Our Favorite Summer Smoothie Recipes
Proverbs 1 Bible study on wisdom pg 10
The Christian Girl’s Struggle Pg 16
“A smooth sea never made
a skilled sailor” “As I was thinking about the quote I could use for this Issue, I thought about the reason why God lets bad things happen to us. Just as said in this quote, if seemingly bad things didn’t happen to us, where would we be on our walk with God? We must trust in Him, that through this, He will shape us into who He wants us to be” -Katrina Swartzentruber
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The Christian girls struggle
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s u h t i w t c e Conn
|| A note from the editor
hoto by Sarah Ebersole! Congratulations Sarah!!
c Get to know us‌..
Several girls striving to be like Jesus Christ, and sharing his love to other girls!! Through this magazine we hope to connect with other girls, with a similar goal ,and encourage one another in our walk with God.
i Photography by Caleb Brown
Katrina Swartzentruber– Editor Hey everyone! I am so excited to finally be able to share this magazine with you! My name is Katrina (Trina) and I am 14 years old! I live in the hilly country of NE Missouri with my 3 sisters and 1 brother. I enjoy photography/design and making music! Most of my days consist of helping Mom around the house, playing piano, and reading. I really hope you enjoy our magazine!!
Cecilia Brown–
Editor
Hey there! I'm so excited to be working on this magazine with the other lovely girls on staff! I am 16, and I have 2 older brothers, which are both married, and one younger brother (he's my sidekick). I love hanging out with friends,playing volleyball, hunting, and big cups of chai. I enjoy photography, especially newborn and still life. Check out my blog @ www.ohcecilia99.wordpress.com
Juliana Ebersole–
Editor
Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to ready this and may God bless you every time you do. My name is Juliana Ebersole. I'm 14 years old, and believe it or not 10 of those years have been spent in the beautiful country of Mongolia (that's in Asia. Right in between Russia and China). My family moved to Mongolia in 2006. We've been doing several projects there over the years, and it's been a wonderful life! The Lord has done some amazing things throughout all my years and I hope and pray He does some pretty awesome stuff in yours as well.. God bless!
When the times get tough...
God doesn’t allow tough times to judge us because of something we have done wrong even though it Tough times are something every girl might feel that way sometimes. I (especially as a teenager) will go through am sure God would rather not let more than once in life. But the thing is, us go through them but He allows it God doesn’t promise there won’t be any because He knows that to have a tough times in the life of a Christian, He strong, unmoving faith, it has to be promises to help us through them no tried and tested. He allows them matter how big or small they are. because He wants more faith and dependence on him. He wants to know if you’ll stick with Him even in bad, depressing times.
Photography by Melody Swartzentruber
The Christian life is not an easy one. It has bumps and sometimes God’s plan seems rather “foggy”. But you will not find more true joy, fulfillment, and peace except in Jesus’ loving arms.
world for you all the time. So if you are going through something tough right now, don’t give up! God never gives up on you. Just rest in the fact that God loves you so much that He promised, whatever you go through, He’ll go through it right along with you. He doesn’t want His children to be alone. There’s a story that goes like this:
Some feelings that are usual for me as There was a ship out to sea and a teen girl during tough times are: “I can’t suddenly a storm struck. The boat do anything right.” I’m so dumb and if I rocked and huge waves threatened would’ve just done so-and-so I wouldn’t to spill onto the deck. Everyone have to deal with this.” was terrified. “If God really cares Well almost about me, why does He everyone. let me go through There was a this?” young boy And then there’s that prayer that goes, “God, I thought I was following You the way You wanted me to. Is this my reward? For my world to just fall apart?” Does that sound familiar? The truth is, we may think we have everything figured out and our world is just ex-
standing very calmly and peacefully watching the storm. No worry could be seen on his face. Another passenger walked up to him and said, “Boy, aren’t you scared?
Why are you so calm?” The boy looked up at him and said, “I’m not afraid. My father is the captain.” So my encouragement to you is to put the same amount of faith in your Captain. He will never let you down.
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My name is Andrea Powell and I am from Lake Butler , Florida. I am 14 and I have enjoyed writing ever since like third grade. I enjoy other things too, like swimming, riding horses, babysitting little kids, playing volleyball and also I love to sing (just ask my family). Overall though, I am just a normal girl, trying (like the rest of you) to be like Jesus and to reach out to others. I hope to encourage and inspire you to love Jesus with all your heart and to give your life to Him if you haven’t yet. I would love to hear from you!!! My address is: 7387 W. SR 238, Lake Butler, FL 32054.
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The Bulletin Board Comments, Questions and Encouragement from readers
Have a question or comment about a particular article? Or do you have a “ad� you would like to share with other girls? This is where it could go!! Send everything to thevirtuousdaughter@gmail.com
Proverbs 1:1-8
Proverbs is a very awesome, interesting book. If you’re looking for scripture to memorize, study, or meditate on, proverbs is a great place to go. For the last while I have been looking deeper at proverbs and found it so interesting and helpful for everyday situations. So much so, that I had to share it with y'all! Since all of proverbs would take ages to cover, I'm (we're) going to look more deeply into Proverbs 1-9. When we hear the word “proverbs” we think short little tidbits of information. And that's absolutely true. The definition of proverb is “a short saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice.” BUT. Proverbs chapters 1-9 holds more what you might think of as “essays” on wisdom. And living. And pretty much everything that you need to know about everything. Well, not quite. But it covers a lot of things that help us make good choices and so on and so forth. Really, Proverbs 1-9 could be a book in itself. It has a opening (chapter 1) and a conclusion (chapter 9) So, where do we begin??? (Cue the music)
Let’s start at the very beginning a very good place to start when you sing you start with do-re-mi when you read proverbs you begin with verses 1 2 3 (and 4 5 6 7 and 8) Chapter 1 is pretty straight forward. I would skip this chapter, since there's not much to talk about, but there are still some insightful verses. So to start this little Bible study of Proverbs, we will turn in our Bibles, a touch past the center, Proverbs 1, verses 1 through 9. Verse one explains who wrote Proverbs. Kinda like the first page of a book. We've got the title (Proverbs). And then we've got a little bit about the author. It tells us that Solomon wrote it. And it tells us he was King David's son. Now days they just say whether or not they like Ben and Jerry's, or all the others book they wrote (talk about being self-conceited). The next few verses are pretty selfexplanatory. Really, something we will notice later on, these are kinda titling each chapter that we will study later. So we will come back to verses 2-6 later on. But here they are:
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Proverbs 1:2-6 (NIV) 2 for gaining wisdom and instruction for understanding words of insight 3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior doing what is right and just and fair 4 for giving prudence to those who are simple knowledge and discretion to the young 5 let the wise listen and add to their learning and let the discerning get guidance 6 for understanding proverbs and parables the sayings and riddles of the wise. Verse 7 kinda brings up a whole new thought. It says “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” Growing up in Christian families we've probably all hear “fear God” and “The fear of the Lord” etc etc etc. But what does it really mean? To Fear God does not mean trembling in your boots every time he comes around. No, rather it means to acknowledge God's sovereignty and his almighty power and humbling yourself in his presence. Say you went to see the president. You wouldn't just go and hang out with him like he is one of your girl friends. Instead you would be respectful of who he is. In the same way we need to honor God's presence and recognize we are nothing compared to Him. So if we fear God, that is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. What is a fool? The dictionary says a fool is 'a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.' Who likes to be called that?? So Solomon is saying if you dislike it when someone gives you instruction or if your parents set guidelines for you to live by, and you dishonor these then you are a fool. Which equals to a silly or stupid person. We are to strive to understand more and to cry out to God to give us knowledge and understanding (chapter 2:3) Verses 8 and 9 are some of my favorite verses. Verse 8 is 'Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.' Solomon isn't just telling
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you to listen to your dad explain a science experiment or your mom tell you how to do a math problemalthough these are essential- He is talking about listening to your father and mother as they give you guidelines and “instructions” My brother has lots of Legos. He owns several sets, and each one includes an instruction booklet that shows him step-by-step how to put the little Lego pieces together to create something like the picture on the front of the box. If he took those instructions out of the box, and ripped them up, and threw them in the trash, he would have no idea what to do!! In the same way, listen to your father and mother; take in their instruction, so that you grow in knowledge and understanding. My father has taught me so many things, from how to milk a cow to trusting God at all times. And the next verse says “For they will be a garland of grace on your head and a gold chain around your neck.” This is saying that if you listen to your father’s instruction and forsake not your mothers teaching, that you will be blessed beyond measure. Whenever I see a young lady with a flower garland it just looks so feminine and beautiful, and if you can imagine a garland of grace it’s just gorgeous. On her neck hangs a small silver or gold chain that shouts simplicity and loveliness.
tz u t s m A y e l r e b m i K y B As I sat down to write my article, I started thinking about the topic, “Seeing God Through the Tough Times”. I asked myself, “How many times do we really look for God in the tough times?” I know it is so hard to stay focused on God and his plan. It is so difficult to see God moving in your life when everything is dim, and you can’t believe that your life will ever be normal again. It is very easy to become focused on “me,” “myself,” and “I”, but God is still there. I really appreciate his
promise to us in Isaiah 43:2 it says “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when though walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the fire kindle upon thee.” In this verse, God promises to be with us , He will NOT leave us. My Aunt has a plaque hanging in her living room that reads, “The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God will not protect you.” This saying is SO true! If you are where God wants you, if you are doing what he wants you to be
doing, he will protect you. He says he will go with us. If God has chosen to place you in a difficult or hurtful situation, he isn’t going to let you do it alone. In the Bible, God says not to worry about tomorrow because he is already there. He already planned what is going to happen so what good does it do us to worry ourselves sick over what is going to happen next. The best thing to do is bloom where He planted you. I realize it feels like you are the only one having to deal with hurts and struggles, BELIEVE ME, you’re not alone. In fact, if you take a minute to look around you, there are dozens of hurting girls right in your area. Possibly in your circle of friends. Reach out to them. Here’s the best part. If you step out of your comfort zone, and help someone else, you’ll forget about how bad it is for you, and you’ll feel good about it too. Can you imagine- having someone there with you to talk to whenever you needed to talk to someone?
Well, believe it or not, there Is someone out there. He wants to be your closest friend. He wants to help you when you hurt, he wants to take away your sadness. Sometimes, God allows us to go through tough times because he knows it will make you stronger. The tough times don’t last forever. And you’re not in it alone. God is right beside you, waiting for you to take his hand. If you will take his hand, he will lead you through it! I want to leave you with this poem I came across. I love this poem, and I hope all of you do too! (the poem is on the next page)
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One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one belonging to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, Especially the lowest and saddest times, There was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. “Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, There was only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.” He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you” -by Mary Stevenson Photography by Cecilia Brown
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About the Author
Kimberly Amstutz Hey girls! My name is Kimberly Amstutz. I am 15 yrs. old. I live in Jonesville, Michigan. A friend of mine asked me to be a staff writer for The Virtuous Daughter Magazine. I felt like this was something God wanted me to do, and I have enjoyed writing this article SO MUCH! As far as hobbies go, I enjoy writing, reading, (mysteries, mostly) and baking. My favorite is probably riding my horse! Cats also hold a special place in my heart! If anyone has an article idea, or just needs someone to talk to, feel free to email me at love2bme@frontier.com! You all have a great day! ~KIMBERLY~
c The Christian Girl’s Struggle
By Kimberley Amstutz We ll, i f yo u are hu m an, i f yo u are a gi r l, an d i f yo u are any thi n g like me, th an w h a t othe rs th i n k i s a bi g d e al. Eve ryo n e d e als wi th i t. N o o n e e n joys be i n g stare d a t as yo u walk th ro u g h the sto re, o r try to c ro ss the street. I d e al wi th i t a lot. Co m mo n th i n g s th a t go th ro u g h my mi n d are “W h a t do they th i n k of me” o r “do they n ot like my d re ss” o r “w h a t are they star i n g a t”. I k n ow eve ry C h r i sti an gi r l h as tho u g ht the se th i n g s. W h a t we do abo u t the se tho u g hts, i s w h a t re all y m a tte rs. I t i s ve ry h ard to let i t ju st slip off, be c au se re all y, d ee p dow n i n yo u r he art, yo u
he art, yo u k n ow th a t i t hu rts n ot to fee l acce ptan ce fro m othe rs. W hy do yo u th i n k gi r ls sp e n d 15 mi nu te s d e ci d i n g w h a t to we ar, an d the n c h an g e the i r mi n d? T hey want to be acce pte d. We ll, was J e su s a cce pte d? No. He was mo cke d, sp i t o n, an d co mplete l y re je cte d. T he n he we nt to the c ro ss fo r tho se same p eo ple. Talk a bo u t u n co n d i tio n al love!
Photography by Katrina Swartzentruber
J e su s k n ew w h a t i t fe lt like to be d i ffe re nt. If J e su s c a n do i t, w hy c an’t we? W he n J e su s fe lt re je cte d, he we nt o u t an d he lp e d othe r hu rti n g p eo ple. I’m su re, eve n i n a C h r i sti an co m mun i ty, the re are othe r gi r ls, wanti n g to be acce pte d. A ll yo u h a ve to d o i s offe r a fr ie n dl y co mpli me nt o r te ll the m yo u like the i r o u tfi t. Be lieve me; i t will co me b ac k to yo u. Soo n, yo u’ll h a ve othe rs te lli n g yo u th a t they like yo u the way yo u are! So meo n e e lse doe s too….. G o d! He m a d e yo u the way yo u are, an d i f he like s w h a t he see s, w h a t othe rs th i n k doe sn’t re all y m a tte r. If yo u are ple asi n g to G o d, yo u’ll be ple asi n g to othe rs. Re me m be r th i s n ext ti me so meo n e gi ve s yo u a sco r nf ul loo k, an d smile a t the m! I t w ill c a tc h the m by sur p r i se! Ju st re me m be r, i t doe sn’t m a tte r w h a t othe rs th i n k, i t’s w h a t G o d th i n ks!
“Jesus knew
what it felt like
to be different”
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Celia’s Favorite
Smoothies are a favorite of mine for breakfast, or for an afternoon snack. I love making them and using whatever fruits are available to me at the time! This smoothie Is a really quick simple one to make when I'm in a hurry. I also like to make mine with baby spinach leaves because they are a great filler and they don’t have much of a taste but you can do whatever you want. -1/2 cup vanilla yogurt -1 cup frozen mixed berries - 1/2 cup juice -1/2 cup baby spinach
Chop fruit slightly. Put everything in blender and blend until smooth.
Strawberry Peach Smoothie Trina’s Favorite
Mmm Hot summer days and all I need is something to sip on! My favortite smoothie is, as it says above, is a Strawberry Peach Smoothie! I love this because it’s easy, quick and cold! You can add a squirt of fresh lime juice if you want to be even more refreshing!
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A note from the editor
A note from the editor
Hey gals! I still cannot believe this is actually happening! ! God gave me the idea quite a few months ago, and after talking to my friends and asking what they thought, we actually got something started ( amazing right??! ! ??) over the last few months there were times I wasn' t sure this was a good idea. I mean, why would anyone want to read a magazine made by a bunch of amateur girls? And there were times when I was like “ WOW. So many people are looking at our blog! ! ! �
God kept the fort up as we worked under it and things started to come together! I want to give a huge THANK YOU to some awesome people that helped with the magazine! ! Cecilia Brown and Juliana Ebersole, What would I do without you? Thank you gals for helping with the magazine! Kimberley Amstutz ( Staff Writer) Thank you so much for the articles you wrote and for the time and effort you put into this magazine! ! Andrea Powell ( Staff Writer) thank you for your time and effort and for the awesome articles you wrote! ! Also thanks to Susannah King, Melody Swartzentruber, Caleb Brown , Google, and Tirzah Magazine! You guys make this work! ! And most importantly thanks to God, our maker and creator. 窶適atrina Swartzentruber