Studio G Magazine Spring 2008 by Katie Coiner

Gateway Women’s Magazine | studiogmag.com

Spring 2008

CLUTTER CURES

strategies that work!

BEYOND 20/20 “I never saw anything the same again”

learning to love

ARNITA TAYLOR

tio

Sp ec

SECRETS

PI N

the

to Reaching Your Full Potential

opens up about life, love and what really matters

Pink Impact 2009 March 26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28, 2009 Gateway Church Southlake Campus Join us next year for an amazing conference for women. pinkimpact.com

CONTENTS Spring

’08

ON THE COVER 7 Clutter Cures: 5 Strategies That Work 16 Arnita Taylor opens up about life, love and what really matters 21 The Secrets to Reaching Your Full Potential 22 Beyond 20/20—“I never saw anything the same again” 25 Learning to Love ME

IN EVERY ISSUE 6 CONTRIBUTORS

7 FYI Give Yourself a Break 8 FITNESS Triumphant Training 11 SOLUTIONS FOR THE SOUL Dear Debbie 13 SPICE FOR LIFE Easy Eats and Simply Sweets 31 BEAUTY Springtime Beauty Boost 33 PULSE Music & Book Recommendations 34 SMILE

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

Spring 2008 3

FEATURES

Gateway Women’s Magazine

14 It Captured Me How taking the window seat on a plane led to an unexpected conversation with God. by Debbie Morris

15 Romance Me There’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who believes she is loved. by Angie Schuller

16 SPOTLIGHT: Adventures of a God Chaser Arnita Taylor says, “I don’t have to be just one thing. I can put a comma behind what I am.” by Stacy Burnett

21 Maximize Your Potential

SPRING 2008 Editor-in-Chief

DEBBIE MORRIS Managing Editor

DEBORAH MASH Senior Editor

A challenge to live your life to the fullest. by Brenda Laurence

22 Through the Eyes of God

STACY BURNETT Assistant Senior Editor

S. GEORGE THOMAS

How a date with God’s beloved transformed my worship. by Zach Neese

Editorial Assistant

JOYCE FREEMAN

25 Come Away With Me

Art Director

Despite all of her success, one woman still felt like a disappointment to God. by Linda Pallone

KATRINA SIRMON Creative Direction

GATEWAY MEDIA MINISTRIES

27 More Than Words

Contributing Photographers

Beyond the Ding Dongs & Twinkies: the eternal rewards of journaling. by Deborah Mash

SCOTT CORNELIUS ERIC RYAN ANDERSON

29 My Adventure in Hearing God A blueprint for listening to God. by Mary Jo Pierce

30 I Am Undone An honest confession: “I didn’t enjoy reading my Bible.” by Debbie Morris

“I will make you My promised bride forever. I will be good and fair; I will show you My love and mercy.” Hosea 2:19

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SOUTHLAKE CAMPUS 2121 E Southlake Blvd Southlake, Texas 76092

NRH CAMPUS 7501 Davis Blvd North Richland Hills, Texas 76180

a note from the editor

Hello Friends!

In January, I heard God whisper to my heart, “Are you ready to love Me like never before? Come.” I thought, “I know about love. I serve You because I love You.” “No, I want to take you on an amazing adventure into the expanse of My love.” I thought that message was just for me, but to my surprise, God is calling all women to know their Beloved. Our Beloved is calling us on an adventure to explore a love that has no bounds—to know the exhilaration of being completely transparent and vulnerable only to find love’s warm arms of acceptance. All of our lives He has been gently drawing and romancing us with His love. God has betrothed us so that we might know Him. Unlike Queen Esther who had to wait for the king to outstretch his scepter, our King has extended an open invitation for us to come boldly to His throne. Patiently, He longs to envelop us with His love. The highest honor God has ever crowned us with is being able to know Him like a bride knows her groom. Scripture is full of such comparisons. The Shulamite bride in Song of Songs was looking at her own weakness when she said, “I am dark but lovely,” but her groom saw beyond what she could see. She had to choose to believe that a king would want a relationship with her. Are you ready for this adventure of a lifetime? Your reservations have been made and paid in full. All you have to do is accept. It’s my hope that this issue of Studio G will be a room key to a lifetime romance with the Lover of Your Soul. Allow Him to whisk you away to the discovery of the Shulamite bride—“I am my Beloved’s, and He is mine.” Blessings,

Spring 2008 5

contributors

 







Zach Neese

 Zach Neese’s greatest goal in life is to be a good son to his

Brenda Laurence

 Brenda Laurence is passionate about seeing women reach their full potential in God and have fun in the process. Her experiences as a wife, mother and professional woman have given her great wisdom and insight. As the Associate Pastor of Women’s Ministries at Gateway Church, Brenda loves to take advantage of every opportunity possible to get together with women and celebrate God’s goodness. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and cooking. She likes dark chocolate, and most people don’t know this, but she’s extremely competitive when playing Wii or air hockey!

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Father, a good husband to his wife and a good daddy to his five children. He received his B.A. in English from UT Austin (after trying art, advertising, pre-med and astronomy!). In the past, he has worked with emotionally disabled kids and as an Autism Therapist. As the Pastor of Worship Development at Gateway Church, Zach loves the fact that he gets paid to talk about, write songs for and direct worship towards his best friend, Jesus.

Linda Pallone

 Linda Pallone spent three years in Africa serving as a

Angie Schuller

missionary in both Mozambique and Malawi. She loves  Angie Schuller is passionate to laugh, enjoys watching 24 (go Jack Bauer!) and takes about guiding people through advantage of every possible chance to go scuba diving. In their spiritual journey into a life fact, Linda is an officially-certified underwater rescue diver. of wholeness in Jesus Christ. She She currently works at Gateway Church as the Associate received a B.A. in Church Ministries Pastor of Outreach Ministries (n2Action). She lives in Keller, and an M.A. in Marriage & Family Texas, and her favorite quote is “Never let the work God does Therapy from Oral Roberts through you be greater than the work He does in you.” University (ORU). While at ORU, Mary Jo Pierce Angie worked first as the Assistant  Mary Jo Pierce desires to help others learn how to touch Director of Music Ministries and then the Director of Spiritual Life the heart of God and experience His transforming power (overseeing community outreach, in their personal prayer lives and in corporate settings. She derives great joy in bringing others alongside her on a personal chaplains and missions). She pilgrimage of prayer (Psalm 84:5). Mary Jo serves as Gateway’s currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Ministry Teams at Gateway Pastor of Prayer & Intercession and lives in Roanoke, Texas, Church and is engaged to be married with her husband, Bruce. She enjoys watching anything on HGTV and is really into electronic gadgets (even over diamonds June 2008. Angie loves life; you’ll and chocolates!). Her life message is Psalm 17:15—“As for me, most likely find her traveling, reading, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I dancing, playing with children or singing in the hallways. awake in Your likeness.”

studio fyi

Not enough hours in the day? Overwhelmed by your inbox? Need to conquer some clutter?

Give Yourself a Break!

When you start to feel overwhelmed, at home or in the office, implement one or more of these tips and be on your way to a stress-free day.

Get Time On Your Side

The faster the pace of your life, the more organized you need to be. Excellent personal habits can save you a lot of time and distraction. And good habits can give you the time you need to get things done. Let’s start with five time-saving tips:

make your bed EVERY morning. You

will be uplifted to come back to a beautiful, restful room at the end of the day. And your room is 50-70% clean once you do it!

practice the “Two Minute Pickup”

Essential Email Etiquette

There are many email etiquette guides and many different email etiquette rules. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts that apply to everyone.

DO … • Be concise and to the point • Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation • Make it personal • Use templates for frequently used responses • Answer promptly • Read the email before you send it

DON’T … • Attach unnecessary files

every time you leave a room or your desk. That is, turn around and quickly put away everything for two minutes. The less you have to put away, the less fragmented your life will be when you return.

learn to love clean counters. Significant

amounts of time are saved if keys, glasses, important papers, shoes and clutter are neatly put away or tossed.

cut your work in half by putting things

away NOW instead of putting them down to come back to later. One of the biggest time wasters is to say, “I’ll deal with that later.” Put everything away now!

set the pace for your day by arriving early

or at least on time at your first event. Have you ever noticed that your arrival time at the first event sets the pace for the rest of your day?

• Write in CAPITALS • Forward chain letters • Copy a message or attachment without permission

Submitted by Marcia Ramsland, author of Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way! Visit her website at OrganizingPro.com.

Taken from emailreplies.com.

Spring 2008 7

studio fitness

TRIUMPHANT TRAINING How to Attain Maximum Results from Cardiovascular Exercise

by EMILY GILSTRAP

Cardiovascular exercise is any form of activity that elevates the heart rate into the target training zone for an extended period of time.

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Many fitness experts would agree that the foundation of a well-balanced fitness program begins with aerobic exercise. Cardiovascular fitness should be the mainstay of any fitness program. Research shows that regular cardiovascular training can significantly reduce the risk for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, depression and certain types of cancers. Activities like biking, running, swimming and rollerblading are all examples of cardiovascular exercise, more commonly known as aerobics. The following tips are only a few out of many which can help you establish an effective and enjoyable cardiovascular training regimen. May you enjoy the journey to improving your cardiovascular fitness.

KNOW YOUR TARGET HEART RATE Most gyms and cardio machines have target heart rate charts either on the wall or on the machine itself. Find your training zone based on your age, and aim to exercise within that zone. Typically a chart will look like the following:

If that looks too complicated, you may prefer a simplified method known as RPE or Rate of Perceived Exertion. Most experts agree that following this scale is just as effective for monitoring intensity levels.

FIND A FORM OF AEROBIC EXERCISE THAT YOU ENJOY

While this may seem rather obvious, many people completely miss out on this one. The question I’m often Level 1: I’m watching TV and eating popcorn. asked is, “Which form of aerobic exercise is the best?” Level 2: I’m comfortable and could maintain this all day. My response is, “The one that you will actually do.” While that may sound flippant, there’s a lot of truth in Level 3: I’m still comfortable, but am breathing harder. finding the activities that you enjoy because it ensures Level 4: I’m sweating a little, but feel good and can carry that you will continue to do them long-term. There are on a conversation. many choices of aerobic exercises to pick from such as Level 5: I’m just above comfortable, am sweating more walking outdoors, treadmills, elliptical machines, stair and can still talk easily. steppers, recumbent bikes, aerobics videos, etc. What your best friend or spouse enjoys Level 6: I can still talk, but am slightly breathless. may not be what’s best for you. Many Level 7: I can still talk, but I don’t really want to. enjoy anything involving outdoor The American I’m sweating like a cow. activity as opposed to working College of Sports Level 8: I can barely respond to questions and out on indoor cardio equipment. Medicine guidelines can only go on for a short time. Others may love going to group recommend 20 to 60 Level 9: I am probably going to pass out soon. exercise classes or perhaps minutes per session, using an exercise DVD at home. Level 10: I am dying. three to five days per week, Do you prefer to exercise at approximately 55% to In general, for most workouts you want to be around alone, or do you love the social 85% of your maximum Level 5–6. If you’re doing interval training, you want aspect of exercising with friends? heart rate. your recovery to be around Level 4–5 and your intensity Pick what works best for you, and blasts to be at around Level 8–9. Intensity blasts can last don’t worry so much about what’s anywhere from 20 seconds to two minutes depending on your promoted as the “best activity.” If you’re goals and fitness level. As you can see from above, working at a Level working out consistently, you’re already beating 10 isn’t recommended for most workouts. For longer, slower workouts, the odds of dropping out, and you’re well on your way keep your intensity at Level 5 or lower. to cardiovascular fitness.

RATE OF PERCEIVED EXERTION

PROPERLY WARM UP AND COOL DOWN

Skipping these two important features of an aerobic training program can make a huge difference in overall performance, muscle recovery and enjoyment of the workout. Allowing ample preparation time before ramping up the exercise intensity accomplishes the following: muscle temperature gradually warms, the likelihood of injury decreases, blood flow to the heart and other active muscles increases gradually, elasticity of connective tissue increases and the joints become well lubricated allowing for smoother, more comfortable movement. Gradually cooling down as opposed to a sudden cessation of exercise has its benefits as well. It can reduce the chance of cramping, alleviate post-exercise muscle soreness, speed up recovery and can disperse most of the lactic acid accumulated in the muscles during the workout. Too much lactic acid can hinder fat metabolism if allowed to pool in the bloodstream. Remember to check with your physician to rule out any underlying disease or contraindications to exercise.

TRY CROSS TRAINING

Cross training is simply doing a variety of cardiovascular exercises either in the same workout or from day to day. An example of cross training during the same workout would be: five minutes on a treadmill, ten minutes on an elliptical, five minutes on a bike and ten minutes jumping rope. Cross training throughout the week might include running on Monday, swimming Tuesday, biking Thursday and kickboxing on Saturday. The benefits of cross training are that you seldom get bored, injury is minimized by minimizing repetitive impact on specific joints and muscle groups and lastly, the body continually responds to the new and unexpected demands placed on it. As the body adjusts to one particular form of exercise, it becomes less responsive than in the initial phases of your workout program. Variety is the key to keeping the cardiovascular system surprised and stimulated. ď&#x201A;Ľ

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

GATEWAY GROUPS FOR WOMEN

Take advantage of FREE childcare at both the Southlake and the NRH Campuses. This is the perfect opportunity for you to spend time with friends at your Gateway Group, get lunch and even run errands! For more information, contact Monica Hopkins at 817.552.3705 or email womensgroups@gatewaypeople.com.

Wherever you are in your journey of life, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a place for you in Gateway Groups! groups.gatewaypeople.com

studio solutions for the soul

Dear Debbie Letting boys be boys Hearing God in your own way Forgiveness is for your own good

My son turned 13 a few months ago. Since his birthday, I’ve noticed an increase in the conflicts between us. He’s always been a very sweet, compliant child, so I have a hard time understanding why things have changed so dramatically. Is this just part of having a teenage boy in the house? ~MAD MOM

I have some good news for you. I remember when I experienced similar transitions with our sons, particularly our middle child. After months of battling and crying out to God, I felt I heard an answer. In ancient times, boys would transition to a man’s world in their early teens. No longer were they left at home with their mothers; instead, they started learning their father’s trade. As they picked up new responsibilities, they began to experience the honor of manhood. Honor is a God-

In listening every week to Pastor Robert’s messages, it seems like he has a special uplink with God and can hear God so clearly. I struggle with hearing God, and I’ve been wondering if you hear God as clearly as Pastor Robert. Do you have any insights or suggestions for hearing God more plainly? ~HEARING IMPAIRED

I can so relate to you. I don’t hear God like Robert because he often hears specific details, directions and scriptures. I, on the other hand, sense God’s will by peace that rules in my heart (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15) or the absence of it. When we’re making a big decision, Robert hears the specifics and I feel peace about it. He has learned not to ask me if I’ve heard a certain amount to give; instead, he’ll sometimes give me two or three amounts from which to choose. In that setting, I can tell him which of those amounts I have peace about, and it’s often the same one he was hearing. For many years, I didn’t think I heard any specifics, but one day I started realizing that I hear God more than I had previously thought. For example, when packing for a trip, I would think to remind the kids to pack a jacket even though it was a strange thing to take on a summer trip. But when we’d arrive at our destination and an unseasonable cold front would hit, we were all grateful for the jackets. I began to realize I hear God in my arena, but because it seemed practical, I dismissed it as just my thoughts. If you think about it, you’ll begin to see that you hear God more than you realize. It may be different than others. You may have an impression to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in years. Remember that your godly impressions are God speaking to you.

given need in men, and they respond best in an honoring atmosphere. My approach to my boys began to change. I realized they responded best to praise and honor. They wanted to be manly and needed to be noticed as men. I would offer to let them sit in the front seat of the car when we were going somewhere as a family. They also liked sitting next to their dad in movies. I began complimenting the godly character I saw in their lives. I even thanked them for every little thing they did around the

house. I looked for ways to serve them without diminishing their responsibilities. One of our major sources of conflict was their rooms, so I relaxed and only asked that they pick it up once a week. I learned that simply closing their doors saved many hours of frustration. To my surprise, they began to respond to me differently and the harmony returned to our relationship. Today they are in their twenties, and I still have a sweet relationship with both of them. I love my boys, and I am grateful for the Lord’s instruction.

Spring 2008 11

“Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking.”

Romans 12:2

think new

Recently, my best friend took some issues in my marriage which I had shared with her in confidence and publicly displayed them in a “joking” way to a group of mutual friends. The worst part was my husband was humiliated and outraged that I had been so personal with my friend. My husband and I have since mended our relationship, but we no longer feel comfortable around our circle of good friends. I know I shouldn’t have been so vulnerable with my friend, but I just can’t believe she did that. Although she has apologized, I just can’t seem to truly forgive her. She really hurt me, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to trust her again. How can I forgive her? ~BURNED

A Can we really think new and act differently? Join the women of Gateway for our next Women’s Night as we explore the power of our thought life and discover how to be transformed as we take every thought captive. The more we overcome our negative thought patterns, the greater our potential.

Will you dare to think new?

For your own good, you need to forgive your thoughtless friend and gain wisdom from this blunder. Amazingly, forgiveness sets us free from the wrong. I’ll admit it’s a lot more difficult than just deciding to forgive. However, it does begin with making a conscious decision to forgive. Jesus made it clear that if we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15). I’ve noticed that when I’m struggling to forgive someone, I have an internal movie playing of the wrong. The more I play it, the more details that are added (probably a result of my overactive imagination). To walk in forgiveness, I have to turn that DVD player off. That means, when I catch myself rehearsing the wrong, I have to find the remote and turn it off. When I catch myself thinking about the person or the wrong, I found a powerful tool that helps to release me is to start praying for them. (No,

you can’t pray for God’s judgment to smite them.) Pray blessings on your friend. Pray for God’s best for her. I’m always amazed how just those two simple things bring quick healing. As with all experiences, we can gain wisdom. The reason you can’t believe she did this is because you have different values. For you, keeping a person’s confidence is probably a high priority, but apparently your friend didn’t share your values. As women, we all long for a friend to pour our heart out to, but sometimes our circle of friends doesn’t provide us with a true confidant. So as believers, we have the privilege to pour our hearts out to God. God is the best Best Friend I have ever had. The really neat thing is He’s always ready to listen regardless of the hour. He is more than patient, and He has unlimited power to change things.

women’s night Thursday, May 8 • 7:00 pm • Auditorium Gateway Church Southlake Campus women@gatewaypeople.com

“Dear Debbie” letters are answered by Debbie Morris. If you have a question that you would like to submit to “Dear Debbie,” please email it to deardebbie@gatewaypeople.com. Everything submitted is anonymous and won’t be shared with third parties. By submitting your questions, you give us permission to edit and publish. Only questions published will be answered.

studio spice

Easy Eats and Simple Sweets (just like Mom used to make )

Easy-Bake

by ERIN SULLIVAN

CHICKEN POTPIE

I am always on the hunt for quick and easy meals, especially those of the delicious variety. Chicken Potpie is a big winner in this category; in fact, it’s my friend Leah’s favorite thing that I make. If you’re nervous about cooking, this is a great dish to start with. Just add mashed potatoes and “voila!” instant meal just like mom would make. Good luck, but I’m sure you won’t need it!

2 cups chunked cooked chicken

½ cup of milk

1 can (10 ¾ oz) condensed cream of chicken with herbs soup

salt & pepper to taste

1 box (10 oz) frozen mixed vegetables, thawed (I usually pick all of the lima beans out before I mix this in, but that’s just me!)

1 box (15 oz) refrigerated ready to use pie crust

Preheat oven to 425º. Mix all ingredients (except the pie crust) in a medium-sized bowl. Line a 9” pie plate with pie crust and add filling. Top with the other crust and fold the edges under and crimp. Cut 4 slits in the top of the crust to vent. Bake 25–30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is hot. Makes 6 servings

Cookie Monster NO BAKE COOKIES 2 cups sugar 3 Tablespoons cocoa ½ cup butter ½ cup milk

3 Tablespoons of peanut butter 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups oatmeal

Combine sugar, cocoa, butter and milk in a large saucepan and cook mixture over medium heat until it boils. Immediately remove from heat. Mix in the peanut butter and vanilla first to let them melt, then add the oatmeal. Mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto parchment or wax paper and allow to harden. Makes about 4 dozen

I am so thankful for my senses, specifically my sense of taste! And if there is one thing I especially love, it’s cookies! I like to think of myself as a cookie connoisseur. My cookie obsession began when I was a kid. My mom is an amazing baker, and she makes the most delicious cookies. I can remember two types of cookies that were staples in my childhood: Nestle Original Tollhouse (for obvious reasons) and No Bake Cookies. I think she made No Bake Cookies often because they’re fairly simple, and if it’s 140 degrees outside in the middle of a Texas summer, you don’t need your oven on all afternoon. My brothers and I used to sneak into the kitchen and try to get some of these No Bakes right after she scooped them out. Somehow, even when she was on the totally opposite end of the house with the door closed and the water running, she would yell, “Don’t eat those yet, they’re still too soft!” And she was right every time!

Spring 2008 13

It Captured Me! by DEBBIE MORRIS

It captured me! … I have seen scores of sunsets and enjoyed all of them, but this one was different. From my unique vantage point on an airplane, the sun looked like a burning bush. Its beauty drew my attention away from Spider-Man 3 that was playing on the 12-inch screen a few rows ahead. A full moon hung suspended between dark and light. Shadowy blues anchored the evening hues while vibrant yellows and reds clung on for a last moment of glory before finally yielding to the mandate of night. Glimmering light danced off the ocean’s surface creating illusions of tiny islands jutting up when clouds below blocked the view. I don’t usually take the window seat. For years, my husband Robert has always had the window seat and I’ve enjoyed the middle or the aisle. Without thought, we abandoned our long-standing seating order, but somehow it seemed right and natural. Early into our flight, I noticed the moon’s premature appearance and didn’t give it much attention, focusing instead on my magazine and the movie playing. Somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico, I was pulled out of “airplane mode” into a moment where the spiritual and the natural collided and touched my heart. The magnificence and splendor painted on a larger-than-life-size canvas evoked praises in my heart. “God, you are amazing! Look at that beauty! You outdid Yourself with this,” rolled throughout my heart and spirit. I knew I had His 14 Studio G

attention. “That was not My only masterpiece. I paid more attention to you than I did this sunset.” I found myself blushing like a bride before her complimentary husband. Without hesitation, I began dismissing these thoughts by thinking of my blemishes, weaknesses and failures. Pricked by the sense that I had just offended God, I stopped. “I love you and want to be with you,” He whispered to my spirit. Fighting everything in me not to begin a personal mental assault, I tried to hear the tenderness of my Beloved with more than my ears and accept His endearing touch. Hosea 11 speaks of God drawing us with gentle cords of love. That is what God was doing. He was wooing me. He was courting me to go on an adventure with Him … on an airplane of all places. I didn’t really know when it all began. I began to think about when my grandmother first shared the gospel with me and realized He had been wooing me for my entire life. He died on the cross just so I could have an adventure of a lifetime—being His bride. Hebrews 4 says I can come boldly to the throne of grace. As a bride, I have different privileges than children. Children have to knock before entering, but my King’s heart and chambers are open to me. Like the Shulamite bride in Song of Songs, I am being pursued. My Beloved is calling. Because gentle cords of love have apprehended my heart, I can now echo the words of that bride: “I am my Beloved’s, and His desire is toward me.” •

by ANGIE SCHULLER

I love Dove’s new Campaign for Real Beauty—“Dove. Redefining Beauty.” Women—freckled, tattooed, wrinkled and full-figured— all stand confidently in the face of a camera, announcing their beauty to the world: “Is there anything more beautiful than a woman who believes she is loved?” Last year, when praying about 2008, Jesus spoke to my heart, “This is the year of the betrothed.” While I’ve had a relationship with Jesus for many years, 2007 marked the year I received a glimpse of His romantic heart for me. I feel as though we are engaged, and He has swept me away into a deeper intimacy and love. The Bible gives betrothal as a metaphor for the love relationship between Christ and the Church. We are His beloved and His bride. In Song of Songs 2:16, the bride cries out, “My lover is mine and I am his.” In Psalm 36:7 the psalmist proclaims, “How priceless is Your unfailing love.” In Revelation 21:9 we read, “I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” All throughout the Bible we see that God desires intimacy with His people. Just as a woman’s heart longs for intimacy, depth and a compassionate love, so God’s heart longs for intimacy with His bride. The desire for love remains a true need designed to draw us to our true Beloved. In Psalm 45:11, the poet writes, “The King greatly desires your beauty. He is your Lord, worship Him.” When we expect someone other than God to meet our need for love, we create an idol. We begin to serve the need by organizing our lives around those people who seemingly meet our need. We make these people the focus of our lives, and they become false idols. Typically, we expect the men we love to help us believe we’re deeply loved and valued as only God can love. God is wooing us to fall in love with Him. He longs to meet our greatest need for love, acceptance and adoration.

I spent several years wrestling with the concept of being loved by God. One of my favorite authors, Stasi Eldredge, writes in her book, Captivating: “What is most breathtaking is when God says He is our Lover, and we His bride. That is the pinnacle, the goal of our redemption and the most intimate and romantic of all … we must choose to open our hearts again so that we might hear His whispers.” To my surprise, my “year of the betrothed” was more than just a metaphor. In 2007, my father arranged a dinner date for me with Chris Wyatt, CEO of GodTube.com. We dated for several months and on New Year’s Eve, he asked me to marry him. Chris committed to love me for the rest of my life, and I him. He was the first person to tell me, “A woman’s heart should be so lost in God that a man must seek God to find her.” While Chris is my betrothed, I continue to cast my need for love to God. In believing in God’s love for me, I am then free to bring to Chris only those needs which are healthy and appropriate. He will be my husband, but he cannot be my idol. My need for love can only be met by God. Before beginning your “year of the betrothed” and entering into a romantic relationship, you must truly believe in who you are—God’s beloved. God beckons us, as His chosen women, to confidently stand and announce before the world: “The King greatly desires my beauty.”

Spring 2008 15

Mother Friend Pastor Wife Adventurer Woman •

•

ARNITA TAYLOR

DVENTURES A OD CHASER

of a

Before doing this interview, I didn’t know much about Arnita. Sure I’d met her and talked to her a few times, but this was the first time I had the chance to sit down and really talk to her, to really get to know Arnita. Now that I have, I must say, she is one of the most intriguing women I have ever met. After sitting with her for just five minutes, I felt like I was with an old friend. Arnita is a passionate, fun, joyful, bold, vibrant woman who has a deep and profound love for the Lord. To her, life is an amazing journey—a life-long adventure with God. I invite you to join me and get to know Arnita better as she opens up about her family, passions, motivations and loves.

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by STACY BURNETT

studio spotlight

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When you were a little girl, what did you want to be when you grew up? A doctor. I went to college as a premed major and graduated summa cum laude. To be honest with you, one day I got absolutely terrified. I was terrified that somebody would die on me. So, I never went to graduate school. I was just almost there. So how did you end up at Gateway Church? Four years ago, my 12-year-old son Evan wanted to go to the church across the street from the Wal-Mart on 1709. I told him, “You’re insane. It’s Saturday! We are not going to church on Saturday.” We had been at the soccer field all day, my husband was still at work, I was tired and had a basket of laundry I needed to do. As I walked into my bathroom and set my laundry basket down, God said to me, “Your son just asked you to go to church and you told Him ‘No.’ How do you feel about that, missy?” I put the basket away and turned around and said to Evan, “Why don’t you go check out that church and see what time it starts and we’ll go.” That night, about halfway through the service, God started to speak loudly to me that this was to be our new church home. It didn’t make a lot of sense to me at first, but I went to the altar to have someone pray to confirm what I just heard. Now I’m like, “Duh! That’s why it’s God.” I know that He absolutely picked me up and sent me and my family to this place. Now, four years later, here I am working at Gateway. I can so clearly see the hand of God in all this. I’ve learned and grown so much in many areas. What exactly does your job at Gateway entail? As the Associate Pastor of Women’s Groups, I am responsible for oneon-one mentoring and all Gateway Groups for women including mentoring groups, interest groups, Bible study groups and prayer groups. I get to help women embrace and find authentic community. My vision for women’s groups at Gateway is for every woman at 18 Studio G

Gateway to find a group where she can feel included and accepted and where somebody will know her name. My hope is that she can get an element of care and belonging here. I’ve heard a lot of people who know you talk about how much you love your job. Why is that? I love what I do because I really do believe in small groups. I’ve been involved in small groups for a long time going all the way back to when I lived in Atlanta. Before coming to Gateway, I had a neighborhood Bible study for five years where people came and learned about God. I got to baptize some folks and got to see God really move in people’s lives—all through a small group. They have always been so fruitful for me because I learn a lot about myself and the areas that I need to surrender to God so that I can be more like Him.

How would you describe yourself? Who is Arnita? I’m a “let-it-roll-off-your-back” kind of person. But I haven’t always been that way. I used to be very legalistic, very rigid. I was totally different. I didn’t like change, but God has changed me. Now I’m a very casual and fun-loving person. I love to make people laugh. I love, love laughter. I envision Jesus laughing. I have a pencil sketch of Jesus laughing. I just really see Him laughing a lot. He laughs with me and sometimes at me! What makes you laugh? It doesn’t take much! My kids make me laugh all the time. I grew up with two sisters, so now living in a house with only males, you just have to laugh sometimes. It’s just comical. Life with three males in the house can be very, very entertaining. That is what makes me laugh.

BE YOURSELF. DON’T HAVE AN IDENTITY CRISIS. I think it’s a great place for women to utilize their gifts, learn to be accepted, learn to be loved and have friends. We need women in our lives; we need sisters. Often, not always, but sometimes, the ones you don’t get to choose in your life … your family … aren’t the most positive people, so God gives us the extended family of God. Small groups are a great resource for that. My life has been groups. I just love, love, love them. They really make a difference!

If you could say one thing to the women of Gateway, what would it be? Be yourself. Don’t have an identity crisis. I would encourage women to get into the Word of God to establish their identity in Christ. They are who He says they are. I would encourage them to walk forward in the freedom and confidence of knowing Him.

What kind of things do you like to do? I like singing because it has always been a source of healing for me. I also really like being at home. I’m a real homebody. Growing up, I got used to lots of time by myself, so I need time by myself. I love, love, love, love to cook. Love to cook and feed people. Love to have people in my home. I don’t particularly care if it’s clean. I’ll show you where the cleaning products are, you’re welcome to them. Really informal. I just really like to cook. I really like having my girlfriends in my home. I have about 80 million of them! You can ask my husband. I like preparing food for people and having them in my home. I do that every New Year’s Day. I have friends over that I want to be close to that year. That’s my thing. What motivates you? Remember earlier when you asked me what I wanted to be, and I said, “I wanted to be a doctor”? Well, you know what I’ve learned? God lets me put commas after things. I am motivated by the fact that I can put commas as to who I am. I can be “wife” comma and “mom” comma and “girlfriend” comma and “pastor” and the list goes on. I don’t have to be just one thing. I can put a comma behind what I am. I can change. I can walk through seasons. Right now this is where I am. As a little girl, I really wanted to help people heal and give them life. I still get to do that now. I just get to do it in a different … mo’ better … way. I get to help women seek out Jesus, receive inner healing and begin walking with Him. I get to show them how to get more life. Abundant life. Eternal life. Who knows in five years what I’ll be doing. Who knows the next season? I love that. It gives me so much freedom. I am just so glad to walk in the freeness of Christ, and it’s so exciting to me! Who has been an influential person in your life? Pastor Charles Martin has been a spiritual father to me since I was 23 years old. I was in a church that said women shouldn’t be mentored in ministry, yet he mentored me

anyway. He believed in me and spurred me onto bigger things. He once told me, “When God speaks something to you, go for it!” He has always challenged me to think outside the box and let God direct me. He has always encouraged me to reach my potential for God by seeking Him every step of the way. I don’t think I would be where I am today without his influence in my life. Do you remember when you were first called into ministry? I always believed that I had a higher call on my life. But I really knew something was changing when I was in my early 30s and my spiritual father asked me to go to a conference with him. But it was a mid-week conference, and my husband was out of town on business. I had a new baby and didn’t have childcare. I was like, “Why go?!” So I told Pastor Martin, “I’m not going to be able to go.” He looked at me and asked, “Are you saved?” I answered, “I don’t know!” I remember the look of shock and panic on his face. He really didn’t know that in my heart I didn’t know if I was going to heaven or not. I thought I had to wait to see if I had been good enough. I went to the conference, and I said, “You know what, God? I’m going to give you one night. That’s all I can give. I can’t give you all of them.” God told me to go back the next night. I ended up going every night of the conference. I remember the last night of the conference when my spiritual father asked me, “Arnita, are you saved?” I exclaimed, “Absolutely!” I had finally learned about the amazing grace of God. That was a life-changing moment for me! Who in the Bible do you relate to the most? Peter. I think if I had just one person in the Bible that I could meet, it would be Peter. I just see me being like Peter. Peter loved God passionately, but he also had great failures and had to walk through guilt. Yet he always came back stronger. I absolutely identify with this! I even call myself “Arnita Peter.”

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GETTING CLOSER PERSONAL: Grew up in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, about 30 miles south of Nashville. Graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and then moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where I met my husband, Michael, and worked as a Medical Technologist.

FAMILY: I met my husband on a blind date, and we got married 40 days later. We will be married 20 years in May, praise God! We have two sons: Evan Michael, 16, and Nolan, 10. They are my sweet potatoes.

YOUR HERO: My husband, because he spurs me on in what God’s doing in my life, and he puts up with me. He never ever tells me not to do anything when God is spurring me. He prevents me from running away from things the Lord has called me to do. When I’m tired and think I can’t go on, he spurs me on and doesn’t let me take the easy way out. He’s an incredible blessing.

FAVORITE THING TO COOK: Meat!! COLLECTIONS: Cookbooks, crosses and African masks. HOBBIES: I love floral designing. I’ve had a floral designing business for 17 years. I love making pretties and making people’s homes beautiful.

What are you most passionate about? I am passionate about my adventure with God. I’ve learned over the years that I don’t have to understand everything, that His ways are best. About five years ago I read The Purpose-Driven Life. This book changed my life! I learned that everything is intentional. There are no mistakes. Things don’t just happen. It’s all part of His plan. It’s really neat to see where God will take you if you’ll just allow Him to take you. My biggest challenge is getting myself out of the way. An adventure with God always involves risks and calls you to higher levels of trusting in Him so that you don’t lean on your own understanding. I’ve had to walk through many hard things with God, but I have also had the incredible opportunity to see His greater purposes at the end of the day. I know that I am unconditionally loved by God, which is why I can walk in freedom! I believe that He delights in me and sings over me and redirects me for His purposes. I believe that my latter days will be greater which fuels my passion for going on! Hallelujah!

I WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO REMEMBER ME AS SOMEONE WHO JUST CHASED GOD. FAVORITE BOOKS: I love to read, but I don’t read fiction. I recently read the book Same Kind of Different as Me. I loved it!

ONE THING THAT DRIVES YOU CRAZY: When people tell me they’ll do something and they don’t. That sends me over the edge.

INTERESTING FACT: I have about 14 Christmas trees, including one that stays up all year ‘round.

FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:28–39. This scripture is lifechanging. It set me free. “All things work together ….” Love that … love the whole chapter! If somebody said I could only have one chapter out of the whole Bible it would be this one.

LIFE MOTTO: If you fall down, just get back up, keep trying and finish well.

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If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be? Racism. I really want to see a move of God—a powerful move of God—this is a burning desire of my heart. I asked God to use me to be a bridge that brings black people and white people together. That is so important to me; I don’t even have to think about it. I know that’s what I would change. How do you want people to remember you? I would like people to remember me as someone who just chased God … someone who said, “God I want to be with You, I don’t care what anybody else says, I’m just going to go with You.” •

MAXIMIZE YOUR POTENTIAL by BRENDA LAURENCE

Have you ever wondered if anyone really uses their electronic devices (e.g., phone, computer, etc.) to their full capacity? For instance, what the instruction book for my new Blackberry says it can do and what I actually enable it to do, make it seem like they’re two completely different products. I believe that God possibly feels that way about us. As our creator, He understands that our potential is far beyond our own understanding. When I read the Bible— our instruction book—and listen to what the Word says about who I am, it makes me wonder if God left part of His operating system out of me. The fact is, according to the Bible, we all have more potential than we operate and live in. And the good news is that Jesus has provided the way for every woman to live to her full potential.

7 CHARACTERISTICS OF A FULL-POTENTIAL WOMAN: 1. Born Again (Romans 10:9–10) Jesus Christ’s life and death provide a way for us to have a personal relationship with God. The path to this personal relationship begins by asking Jesus into our hearts and by following Him through living a life yielded to His lordship.

2. Full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) When Jesus ascended to heaven, He left us with a Helper—the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a holy life and teaches us about spiritual matters.

3. Mind Renewed by the Word of God (Romans 12:2) Reading and studying God’s words will transform our thoughts from earthly and sensual into a thought-life of faith and godliness.

4. Free from Restraints (John 8:32) The work that Jesus did on the cross was so complete that He didn’t just redeem us from hell. He also provided us with the ability to live free of any emotional baggage that would hinder us from living victoriously.

Women’s Ministry Purpose:

EMPOWERING WOMEN TO LIVE OUT THEIR FULL POTENTIAL The Women’s Ministry of Gateway Church exists for the purpose of enabling women, by the love and power of God, to live out their full potential. In everything we do, our vision is to introduce, teach, equip and train women to follow God’s instructions for a successful life, which can only be fulfilled in knowing Him.

5. Connected to the Body of Christ (Hebrews 10:25; Romans 12:10–11) When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we were adopted into a huge family—the Body of Christ. We now have the privilege of growing by establishing godly relationships and serving others.

6. Disciple Others (Matthew 28:19–20) As we mature in our walk of faith, we are to make disciples.

7. Woman of Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7–9; Proverbs 9:10) Wisdom is a crown for all who fear the Lord and seek Him. God fashioned you with more potential than you can ever imagine. It’s His desire to present a case to the world that He exists by your life. Will you dare to dream? Even more importantly, will you dare to let Him use you to your full potential?

Through the Eyes of God by ZACH NEESE

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Have you ever asked God a metaphorical question and had Him take you literally? My wife, Jen, and I had been married for two years. We were fighting like betta fish, and I just couldn’t figure out how to stop. So one night, before falling asleep, I asked God to show me what she looked like through His eyes. I must have asked the right question, because that night He showed me something life-altering. That night, I saw Jen transfigured. I don’t mean that she changed or matured or anything like that. I mean I had a genuine, mountaintop, “it is good for us to be here” experience. I saw my wife transfigured. Do you know the feeling of closing your eyes and turning your face up to the spring sun? You can see it through your eyelids and feel its warmth tingling on the skin of your face. That’s what woke

me up that night. The left side of my face had a bright, warm light shining on it. When I opened my eyes, the room was illuminated by a golden glow, and turning to my left, I saw why … Jen was made out of gold. There she lay, uncovered in the bed beside me, the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. She looked as if her skin and hair were spun from gold. But it wasn’t gold; it was perfection; it was glory radiating from her pores and glowing in a halo that encircled her sleeping form. Jen’s complexion was smooth and flawless—not a wrinkle, scar or blemish. Her form was exquisite womanly perfection. Her face was a portrait of stillness, peace and elegance. And all around her, a halo glowed and throbbed like a fairy ring around the moon. Jen was entirely enveloped in glory! Now I know why Peter said such stupid things on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–9). Jen was so beautiful that it scrambled my brains. So beautiful that I forgot Song of Songs 4:7 she was my wife. She was ineffably beautiful. The only thought my enraptured mind could form was, “I wonder if I can touch her?” Slowly I slid my hand across the blankets towards my wife like a little boy stealing a touch of a forbidden object. When the tips of my fingers met her skin, it felt like electrified water coursed through my left arm across my chest and down my other arm to the fingertips. I would have done that all day if I could, but my heart was so enthralled with this woman beside me that a touch was not enough. I wondered, “Can I kiss her?” There was nothing sexual about it. I simply had to kiss perfection. I didn’t even know if it was permitted, but I had to try. Edging towards her, feeling the glory of her presence intensify by the inch, I touched my lips gently to the side of her angelic mouth. When I did, it was like being knocked down by a wave—like I had plugged into the source of all love. The intensity overloaded my heart, and I passed out.

Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.

The afterglow of my date with God’s beloved lingered long after I awoke. To say that my eyes were opened would be an understatement. My heart was opened. I never saw Jen the same again. I never saw anything the same again. What would you say if I told you that God sees you that way? God doesn’t see you through eyes of flesh. He sees you through the blood of Jesus, which does far more than just cleanse you—it bathes you in glory and reveals the essential beauty of who God created you to be. God created you to His specifications of beauty, not the world’s. And your perception of how God sees you has everything to do with how you worship Him. Would it surprise you to know that one of God’s greatest desires is to express His love for you? That is what the cross was all about—a demonstration of love (Romans 5:8). His blessings are kisses placed upon His beloved; His blood is a promise of undying faithfulness; and eternal life is your wedding gift.

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Can it be possible that God’s greatest pleasure is receiving love from you? Every once in a while I hear someone comment that my worship is too demonstrative. Accuse me of being demonstrative, but never accuse me of withholding from God the affection that He is due. I sing to make my Lord’s heart flutter, not to keep humanity comfortable. I live to catch my Lord’s eye, knowing that He delights to look upon me. I reciprocate His passion, because my God is Love and passion is the language of His heart. That is what worship is! I will love the Lord with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind and strength. Because anything less than demonstrative love is not love at all. I’d like to invite you, beloved, to see yourself through eyes of faith. See yourself as the apple of your Lord’s eye, and revel in the knowledge that He glories in your love. Once you see yourself transfigured, you will see everything transfigured. I love others because of how God sees them. I love myself because of how God sees me. I love God because He has made me beautiful. From today forward, know that your beauty has caught God’s eye, your love has ravished His heart, and your worship is like a kiss on His lips.  24 Studio G

Thou hast ravished my heart, my sister, my spouse; thou hast ravished my heart with one of thine eyes, with one chain of thy neck. How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine! and the smell of thine ointments than all spices! Thy lips, O my spouse, drop as the honeycomb: honey and milk are under thy tongue; and the smell of thy garments is like the smell of Lebanon. Song of Songs 4:9–11

What I have desired most in life is the very thing that has eluded me the most– to be loved.

COME AWAY WITH ME by LINDA PALLONE

y birth mother was fifteen when she first discovered I was in her womb. Suffice it to say, my arrival was not “good news.” It seems as if a spirit of rejection made its way into the core of my being even before I was born. By the time I reached my early teens, rejection and its partner in destruction, shame, had formed an inseparable alliance. Together, under the guise of keeping out as much hurt and pain as possible, these conniving feelings convinced me to build a fortress around my heart with walls that kept out the very love and acceptance I longed desperately to receive. Shame fought for complete dominion of my heart and gained power with every instance of rejection (whether real or perceived). In 1983, at the age of 16, I had a very dramatic encounter with Christ and gave my life to Him. Even though I came to a mental understanding that God loved me, it didn’t penetrate the wall I had carefully constructed around my heart. The same energy I spent on trying to earn the love of my parents as a child, I now spent trying to earn the love of my heavenly Father. However, my pursuit for love and acceptance only succeeded in wearing me out!

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By 2005, I had ministered in 30 nations, led thousands to Christ and seen hundreds of people physically healed. Beneath all my projected self-confidence, I lived under the constant fear that if anyone knew the “real” me, rejection would surely follow. Despite all of my “success” in ministry, I believed I was unlovable and ultimately a disappointment to God. I didn’t know what else to do, so I continued to press on in life and ministry under the torment and pain that taunted me daily. God knew the pain in my heart and began to reach out to me in ways I could have never anticipated. Approximately a year after joining the staff at Gateway Church as the Pastor of Outreach, I was spending an evening with one of the church leaders and his wife. In the midst of our conversation, he suddenly announced: “Linda, you need to love yourself.” Inwardly I panicked. Long ago I had given up on any hope of being able to climb out of the dungeon of rejection. I felt exposed, but this challenge to love myself helped me recognize that God’s voice had been calling out to me for a very long time. A new season in the journey of my life was birthed that night. Over the next eight months, God began to awaken my heart and root out core lies I had believed about both Him and myself. But the best was yet to come. As 2008 approached, I knew I needed some time alone with the Father. I was longing for a deeper intimacy with God and sensed He was inviting me to come away just to be with Him. I decided to go to an abbey in Arizona a friend had spoken to me about that was available for personal retreats with God. During those five days and four nights, the Father focused on speaking to my heart about my beloved-ness! He didn’t want to talk to me about anything other than how much He loved me. The Father knew how much I needed a revelation of His love, so He began to reveal the meaning of beloved-ness, which is to say, “I am loved.” Beloved = “I be loved!” Twice in Matthew the Father declares over Jesus, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus listened to the voice that called Him beloved. He took it into the very core of His being—He believed it. What would happen if we were to believe it? What if we were to believe the words of Paul? For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord ~Romans 8:38–40 I have finally come to believe the truth: I am God’s chosen child and am precious in His eyes. He calls me His beloved. I am not a disappointment; rather, I am a delight to my Father’s heart! Song of Songs 2:10 says:

MY BELOVED SPOKE, AND SAID TO ME: “RISE UP, MY LOVE, MY FAIR ONE, AND COME AWAY.” Your personal invitation to “come away” and discover your beloved-ness may simply mean taking some time alone with the Father in your favorite chair, a quiet room in your house or even booking a hotel room for a night or two. Having a revelation of your beloved-ness changes everything! It’s not about doing, it’s about being—being His beloved! The same voice that finally captured my heart is calling you by name: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!”  26 Studio G

by DEBORAH MASH

Why are people so mean? Why can’t we all get along? There’s so much hate in this world it makes me very sad. I know what hapented made you cry God and I’m so sorry that Your sad. I’m crying two. I think the whole world is crying today.

It was April 4, 1970. I was an inquisitive 8-year-old who had been diligently writing in my new pink diary for months now. However this day, my thoughts were written (in very large print) in a Big Chief tablet, because I had just learned what happened two years earlier when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. I grew up in a world that, even from a child’s perspective, was clearly at war with itself—Vietnam, the civil rights movement, my parents’ separation. I’m not exactly sure why I started journaling. Maybe it was because most of my girlfriends also had diaries; maybe because I was already struggling to express myself. Whatever the reason, over the next few years there were hundreds of “Dear Diary” entries, each highlighting the

“important” details of my life: what dress I wore to school, whether it was a headband or ponytail day, what Mom packed in my lunchbox. Treats like Ding Dongs and Twinkies received special recognition in my diary (always recorded in extra large print with stars). My diaries were locked (an essential feature) and hidden under my pillow. Both were safety measures I considered critically necessary with two younger brothers. Looking back however, I now understand that it wasn’t the words hidden under lock and key in my diaries that became a road map of my life, but rather the random thoughts and words scribbled on Big Chief tablets and wide-ruled notebook paper left scattered on my bedroom floor. There, on those pages, was where

my real journaling began. On scraps of paper and even paper napkins, the words tumbled out with abandon on whatever I had handy. There was no order or agenda; just thoughts, concerns, questions. Lots and lots of questions scribbled by a child turned teenager, turned young adult, turned wife and mother. And while there was never an intentional thought to fill a trunk full of journals, I now have a written record of who I was, who I am and who I long to be. More importantly, I have a recorded adventure of my walk with God. My journaling is far more than writing, more than recordkeeping; it’s my daily conversations with God. It’s the questions of childhood that turned into adult commitments—a

timeless tangible record of who God is and what He’s done in my life. What I began to understand, even as a teenager, was not the therapy of writing, but the joy of communicating with a heavenly Father who adores me. My written conversations have given me clarity and purpose. I don’t have to question God’s faithfulness; it has been recorded by my own hand countless times. From the happiest moments of my life to the days of deep despair, God has heard the cry of my heart. He has always been faithful to me. Even in a sea of circumstances that would sometimes say otherwise, God remains faithful. I can go back and read my own handwriting to affirm that truth. God does not need or require my written confirmation, but journaling (like daily prayer and reading scripture) is what I do to stay in communication with Him. It’s about a real relationship. And things worth remembering about that relationship are things worth writing down. It’s much harder for Satan to steal encouragement and truth from me when I have a written record of what God has said or done for me.

God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure … will never give up on you. Never forget that. 1 Corinthians 1:7

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Through the years, I’ve also discovered I hear God with greater clarity if I follow a few simple steps. I always begin with praise. If God is going to hear anything from me this day, it will be that I am thankful. Next I share what’s on my heart—specific needs, concerns, questions. Then I listen. I allow time for God to quicken to my spirit what’s on His heart for me—what He believes I need to hear or understand. And I always close with “Thank You.” Whether I have journaled incredible truths or a few words of gibberish, I am continually humbled by God’s willingness to meet with me, to speak to me … if not this day, then tomorrow. And if not tomorrow, then the day after. Have I been in desolate dry places in my walk with God? Times when I could not hear His voice regardless of the amount of prayer, journaling or crying I did? Quiet times, full of reflection and pain, not answers or encouragement? Yes. But would I journal and pray and praise a thousand days just to experience the priceless gift of one moment with Him? Yes. Because one recorded inspired thought is worth the discipline—the gift—of journaling. *

My Adventure in Hearing God by MARY JO PIERCE

t happened in a prayer meeting in March 1976. We were worshipping and singing, “I Heard the Lord Call My Name,” when my life changed forever. That evening, I began an eternal relationship with my Beloved—Jesus. That momentous point in time was the beginning of my personal adventure in learning to hear the voice of God. The quest began with much self-doubt. Surrounded by men and women of God saying, “God told me” or “God said” caused me to question whether or not I could really hear God. As I prayed, John 10:27 came to mind: “My sheep hear My voice.” I was confident that I was one of those sheep. That meant I could hear His voice! I confessed doubt and unbelief to the Lord and He gave me a strategy that has changed my hearing forever. It began with what I call pinpoint obedience. This practice of hearing, believing and obeying has helped me fine-tune my ability to hear the voice of God. No matter how small the “nudge” seemed, I obeyed. It may have been to call someone, turn off the TV, review a journal, read a book, ask forgiveness, go

down a different aisle—it didn’t matter; I began to hear clearly and then obey. I learned, often through trial and error, how to differentiate between what I was feeling versus what God was saying. This lesson in pinpoint obedience awakened my hearing. Now I can hear my Beloved even when storms are brewing or when the stillness is deafening! My pinpoint obedience was fueled by the Word of God. The more I read and prayed His Word, the more I grew in assurance of God’s direction, His affection, His counsel and His character. As I learned His ways, it became a blueprint for listening. Years ago, I found myself geographically removed from family, friends, church, ministry—everything familiar. In the midst of buckets of tears, I asked God, “Why? What is the purpose?” His answer still resonates in my spirit, “What if I brought you here so I could have you to Myself?” I surrendered to God’s plans for that season of my life with a renewed sense of wonderment and expectation. I look back at that time as the richest, dearest, most wonderful period of my years.

The challenge we each face in the busyness of our lives is staying in that posture of hearing God. Recently, I was sitting in my prayer chair surrounded by my Bible, favorite books, devotionals, worship CDs and journal, fully engaged in talking with my Beloved. Suddenly, this adventure of hearing God took a turn. I was instructed to turn to Zephaniah 1:7 which says: “Hush, be silent in the presence of the Lord.” As intentional as I am about praying, God is just as intentional about speaking. He instructed me to put a listening chair in my prayer room—a chair that is set apart for sitting and listening to God’s voice. As a result, hearing God has taken on a rich simplicity, a deep calling where He sings over me with love and encouragement and instruction. Without question, the key to hearing God is worship, His Word and a willingness to listen and submit to pinpoint obedience. As you give yourself to these joyful disciplines, you will find a love language unfolding that will satisfy those deepest places in you that God designed just for you, His beloved. •

My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. Song of Songs 2:14

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by DEBBIE MORRIS

What kind of friends are they? Why didn’t they warn me? Surely they saw me like this … OK, let me tell you what happened. It was my “special” moment. When I entered the room, everyone turned to greet me. All of my dear friends were present as well as some dignitaries whom I knew only by news reports. Like a lamb going to slaughter, the smiling faces, handshaking, camera flashings and neck hugs propelled me towards the front of the room. I overheard my name and knew it was time to approach the platform and make a speech. In an instant, my current reality shifted. Standing on the platform ready to address the group, I realized I wasn’t ready. And I don’t just mean I wasn’t prepared. Forgetting my speech was the least of my concerns. I was not dressed appropriately. I was in my PJs with my most worn, and of course, dirtiest robe complete with the house shoes that were given to me as a joke. My hair was plastered to my face on one side and ratted up on the other as though a squirrel had tried to take up residence in my hair. I had crusty stuff in the corners of my eyes and morning 30 Studio G

phlegm on my teeth and lips. I was completely undone! It was about this time that my heart rate rose to near heart attack levels, and I became extremely hot. Kicking the covers off, consciousness began returning. I sat straight up in bed. It was just a dream! But in my dream I was completely undone! For Isaiah, it wasn’t a dream … it was real. He was in God’s Throne Room with seraphim crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” And in the light of God’s incredible glory, Isaiah cried out, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, NKJV). If I could choose, I would choose to be undone before God. He is much more gracious, kind and forgiving. However, just like Adam and Eve, I have tried to hide things from Him. One day, my husband Robert and I were chatting, and I revealed that I was in a season where I didn’t enjoying reading my Bible. Robert asked, “Have you told God?” I looked at him as though he was crazy. To which he responded, “He already knows.” While he was right, it was hard for me to say, “I don’t like to read and spend time with You, Your Majesty.” At Robert’s encouragement, I sought to become

transparent with God. In doing so, He healed the issues that prevented me from experiencing my first love. As I have grown in my walk, I have realized that transparency is the key to intimacy in any relationship but particularly with God. You see, there is nothing I can say or do that would surprise Him. He has already paid for my sin, so He prepared the way for me to have a relationship of honesty. Transparency with God is a privilege of our relationship with Him. David was transparent with God when he wrote the Psalms. One moment, he would declare God’s greatness and the next inquire where God was. He would share his dilemmas and ask for wisdom. Transparency is being real. It is not hiding. It is the deepest level of intimacy—the ultimate act of vulnerability and acceptance. Transparency is also the first step towards transformation, because I can’t change without knowing I need it. While hiding any area of my heart, that area abides in an altered state of reality. Hiding is pretending everything is all right. Hiding is not repenting. God’s touch in times of true transparency brings reality, freedom and renewed love. •

studio beauty

Springtime

BEAUTY BOOST by ALICHA THORNTON

LUMINOUS SKIN WATER The more you drink, the better. If you wait till you’re “thirsty,” chances are you have waited too long and your body is already dehydrated. Dry skin becomes drier without water, and oily skin produces more oil. Add fresh lemon, orange, cucumber, lime or mint to your H20 and drink up.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS Omegas and fish oils are great for your skin. Eat salmon and white fish, and take an additional “skin supplement.” Essential fatty acids are also good for your hair, nails and joints.

DIET Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants which are also rich in color. Berries, greens, tomatoes, carrots and peppers are all antioxidant rich.

Physical beauty and spiritual beauty are directly related to each other.

TRUE BEAUTY ALWAYS STARTS ON THE INSIDE. When you draw closer to God and understand you are God’s beloved, your beauty becomes complete. As you focus on inward beauty, there are also steps you can take to help maximize your natural beauty.

SIMPLE STEPS FOR RADIANT BEAUTY

1 2

CLEANSE

Use a cleanser in the morning and evening even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup. Pollution, dirt and oil need to be washed off your skin.

TONE

A toner doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive to do the job. Dry skin simply needs hydration. Try making your own by mixing distilled water and 15–20 drops of rose or chamomile essential oils in a small spray bottle. Oily skin loves witch hazel, bergamot or chamomile essential oil water mixed in a bottle. Apply onto skin with cotton pad.

MOISTURIZE

EXERCISE Whatever activity you choose will increase circulation and bring a flush to your face, increasing the oxygen in the blood and eliminating toxins in the blood and lymph system. If you sweat a lot during physical activity, take some unscented baby wipes in your bag and keep skin from harboring bacteria. Bacteria = Breakouts!

Moisturize—Try a light day lotion or cream. Look for a product that has a minimum of 15 SPF. For outdoor activities, you will need to apply a separate sunscreen for your total protection. At night, dry skin needs a rejuvenating night cream, something a little rich in texture but easily absorbed into skin. Oily skin can go to bed clean without any night cream.

EYES

Always use an eye cream. The eye area is delicate and needs a specific eye product. For puffy eyes, try keeping your eye cream in the fridge. The cold will help decrease the swelling and give you an instant pick-me-up.

Spring 2008 31

Spring into a

Natural Makeup Update Put a little spring in your everyday look by adding some color. Try a fuchsia, cherry, coral, berry or peach shade in a sheer lipstick or gloss. This will give your pout a color update without looking harsh.

Your beauty should come from within you— the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious to God. 1 Peter 3:4

Go from bare to better than ever with a natural application of tinted moisturizer or mineral powder. A little bronzer dusted all over gives your skin a healthy glow. Stick with a powder. It’s easy to apply. Just lightly dust onto cheeks, hairline, nose and chin.

SPRING CLEANING (for your skincare and cosmetic stash) If you have anything that’s creamy, liquid or gel (this means skincare products, lipsticks, foundations, concealers, etc.)

and you haven’t used it within the past 9 months, JUST LET IT GO!

IF YOUR MASCARA IS OLDER THAN 3 MONTHS, THROW IT OUT!

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studio pulse

Must-Have Music

by NATASHA BROWN

Turn Around Jonny Lang

ith undeniable talent, guitar skill continuing on through this journey called song by far is the beautiful “Only A Man” and a voice far beyond his years, life despite circumstances and situations. in which he actually sings a duet with his Jonny Lang is a blues prodigy who has “The Other Side of the Fence” is a pure wife (who also has a beautiful voice). His been a quiet force in the music industry musician’s song, full of grooves and beats lyrics are so open and honest about his since releasing his first album at the young that pump through your veins and make frailty, and the second half of the song age of 14. Over the years, he has toured you want to hop onto a drum set and start is a wonderful dialogue with God, who with some of the world’s most legendary jamming away. On “My Love Remains,” promises never to leave. Musically, it musicians and received tremendous critical Lang collaborates with Steven Curtis showcases the fact that he doesn’t need a acclaim for his music. Chapman, and on “Thankful,” he teams up band backing him up, that his voice and I first heard of Jonny Lang back in my with Michael McDonald. The title track, his music are much more powerful when early college days. One of my good friends “Turn Around” is gospel through and it’s just him and an acoustic guitar. was a huge blues fan, and she absolutely through with lyrics about forgiveness and Like the opening, the album ends with loved his music. She played me a couple hope (can I get an Amen?). an outro on a Hammond Organ that of songs from his Wander This World All in all, Turn Around is a spectacular perfectly bookends the entire listening album, and I wasn’t terribly impressed. Yes, album for all ages that brings a muchexperience. It leaves you waiting in he could sing like an old black man (even needed breath of fresh air into Christian anticipation for his next album, because though he was a white boy barely into his music. Jonny Lang’s musicianship and you know it will be a reflection of his 20s), and yes, he played the electric guitar skill are equal to the best in the music journey through this life—no longer as a like no one else I had ever heard, but industry, and his lyrics reveal a profound man wandering this world but as a man at the time I knew nothing about blues and transparent love for God. My favorite founded securely in his faith. ♬ music nor was I remotely interested in it. However, listening to his music, I was aware that I had just been introduced to the music of a prodigy, and I instinctively knew he’d be around for a long time. Fast forward seven years to the release of Jonny Lang’s latest and highly-buzzedabout album, Turn Around. I heard that he had recently come to know the Lord, so Kirk Franklin that immediately led me to check out his Hillsong United new stuff. His raspy voice was still there, and his tasteful yet impressive guitar skills RPM were evident. But he was no longer singing Green Day the blues … he was now praising God. Maroon 5 Turn Around opens with a Hammond Organ intro, a foretaste of the new album’s Joss Stone gospel flavor. The intro is short—only 17 seconds—before it goes right into “Bump Submitted by John Hudson, host of The New Music Cafe on 94.9 FM KLTY. In The Road,” an upbeat song about

What’s on your iPod?

Natalie Grant

Spring 2008 33

studio smile