Faith Through a Little Girl's Eyes: Bailee Madison

I stumbled across this I Am Second video featuring Bailee Madison, a child actress who has such a sweet, joyful spirit. It made me think of the little girl inside each of us, and inspired me to ask:

What was the "little-girl-you" like?

What could she teach you today?

What were her heartaches, dreams, fears and wishes?

Please watch and share your thoughts below.

Shopping Your Joy Away: Living in a Culture of Over-Consumerism

One of my most vivid prayers as a little girl was for L.A. Gear shoes and pierced ears. Thankfully my prayers have matured a bit since the fourth grade (and yes in case you're wondering I got my way), but I weekly struggle with buying into our culture of over-consumerism. Even if I don't act upon my purchasing compulsions, you better know that I waste hours window shopping online and coveting pretty things I think will bring me peace and perfection. Consumerism is a social and economic order which spurs on and fosters our desire or compulsion as potential buyers to purchase good and services in increasingly greater amounts. Girls, can I get a witness?

As I was exploring our culture of over-consumerism, I came across an idea that eloquently articulated something I've witnessed in my life, Confessions of a Shopaholic, and in the lives of most Americans (especially us ladies) and of course filthy rich celebrities. According to our friend Wikipedia, "Enoughism is the idea that there is a point where consumers [that's us girls] possess everything they need, and buying more makes their lives worse rather than better.

There comes point when just one too many Lululemon workout pants, Anthropologie tops, H&M accessories, Forever21 finds, and Besty Johnson dresses are going to make our lives worse instead of better - they'll make life more complicated and stressful instead of peaceful and perfect like we think they will.

Why do we believe the lie that more cute stuff equals perfection, love and happiness ever after?

Let's talk about this - leave your comments.

• Do you struggle with the trap of over-consumption?
• What do you covet most and feel like you can never have enough of?
• Do you ever think "If I have [fill in the blank], then I will be content, satisfied and complete?
• How should we respond to this predicament?

Let's ask God to give us discernment regarding when to put the credit card away and give instead of get. Recession-less or not, we are a blessed generation of women. Let's be girls who create and give more than we consume, covet and get. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:18)."

Let's say yes to "enoughism already. "

Love & Hugs,

Allie

Tips for Timeless Beauty

I write today's blog from the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. Paul and I are on on a little surf vacation. And let me be real - I haven't been feeling so cute lately. This haole-girl feels a bit out of place amidst the nearly naked golden brown bodies of bombshell surfer girls and professional tanners (modesty is not the policy). I glance at their natural blond highlights, dainty, lean physiques and skimpy bikinis and all of a sudden I feel like I don't match up. Last night after recovering from another sunburn (no, this haole-girl doesn't tan), I stumbled across this list of "Beauty Tips by God" which I wrote for a Mother-Daughter brunch I spoke at a few years ago. I knew the time was fitting and after meditating on it myself I thought I would share it with you girls. So here it is - timeless beauty tips inspired by the Author of Beauty Himself.

xo, Allie

*Today's photo is by the lovely Katee Grace Clay.

Tips For Timeless Beauty

• Laugh out loud
• Dance with joy
• Dress yourself in a true understanding of your value and worth as my child
• Pray to me
• Drink my living water
• Do not worry
• Wrap yourself in my arms of mercy
• Walk upon the aisle of my grace
• Be slow to speak and quick to listen
• Love me the Lord your God with all your heart
• Open your arms to the poor and extend your hands to the needy
• Love your enemies
• Remain in my love
• Let your spirit sing my praises
• Forgive as you have been forgiven and accept others as you have been accepted
• Feed the hungry
• Clothe the naked
• Have compassion for those in need
• Proclaim my mighty name throughout all the earth

Please add any other "Timeless Beauty Tips" in your comments below! I'd love to read them!

Say What!!!??? A Free iPhone App that Raises $ for Wonderfully Made???

Yup, it's true girls!

Just last week, we took some big steps of faith to continue developing Wonderfully Made in hopes of helping thousands more young women know their true value and worth in Christ. It has been encouraging to see God open doors to provide the funds we need to be established as an official non-profit organization. The day after we opened our bank account, we received a $1,500 donation from Rock Harbor Church to support an upcoming project!

We are thrilled to tell you about the following fundraising opportunity:

Wonderfully Made and Zuujit are partnering to support the production of a short-film, designed to encourage young women in discovering beauty, worth and purpose that lasts. This week from May 11-14, for every download of their FREE app, Zuujit will donate $2 to fund Wonderfully Made's film project. Please help us reach our goal of $3,500 to cover remaining production costs by downloading Zuujit to your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad today.

Download the app here!

We love you girls! You are our biggest supporters. We are so thankful for your presence in WM! Thank you for your constant support!

PS> In case you recognize the girl whose face pops up when you open the app, it's our very own Christie Myers! Christie serves on our Exec Team as a Regional Chapter Director and specifically directs our Westmont College Chapter! We are crazy about this phenomenal woman and so thankful for working so hard to make this fundraising opportunity feasible.

Mission Self-Forgetfulness

Officially starting June 1st I am embarking on a mission to do one very difficult, daunting and never-been-done-by-me assignment: to forget about Allie Marie Smith. Entirely. Or realistically, as much as possible. While still practicing decent hygiene of course.

The most beautiful and emotionally healthy people I know are the most self-forgetful. Sick and tired of my vain, self-centered concerns and inspired by a message I stumbled across through my friends at the True Campaign titled "Blessed Self-forgetfulness" by Timothy Keller, I am reluctant, but committed to give this assignment my best shot. I have compiled a list of 5 challenges designed to annihilate my narcissistic, self-focused alter ego:

1) Log off of FB

While being an excellent way to network and keep in touch with people, Facebook is more often than not a total time-waster for me, rather than a vehicle to network and connect with people I care about. To make sure I don't give in, I'm having Kayla change my password.

2) Execute the Art of Snail Mail

I'm super excited about this one. Partly because I get to shop for really cute stationary (see, I told you I'm vain!). But mostly because this challenge will motivate me to tell important people in my life how much I appreciate them and value their presence in my life. To really challenge myself I'm going to write 30 notes to 30 different people in my life - one for each day in the month.

3) Avoid the Mirror.

Since I can remember, the mirror has served as a place I turn to for a reflection of my value. And it's probably the greatest thing reminds me of myself more than anything else. Of course this means little or no makeup and messy hair!

4) Practice the Art of Gentle Interrogation.

For socially awkward-prone people like myself, the art of asking people questions is invaluable. I like Mary Kay's famous quote "Pretend like everyone you meet has a sign around their neck that says 'make me feel important.'" Asking questions and engaging in active listening is one of the most effective ways to do this, while also forgetting about yourself. We all want to be heard.

5) Give A Stranger a Shopping Spree

The first weekend of June, I'm attending the Hungry for Hope Conference (Sponsored by Remuda Ranch & FINDINGbalance). I've been asked to be on an Author's panel and as my close friends know, anytime I speak, I feel like I have to have a brand new, impeccable outfit so I "look the part." Instead of giving in to this temptation, I'm going to refrain from this unnecessary indulgence and instead take a young, homeless women on a $50 shopping spree (all my budget will allow) to the store of her choice.

And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." -Matthew 20:26-28

If you can relate to any of my angst, I want to invite you to join Wonderfully Made's "Mission Self-Forgetfulness." List your Mission Self-Forgetfulness challenges in the comments section below if you're down for joining me. I'll be blogging about my experiences here starting June 1st. Please don't make me do this solo! xo, Allie