very strengths—we need to slay the giant we are facing. God isn’t asking for us to pick up amazing, huge strengths. Scripture says David grabbed smooth stones, not big or sharp stones. God wants us to use
the smooth well-worn strengths that have been chiseled and developed over time. That’s why it’s so important to develop our strengths … they could be the very things God chooses to use to slay future giants. Also, notice how David picked Commit your ways to the Lord and up the stones. your thoughts will be established. He knelt down. Proverbs 16:13 Proverbs 16:13 says, “Commit your ways to the Lord and your thoughts will be established.” The word “commit” comes from a word used to describe “roll.” For instance, when a camel’s load became too heavy, it would kneel down and the weight would roll off its back. In order for David to pick up the stones, he had to kneel and let the burden of the battle roll off. We need to take a moment to kneel down so the burden can roll off our backs and we can pick up the very strength we need to carry on. There’s one final truth about David’s life we need to see. The Bible says he ran to the valley to meet Goliath. There are two very powerful principles we can learn here. First, the word “valley” refers to a low place. David could run to a low place, because he knew he was merely running through to get to the next high point. Secondly, he knew who he belonged to and had complete faith and trust in Him. So he could run straight towards the giant knowing God already had the victory. If you’re in a season of being in the field, embrace it, because it’s what will carry you through to the palace. No position comes without first being in the field. The route to our destiny requires that we prepare by developing our strengths in the field. So let’s take a stand and choose to clothe ourselves with a righteous attitude. We can run toward our giants because we know whose we are. God has given us the victory!
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taking it to the valley Preston Morrison
Have you ever thought things were going to go one way until God informed you they would go a different way? You know how it goes. You get your “safe little plan” together, you begin executing it, and as far as you’re concerned, everything is going to go exactly according to your plan. But last time I checked, Jeremiah 29:11 doesn’t say “ ‘I know the plans you have for you,’ says the Lord.” No, it says, “ ‘I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord.” And, thankfully, there are times in life when God adjusts our plans and begins executing His plans for us. Well, that’s exactly what happened to me 15 years ago. In 1996, I visited Phoenix for the first time on a trip to scout out a university I was thinking about attending. While on that trip with my mother and father, we visited the nearby city of Scottsdale for a round of golf. (Why? Because that’s exactly what Jesus and anybody half-spiritual would do if they were visiting Scottsdale. But I digress.) On the fifteenth hole, I was standing on a tee box that overlooked the entire city of Scottsdale. Out of nowhere, God said, “Preston, you are going to spend the greater half of your life serving this valley, ministering to this valley and sacrificing for this valley. This is where My anointing for you rests.”
out of the blue, I received a phone call that changed everything. Now at this point, it’s important for you to understand something about me. I was an 18-year-old Texan. My entire family lived in the Metroplex, and so I naturally assumed I would spend the rest of my life in Dallas. Clearly, God had different plans.
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Fast forward four years. I was wrapping up my time in college and interning for a church outside of Scottsdale. I had my pretty little plan moving ahead full steam. Then, out of the blue, I received a phone call that changed everything. It was a pastor from back home in Dallas named Robert Morris. He said he was starting a new church called Gateway, and he wanted me to come back to Dallas to be the part-time youth pastor. Needless to say, this was not a part of my plan. I immediately shared my thoughts with the Lord: “God, You told me I was staying in Scottsdale!” He quickly replied, “No, I told you that you’d spend the greater half of your life here … not the rest of your life. You’ll come back to Scottsdale, but for now I’m sending you back to Dallas. Now go!”
Looking back, he was never focused on the city … he was always focused on me. Before I was hired, I was completely honest with Pastor Robert about what I felt the Lord had said to me about Scottsdale. I told him I would never bring it up again and I’d wait for him to hear the Lord on the timing of my move. So I submitted my calling to Scottsdale completely to Pastor Robert and the Elders of our church. Years passed and no one said anything about Scottsdale. Again, isn’t it funny how we always seem to think we know how things are going to go? I was sure, starting on day one, Pastor Robert would be talking to me about Scottsdale, grooming me for Scottsdale. Looking back, he was never focused on the city … he was always focused on me. Seven years passed, and with each year, I became more and more comfortable with working for a senior pastor and thought less about actually being one myself. If my time at Gateway has taught me anything, it has taught me that being a senior pastor is
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SCOTTSDALE the most challenging job on the planet. I came to the point where I wasn’t even sure I wanted to be a senior pastor. I was completely content to stay safely in the shadow of my senior pastor.
September 9, 2012, marks the day God has had on His calendar since the beginning of time … It was not to be. Three years ago, Pastor Robert and I had a lunch that would change my “new” safe little plan that involved staying in Dallas for as long as possible. It was at that lunch that Pastor Robert uttered words I will never forget as long as I live—“It’s time for you to leave.” “What?! Are you serious? I’ve gotten comfortable here. I’m not sure I want to leave here now.” “Preston, it’s time to get you ready to steward the move of God that is waiting for you in Scottsdale.” Since that day, we’ve spent the past three years preparing for our first church plant—Gateway Church Scottsdale. September 9, 2012, marks the day God has had on His calendar since the beginning of time … the very first service of Gateway Church Scottsdale. My wife, Holly, and I are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to take what God is doing at Gateway Church to Scottsdale and the surrounding cities of the valley (the Phoenix metropolitan area). I don’t know what the next 25 years of each of our lives looks like. But this I do know: If we will tear up our plans and submit to His will, those years will be full of “planned” moments that are exceedingly, abundantly better than any plan we could have ever concocted, imagined or even asked for.
We’re currently having interest meetings at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts on every third Thursday of the month through June. If you live near Scottsdale (or know anyone who does), we would love to have you at any or every one of these meetings. If you’d like more details, you can visit us online at gatewayscottsdale.tv. And regardless of whether you live in the valley or not, Holly and I would appreciate your prayers as we step out in faith to expand God’s kingdom by reaching the valley of Phoenix/Scottsdale.
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Choosing to Live Your Forever Now LoriAnn Lowery-Biggers
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very aspect of our lives is about choice: Choosing not to live for tomorrow but being present and enjoying this moment, this season in life. Choosing to not let past failures dictate your future but allowing your past experiences to enrich you as a person. Choosing to establish the foundation of your future today by living your forever now.
Several years ago, I made the decision to live my life governed by three principles: Lead with Excellence, Live with Integrity and Balance and Give with Passion. It’s a daily struggle and daily choice. Sometimes I do it well, sometimes I fall short, but every day I renew my resolve and choose to let those principles guide my life.
must realize that it’s not an accomplishment or a destination that we arrive at; it’s a continual never-ending commitment.
Leading with excellence is about leading others. The best leaders are those who selflessly give of themselves and make personal development and the people around them a priority. Leading with excellence is also about accountability. I cannot give of myself as a leader if I don’t first have accountability for myself. Great leaders balance their relationships, roles, responsibilities, tasks and personal development. They have accountability to God and themselves in each of these areas. As I’ve observed great leaders, I’ve discovered they all have common characteristics—things that are distinctive, relevant and consistent in everything they touch. Excellent leaders are master connectors. They leave their egos at the door. They stay in touch and are relational. They focus on the quality, not quantity, of the people they allow to speak into their lives. They believe in themselves and their abilities. Self-loathing, self-doubt and low self-esteem are obstacles they remove from their lives through prayer and awareness.
Leading with Excellence
Each of us is a leader—in our homes, our schools, our marketplaces, our churches and our neighborhoods. With our actions—far more than our words—we show others how we walk out our faith. And in order to lead with excellence, we
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Excellent leaders choose not to flaunt their status, their power or who they are; they demonstrate humility and a commitment to serve others. True leaders are also authentic and genuine. Authentic leadership is all about being the person you know in your heart you’re destined to be. It doesn’t come from how many friends you have, your title or the size of your paycheck; it comes from being the person you are—the one God designed you to be. Leaders are transparent and communicate fully and authentically in every relationship and every encounter they have with others. Choose to be genuine, humble and unpretentious, but most of all, just be the you God made you to be.
The key to achieving balance is choosing to sometimes say no to things that seem good in order to make room and time for the great. Finding the resolve to say no requires you to first be clear about what you want to say yes to. And while saying no may not be easy, the price you pay for not doing so could delay you from fulfilling your purpose.
Giving with Passion
Living with Integrity and Balance
You’ve been given the power to make personal choices that bring more of what you want into your life, minimize the things you don’t want and fulfill the life God desires for you. While you can’t always control your circumstances, you can always choose to take responsibility. No matter what the challenge, you have the power to choose to either let the world affect you or to go out and make an effect on the world. You’ll never be able to have your dream job or live your dream life if you don’t know what it is. God’s vision for you and your life is bigger—much bigger—than the one you’ve had until now. Don’t be afraid of dreaming too big. The greater danger isn’t that your dreams are too large and you’ll fail to reach them, but that your dreams are too small. Choose to dream bigger for yourself and pray audaciously. Your life will be as big as you pray and dream it to be! Ask yourself, “What is the purpose God has for me?” Living with integrity is about letting go and giving your best while knowing that everything in life has a purpose. Who you are in Christ isn’t defined by your performance or results. So stop resisting what you can’t control and choose to go with (rather than against) God’s flow for your life. Live in the present instead of always focusing on the future or dwelling on the past. When you “let go and let God” you will start to achieve what you seek most from life.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 Choosing to order your priorities is integral in achieving a well-balanced life. So many times, we end up doing what’s immediate or urgent rather than what should be a priority. This is something I have to battle every day. Set aside time with God first, then yourself and your relationships. Guard this personal time fervently; don’t let other distractions intrude. You are an exhaustible resource. If you don’t take time for yourself and fill your own cup, you will quickly get depleted and have nothing to give back in any area of your life.
When you choose to let down your defenses, open yourself up and allow yourself to be vulnerable so your heart can be broken for what breaks God’s heart, you can experience the joy that comes from giving with passion—connecting with others in need openly, intimately and compassionately. Giving with passion reveals your Christianity and makes you available to know, care for, connect with and love others.
As ordinary as you may think you are, you possess a unique set of gifts; gifts which, if you choose, you can use to do wonderful things in your life and for God. If you don’t do those things, then who will? And if now is not the time to begin, then when? Just imagine the ways you might reach, enrich and inspire the lives of others by giving of yourself from this day forward. The possibilities are endless! Whether it’s volunteering at church, doing missions work, being a small group leader, feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, mentoring a young woman, building homes for the homeless or working to be a better parent, great leaders give of their time and resources to better those around them. I implore you to discover what calls to you and makes your heart beat, and then choose to participate and be passionate about it! There are massive needs globally and right in our own backyard. In a time when so many people are giving up, it’s more important than ever for us to be giving back. The greatest leadership of all is to carry out your compassion by loving and helping to heal a world that is broken. Make the choice today to be an excellent leader, to live with integrity and balance and to give with passion. Once you’ve made that choice, you will begin to live your forever now! For an extended version of Choosing to Live Your Forever Now, visit studiogmag.com.
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Recommended Reading Josh Coad
Silent Tears
by Dorothy J. Newton
Silent Tears is a powerful firsthand account of deliverance from abuse. Abused for years by her former husband—retired Dallas Cowboys’ player Nate Newton—Dorothy Newton made the incredibly hard choice to remove herself and her two sons from a harsh, unhealthy environment. And ultimately, she learned to forgive and walk in God’s divine healing. Dorothy doesn’t hold back on the details, which makes her story hard to read at times. But through it all, she paints an inspiring picture of how God’s love can overcome any obstacle. This book isn’t a scandalous celebrity exposé, nor is it a depressing story without hope. Dorothy shares hard details and shocking stories in order to highlight the power of God’s healing and forgiveness. Because Dorothy invites us as readers to share in the darkness of her past, we’re also able to truly appreciate the light of God’s love that fills her present. Nowhere is God’s restorative power more on display in this book than in the interview with Nate Newton himself. Just
as Dorothy lives free from abuse, Nate Newton now lives free from abusing. Fully aware of how his past actions affected his family, Nate has received God’s forgiveness and speaks out against the kind of abuse he once engaged in. His cooperation in this book speaks volumes and shows that redemption truly is possible for both sides of abusive situations. Finally, if you’re currently involved in an abusive situation or know someone who is, the epilogue in the back of the book gives some great practical advice. Dorothy and her collaborator, Wendy Walters, provide wise, biblical steps to take in seeking or providing real and lasting help and change. God works all things for the good of those who love Him. Silent Tears paints a beautiful redemptive picture of this truth. You’ll be moved and inspired as Dorothy shares her story and points the way to the freedom that can only be found in the Lord. Josh Coad is a Staff Writer at Gateway and a singer/worship leader for Gateway Worship and Gateway Generate. He’s married to a gorgeous ballet/modern dancer named Rachel. He still wonders how he pulled that off.
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