IRTUOUS V A . C h r i s t i a n . Te e n . F a s h i o n . M a g a z i n e
2009/2010
CoverGirl:
Shiraya ur
e Yo g n a h C
Look
Without Changing Your
Heart am i a
material
girl?
Tattoo Taboo
or
10 Things to do on a BUDGET
1Dre 5Lookss s
Index
Fashion
A r t x E
3 5 Looks 1 Store
No matter what style you have.
5 Fashion @ the Pulpit 7 Wear a Skirt 5 Different Ways 9 Cover Girl: Shiraya Changing your
look without changing your heart.
11 Salvation Army Shopping 13 Am I A Material Girl? 15 Growing Up Happens
h t l a He
28 Fighting for Friendship 32 Daddy, do you love me?
Your relationship with Dad matters.
34 Me and Dreams 36 10 things to do for 10 dollars
Find fun stuff to do on a budget.
38 What’s in your Pocket? 40 “I don’t play games.
Never have never will.”
19 Best choice/Worst choice
When you eat out, what to eat.
21 Tattoo or Taboo?
What does the Bible say about tattoos?
23 Nutrition Facts 24 Make it a T.E.I.D
1
(diet backwards)
26 I’ll Start Monday
The fight against the fork.
go to
our
ite webs
sMag
u irtuo V . w ww
et
s.n .web e n i z a
Friendship og
Phot
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: Car
By raph
CONTACT Virtuous Magazine is produced and created completely by a handful of volunteers that see the potential of this clear cut message to teenage girls in need of simple advice. We are aware that we need to make an impact and a simple picture could make the difference in a girl’s life. We are asking for your input, pictures and ideas. If you have any ideas for upcoming issues; article ideas, pictures or upcoming popular trends contact us.
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Cute
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Jeans: It brand $74.00 Scarf: $64.00 (pure hand-knit) Shirt: Angie $38.00 Earrings: $10.00 (clip-on’s) Bracelet: $30.00 Shoes: (Her Own) Old Navy
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Photographs By: Carli Jean + Michaela Crew
Shirt: Vintage Havana $29 Scarf: $24 Jeans: Miss Me Jeans $69 V Neck T: Bootheel Trading Co. $29 Earrings: Clothing Cove $6
Jacket: Jack BB Dakota $69 Jeans: makers of the original $64 Long Sleeve Shirt: Anama $46
to mix ck I love bla rs with ses my lo o c bold xpres e. It e onality. it h w rs and 0 ing pe outgo Courtney, 2
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Carli,
Colo
ASHIO
1
store
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y g d E CLOTHES PROVIDED BY:
TheClothingCove.com
Wrap: $59.00 Turtle Neck:$39.00 Jeans: It Jeans $79.00 Belt: For Love 21 $7.99 Shoes: Jelly Shoe’s Wal-mart $1.00
Scarf: Raj $32 Skirt: multiples $79 Jacket: TULLE $84 Tank: Ellembee $28 Shoes: Salvation Army $4
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Fashion @ the
Pulpit
By: Hannah Ouellette
Photography By: Carli Jean
Fashion! A simple word that causes us to think of so many things! Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, I remember the constant battle of what I was allowed to wear to church. I can remember in high school making my way up the basement stairs to where my mom and dad would be waiting to “inspect” the outfit I had on. Now, in fashion, there are things that we obviously know are not right for us Christian woman to be wearing, but what about the questionable grey areas. Is there such a thing as a grey area in fashion for believers? I can remember as a teenager thinking thoughts like, “What is the purpose of my shorts being down to my knees? Do I really have to wear a bra everywhere I go? Now, if I bend down in the most perfect way is someone going to be able to see down my shirt?” Fashion for Christian women is a whole other level, but I don’t believe it necessarily needs to be. It is foolish for us women to be ignorant and doubt the fact that there is a gender called male that walks around this earth with us. Not only do they walk with us but they are most definitely looking at us. The amazing thing is that God put it in men to LOVE the beauty of women. That is something I feel I will never totally understand, but the reality is men are on this earth and they are attracted to beauty! I believe this generation of women is unlike any generation yet to walk on this earth. It is made up of women that are confident in the call of God on their life, and they are impacting the world around them. I have friends that are leading men and peers in the business world, education, non-profit and ministry. God is raising up women to be a voice to this earth. Today, I am a 28 year old pastor’s wife, mom, communicator, sister, friend, youth director, cousin, and girl! And the word “fashion” still confronts me before I walk out the door of my house. The truth is, people DO pay attention to what you wear and as women of God we MUST reflect women of Integrity, purity and godly womanhood. Now, does that mean you must never wear make-up other than the color “nude” or “natural?”… NO! Does that mean you must never buy clothes from stores in the mall or that are not on the clearance racks? NO! Does that mean to spend more than 5 minutes on your appearance in the morning is vanity and sin? Absolutely NOT! It means that we must dress and handle ourselves in such a way that it does not cause others to sin or stumble. Let me break it down for you. In our house I have a rule of thumb I use for what I am wearing, and it is, “No boobies, no bootie.” Before I leave the house and especially before I leave to preach, I put myself together and prance around in front of my husband. If there is ANY sign of cleavage, bootie or if my outfit clings too tight in either area, then the outfit is history and a change of clothing happens immediately! I believe with all my heart that women of God need to look the best on this earth. We need to take care of our bodies and the temple God has given us and dress in a way that honors God and those around us. Bottom line: Fashion at the pulpit can happen and it can exist without causing others to stumble or become offended. May I challenge you to love your God with all your heart, to love the life He has given you, to reflect the heart of God in all you say and do and to look great as you do it all!
Love,
Hannah
5
Comfy
Conferene Travel
“I be li style eve you is so for com do not and mething fort (ev have to e Targ sweat p wonder n thoug give up ful a ants et, F ht th I lov ) b e a orever 2 . I love out a h ere grea way oody Anth 1 an s t ro d ing to be tr deal an a good pology go , d ue T but od. Styl to who I always J Max. the e I am lo is p wan whil ok for t to erson w not in a e b look e e b ari ra a grea t wh world c ng the nd nam c e ile d h oing anger lothes. I that it.”… loo - Ha nnah ks
1 Timothy
4:12
Photographs By: Carli Jean
my
Mom e k i L Just
Sunday Speaking
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
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#1 wrap: $59.00 necklace: $14.00 belt: $38.00 shoes: Target
Trying new styles can take you out of your comfort zone, but you can still find a way to fit your personality into it and have fun.
- Hannah Curiak, 14
#3
2 # jacket: $98.00 pink cami: $9.00 cross pin: $14.00 charm pin: $20.00
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Cardigan: $69.00 Necklace: $14.00 Shoes: Payless
Wear
Red Wrap: $30.00 Scarf: $18.00 Belt: $38.00 Shoes: Payless
4 #
a Skirt
5
Different
WAYS Photographs By: Carli Jean
#5
Leather Vest: $39.00 Scarf: $18.00
ed
by
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Skirt
$59
Everyone has those days where everything you try on seems to somehow make you look extra wide, or the days when your favorite pair of jeans turn into your worst nightmare. On those days we tend to make everyone’s day miserable because we don’t feel good about ourselves, over a silly pair of pants. When this happens I have a piece of wisdom I would like to share with you...
Tip:
Invest in a skirt that you absolutely love and wear it on the days when you just don’t know what to wear. 8
Shiraya
COVER GIRL:
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Ca By:
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Look heart Changing Your
Changing Your
without
You know the scenarios: each morning as you face the bathroom mirror, every time you walk by that one window at school that reflects light just the right way, when you’re sitting in front of your full-length mirror in your bedroom - you are picking apart every inch of your own appearance. These scenarios are filled with thoughts and questions, mostly criticism. “This shirt makes me look like a blob.” “Is that acne medicine working yet?” “Is my smile pretty?” “How can I style my hair differently?” And a question most every girl has asked herself at least once, “Am I a long-hair person, or a short-hair person?” We all know those people who look like a completely different person once they chop all their hair off. Some look more sophisticated with long flowing hair, that falls gently over the shoulders and cascades towards the middle of their back. Some girls look more mature with a short bob, that stops just above the shoulders. However, the important question is, where do I fall? Or rather, where should my hair fall? I recently found myself consumed by this question. As children, we had the tendency to ask more extreme questions- to find the boundaries, to figure out what our parents believed and to eventually try and figure out what we believe. I always tended to ask my mom what she thought of different drastic looks or styles. “What if I had blue hair?” “What if I pierced my eyebrow?” “What if I decided to shave all my hair off?” I would continually ask these questions, though I already pretty much knew what she would say. While most parents would simply respond, “No way, that’s not even an option.” or “You would be grounded,” my mom always answered in a very unique way. “It would be fine with me,” she would respond gently, “as long as the Shiraya inside doesn’t change, you can make the Shiraya on the outside look however you want.” While I never followed through with any of my extreme suggestion, she had begun to instill
in me a very powerful truth, a truth that comes directly from 1 Peter. 1 Peter 3:3-4 boldly states, “Do not let your beauty come from outward adornment, such as intricate hairstyles or the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading and unchanging beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” What this passage reveals is something every girl and woman needs to live in. This passage basically says that as long as your gentle spirit is unchanging, then you will be truly beautiful, no matter what you adorn your body with. Whether you go for dramatic or intricate hairstyles, or focus on selecting the perfect namebrand clothing, or always need to be wearing the best accessories, as long as your heart remains pure in God’s eyes, then you will be found beautiful. So what does a pure, gentle spirit look like? I think Peter again gives us some good stuff in 2 Peter 1:5-7 as he teaches us how to have gentle spirits. “..make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” Now after reading that, you might be thinking, “Are you kidding me, Shiraya? That will take forever to acquire that list of traits!” The most important part of having a pure heart is not necessarily perfectly possessing all of those traits, but instead knowing that we are striving and constantly fighting to obtain the qualities and characteristics laid out for us in the Bible. We are (continued on next page) not expected to be
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Photographs By: Carli Jean
perfect or anything close, but God is asking that we press in and try with all of our hearts. This striving makes our spirits beautiful. Another truth that we must remember is that we are only human! Perfection is impossible. Holiness is impossible;however, only through God can we be holy, only through Him can our spirits be made pure and gentle. When we believe God to purify us and sanctify us and have the faith in Him, then and only then can He find our hearts worthy of holiness. It’s a major faith walk, but when you put your faith in God and ask Him to help make you pure and holy, then He will reward that genuine desire. It is solely through God, and His divine mercy and help, that we are truly found beautiful. So when I recently found myself looking into the mirror at my aunt’s salon - as she put the scissors to my hair and chopped off 10 inches of flowing long hair, trying to decide “Am I a short-hair person, or a long-hair person?” - I reverted back to the truth my mother had instilled in me at a very young, curious age. The truth that the type of hair I have, the clothes I wear or how I accessorize my outfits does not define me, it does not make me beautiful. I am not a long hair person. I am not a short-hair person. I am a daughter of the King of kings. I am found only beautiful through Him, through maintaining the pure and gentle spirit that he is forming in me everyday, no matter where my hair falls.
xoxo, 11
Shiraya Martin
Before After
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Photography By: Amy Martin
Photographs By: Carli Jean
AFTER
Photographs By: Becca Clement
BEFORE
Pant: 6.99 Shirt:4.99 Vest: 5.99 Shoes 3.99 Scarf: Claire’s Earrings: For love 21 Bracelet: The Clothing Cove Rings+Necklaces: Vintage
This particular Salvation Army is located in Utica, MI and is currently ranked the largest in America. Its racks are organized by styles and colors and is by far one of the cleanest I have ever been to. The great thing about shopping in a store like this is while doing so you are helping the community around you; so both benefit. Shopping on a budget nowadays is almost a requirement. FUN TIP: Go into the store with a simple 25$ dollars in hand and see if you can come our with a whole new outfit. Look for things that suit your style and can be versatile in you wardrobe. Remember to think outside the box and remain open to new things.
-Carli Jean
p p o
g in
13
sh
BEFORE
AFTER
Army
Photography By: Carli Jean
n o i t a v Sal
Shirt: 4.99 Pants: 6.99 Rings: For love 21 Scarf: Claire’s Shoe’s: Converse
Necklace: vintage Earrings: market Bracelets: Claire’s
Photographs By: Carli Jean
AFTER
Photographs By: Carli Jean
BEFORE
What can we say... We LOVE to JUMP!!
AFTER
Dress: 6.99 Jacket: 3.00 Shoes: 3.99
BEFORE
Pants: 6.99 Shirt: 3.99 Tank: 1.99 Belt: 3.99
Necklace: For love 21 Bracelets: The Clothing Cove Necklace: Claire’s shoes: Charlotte Russe
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AM I A
Material
Girl Photograph By: Becca Clement
15
?
“And we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl? You know that we are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.” Madonna’s 1990 hit song, Material Girl, determined the attitude of the rising generation that is being consumed with material things, and being proud of it. Most girls have what we call a true LOVE for shoes, purses and anything fashionable. I have grown up loving fashion and clothes, as most girls do, but I wanted to make sure that this “love” wasn’t consuming my life. Material things can be a sign of status and position. We all take value in what we own and try our hardest to carry or wear things that makes us feel most proud. Girls take pride and joy in the purchase of a new bag or dress that puts a smile on their face and makes them walk a tad taller. The song Material Girl can be a fun, light song for some, but it should be a wakeup call for most. Like I said I have grown up loving all of these things, but many times I have thought to myself, “Where is my true love found, in fashion or in God?” We girls get to choose what we put our love into: fashion, boys, school, self image - the list goes on and on. We have a choice to love what we want to love. My battle in life has been keeping a defined line between my love for God and my love for fashion. God comes first and I want to make sure that I am spending more time in His presence than the amount of time I spend at the mall or in front of the mirror. Yes we can, and should, take pride in our purchases, but we can’t let that purchase consume our thoughts or our wallets. God yearns to be the only thing we love with an unconditional love, but He makes sure we do so only by choice. My Dooney & Burke wallet, Coach Shoes and It jeans should NOT define me, they should simply accent the person I truly am. When people’s eyes are first drawn to your smile instead of your ensemble, that is when you know you’ve got it goin’ on. When I am in a store I can totally tell which girl is the one who would be considered a material girl, they stick out like a sore thumb. They have their tight, faded designer wide leg jeans on with their even tighter BEBE shirt, a larger than life Coach purse and Michael Kors sunglasses on their head. Oh, and you can’t forget the BlackBerry in hand, along with the Grande Frappuccino from Starbucks. This is their comfort, their identity; this is what they hide behind. I have gone through phases of my life where this conformity of being a material girl looked like a pretty decent lifestyle. I thought this was what I wanted people to see me as. My heart wanted to take a break and rely on a “look” instead of thriving for what God wanted. My life is more meaningful and exciting than a 50% off sale at Nordstrom. Yes, I can go check out the sale, and buy something (don’t tell me I can’t) but that doesn’t mean that the sale, purse, shirt or shoe defines me. Know who you are before you showcase an image you don’t even understand. I am NOT a material girl but I am living in a material world.
life n i ttle ping a b "My een kee b has ined line ve lo f a de en my y e m betw od and n". o for G or fashi f love
n a e lr i J
-Ca
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Growing Up, Happens. By: Rachael Kelley
Blonde hair, green eyes, small frame, about 5’3, with Caucasian skin… this is how the average person would physically describe me; however, what is underneath this physical description is a person. A person who has likes, dislikes, dreams, passions, desires and longings. These things have not been birthed overnight but have taken the past nineteen years to develop. Some through hard times and some through easier times, but I have been able to see what lies beneath this layer of skin. Upon entering high school, it was a constant struggle for me to figure out who I was while filtering through what my peers thought of me. We have all been there. We want everything to be perfect and to appear completely flawless to those around us. It took me time to discover that what made me beautiful was on the inside, my heart. I searched and searched but every guy, every brand of make-up and every clothing store could
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not tell me that I was beautiful. It was not until I got a hold of a practical truth that I found in Jeremiah 1:5, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” Not only did the God of the Universe create me with His very own hands but He took the time to get to know me personally before I was even born. There is no one on earth that could ever take the time to care for me the way God has. He knows my very actions, thoughts, longings and dreams. My heart has totally changed because of this one verse. It seems that wherever life has taken me I have been discovering more about that little baby God specifically called beautiful while in her mother’s womb. It is astounding to me that so many young women go about their day thinking that they are just passing through, but we have been hand crafted by
Photographs By: Carli Jean
the Almighty God who, with the same hand, carved out the glaciers and mountains, hills and valleys that we see. With His hand He paints every sunset just for our enjoyment. Just as the Lord said to Moses, I believe He is saying this to His precious daughters, in Exodus 33:12, “… I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.” Discovering who you are is all about figuring out who God made you to be. He gave you such a specific DNA that leads back to a small glimpse of His creation. Believe in yourself and take time to get to know who you are … just as God created you. You are beautiful because He calls you beautiful. I have discovered that I don’t need to be gorgeous in the eyes of the world or flawless in the eyes of others. Instead, I long to be the beautiful woman that God envisioned when He created me. As He saw my life and each step that I would take, I want to be on the exact path that He planned for me to be on and following His heart along the way.
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Olive Garden
Subway
t bescho ice
t bescho ice
Minestrone Soup 100calories Venetian Apricot Chicken 380calories Linguine Alla Marinara 430calories
t s r o w choice
Lasagna Rollatini w/ Sausage
1,500calories
Chicken Alfredo
1,430calories
Fettuccine Alfredo
1,220calories
Chicken Alfredo
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Photo by: Google Images
Veggie Delight 230calories Oven Roasted Chicken Breast 320calories BLT Sandwich 360calories
t s r o w choice
Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
770calories CLUB 650calories Chicken + Bacon Ranch 590calories Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki
Photo by: Google Images
HEALTH
Taco Bell
Chili’s
t t s e bescho ice b choice Margarita Grilled Chicken
710calories
Grilled Salmon w/garlic+herbs
650calories
Southwest Cedar Plank Tilapia
600calories
Crunchy Taco
170calories
Spicy Chicken Soft Taco
170calories
Crunchy Taco Supreme
200calories
t t s s r r o wo choice w choice
Chicken Crispers
Fiesta Taco Salad
Texas Cheese Fries
Grilled Stuffed Borrito
Buffalo Chicken Bites
Nachos Bell Grande
1,960calories 1,920calories 1,622calories
Chicken Crispers
Photo by: Google Images
840calories
680calories 600calories
Fiesta Taco Salad
Photo by: Google Images
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Tattoo
Taboo OR
?
Taboo: Prohibited or restricted by social custom.
By: Moriah Nogoy
“Maybe I’ll get one of those cute little Christian fish.” “Ooh, my favorite Bible verse would be sweet too!” “I can totally use it as a witnessing tool.” “Hmm, but what about that one Bible verse about tattoos?” Tattooing has created a clash between traditional Christian beliefs and new contemporary interpretations. As Christians we should investigate with a biblical perspective. The argument can be debated using various scripture verses. Simply Leviticus 19:28 says, “‘You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.” Well, there you go. The Bible says no tattoos, so I guess tattooing is a sin. At the first read, this scripture seems to condemn tattooing; however, to fully understand this scripture, we need to examine the context of this verse and its connection to surrounding verses. If we dive a little deeper, a larger picture forms. Surrounding that verse, Leviticus 19:26–31 says, “You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or soothsaying. You shall not round off the side-growth of your heads nor harm the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD. Do not profane your daughter by making her a harlot, so that the land will not fall to harlotry and the land become full of lewdness. You shall keep My Sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD. ‘Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” In this passage, God prohibits eating bloody meat, fortune telling, certain hair cuts related to pagan priests, cutting or marking the body for dead relatives, prostitution and consulting psychics. The “tattoo marks” in this passage are in context of cultic worship rituals not of body décor. It can be interpreted that God was prohibiting tattoos to keep His people from straying toward other gods. Perhaps God was not restricting His people from body art but from a procedure practiced on the dead by pagans. The New Testament says that Christians are not bound to the Old Testament laws to gain God’s favor. “know that a man is not justified by observing the law,
but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified” Galatians 2:16. We are no longer held to the laws of the Old Testament to redeem ourselves before Christ. The Bible says that the Old Testament and its laws were made to lead us to Christ. Jesus has come so we are now set free, and not under those laws simply to be on God’s good side. Opponents to tattoos also say that tattoos defile one’s body. A look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 can help us understand that argument. – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” The Bible clearly states that we must honor God with our body. If our tattoos are lewd or promiscuous, obviously, that is a sin. The reasons for your tattoo must also honor God. If you are getting the tattoo against your parents will, out of rebellion or just to fit in then God is not being honored. Motive and purpose must be right to utterly glorify God. If your motives are aligned with God’s will, tattooing can be a useful testimony of your faith. Christian tattoos can attract interest and lead toward conversations of faith. Just make sure in everything you do, you glorify God. Getting a tattoo is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. With so much debate between biblical scholars there is substantial risk in interpretation. The debate on tattoos will rage on. The decision you make should be between you and God. Make sure you seek God about it and pursue holiness. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” Psalm 115:1.
-Moriah Nogoy,17 21
I got my tattoo when I was 17. I got the D for Dillon and the cross is behind the D and bigger to show that God is bigger than me. I think tattoos are fine as long as they have meaning and you won’t regret it.
The original idea was designed by my friend Heather Marie!
Did it hurt?
“I mean...I’m kinda a wimp so yeah it hurt, but it was totally worth it for sure. And it’s only when he’s doing it that it hurts...duh.”
-Dillon Parker, 18 Both my tattoos are very meaningful to me. They represent different situations where God has made himself relevant in my life. Nehemiah 3:18 says “The Joy of the Lord is my strength” This scripture has helped me get through times of tribulations, and turmoil. Psalms 18:2 says “The lord is my rock and foundation, whom shall I fear. This scripture has represented how God is stronger than anything and that I can do all things through him. My tattoos have given me a reason to share what God has done in my life.
-Samantha Diehl
I wanted a tattoo and I knew I needed a pattern and a reason I believed in, to convince my mom. I decided on the wooden cross. I wanted to incorporate the crown of thorns and the nails because I felt they were very important to show what Christ did for us. I chose the John 3:16 verse because...Well it speaks for itself. I chose “forgiven” because, we are all in need of forgiveness. I think I show my belief and faith in the choice of tattoo, and it reminds me daily that I am forgiven.
-Alex Marion, 18
-Tyler Forbes, 24
FOR Against
There’s nothing biblically wrong about tattoos there just a little decoration for the temple. Of course they can be addicting just like anything else but that varies with each person.
-Amber Ray, 19
Photographs By: Moriah Nogoy + Facebook
Tattoos, personally I would not get one. God created us how he wanted us to be and not for how we want to be. I have heard reasons why people get tattoos…like, “I got it so I will never forget the memory.” But if it is an important memory you should be able to remember it anyways.
-Kira Jean, 15
Almost everyone who gets a tattoo when they are younger loses the desire for it when they are older, including myself. It’s something that looks good now but you won’t want later.
–Scott Motchenbacher, 35 I received my tat before I was saved. I am not really for or against them. I just think people should be discrete and have respect for the Temple. If I could have it removed without paying for it, I would do it.
-Heather Edwards,35
Locatio Upper An: rm When it comes to tattoos I’ve sort of hit a fork in the road. I think that tattoos are really cool, and at times wished that I have had one, however I believe that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and that God becomes angry with us when we deface the body he has given us. It all goes back to the troublesome question, “Are we going to do what we want for ourselves, or what God wants for us.”
My belief about tattoos is that you should not get them. In the Old Testament, Leviticus commands us to not tattoo. The Lord commands us not to do those things and if we want to live a long, good, and healthy life, we need to walk in His light and obey Him most importantly! John 15:10 says, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” Also in 1 Corinthians 6:19 talks about how we are the temple of God and it goes on to talk about defiling the temple and one aspect of getting a tattoo is that we should be separated from the world and not conforming to it. It is a choice whether to get a tattoo or not, but when you are walking into the tattoo store to get one, think twice and think if God would approve of your decision or not.
–Kim Woodcock,15
-Christian Aown,17 22
n o i it
r t u N
y entl g. n rec as weddi nd w ture erie’s rried a c i p . h a This n at C pily m o God to t e p e k n l a a e p t is h giv am She a life eat ex g r n g i liv is a n. me She ng wo you
FACTS:
Photographs By: Carli Jean
By: Cherie Brenner
If you think about it, the topic nutrition is high on the scale of importance, yet not many of us are educated in the subject. We are afraid to go there, thinking it’s too complicated or that we will have to give up too much of what we enjoy. It isn’t that complicated! In fact the more knowledge you have about the subject, the easier it is to begin a healthy lifestyle. It has always been interesting to me how incredibly wonderful our bodies are made. God gave us each the gift of our body and it’s an exciting challenge to figure out how to keep this gift healthy. In 1 Cor-
inthians 6:19 it says “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” You are not your own. You represent Christ through every action. Taking care of your body should be a priority, but unfortunately we have become a society that demands everything in a hurry, as simple and as inexpensive as possible. When food is inexpensive and quick it’s usually stripped of all or most of its nutrients. The key is to select foods that are close to their natural state. The way God made them. Nutrition can be broken down into four parts: protein, carbohydrates, fiber and fats. God created food in each of these categories that are yummy and nutritious, so eat them (in correct portions. We really have no excuse to not eat healthy.
Proteins that are healthy include lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs and some dairy. Also beans, nuts and soy are all great sources of protein.
utt s NB k c i ris r K o k h MoBurtiNaOT like Chuc
YES NO 23
Photo by: Google Images
Photo by: Google Images
Carbohydrates are important because they supply our bodies with energy. Healthy carbs are veggies, nuts, whole or multi grain pasta, brown rice, whole or multi grain breads and healthy low sugar cereals. These foods also supply a good source of fiber which not only helps you poop 1-3 times a day but helps absorb the bad stuff that’s in your body and keep it full after meals all day. Eating avocado and using extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) adds healthy fat to your diet. Let’s be honest, we are responsible for our own bodies. If your body is healthy then your life is a lot more enjoyable.
Stone ground mustard is the read deal. The mustard you normally eat is artificial and made with additive sugars and refiners. When choosing to eat healthy these choices can become costly so budget so you can continue.
Photo by: Google Images
Photo by: Google Images
White colored cheese is the natural coloration that cheese is suppose to be but the food industry has altered what our conception of cheese is. Funny huh? Just remember, anything that has a more natural color to it normally is better for you.
Photo by: Google Images
Photo by: Google Images
Stevia is a plant that substitute all artificial sweeteners without question. Its a plant first commonly used in Japan and has recently taken a spin for the better in the U.S. You can find Stevia in your local supermarket brand as Truvia sweetener.
d o G t g h n e r St “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your STRENGTH you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” Photograph By: Carli Jean
EXODUS 1 5 : 1 3
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Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Breakfast:
One cup of Special K cereal with ½ cup of 1% or 2% milk, and a banana.
Breakfast:
2 pancakes with berries and a glass of 1% or 2% milk.
Lunch:
Grilled cheese sandwich, a bowl of salad w/ low fat dressing and water.
Whole wheat wrap with deli turkey, tomatoes, and a little bit of pesto. A side of veggies and crystal light lemonade.
Dinner:
Dinner:
Lunch:
Grilled Chicken marinated in low fat Italian dressing, green beans, and cantaloup.
Salad with grilled chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, red onion and raspberry vinaigrette dressing and a biscuit.
Breakfast:
Egg omelet (using 2 eggs and some milk) with some cheese and sausage/or any veggies you want, and a serving of fruit.
Breakfast:
A serving of vanilla yogurt with 1/2 cup of granola and a serving of fruit.
Lunch:
Lunch:
Soup (no cream based soups) and salad and a dinner roll on the side with a tsp of jam or butter and a glass of milk.
Dinner:
Dinner:
Penne noodles with tomato sauce, green beans, and something to drink (not sugary).
Hamburger with ketchup and a whole wheat bun, side of raw veggies and low fat chips.
Veggie stir-fry with any veggies you want and a tbs of sweet and sour dressing with 1/2 cup of rice.
Just admit it, we are ALL looking for a shortcut to getting that perfect body. Some thoughts probably come to mind about trying plastic surgery, or even becoming anorexic or bulemic, but honestly, do any of us really want to go to those extremes? Next, we think of the “d” word - diet. To some, this is the ugliest word that has ever been spoken. To me, this word does not exist because you cannot just simply “diet” for a certain amount of time and achieve “the perfect body.” There are no shortcuts to living healthy. It’s the everyday choices for the rest of your life that change how you look and how you view yourself. First, you must look in the mirror and accept what you see. It doesn’t matter if you are skinny, heavy, or in the middle. Second, decide your goals (and write them down). Ex: eat healthier, lose those last 5 pounds, achieve a healthy weight, etc... ABSOLUTELY NO EXTREMES- like losing 15-20 pounds in 2 weeks. A safe and realistic goal would be losing 2 pounds MAXIMUM a week.Third, change your mind set. Realize that if you make the need to lose weight something dramatic, then the process of losing that weight will be hard and burdensome and you will give up. You don’t need to rush losing the weight or changing the way you eat. This doesn’t mean procrastinate and go slow. You are making permanent changes to your body and it has to adjust. Fourth, God does care about how you view yourself. He created your body and He wants you to take care of it. Pray about what changes you’d like to make. Know that God loves you no matter how you look, as long as you don’t make an idol of becoming healthy. Make sure you keep Him first.
Photograph By: Michaela Crew
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Photography By: Carli Jean
Friday
Saturday
Breakfast:
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Lunch:
Whole wheat grilled cheese sandwich with low fat tomato soup and a glass of milk.
Homemade pizza w/ light cheese any toppings you want (not too many), baked chips and a pear.
Dinner:
Dinner:
A serving of oatmeal with a bit of honey and cinnamon with some berries and a glass of milk.
Grilled salmon w/ grilled vegetables and iced tea.
A serving of yogurt topped with blueberries and strawberries.
TIP: Watch your portions and don’t over eat. Wait a few minutes before taking another serving and see if you are actually still hungry or just want to eat more. Pick a day in the week when you will “pig out” a little. Don’t deprive yourself of sweets, just don’t eat them all the time.
Grilled chicken, green beans, and 1/2 cup of rice.
a week of order MAKE IT A
(TEID -The word diet backwards, it simply a lifestyle not a crash course)
Photographs By: Carli Jean
TEID
This week long plan was made to help you get started on your journey to make constant healthy choices. The main thing is to not get discouraged. Make your meals exciting, sit down and enjoy them. Use your favorite, pretty plate, tall fancy glass and turn your favorite tunes on the stereo and bon appetite.
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Photograph By: Carli Jean
I’ ll Start
monday By: Meghan Walton
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t r a t S l y l a I’ nd
o m
“Lots of books claim they can change your life. But how many actually teach you how to take the many small steps that lead to success each and every day of your life?” From the Publisher Photo by: Google Images
By:
n a h g Me
Photograph By: Carli Jean
We have all said it at one point or another, “I’ll start Monday.” We plan to start eating healthy, exercising daily, but not until next week because we have already messed up and it is just too late to save this week. Most of us seem to have the mentality that we have to start at the beginning of the week in order to change our lifestyle; we have to start the week off well, so to speak. Yet, what most fail to see is that we waste precious time waiting for next week to start. Time is a gift from God. None of us are guaranteed another day. By waiting until next week, we are wasting a precious resource that can never be restored. It’s alright to mess up- a shocking statement to be made, I know, but we are only human; therefore, mistakes are inevitable. It is important to make the choice to maintain a healthy lifestyle; however, it is crazy to assume that you
will never again give into a double fudge brownie. Just because you mess up one time does not mean you have to write off the entire week. This goes for both your physical body as well as your spirit. It is important to feed your body the right foods. Similarly, it is also important to feed your spirit with the right things. Though you may mess up and skip a day of quiet time with the Lord, it is important to remember that you still have today. Today is important, and it is the only time we are guaranteed. We cannot afford to waste it. In John Maxwell’s book Today Matters, he states: “It’s too late for yesterday. And you can’t depend on tomorrow. That’s why today matters.” It is time to make the decision that today is worth fighting for because yesterday is over and we aren’t promised tomorrow. So even though yesterday you ate all the wrong things, you didn’t exercise, and you didn’t spend time developing your relationship with God, it is alright because you have today. So what are you waiting for? Don’t wait until Monday. Start now. God doesn’t care if it is Monday morning at 7:00am or Thursday night at 10:00pm. It’s alright to mess up, but when your mess-up becomes a lifestyle, that’s a problem. No more excuses. No more waiting around. Start now because now is the only time you are guaranteed.
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Friendship
Fighting for
Photograph By: Carli Jean
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Pho
togr
aph s By
: Ca
rli J ean
1 of many birthday parties
EXTRA
Homecoming 08’
Foholo Camp 29
Sisterhood
These are the girls that you hold near and dear to your heart, the ones that go through the ups and the downs with you. The sisters you have in your life need to bring you up, not pull you down. They need to be able to tell you straight up if you’re doing something you should not be doing. They need to be your sisters, your best friends, leaders and people that can help guide you through life. You may not want to hear some of the things they tell you but your sisters do it for your own good, to help you. You should also do these things to help them in return. Being friends is one thing, but being best friends is another; you are practically like sisters. You know each other from the inside out. You tell each other everything. You do things that make no sense, but you can be yourself. These girls know every little quirk and flaw that you possess, and they love you for it. Your best friends are your sisters. “Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.”(The Message) - Proverbs 18:24. They are with you through everything. I have personally surrounded myself with two girls that will bring me up when I am down, that will make
me laugh so hard at the stupidest thing that I will pee my pants. These girls encourage me to press into God. They help me pursue the dreams that God has laid on my heart and they have stuck close by me through many life experiences and changes. Surround yourself with sisters in Christ. Friends can walk in and out of your life, but best friends stay in your life forever and make an imprint and an impact. Friendship is like standing on wet cement - the longer you stay, the harder it is to leave, and you can never go without leaving your footprints behind.
Best friends = sisters for life.
Kira Jean Coryell
I’ve had the same two best friends my entire sixteen years of life, and I couldn’t be more blessed to have them. I could tell you story after story about our childhood, pre-teen drama, and inside jokes, from even this past weekend, but it would take hours to do so. Everyone is always amazed when I say I’ve had my two best friends since birth (literally), they think it’s so cool! Yet there are some drawbacks to having the same best friends all your life. Whether you want to or not, you fight. It’s bound to happen. Hanging out with the same two people for almost sixteen years will do that. The sweet thing about it is we always pull through and work it out. When I think of best friends I think of people who you can trust with your life, people you call in the middle of the night because you’re hurt, someone you have non-stop fun with. But the truth is, it’s not always easy. Best friends have problems and things they need to work through just like any other relationship in a person’s life. For example, my best friend Kira, is one of the most beautiful girls and is amazingly talented when it comes to sports. Then there’s Mallory Rose, aka My Malze-Boo, who has one of the most captivating and gorgeous voices in the world, on top of being an incredible, beautiful actress. Now don’t get me wrong I don’t think I’m fat, ugly or a horrible actress, but sometimes I find myself comparing myself to them. I mean, come on, it’s hard not to when you’re going shopping and your friend looks better in almost everything, and then asks you if the shirt looks ok. Or you sing a song with your friend, and she sounds a hundred times better than you do. It can be hard to see yourself as just as great. That’s when comparing vs. caring comes into play! When you have the title of “best friend” you are required to be in the front row of all of their plays, talent shows, dress fittings, shopping sprees, choir concerts, and be supportive
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Photographs By: Carli Jean
Conparing vs Caring
and caring. Not little miss Debbie Downer, secretly wishing you were them. The easy thing to do is to say, “Why can’t I look like you, darn it!?!” or, “Why don’t I sound like you when I sing!?!” Every time I have struggled with comparing myself to one of my friends my mom would say, “How could you possibly compare yourself to them? You guys are so different and all so talented, just in different ways.” I used to think she said that because she was trying to be nice, but now I see that my mom was right on! My best friends and I are all talented and beautiful, just in different ways. It makes me think of Psalms 45 and Proverbs 31, when God talks about how He’s anointed you and how beautiful you are. So whenever I’m with them it’s easy for me to be happy for them and love them because I know they are amazing, unique young women! And I want them to fulfil everything God has in store for them, and become the unique, strong women God has destined them to be. When you remember that you yourself are beautiful, and a gem in God’s eyes, what can you do but build up others, and care for your friends.
xoxo,
Rebekah Lauren Curiak
I bet you didn’t expect B.F.F. battles over these friends. I’ve had to stand for Battle For Friendship. You battles with keeping our bonds might have been expecting something strong, competition, jealousy, and like: “Best Friends Forever,” right? wanting them to succeed. It’s sad that When I was young I used to think that I have been through those battles, once you made a friend, a best friend, but I will continue to battle for those that the friendship would never ever friendships the rest of my life. I can end. I was wrong. almost guarantee that you have been When I was younger, I had a through them as well. neighbor named Paula. She was one When you are fighting for of my best friends and when I moved, a friendship, it will be hard. You will I never saw her again. Then, I made a need to be willing to sacrifice. You are best friend in my new neighborhood. going to have to want that friendship Her name was Megan. When she more than anything else. Yet, you will moved to Florida, we couldn’t help not be able to find victory in your but grow apart. I see her now and friendships without God. We all then or talk over Facebook, but we’re will go through seasons not as close as we used to be. I had no where God will bring idea that once she or I moved, that my us friends and take friendships would be altered. Sadly, them away. Life is going things have changed since we were to happen, but that battle young. is not ours, it’s God’s! I Friendships have gotten more used to think that I had and more complicated, a truth that to fix everything in my none of us girls want to hear. As girls friendships and I had to be we hold relationships very close to our the one who made it right, heart, and I believe that God has made but once I found out that us that way. I never thought that I had the battle was not my own, to fight for a friendship. I thought but was the Lord’s, a HUGE that once you graduate high school, weight was lifted from my or if you move, only then will you be shoulders. It’s impossible for required to fight to keep a friendship us to win these battles alone. strong. Yet again, I was wrong. God is by our side ready to One of my best friends is fight for us, we just need to be Bekah Curiak. I have known her willing to place the friendship literally since the day I was born. in His hands. After all, God is Another one of my best friends is the creator of friendships and the Kira Coryell. I have known her since Author of love, so I think that He I was two years old. When I think of is capable of mending a friendship. these two girls, the last word I ever I encourage you to keep fighting for dreamed of thinking about is battle. your friendships with the help of the Over the years we have been through Lord standing right beside you. the thick and thin together; however, in the past year, I have been in many With all my heart,
f . f B.
battling. for. friendship.
Mallory Rose Miller 31
“Daddy, do you love me?”
Photograph By: Jamie Klusacek
“Daddy, do you think I’m beautiful?” “Do I look lovely in this dress?” “Daddy, would you protect me?” “Am I worth fighting for?” These are some of the questions that flood the hearts and lips of every young girl. The answers vary. Sometimes it’s a heartfelt, “Of course, sweetheart!” Sometimes a yes, but actions speak differently. And though they don’t deserve it, some precious girls receive a resounding “No!,” whether by words or actions. There are countless stories from both young women and mature women who have been wounded and scarred by their fathers in many different ways. Every young woman has a story. Some father-daughter stories are happy. Some are tragic. Whatever your story, it’s not over and God wants to help you write the ending! God placed in each of us beautiful, tender hearts that need to be loved and pursued by a father — first, by our Heavenly Father. Really, He is all we need. He can bring us healing and wholeness in a way people can’t. It’s our responsibility to do everything we can to keep a healthy relationship with our Father God. In our walk with Him, through His Word, we can discover Him, His love for us, His
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plan for us, and how He values us as unique young women. God also designed an earthly system of fatherhood—someone to demonstrate the love and passion that our Heavenly Father has for us and to help guide us through life with care. Dad is the family leader, protector, provider, and authority figure. A father provides a sense of security and a sense of belonging for his daughter. Without this, a girl feels lost, confused, insecure, of little worth (took out and), and whether she realizes it or not, she will look for it. She will look for someone to care, and usually, she looks to boys. Boys, boys, boys. That slippery slope of excitement, drama, romance, and…hurt. Boys can be great and a (I’d word it “boys can be a great gift from God) gift from God, but if we go into these relationships insecure about who we are, we’ll conform to what we think others want. Needless to say, that’s not good. God made us unique and we want to be true to who we are in Him! We need to be confident girls who require guys to respect us. If we aren’t, our insecurity will lead us down a dangerous path
in search of approval. On this path, we find ourselves compromising our standards and often our purity; giving our hearts to undeserving young men who don’t truly value us. I urge you from experience to love yourself and love God more than attention from someone else. That being said, let’s discuss what we can do for our self-image. Since the lack of a good father figure breeds insecurity, we know that there should be a good father figure in every girl’s life. Therefore, we need to do two things: first, work on our relationship with our own father and second, find a spiritual father. So let’s briefly look at what we, as daughters, can do for our relationships with our dads. First off, make things right! We absolutely must choose to forgive our fathers for hurting us. Next we need to take responsibility for our part of the mess and ask for forgiveness from God and our dad. And secondly, we have to understand that people aren’t perfect, so we have to ask God to help us give grace to our dads and learn how to be compassionate toward them. The second thing (say something like “We also need to find….) is to find someone that you can respect and trust as a “spiritual father.” This is someone (or some people) you can turn to for prayer, support, and guidance. God has placed great men of God in the church. We should take the time to talk to them, ask them questions, and look to them for wisdom to help us avoid mistakes. It is important to find a good church with a good pastor who models a good relationship with his children for us to follow as an example for our own relationships. Personally, I have both a dad and a spiritual father. They are amazing men who love God and love me. Let me share with you a little bit about my spiritual father. He is the pastor of my church and he, his wife, and their two grown children have always been a wonderful example of loving and supportive Christian family to our church. They love God and one another and they are open enough to teach us through their experiences. I can’t tell you how much their example, love, and support have made a difference throughout my life and in who I am today. So what does this have to do with you? Well, this didn’t just happen for me because I’m special. It took the Lord bringing us to the church and it took my family getting engaged and involved. Let me encourage you. You can have the same! Our God is no respecter of persons. So find a good church and take advantage of all they have to offer you in helping you become a strong and confident young woman. To close, I’d like to encourage you with a quick testimony about what God did for me concerning my relationship with my dad. Hopefully you’ll be able to relate a little with where I’m coming
from. When I was growing up, my dad and I fought a lot. We were both extremely strong-willed so hurtful things were said often on both sides. Usually an apology eventually came and I knew that my dad loved me, but I was still constantly finding myself hurt and feeling unappreciated and misunderstood. I was also confused about my dad. I just didn’t understand him sometimes. So, all throughout high school, there was this frequent “butting heads” between us, and even if you know you’re loved, that’s just not healthy. He was a good dad, but something needed to change because I was confused and wounded. My mom and I prayed for my dad often. We prayed that God would bring peace to our tired, busy, and stressed out family. As time passed, my family got more and more involved in our church. One Sunday, our pastor prophesied over my dad and me that a change was coming in our relationship. God was beginning a work in us. When I went to college, I spent my spare time reading books about women and books about understanding men and how they are so different than we are. I grew older, wiser, had more understanding, and became more patient. Around the same time, my dad took a year-long Bible school course for men where he learned and developed as a man of God and head of our family. Throughout the course of the four years I was in college, God did a miraculous work between my father and me. Both of us grew; he as a father and a man, I as a daughter and a young woman, and both of us in our walks with God. Our situation grew into a healthy father-daughter relationship. It became a relationship where love, approval, understanding, and value were offered and received from both sides. God is so good and he is faithful to answer prayer! So what can you take from all this? Don’t give up! There is hope for your relationship with your dad. It doesn’t matter what your situation is. God can bring healing and restoration to your life if you’ll do your part. Choose to be a strong young woman right now, take hold of your life and be determined to do something about it! I challenge you to get with God and together, write the ending of your father-daughter story.
Passionately,
Michelle McClatchy
Fort Worth, Texas
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ME
AND
Dreams
Dreaming is a fascination of mine. My dreams are typically large and unexpected to most because I don’t want to dream small or think of the ordinary. The thought of attempting something that no one has ever tried to achieve, gets me excited. My prayer is that my dreams will be achieved, but more than that, my heart is simply to do God’s will. I take much peace in knowing that if the Lord’s hand is upon that dream, it will be executed how and when He wants it to be. I truly believe that God gives me the ability to dream in my heart. You usually don’t see or hear of a conservative, fearful or inflexible person fulfilling something out of the ordinary. Would you like to know why? Because without willingness for adventure, courage in the face of the unknown and the ability to adapt to change, a dream conceptualized cannot be realized. My love for dreaming isn’t just a hobby, but a journey of growth. Just as a little tree grows and continually reaches new “You never heights, when my little dreams see or hear of come to pass it allows me to see a conservative opportunities that I couldn’t see or inflexible before. As you know, a tree cannot person fulfilling grow without frequent water and something out of dreaming and accomplishing God’s dreams require drinking His word the ordinary.” daily, consistently living at a higher level and abandoned worship. Today I can tell you that the dreams or seeds that have been placed in our hearts by God will remain for only a period of time. Like real seeds in the ground, after a set period time they will sprout and dreams, which should not remain dormant forever, will grow and produce fruit and more seeds, so that there will be an increase in our life and the lives of others. Dreaming keep me looking forward. It keeps me seeking more in life instead of just settling. God sees my heart. He knows that when He places a dream in my heart I won’t let Him down. My goal is to do the opposite – to please Him by allowing Him to accomplish great things through me and to blow the minds of the average thinker and exceed most people’s expectations…because if I could have done it by myself, what kind of dream was that anyway?
Intentionally,
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Carli Jean
By: Carli Jean
Photograph By: Becca Clement
Proverbs 31:29 “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.�
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10 things to do
Craft Night #1 Art Supplies stores such as Michael’s generally
have good deals. The best way to buy supplies is to go into the store with a few different craft ideas and buy which ever is priced the most reasonably or if you cannot come up with any ideas most craft stores have pre packaged crafts.
FREE Concert
#
4
Most local newspapers have a section showing concerts that are going to be in the area. Most are in parks so bring a blanket and have everyone put a fewdollars towards a pizza. Sit back and enjoy.
Bowling #3
#2
Instead of going out to your favorite restaurant stay in and try your hand at recreating your favorite meals.
Although not everyone is good at bowling it will still be fun, even if you put it in the gutter every time. If a majority of the people are putting it in the gutter, you may want to put bumpers up to prevent that.
The best part of a road trip isn’t the destination, but the time spent getting there. Have everyone put some money towards gas and explore your town. While driving play all of the games you did when you were younger or invent your own games. You can raise the stakes by having the loser buy snacks at your next gas station stop.
Photographs By: Allison Smith
Road Trip #5
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Themed Dinner Night
for 10 dollars Putt-Putt #6 By: Allison Smith
A little bit of competition is always a good thing. There are many putt-putt courses out there and each has a different theme ranging from “Land of the Dinosaurs” to “The Circus“. All of the different themes make putt-putt something you and your friends can do many times without it getting boring.
Inprov #7
Anyone who has seen the television show “Whose Line is it Anyways?” has thought about trying their hand at improv comedy so here’s your chance. If you don’t have many ideas for games there are plenty of websites with suggestions. Also, ahead of time write up different scenario’s and personalities to use in various games.
#8
Bonfire Laser Tag #9
It isn’t uncommon to get a discount when you have a larger group of people. Just make sure that you schedule ahead so your whole group can fit into one game.
For one night go back to the “simpler times”. Turn off the television, put down the cell phones, log off of Facebook and just enjoy sitting with your friends around a fire. You can roast hot dogs and cook them for dinner and make sure you remember to bring marshmallows to make s’mores.
# Karaoke 1
0
Instead of buying an expensive karaoke video game buy your favorite songs without the vocals and print off the lyrics from online.It’s the same as the karaoke video games except you get to choose the songs. Make sure to include karaoke classics such as, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, by Cyndi Lauper and “Don’t Stop Believing”, by Journey. 37
What’s in Your Pockets? Photographs By: Shiraya Martin, Becca Clement, Holly Erickson, Morish Nogoy
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ERIC
KyLE
Sarah MARIAH
Jessica
Marla
SCOTTY
MATT
Bailey
ev
kyle
Tr
Holly
or
STeVe
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Crystal
Me
a gh
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"I dont play s e … gam Never have. Never will" rew ichaela C
phs By: M
Photogra
This simple quote seemed to mesmerize the entire campus during my first year of college, kind of like other previously popular sayings such as “da bomb” or “kewl”, which by the way, are very, very outdated. It appeared as if this immature statement stemmed from some freshmen boys on a smelly, messy floor to an entire community of students. Even I found myself quoting it in the midst of an intense ping-pong game or a last minute, exam week cram session. Months later, during summer break, God spoke to me while I was eating breakfast. On the outside, I had it all together: respectable family, good grades, admired boyfriend and flourishing walk with God, but when I looked past the surface, I found my life wasn’t what it seemed. I was playing just what I said I would never play: a game. The object that was in greatest danger here was not my time, reputation, or faith, it was my heartthe most precious thing I have now or will ever have in the future. The way I had treated my relationships with guys affected every area of my life. I couldn’t keep my boyfriend separate from my family or my friends or even Jesus. Proverbs 4:23 makes it clear that our heart isn’t some accessory we show off to everyone along with our new earrings and Express jeans. That’s why we feel crushed when the boy we have always been crazy about doesn’t like us or when we go too far physically without thinking. Sex can tear our hearts in two, but the small, unnoticed “giving” of ourselves and our time and our affection can be just as devastating. For me, I had my fair share of “boundary blunders” with my heart. Sometimes, things got out of hand and we got too close to the boundaries we had previously set to keep ourselves pure and our hearts healthy. [Specific boundaries with your guy will save your life, I promise!] Those times hurt and I have been
abruptly, 40
utterly broken afterwards, but my most tragic downfall did not resemble a passionate scene from the Titanic. In reality, I gave my heart away before I ever kissed a boy! Those late night phone conversations, secret promises and times of undivided attention allowed boys to steal my heart right out from under me without me even noticing. In fact, many times, we were not even dating yet. As I sat there that morning, I tried hard to fight back the tears as I remembered every broken promise, hurtful word, and private fear that shattered my heart into a million tiny pieces. I felt hopeless trying to put them all back together alone. I could only imagine how angry God was, seeing how I messed up everything and tried to ignore Him for so long, but His faithful and loving words brought much needed comfort as He whispered “I will heal you of your faithlessness; my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever.” Hosea 14:4 NLT Kelly Pickler, one of today’s most fashion-forward country stars, sings “I put up a barbed wire fence around my heart, Baby, just to keep you out.” To me, this seems a little bit harsh. Instead, I like to picture, a nice, white picket fence with a gate. I can get close to people while I am inside and they are outside and even date different guys with this fence in place, but my heart is safe; however, when the right guy comes at the right time and he promises forever, I will unlatch the gate and let him in, allowing him to have my entire heart for the first time. But until then, I won’t play games, especially with my heart.
Michaela
What do you like most in a christian y” alit 0 n rso , 2 pe nings y l d jen go “A drew -an
“Good style while dressing modest” -nic miller, 13
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“Girls who live at a high standard (plus the eye/ smile combo!)” -kyle crew, 18
“ se Their rve h Go eart an d, no givin d pa -sc t st s g ott opp ther sion stu e t i tzm ng.” all a o nd an ,1 7
nd sa e v l ote se em prom h t ” ress they exp how e world y e o h h s to t wt . Al 18 “Ho e God elves ssie, s e lov them thur k -ar
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ality erson p g lovin 16 “ Fun matt fox, -
“Her heart and inner qualities because lets face it, everyone gets old!” -michael ray, 20 “ Someone fun and easy to talk to” -brendon crew, 15
Photography By: Facebook
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“i will not be impacted by the people around me, i will be the impact.” - Carli Jean Today’s girl generation is suffering greatly and the cry of their needy hearts is louder than ever before. To feel wanted is normal but to hurt your body to earn acceptence is scary, but sadly, reality. Do you think you are beautiful? The fact is, God delights to see you smile and wants you to know you are beautiful. He made you in His image and to mock or make fun of what He has made is something we should be ashamed of. Time is so precious and wasting it away caring what your peers think will not get you to where God can make your dreams come true. This generation of manipulated girls needs to take hold of the confidence God offers and run with it. Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
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