Waiting for Mr. Darcy, Wesley or your very own Gilbert?

by Anne Manduka

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As a girl, I know very well the dreams any regular girl has. Who hasn’t dreamed of being swept off of their feet by their very own Mr. Darcy? If you ask any girl, she will say that yes, she would like to be pursued and by that I mean a guy who will go out of his way to make it known to her that he likes her and is interested in her.

One day back in 2009 I was talking with one of my mentors and we came up with a wonderful illustration of what a girl’s life is like. Imagine with me here for a minute...

A girl’s life is like a large house. There is a door, through which she lets in her friends and those that get close to her heart. Inside this house everything happens; life, school, work, social activities, family, anything and everything that happens in her life plays out inside this house. Now someday there might come along a guy who dares knock on her door asking to be let in. He is interested in her and gets up his courage to knock on the door to her house. Now what do you think happens? I think it could go one of two ways:

1) In the first version she might be waiting by her door for just this moment to come along, neglecting everything else inside her house. When he arrives, she runs to the door and opens it (much to the guy’s surprise). He didn’t really knock that hard, but because she was so worried about missing this knock on her door, she heard the faint noise and jumped at the opportunity.

2) In the second version, this young woman might be busy inside her house. She might be living life, spending time with her friends inside, concentrating on her schooling, building stronger relationships with her family and so she doesn’t hear him. The guy who knocked gets tired after only one try and leaves.

In the first scenario, she lets in someone who wasn’t all that serious and will most likely not treasure the sensitivity of her heart. He might leave again because he wasn’t all that interested about being in her life to begin with. The girl is left disappointed and hurt. In the second, she was so occupied with living a full life that she didn’t hear that feeble attempt of this guy to get in to her life. There is no hurt or disappointment.

What is the point of all of this?

Girls, wait. Don’t hang around the door of your heart for just any guy who might be slightly interested in you to come along and knock. If you don’t even listen for it, all those that are not meant for you will pass over and you won’t get hurt. When the time does come and a man knocks on your door—someone who is worthy of a daughter of God—he will persevere. He will knock hard and long until you hear it over all the other things going on in your house, in your life and because he took so long to get your attention he will stick around because in his eyes you were worth the wait.

My prayer is that I would not get so busy waiting at my door for a guy to come and knock on it, that I neglect what life really is about, becoming a woman after God’s heart. With his guidance and strength I want to fill my house with good things; people who love me and support me, activities that draw me closer to Him and away from that chair by my door that’s already been worn from sitting in it for such a long time waiting for my very own Gilbert.

To you I ask this, have you been waiting by your door? Are you ready to stop and move away and fill your house?

Anne is 23 years old and currently lives in Lancaster, PA. She is a senior at Lancaster Bible College and is going to school to become an Early Childhood Educator. Growing up in Germany with her missionary parents, there weren’t many good role models she had to look up to because her parents were in church planting. She has a passion for teenage girls and hopes that by living like Christ for them and pouring into their life she can help them avoid certain issues and pains she had to deal with.

Help My Unbelief

Below is a biblical story of faith and belief from Mark 9. It speaks to the power of Christ over all things, as well as the power of prayer even when our faith is feeling empty.

14 When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. 15 As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

16 “What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

17 A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

19 “You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

20 So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22 “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

23 “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

26 The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer."

Do you ever pray for Jesus to help your unbelief? When has God helped you overcome an issue of faith through your prayer and petition?

Loving My Neighbor HOW?

by Catherine Galbraith

Catherine Galbraith is a junior at Point Loma Nazarene University, and a double major in Accounting and Spanish. She serves on the leadership team at WM's Point Loma chapter, and is a first-time guest contributor on Know Your Value.

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“Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:34-40).

No matter how many times I read this passage about the greatest commandment in the Law–the command to love–I feel like praying, “I’m trying, Lord, I really am!” Come on, girl…remember to love your neighbor! Love your neighbor! Love your neighbor! I’ll think to myself. But wait...what was that last part again? “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Maybe the most difficult part of following Christ’s command to love in this way is that some of us have trouble loving ourselves in the first place. What if I love others in a way that I would like to love myself, but I continue to treat myself poorly or as undeserving of love?

Would I tell my neighbor that she’s not looking so great today? Would I demand that my neighbor work overtime constantly or workout obsessively? Would I purposely starve her? Would I encourage my neighbor to eat food, take drugs, get wasted, or hookup with someone to help her avoid her emotions?

Many of us, myself included, may forget or ignore the “as yourself” part of the Golden Rule, and instead put our efforts into pleasing others. We lack a healthy relationship with ourselves but try to love others anyway, and then we end up feeling exhausted and unappreciated. Jesus didn’t say “as yourself” on accident when he was speaking of the greatest commandment, so let’s promise to stop ignoring it! If we love God above all and learn to both love and respect ourselves, then not only will we be able to love others, but we will have the energy to continue to do so as well!

Do you ever feel like you love others much better than you love yourself? Can you think of someone whose example may influenced to do so? What actions can you take (or let go of) to start showing your self some love?

We Are His Pearls

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"We are like a grain of sand when we come to God. He takes us as we are, and through the irritations we encounter on our journey, he coasts us with his grace, refines us, and molds us into something of beauty that reflects his love to the world. We are his Pearls when we realize our great value is Christ in us, shining through our lives."

Christina DiMari

How has God shined through your life?

Do We Really Want To Be Seen As An Object?

by Allie Marie Smith

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I stumbled across this article about a study that which found that “men view half-naked women as objects” and thought it contained some valuable food for thought. I hate that the title of the article makes men sound like total jerks; that's not true or fair for many reasons, regardless of the findings. I just think for us girls, it might make us do some serious thinking about what we wear.

The study was conducted on 21 undergraduate heterosexual males and used an MRI machine to scan the students brains while they viewed a series of photos of men and women, some fully clothed and others of whom only wore swimsuits. Here are just a few points from the article that really stuck out to me:

“The pictures of bikini-clad women activated brain regions associated with objects or “things you manipulate with your hands…”

“I think [the study] does relate to the effects of having pornography and sexualized images of women around and in the media because they spill over into how people treat women in general…these images may dehumanize women and encourage men to see them as objects.”

“…men do not look at their wives or sisters in the same way that they look at a sexualized image of a woman on an advertising billboard.”

“Women may also see men as objects in some ways….These findings are not unique to men. The results would likely have been similar for women, perhaps in terms of male status.”

I don't think the desire of any girl's heart regardless of her clothing or swimwear choices is to be seen as an object. Rather, we desire to be known, valued, understood and cherished.

How does this article influence your thoughts on the topic of modesty? Does it impact the way you think about swimwear or dress?

Rubies and Pearls.

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Worth is one of those topics that just can't be discussed enough. It seems no matter how many times we grasp that our worth doesn't depend on anything we control, we always run back to our old ways. We are tempted to let our food choices, our bodies, our actions, and our achievements make us more or less valuable, but it's all in our heads.

I'll say it like it is: our worth comes through Christ and Christ alone. We are worthy because we are humans, made by God and knit together by him in our mothers' wombs. No matter how many good things we do, and no matter how much we think we've screwed up our life, our worth can't and won't change.

On the cross, Jesus says I choose you, and He dies so that we can have life and live it to the full. Known, loved, adored, and provided for by the loving Creator that made it all happen in the first place.

Dear friend, you are beloved. Know that nothing you do can change that, and believe that you are worth more than rubies and pearls.

What areas do you tend to get your worth from? How do you remind yourself that your worth comes from God?

Calling All Writers

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As you may have already noticed, we have recently started accepting submissions for Know Your Value. We have been so thankful to each of you who have sent in content for us to use on the blog, and we're here today to say...we want more! So if you've got a story to tell, some thoughts to share, or even inspiring art or photography, we want to hear from you.

Here's what you need to know before sending us your stuff...

AUDIENCE
Know Your Value is a blog that encourages young women and helps them discover their true value and worth in Christ so that they can live outward-focused lives. Our main audience is older teen girls and young 20-something women.

CONTENT
Please make sure the topic and content of your post is aligned with the content we post here on Know Your Value. Topics for your post could include beauty, body image, relationships, media commentary, your personal testimony, photography with quotes or scripture, or anything related to living a Christ-centered life. We encourage you to get familiar with each different topic (which can be found listed on the right hand side of the blog under "posts by topic") before submitting your material. (NOTE: Although we appreciate the art of poetry, we are not featuring it on the blog at this time.)

REQUIREMENTS & FORMATTING GUIDELINES

• Word Count: 250-800 words.
• Original work: All submissions must be original content and not previously published (after we post it on our blog, you may post the content on your own personal website).
• Required information: Please include your name, topic, article title, and a question to ask our readers. You may also include a brief bio and a link to your website (or Twitter or Facebook pages).
• Proofreading and spell-check: Please look over your submission for grammar, sentence flow, accuracy and spelling several times before sending it to us. If your post is clearly unedited, we will not be able to post it.
• Images: The only attachments you should include are images to be used in your post. If the photo is not your property, please include the source at the end of your post submission.
• Email: Please submit your story to natalie@wonderfullymade.org with the following subject line: Guest Post - [your post title]." Your post must be pasted directly into the body of the email (only attach any original photography or images you're submitting to include with the post).

EDITING
We will edit all submissions for grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. If we need to make more significant changes, we will email you for approval before posting it. We also may provide a short introduction or conclusion to your post to provide context, which will be stylistically set apart from your content so our readers know that those words are ours and not yours.

Although we can't promise that we'll post every submission we get, we will definitely read and consider them all. Thanks in advance for your submissions!

What kind of content do you most like to see here on Know Your Value?

Book Review: Wonderfully Made Bible Study Series

by Emily Thompson

The following is a review of the Wonderfully Made Bible Study Series. She's given us permission to share it here with you girls, however you can also read it at it's original source, A Latte For Leaders.

I’m a woman. And just like many other women, I’ve dealt with self confidence issues, wanting to feel beautiful and a host of other matters of the heart. As a believer in Jesus, I know I’m supposed to find my identity in Him but this is so much harder to actually do. It takes learning, good friends and the grace of God to overcome many of my judgements of myself. Now, as a leader in my church, it’s part of my role to help some of my younger women friends who are just coming to face these issues head on.

I’m so excited that there are two new Bible studies available from Group and Wonderfully Made that really dive into what it means to be a daughter of God. The first is called Wonderfully Made: Healthy Eating and Abundant Living. The content is actually great for women of all ages, although it is geared toward younger women. This six week Bible study tackles the issues of body image and healthy eating & explores what it takes to have a healthy relationship with food and find your footing in God’s word.

The second book in the series is called Wonderfully Made: Becoming Who You are in Christ. What I love about this study is that it moves beyond how you view your physical self, and comes to the heart of our identity—and how to find it in Christ. It gives young women encouragement to choose Jesus as their foundation and to believe that they are who God says.

I love the group aspects of these studies. They build community and enforce a true Bible principle—Godly friends are a necessity. If you’re looking for something to involve younger women in your ministry, I would highly recommend this series! It’s Biblically sound, fun to go through and really uplifting! It’s so important that as leaders we are really investing in our younger women, and these books are a resource to help us build them up!

Have you read either of the books in the WM Bible Study Series? What are your thoughts?

Inner Beauty

by Natalie Lynn Borton

We are so quick to compliment our girlfriends on their clothing, their hair, and their bodies. It's natural , of course, because the outer appearance is the most obvious to the eye and the quickest thing to recognize. It's bold, and sometimes even uncomfortable to acknowledge the inner beauty we see in others. It requires observation, a relationship, and much more humility on our part to tell another woman that she has radiant inner beauty.

Today is Friday (hooray!) and we have an entire weekend ahead of us to socialize and spend time with the ladies in our life. I challenge all of us to withhold our commentary on the externals, and instead look deeper at what really makes those women beautiful: kindness, generosity, confidence, joy, love, or compassion. Once we spot it, let's say something. After all, inner beauty needs to be told it's beautiful, too.

What quality of inner beauty do you find most beautiful, radiant or attractive?

WM Spotlight: Katie Farrell (Part Two)

by Rachel Johnson

We’re back with our Spotlight on Katie Farrell! In the first part of her interview, we learned about Dashing Dish and the inspiration behind the recipes she shares. In the second part of her interview, Katie discusses the spiritual side of Dashing Dish.

Q: To top it off, you have a spiritual component to your work – you offer a 30-day devotional that you created. Tell us about the Dashing Devotional.

The Dashing 30 Day Devotional was something that was on my heart for a long time. It all began one day when I was taking a walk, listening to a Christian book on my iPod. I began to think about how God had used books, sermon series’, study guides, and devotionals so many times throughout my life to get me rooted in the truth.

I realized that I could write out a 30-day devotional using the truths that God had revealed to me over the years. As He began to reveal His higher purpose for me over time, I began to relinquish control over my future, and I let go of my fears, doubts, and anxieties about my weight. I wanted to share these revelations with others. I believe that the Lord had me write this devotional so I could do just that, and so I could showcase His love, His freedom, and His victory.

Q: What has God revealed to you about yourself throughout your life’s journey thus far?

I have always struggled with my identity—I thought I was who society said I was. It wasn’t until I started to learn that my identity is in Christ alone that I things started to change. The Lord showed me truths in His Word, and I took each scripture as His personal love letter to me. It didn’t take long before I found my true identity in Him.

Q: How do you hope to see Dashing Dish expand in the future? You already have an incredibly robust website, a fabulous blog, and, of course, fantastic recipes and workout regimens to share. What’s next?

Truthfully, I don’t know! But I do have ideas like attending Bible college, pursuing a degree in nutrition, and publishing my cookbook.

Q: You left your job as a nurse to develop Dashing Dish. What advice would you give to women who might be on the cusp of giving up what’s comfortable in order to pursue their dreams?

I would say that if God has put a dream in your heart, pursue it! It may not mean that you should change everything in your current life, but I would encourage anyone who knows that God has put something into her life to at least start moving in the right direction.

Q: You are an inspiration to those struggling with eating disorders and body image issues. What advice can you give to readers who are feeling alone in their struggles?

First and foremost, I would encourage people to stick with the Lord. His Word promises that He will lead and guide you into the truth.

Also, don’t lean on your own understanding. Know that God wants you to feel beautiful, but in order to find true peace, each one of us must come to the realization that He created each one of our bodies in a certain way and that we are His masterpiece—don’t ever let the world’s standards of beauty tell you anything different!

How does Katie inspire you to pursue your own dreams?

WM Spotlight: Katie Farrell

by Rachel Johnson

Katie Farrell is a beautiful blonde with a penchant for all things kitchen-related. She loves to exercise, she launched her own website of recipes and healthy eating tips, and she is happily married to the man of her dreams. So it may come as a surprise that like so many of us, Katie, too, has struggled with image issues. She waged a war against poor body image for many years until she decided to face her problems head on: instead of finding her worth in society’s standards of beauty, Katie found her identity in the Lord. Through her revelations, she discovered that her passion for food could be channeled into a powerful ministry. Read more to learn about Katie’s story and about her work with Dashing Dish.

Q: Katie, we are honored to feature you as part of our Spotlight Series. Your vision for Dashing Dish is incredible. Please tell readers what Dashing Dish is and how the idea for the website came to fruition.

Dashing Dish is a website that shares recipes and exercise regiments, all while encouraging healthy body image. Through this platform, I hope to show readers how easy it can be to make simple changes that will end the misconceptions about healthy eating and dieting.

I started Dashing Dish two years ago as a side hobby while working full-time as a nurse. Though I started the ministry with the thought that it would remain part-time, I soon began to realize that God had something different for my life than what I had in mind.

About six months after starting Dashing Dish, I started receiving hundreds of e-mails from women of all ages and origins. Whether they wrote about losing unwanted weight or finding freedom from eating disorders, each woman had their own story.

I realized the great responsibility that God had given me with this website and that it was meant to share much more than just recipes. I felt the Lord prompting me to share about the freedom and joy that can be found in Him, and to teach women how to find their true beauty, value, and worth.

I recently made the decision to leave my full-time nursing job to pursue this ministry, and I haven’t had a single regret! It has been such a blessing to be able to fulfill God’s calling for my life – I am truly so excited to wake up each and every day!

Q: You are so brave – you have shared your struggles with body image and food openly and honestly. Is it scary to reveal these thoughts with your readers and supporters?

Honestly, no—not at all! I truly believe that Revelation 12:11 applies to all of our lives when it comes to sharing our testimonies. This verse says, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

This means that we overcome the enemy’s plans for our lives by the word of our life story. Also, when we do so, we can help others escape from the very same trap. As Christians, we should never shrink back from sharing our testimonies—being open and honest with others yields powerful results.

Q: On your website, you say that transformation began for you when you “finally got off the ‘control’ wagon.” Can you unpack that statement for us and share about the moment when you knew you wanted to pursue a more balanced lifestyle?

I have found that when I try do things by society’s standards or my own reasoning, it always ends up being like the disciples that fished all day and ended up catching nothing—it’s fruitless. But when I choose to follow God’s lead, I find that I am so much more fruitful in whatever it is that I’ve set out to accomplish.

Q: You have so many delicious recipe ideas on your website – right now I’m drooling over the apple pie turnovers and the pulled pork BBQ chicken sandwich. Where do you find inspiration for your cooking?

Thank you so much! When asked where I get my ideas for my recipes, I can’t help but give all the glory to God. In fact (and this is totally ironic), I hate following recipes in general. I make up each and every recipe as I go, which leads to a lot of trial and error, but ultimately I believe that every good dish I create is a result of the guidance of the ultimate creator!

Q: If you had to pick, what are the top three favorite recipes you’ve created?

If I had to narrow it down to three, I would say that my shake recipes, my triple chocolate chunk muffins, and my pizza rolls are my favorites!

Q: In addition to healthy recipes, you have a place where readers can find exercise tips and workout plans. What motivates you to exercise on a consistent basis?

I have truly come to love exercise! My workout routines change frequently—I think it’s important to spice things up (pun intended, of course)—and if I’m not in the mood to hit the gym, then I try to do something simple yet active, like take a walk with my sister.

Stay tuned for part two of Katie’s interview tomorrow!

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: Shameless plug alert! Do you relate to Katie's story? We recommend grabbing yourself a copy of our recently re-published bible study, Wonderfully Made: Healthy Eating and Abundant Living!

Explore healthy eating, and discover your true identity in Christ through six lessons, which will help you discover how to stop counting calories and start living—living through your relationship with God, not food.

Women's Magazines Make Me Feel Bad

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Sometimes a topic gets in your head and you just can't escape it. You know? Last week I posted an article on my personal blog about Seventeen Magazine, and the very next day I found an article on lifestyle magazines that resonated with me to the core.

Perhaps it's the upcoming print version of Darling Magazine—one that seeks to redefine femininity and beauty, as well as inspire, revive, and restore women by helping them find their true purpose and worth—that has my mind wrapped up in all that's wrong with women's magazines these days. Regardless, what I'm about to share with you is something I'll bet every single one of you can relate to.

Below, contributor Sarah Turley from The Conversation shares her raw, honest thoughts on women's lifestyle magazines. The title is a bit of a giveaway of her feelings, but like I said, I think you'll all relate...

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Women’s Lifestyle Magazines Make My Head Spin
by Sarah Turley

Will you do something for me? Think back to when you last read a women’s lifestyle magazine. Perhaps you were in the bath, soaking its pages to crinkled as you supped on a glass of woozy warm red wine. Or on the bus home from work, gripping it three centimetres from your face because you were rammed up against a hundred other commuters like a tin soldier in a child’s overflowing toy box. Wherever you were, think back. And tell me: how did you feel when you put it down?

Informed? Inspired? Empowered, maybe? Or perhaps simply entertained? Those are certainly the words the editors of these magazines might hope you’d say. But let me tell you a secret: the words I’d use are more along the lines of inadequate. Overwhelmed. Self-loathing.

Some background: I’ve been away from home (that’s London) for the past three months and in that time, I haven’t read one women’s magazine. Then my sister came to visit, armed with precious gifts from England including teabags and two fat and juicy women’s magazines. I thought it would be heaven flicking through those glossy pages. But in fact, they caused my head to spin uncontrollably – very like the way the back wheel on my bike spun when I hit a rogue paving stone and was catapulted over my handlebars wondering why I am cursed with the balance of a three-legged donkey. [continue reading here...]

Can you relate to Sarah? How so?

Tell Your Mother She's Beautiful

by Natalie Lynn Borton

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Hopefully by now we've all realized that Mother's Day is on Sunday, and thus ordered our gifts and sent our token cards full of appreciative and loving words. While those are important gestures, I think we too often forget one of the simplest yet more profound ways we can honor our mothers: tell them they're beautiful.

Regardless of her physical appearance, each of our mothers has God-given beauty that is not recognized nearly enough. First of all they birthed us. Yes, I said birthed. Because it's true. They carried us in their womb for nearly a year, and then brought us into the world in a super uncomfortable way—that's the beauty of love right from the start!

Additionally, they raised us. Through sickness and health, good days and bad ones, they contributed to making us the women we are (and are becoming) today. So many things in life can change based on our actions, but one thing is for sure: God gave us our specific mothers on purpose. He planted us in their bellies and intended for us to be in relationship with one another.

With all that in mind, I encourage us all to take a moment to see and acknowledge the beauty our mothers have. Call her, write to her, or tell her face-to-face...just make sure she knows that you see it.

What's beautiful about your mom?

P.S. Want to know what makes my mom beautiful? Find out here.

Reading Old Journals: Remembering God's Love

by Mindy Hill

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Throughout my life I have kept journals or diaries of my most private and personal feelings. Journaling has always helped me just calm down when situations get tough and when I need to get things out. Sometimes when my college semester gets overwhelming, I like to take a few moments and reread some of my old entries.

I recently decided to take out my journals, read them and see how God has gotten me through every situation in my life. God has been my constant through everything and he will also get me to the end of junior year. Seeing these journals has not only shown me what I have experienced, but also that I am a strong girl who can hold my head up and pray faith-filled prayers.

In High School I would always start out my page by writing the verse from my devotion that night at the top of the page. Looking back now, it shows me that God has always been there with me through every situation that I wrote about. Most of the verses related somehow or some way to the topic I discussed on that page, and it is amazing to me that at fifteen years old I was so in love with God.

I can remember countless rants that I had written about boys I had little crushes on, and then drama of the school day. I fully confided in my journal and put my whole heart into each entry. Reading it now, I still can feel the excitement, the hurt, or the joy that any of the situations I went through caused me through the words that I used. I wrote every detail almost like I was talking to my best friend. Through every heart ache and every joy my journal has been with me, and more importantly, my GOD has been with me.

I am so glad that my journals have now become something meaningful in my life instead of sappy love poems and crazy boy crushes saying "my life is over" type things. I really had no clue at age fifteen where God was going to have me at age twenty one, and how God was going to use me during the time in between.

Now most of my journaling is shared through blogging, and I do not get into the intense intimate details that I once did when keeping them private. Nonetheless, these journals are helping me grow in my faith by relating everyday situations to God and how he is going to use it later on down the road.

Do you ever read your old journals? What have you learned from them?

Mindy Hill is a Junior Child Development Major at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She was born and raised in a Christian home and saw Christ through both of her parents daily. She loves learning about God and living her life for him daily. She also likes coffee and getting lost in a good book, and has has a passion for helping the people of Africa.

Jochebed: Basket Full & Surrendered

by Raquel Rodriguez

Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver. If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live. (Exodus 1:15-16)

About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. (Exodus 2:1-3)

Her name is Jochabed. She was wife to Amram and mother to Aaron, Miriam and a new born. Imagine hiding a new born baby? Newborns don’t just cry when they are hungry but when they need to be held, changed, when they are sick, tired, hot or cold, among other reasons. That’s a whole lot of crying in one day alone. For three months Jochabed miraculously hid her baby boy.

But the day came when she could no longer nurture her little one. A fatal future awaited her son if he remained under her care. Jochabed’s love for her child proved to be greater than her own ability to protect him as she surrendered him in a basket and unto the Nile River. And as her son drifted farther and farther away from her, a portion of her heart must have died within her.

The baby’s sister then stood at a distance, watching to see what would happen to him. Soon Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe in the river, and her attendants walked along the riverbank. When the princess saw the basket among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it for her. When the princess opened it, she saw the baby.

The little boy was crying, and she felt compassion for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said. Then the baby’s sister approached the princess. “Should I go and find one of the Hebrew women to nurse the baby for you?” she asked. “Yes, do!” the princess replied.

So the girl went and called the baby’s mother. “Take this baby and nurse him for me,” the princess told the baby’s mother. “I will pay you for your help.” So the woman took her baby home and nursed him. Later, when the boy was older, his mother brought him back to Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him as her own son. The princess named him Moses, for she explained, “I lifted him out of the water.” (Exodus 2:4-10)

My faith is strengthened each time I read this story. God’s protection, guidance, faithfulness and goodness are evident in these verses. In Hollywood this would make for the perfect feel-good movie. Yet I can’t seem to shake off the fact that had we not known verses 4-10, this would make for a most tragic of stories. The last time I read this passage my faith was strengthened, but it came through the testing of it. I reflected a little more on Jochebed’s sacrifice.

This question came to mind “How is my basket?” I asked God: Is there something or someone that I should surrender and place in my basket? A couple of things came to mind, such as fear, negative thoughts, being critical, and self righteousness are just a few. The Lord dug a little deeper, “What about that dream that is in danger of dying if you don’t surrender it to me and my timing?” He reminded me, “I make all things new. Surrender it to Me, the dream giver, and in due time I will lift it out of the water.” I placed that one in the basket too. I continued to seek the Lord in this matter. The hope of one day being married came to mind and that too was placed in the basket with its anxiety and lack of patience. Basket full! Now what? Let it go.

Jochebed did not chase after her basket. She didn’t hold on to it. She never took back what she had surrendered. On the contrary, it was God who restored her child to her for a season. Little did she know that because of her full surrender, her son would live to become the deliverer of her own people. God does great and mighty things when we fully surrender our lives.

Do you need to surrender something or someone? Is there a dream, a hope, a vision that is in danger of dying in your hands? How is your basket?

Our Naked Brunch

by Michelle Marinone

On a foggy spring morning, the women of Westmont’s chapter of Wonderfully Made had a celebration. Not a birthday party or a bridal shower. We got together and celebrated beauty. Real, raw, natural, unfiltered beauty.

Inspired by a recent post on Darling Magazine, we decided to have our own Naked Brunch. The concept is simple: a lovely little brunch and photo shoot wear no one wears makeup. Not a dot of foundation, a swipe of mascara, or a dab of lip gloss.

So thirteen ladies piled into my little apartment, “naked.” I wondered what insecurities would arise, how people would act. Then one of the girls announced, “You know, none of you look any different without makeup on.” We all looked at each other. She was right. It didn’t matter that we weren’t wearing makeup. Because what we appreciate about each other is not makeup. It’s Leah’s optimism. Chloe’s contagious laugh. Ari’s sincerity. Sara’s smiling eyes.

As we look through the photos, the truth is clear. Cosmetics don’t make these ladies beautiful; they just are.

Only after I shared the photos and was flooded with feedback did I realize that we were making a statement. We saw beauty in blemishes. In the real color of our skin. In the soft eyelashes and naked lips. In unlined and shimmer-free lids. In being raw. In natural smiles. In friendship and female community. In eating scones and French toast and quiche. In praying with each other and for each other. In coming out from hiding. In letting our faces breath. In taking off the cover. Beauty isn’t something to strive for, to work for, to attain. Beauty is here, now, and only needs to be acknowledged. Beauty is who we are.

Disclaimer: we don’t have a problem with makeup, in and of itself. We do believe, however, that the girl underneath the makeup is lovely and should be seen. She doesn’t need to hide. In the Naked Brunch post, Adrienne Sandvos says it well:

"I can love that girl in the mirror before she has her make up on. What difference does it make? At that point, I can adorn the beauty I have instead of trying to fabricate a beauty clone. My make-up becomes decoration instead of a mask and I have nothing to hide.”

Thanks to Megan Moore for the beautiful photos, Darling Magazine for the inspiration, and the beautiful women of Wonderfully Made at Westmont for a lovely brunch!

Would you try a "naked brunch"? Why or why not?

Gift Package from WM: Share to Win

Good morning, girls! We hope you all had great weekends and are feeling refreshed. Remember that bible study series we have? Well, today (and all week) is your chance to win both of the books—plus a Know Your Value print and a soldered pendant necklace of your choice. Woo!

Entering to win is super easy:

1. Visit our Facebook page and look for the image above.
2. Click "share" and post it on your wall.

Once you share it, you're entered to win! We told you it was easy.

Did you share on Facebook to win the gift package? If so, let us know!

Unique Is Beautiful. Barbie Isn’t Real.

by Kristie Vosper

[photo credit]

A trending article on Facebook on Wednesday was an article that Yahoo posted titled, “Is ‘real-life Barbie’ beautiful or creepy?”

It’s not a question I have to sit with for even a moment. My resounding answer is: creepy.

In the article, three models are discussed who go to great lengths to look like a doll. This article is based around 21-year-old Ukrainian model Valeria Lukyanova who even though her fame has come through pretending to be a Barbie doll, begs to be known for more than her appearance.

The chilling end of the article reveals that internationally there are others who have a deep and wide following for their “doll-like” image. No, they don’t just look so pretty that someone says “what a doll!” but they actually have built their tribe around looking like a doll you would buy at a toy store.

The perfection problem is a sickness that infects our culture. When a human being starts acting like a product, this is the ultimate form of objectification. We, the consumers of this culture, must fight back and call out for our sisters and brothers who get caught up in what leads to death. Death of the soul comes first, and eventually death of the body.

Pornography, popular media and consumer culture are much to blame for a the widespread thirst for perfection. However, the reasons that porn, media and products earn millions of dollars each year is rooted in the depravity of our souls. Our understanding of our humanity and sexuality is clearly much too shallow if all that is produced from these industries appeals to our senses. Boys are learning to yearn and long for perfect, and girls think they will only find love if they become perfect. What a cheap and dark lie this is killing the vitality of connected relationships between men and women.

You are made in the image of God. You are a child, created to be known, seen, and connected to. Your physical body is to be celebrated, enjoyed, reflecting the complexity of your Creator. You are a wondrous part of this universe. Human. This is the truth.

I realize that many will read this article and think “No, not me. I don’t like this at all.” I challenge you today to wonder what subtle version of this extreme story each of us has bought into? When we look around at the world and people watch, do you look for perfect and call it beautiful? In the quiet of your own mind, what kinds of judgments do you make about the bodies of others and ultimately of your own? I challenge you to start thinking differently. What lie is tangling it’s way into the way we look in the mirror, or the way we choose the people we connect to?

Freedom is found in protesting this hateful lie. Even that funny body part you wish was different in this or that way…it makes you unique. I beg you to join me in believing that unique is beautiful. Look out at the world and see the people around you for their unique beauty. You were designed to be totally unlike anyone on this earth. A beauty all your own. Celebrate that you are a child of God today, not a child of Mattel.

What is uniquely beautiful about you? How do you actively love and embrace those unique qualities?

WM Spotlight: Karli Spence

by Rachel Johnson

There are so many wonderful and effective kinds of therapy available to those in need – physical therapy, art therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, yoga therapy, conflict resolution therapy, play therapy, occupational therapy. But what distinguishes each field from the other, and how do you know if pursuing a career as a therapist is the right fit for you? My beautiful, talented, [insert any other affirmative adjective here because she’s that amazing] friend Karli Spence, is currently pursuing her calling as an occupational therapist. Join us as she sheds some light onto the world of occupational therapy and how she discovered that the practice itself was her true vocation.

Q: Karli Meg, what an honor it is to interview you! You are currently pursuing your Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Southern California. What does occupational therapy mean, exactly, and what goal do you hope to achieve by earning this degree?

When I tell people that I’m becoming an occupational therapist they usually think that means I’ll be counseling people who are looking for jobs. It’s a good guess, but what we actually do is so different! An “occupation,” as defined by our profession, is any activity someone does that has meaning for them. This can be basically anything, from their hobby of painting to being able to dress themselves independently. What matters to each person is so unique. Through a variety of rehab techniques we help people of all ages who face many different challenges and we assist them as they get back to doing the things they love to do. As an occupational therapist I hope to help people live their lives to the fullest, however that may look to them.

Q: How does occupational therapy differ from traditional therapy?

Occupational therapy methods are often somewhat unconventional because every treatment session is based on what the client wants to accomplish and what they value. If a patient who has had a stroke, for example, really enjoys gardening, then we’ll incorporate a gardening activity into a treatment session where we’re also working on increasing the strength in their arms or helping them re-learn how to follow a sequence of steps to a task. Clients are more motivated to participate in therapy and they feel more fulfilled at the end of the session when the treatment has been designed specifically for them. I just love how occupational therapy is so client-centered.

Q: How did you decide you wanted to become an occupational therapist?

I think I always knew that I wanted to do something with my life that helped others. I explored the nonprofit sector, but I didn’t feel totally content there. I contemplated special education, but that just wasn’t the right fit for me either. Sometime during this journey, a friend actually suggested that I consider occupational therapy, which, at that point, was a field that was relatively unknown to me. It took about five minutes of reading about occupational therapy on Wikipedia until I knew it was a perfect fit for my life. It was a career that rewarded creativity, that required someone be flexible and adaptable, and was founded on the idea that personal connection can bring healing and meaning into someone’s life. I mean, really, what’s not to love?!

Q: We’ve discussed your fieldwork at length. Tell readers what role fieldwork plays in your graduate curriculum, and share the most meaningful experience you’ve had while working with patients.

Fieldwork is basically when you put everything you’ve learned in the classroom to the test. You have the opportunity to shadow an experienced therapist in a real life setting and learn everything they have to teach you. For my first semester in my Masters program, my fieldwork placement was at a children’s hospital. The entire experience was one of the most meaningful I’ve ever had, but one patient in particular sticks out in my mind. She was seven years old and had just had brain surgery in an attempt to treat a severe seizure disorder. The two of us immediately had a connection – we talked about her dog at home and she named her new stuffed animal “Karli.” One of my favorite therapy sessions was when we worked on coordinating movements with both sides of her body by playing a game of catch with velcro mitts. Getting to know this little girl and her family – knowing that I was in some small way helping them all to heal – was incredibly meaningful and powerful.

Q: How did past volunteer and internship experiences shape your desire to become an occupational therapist?

When I was an undergrad student at Pepperdine I had the opportunity to intern at a school for children with special needs. Never in my life had I ever been more challenged, but I’d also never felt more fulfilled. That was when I realized that God had created me to work closely with others and that He had instilled in me a desire, and possibly a gift, to help people overcome challenges. When I finally decided on occupational therapy, I spent some time volunteering at a pediatric occupational therapy clinic. At this clinic, we saw many children with physical and developmental disabilities and I felt the same way I had when I interned back in college – I had finally found my dream job.

Q: What is the most challenging thing about your graduate program and about the patients you serve?

I think the most challenging thing occupational therapy is that I’m constantly being asked to adapt to the needs of the people who come in for sessions with me. Every patient is so different – from me and from each other – but I have to somehow find a way to connect with them, build a relationship, and design therapy to meet their needs. Although it can be challenging, it’s also what makes occupational therapy so rewarding. My very favorite part of this work is getting to know each client and really understand what makes them who they are.

Q: What has God revealed to you about yourself throughout your journey to become an occupational therapist?

God has been revealing to me that I still have a lot to learn about loving others. It’s easy to love people in the fun times when things are going well, when you have an instant connection with someone, when everyone is happy. It’s a lot harder to love in the messy, ugly, hard times. It’s been a lesson God has been teaching me for a while, and although progress has been made, I still have a long way to go in showing the people around me His love.

Q: What encouragement can you give to women who would like to get into the occupational therapy field?

DO IT!!! In all honesty, I cannot recommend occupational therapy more highly. If you have any idea that this might be your dream job, talk to occupational therapists in the field – learn how they got into it and ask what they love about their work. Meeting with and getting to know occupational therapists before I even applied to schools made me feel so confident that I was making the right decision. As with anything, there will be some ups and downs along the way but knowing that you’re fulfilling your vocation will give you the drive to push through when things get tough.

Shopping Small

by Alexandra Evjen

Whether it’s a birthday, Mother’s Day, an anniversary or a graduation gift, we are often looking for small, special things to give friends and loved ones. Many times we end up resorting to gift cards because we are unsure of what they want and we don’t want to disappoint them. But when I think back to the gifts that I have received and loved the most, none of them are plastic cards with a magnetic strips on the back. They are ones that are handmade, sentimental or unique. And let’s face it, stores like Target, J.Crew or Nordstrom rarely offer things that fit into those categories.

Big Bow Large Canvas Tote

So where do you shop? Small businesses, of course! There’s a place for big business and small, and when it comes to unique, special gifts the small businesses dominate, in my opinion. I LOVE to shop Etsy because I can always find exactly what I’m looking for, and I know that I am helping some guy or gal pay their bills all while getting to do what they love.

Wallets, tote bags and small purses are gifts that all women can use. I love the canvas tote above because you can take it to the beach, to class or grocery shopping. Also this fold-over clutch is a new trendy style that any fashion lover would enjoy.

Leather Foldover Clutch

Jewelry is never unwanted. So, it’s a safe bet that you can buy a great bracelet or ring for someone and see a happy face. In the past year, gold has taken the place of silver, so these hand-made bangles would be a timeless and stylish gift.

Gold Bangles

If you want something a bit more unique, agate and other interesting rocks are all different and make a great statement.

Blue Drusy Ring

Agate Geode Druzy Necklace

Sometimes you can find things on Etsy that are not only very fashionable, but are one-of-a-kind pieces of art like a hand-painted scarf. Scarves can even be wall art with a simple frame.

Hand Painted Silk Scarf

Just remember the little guys when you’re looking for something unique. You’re supporting someone’s passion all while finding something special.

Do you shop on Etsy? Which are your favorite shops?

Water the Grass

by Natalie Lynn Borton

[photo credit]

I have a confession for you: I'm a "grass is always greener" person. I really wish that wasn't the case, but the perfectionist in me is always seeking out what could be better and make me feel happier. I always want to do my best, and make life as ideal as possible, and as I result I can often feel disappointed or inadequate.

As soon as I saw this print, I was reminded of the error of my ways. Where I tend to look outside of my circumstances to have "greener grass," so to speak, what I really need to do is water the grass. What does that look like, you ask? I think it means practicing gratitude all day every day, choosing not to compare what I have or am to what others have or are, and cultivating strong relationships in the here and now.

Are you a "grass is always greener" person, too? How do you pursue contentment in what you have and/or who you are?