Know Your Value: The Official Wonderfully Made Blog

Day 7: Going Home to Roost Apron

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Calling all domesticated divas! Our dear friend Bonnie from Going Home to Roost is giving away an adorable apron of your choice from her Etsy shop today. There are two different styles, each reversible with a cute pattern on both sides:

Leafy Half Apron (front and back)

Watering Can Apron (front and back)

Find out how to enter our Sweet 14 Giveaway here.

P.S. The winner of our WM soldered pendant necklace is "Chelsea"! Congratulations!

Be sure to email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org to claim the WM pendant of your choice!

Day 6: Wonderfully Made Necklace

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to day six of our first-ever giveaway series. Today we're giving one of you a special goodie from our very own wmBoutique...a beautiful soldered pendant (of your choice)!

Find you how you can enter to win here. Remember, for more chances to win share on Facebook or Twitter.

P.S. The winner of the 31 Bits necklace is Kelli. Congratulations!

Kelli, be sure to email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org so we can get your new 31 Bits necklace to you!

Day 5: 31 Bits Necklace

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Love a good statement necklace? Today you just might have a chance to win a new one! We're giving one of you lucky readers a beautiful necklace from 31 Bits.

In case you haven't heard of this fantastic organization, here's a little bit about them:

31 Bits Designs is a socially minded business designed to give internally displaced women in Northern Uganda an opportunity to counter poverty. By giving our beneficiaries access to the international market, they are able to earn an instant income, providing homes, food, and education for their families. Our program equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity.

Find you how you can enter to win here.

P.S. The winner of yesterday's Make Pie Not War $20 gift certificate is "Brianna DaSilva!"

Brianna, be sure to email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org so you can get your Make Pie Not War jewels!

Day 4: $20 from Make Pie Not War

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

The winner of this exciting giveaway item will get to have her choice of goodies—because she'll have $20 to spend at the Make Pie Not War Etsy shop. Woo! Here are just a few of her beautiful pieces of jewelry, that you might soon be the happy owner of...

Find you how you can enter to win here.

P.S. The winner of the JJ Heller Autographed CD is " A Girl With a Smile."

Email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org to get your autographed JJ Heller CD!

Day 3: JJ Heller Autographed CD

2012-02-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Good morning! Today we're giving away an autographed CD from Christian/Folk singer JJ Heller. If you've never heard her music (or you already love it and just want to give it another listen), you can check it out on her site here. Also, don't forget to like her on Facebook!

Here's how you enter to win today's autographed CD:

Comment below with your favorite song lyric (of any song, not just JJ).
Like us on Facebook.
For more chances to win, mention us in a Facebook post with a link to the blog post with the giveaway item you want to win. (Be sure to tag us using @Wonderfully Made so we can see it!).
Check back tomorrow to see if you're the winner!

P.S. The winner of yesterday's One Mango Tree Hobo Bag is "Rose"...

Email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org to get your gorgeous new bag from One Mango Tree!

Day 2: One Mango Tree Hobo Bag

2012-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

It's day two of our Sweet 14 Giveaway, and today we're giving you a hobo bag in the spiced cider color from One Mango Tree.

From their site:

Your everyday handbag. The Hobo Bag has adorable detail {cute twisted handles} and a stylish shape we know you'll love {big and slouchy}. Inner pocket so you're never searching for your phone and keys.The bright printed fabrics in our Winter 2011 collection were purchased locally from markets in Uganda.

Here's how you enter to win today's pretty bag:

Comment below why you'd like to have this bag.
Like us on Facebook.
For more chances to win, mention us in a Facebook post with a link to the blog post with the giveaway item you want to win. (Be sure to tag us using @Wonderfully Made so we can see it!).
Check back tomorrow to see if you're the winner!

P.S. The winner of the Raven and Lily journal is "wittyuniquename"...

Email Natalie at natalie@wonderfullymade.org to get your beautiful journal!

Day 1: Raven and Lily Journal

2012-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Today it begins...our Sweet 14 Giveaway!! Today we're excited to be giving away a beautiful hand carved leather-bound journal from Raven and Lily.

According to their site,

Your life is an adventure, record it all in this journal made from hand carved wood and bound with vegetable tanned leather. Handcrafted by marginalized Muslim women in Northern India, this special journal includes 40 pages of 100% recycled cotton paper. Proceeds from this collection go to fund literacy programs for the women artisans and children in the community.

Remember, it's super easy to enter to win:

Comment below how you'd use this journal.
Like us on Facebook.
For more chances to win, mention us in a Facebook post with a link to the blog post with the giveaway item you want to win. (Be sure to tag us using @Wonderfully Made so we can see it!).
Check back tomorrow to see if you're the winner!

Sweet 14 Giveaway

2012-01-31T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey girls! We have some exciting news for you. For the next 14 weekdays, we will be showering you with gifts in honor of the month of love. Each day we will randomly select a winner from those of you who have entered the giveaway contest. How do you enter this exciting giveaway series, you ask?

Leave a comment.
Like us on Facebook.
For more chances to win, mention us in a Facebook post with a link to the blog post with the giveaway item you want to win. (Be sure to tag us using @Wonderfully Made so we can see it!).
Check back tomorrow to see if you're the winner!

While you can only enter once per giveaway day, you can certainly enter yourself to win every day if you'd like. We have some really wonderful goodies to share, so we bet you'll want all of them.

Check back tomorrow to see the first item!

Will you participate in our Sweet 14 Giveaway?

Turn Your Campus 2012: Workshop Recap

2012-01-30T10:15:00.000-08:00

This weekend we led a workshop at Biola for young female leaders called "Wonderfully Made: Becoming Who You Are In Christ," and were fortunate enough to share truth with over 300 high-school-aged girls from various schools in California.

We talked about true value, real beauty, and overcoming media and peer pressures that are so common for all of us as young women. We also showed our Psalm 139 video, and although Christie wasn't able to be there in person, we shared her HerStory video so they could hear the wisdom God has given her through tough experiences in her past.

Thank you to all of you girls who attended—we pray that you'll have more and more opportunities on your campuses to show your peers how loved and valuable they are.

Our pretty teal table.

A full room for our first session.

Kayla speaking about overcoming media and peer pressures.

Our team (minus Christie)—we love each other!

Would you come to a WM workshop? If so, what topics would you want to hear us speak about?

P.S. If you're interested in bringing us to your campus or church, check out our wmVoices page on our website for more info.

The Adult Pacifier

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Kati Smith

I know a girl who called Starbucks cups, “Adult Sippy Cups.” It’s true—the two things sort of have the same affect. As a Starbucks ~~addict~~ lover, I will confess that I’m no better than a 2 year old with her favorite Dora the Explorer sippy cup—in the morning, on long car trips, and when my mom needs me to stop crying while she runs errands. [And by “my mom” and “errands” I mean “my boss” and “meetings”.]

I take it with me everywhere.

A few weeks ago I was scrolling through my Twitter feed while standing in a long line at the grocery store when, unexpectedly, my iPhone died. Panic set in, I started to get anxious, and I even tried to turn it back on knowing it would never work.

Boo. Just boo. What in the world am I going to do NOW?! The world is practically going to end if I have to stand here in this line for the next ten minutes and THINK…or whatever it is I’m supposed to do without an iPhone!

[Yes, the thoughts it my head are dramatic. Don’t worry, I’m working on it.]

Suddenly, amidst all of THINKING my brain was subjected to in that line (at the check stand that wasn’t even nearby a People Magazine rack for heaven’s sake!) I suddenly had an epiphany. Yes, an epiphany, people!

If Starbucks is an adult sippy cup, then my iPhone is an adult pacifier. A BINKY!

A sippy cup only lasts so long, and there’s only so much apple juice my infant stomach can take, but the binky…yes, the pacifier…I could suck on that thing basically all day. I’ll never cry, never need your attention, never need anything but the binky.

Waiting for a check at dinner? Binky. Sitting in the doctor’s office? Binky. Listening to the pastor on a Sunday and getting bored? Binky.

Binky. All day, every day.

If I were a baby I’d be dependent on my pacifier and my sippy cup. But I’m an adult, so I’ll stick with my white, paper, Starbucks to-go cup and the various applications on my iPhone for hours of time-filler and mindless thinking.

Somewhere between waiting for my groceries to slide down the black conveyor and the moment I got to my house to plug my phone in for some battery, I thought about it all. My attention span is a nanosecond, and when the speed of real life doesn’t fly by as quickly as thoughts in my Twitter feed, I am positively undone. Like an infant without something to suck on.

Maybe I’m the only one, but right now I’m a little embarrassed that I just showed up to the 7th grade still sucking on that pacifier and toting around my sippy cup.

Are you addicted to your iPhone? Do you think that technology is distracting us? If so, what things do you think we might be missing out on because we’re so attached to our devices?

{No Greater Love} Necklace

2012-01-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

Look what just arrived in the wmBoutique! Say hello to our newest limited edition necklace. If you want permission to buy yourself a Valentine's Day gift here it is. This one is especially (but not only) for the single ladies.

A Beautiful Place

2012-01-25T10:07:00.001-08:00

Do you tend to look for beauty or create it? In what ways can you make your surroundings beautiful today?

Real Confidence

2012-01-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

by Arielle Royer

"The most beautiful women I’ve ever observed are those that have exchanged a self-focused life for a Christ-focused one. They are confident, but not in themselves. Instead of self-confidence, they radiate with Christ-confidence. They aren’t spending their time trying to feel better about themselves or inhabiting their own beauty. They aren’t even thinking about themselves. Their desire is to decrease, so that Jesus Christ would increase."
Leslie Ludy

What does "Christ-confidence" mean to you?

Polka Dots, Brights & Some Advice

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Alexandra Evjen

It’s the beginning of the year, and the time when women look ahead to spring and summer wanting to know the latest trends in fashion. While I’m definitely going to share those with you, I first want you to know that you can love fashion, have style and follow God all at the same time.

There was definitely a time in my own life that I felt guilty for wanting to be a part of the fashion industry because it is often associated with consumerism and vanity. I thought, “If I work in this industry I’m going to indirectly support the idea that buying and wearing X,Y and Z is going to make you popular, more beautiful and more significant.” It’s true that women and men to fall into these traps and purchase clothing, as well as other things, as a result of these lies. However, looking stylish doesn’t mean you’re self absorbed.

Style is an outward artistic expression of our personality. It’s why you love the color teal and I love the color coral. It’s why you like velvet and I can’t stand it. It’s why some people wear black every day and others don’t. We are called to be responsible with our money, to dress modestly and to enjoy being creative, unique individuals. Just make sure to ask yourself, “Why am I buying this?” before your next purchase so you don’t fall into traps of impulse buying and finding your value in things other than God.

Now for the spring and summer the trends!!!...

POLKA DOTS. Polka dot is a print that comes in and out of style almost every other year. It’s cute, simple and happy. I always think of the print as childlike. Sometimes that can be a bad thing, but a little polka hear and there can give your outfit a bit of life.

BRIGHTS. Eye-popping citrus colors and highlighter colors are going to be springing up all over the place. These cheery colors can scare those that prefer natural and winter tones. Have no fear! You can incorporate bits of this trend into small things like your accessories and still feel like you!

STRIPES. They were a hit last year, and they are continuing to dominate this year. Stripes are still in fashion, and you’ll find them in all colors and sizes. If you’re worried about the sometimes unpleasant optical illusion of stripes, try larger, bold stripes like the dress below. It’s flattering and styling all in one.

**All images courtesy of Kate Spade.

Which trend is your favorite and why?

Increase, Decrease

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Arielle Royer

"He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

What does this phrase mean to you?

Fotoshop by Adobé: A Beauty Regimen

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

If you haven't seen this video yet, take two minutes to watch. It's a witty and entertaining commentary on the unrealistic standards of beauty we have in our culture that definitely puts our desire for perfection into a healthier perspective:

How does this video impact your view of today's standards of beauty?

WM Spotlight: Kristen Hoffman and Kate Kruuse (Part Two)

2012-01-18T07:00:00.001-08:00

by Rachel Johnson

Kate and Kristen of Swakx

We’re back with our interview with Kristen Hoffman and Kate Kruuse, partners in launching the U.S. branch of the South African-based non-profit organization, Sealed with a Kiss (Swakx). We read about Swakx in the first part of the interview and we learned how Kristen and Kate became involved with the cause. Read on as Kristen and Kate share their tips for boosting creativity, juggling crazy schedules, and keeping the pantry stocked with yummy goodies.

Q: What inspires the two of you and keeps your creative juices flowing?

Kate: First and foremost, we always make sure that we have enough snacks!  We are fortunate enough to have a product that we truly believe in and this energizes us to keep moving forward, even on days where it seems we are stuck. The potential that the United States market holds for our company and the women that it benefits keeps us motivated and charged.

Q: You two are both very busy ladies – you have excellent careers, you invest in your families and friends, you make time to keep your bodies healthy, and, on top of it all, you’re working on launching the Swakx line. How do you recharge your batteries?

Kristen: So many snacks (mind you Kate is pregnant, eeee)! An occasional joke from Kate’s 5-year-old son, Henry (often seen sporting his Spiderman costume). We also both think that it is very important to lead healthy active lifestyles. The level of energy and productivity that you get from your body is a direct result of how you are treating yourself. Stay active, eat good food, don’t forget to take care of yourself, no matter how busy you get! I already have it in my head that Kate will be giving me personal Pilates lessons as we work once it gets closer to market (to cope with the madness). Also, quality time with friends and family is a great way to keep a full heart and a grounded mind.

Kate: Yes, we fuel up on plenty of good foods during our meetings! Our favorites are almonds, rice crackers with cheese, and clementines. Getting enough sleep is the biggest component to recharging my batteries and I am finding this more difficult to do as I progress in my pregnancy. That said, making sure we take out time to be outside getting in fresh air and moving the body.

Q: Many women might be in a similar position as you – they are working a day job that they enjoy but they want to use their free time to promote a worthy cause. What advice would you give to them about prioritizing their schedules and tasks?

Kristen: When we had our first meeting, we put into place our entire timeline for the next three months. It is important to plan ahead before your schedule plans you. It is important to remember that no matter how much energy/drive/love you have, you do not have time to do everything. Cut out the extras that don’t fill up your heart. I know that giving up the weekend marathon watching of Mad Men may sound impossible, but it is worth it!

Q: Readers are going to want to know where they can nab some pieces of Swakx’s gorgeous jewelry. How and where can they score some jewels?

Kate: Our website is currently a work in progress. We expect to have it up and running in full force by the time that we attend NYIGF at the end of January and we are starting a blog documenting a journey starting SWAK X USA to accompany it. Until then, you can check out the South Africa Swakx website. We are happy to correspond and take orders via e-mail (swakxusa@gmail.com). You can find us on Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, we will be sure to harass Rachel into posting a follow up with links to pictures and our website once we are finished.

What I Learned from Jeff's YouTube Video Sensation

2012-01-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

I’m guessing at least fifteen of your Facebook friends have already posted Jeff’s Bethke latest spoken word poem. If not, you may not be aware of the sensation it’s become. With 13 million views (and counting) in less than a week, Jeff’s “Why I Hate Religion But Love Jesus” poem has stirred a lot of hearts toward God while also creating an quite an uproar of discussion and criticism from Christian believers and church leaders. A lot of people loved it. Others hated, and many were confused or uncomfortable by the way Jeff defined religion and contrasted it with the gospel.

Since Jeff is our friend, brother and our “From a Guy’s perspective” contributor, I thought it was important to respond and share some valuable discussions and theological points.

1) Be Teachable and Pursue Truth
It’s been so refreshing to see how Jeff has responded to the reasonable criticism and theological discussion from fellow believers and respectable church leaders. In his dialogue with Kevin DeYoung of the Gospel Coalition, following DeYoung’s initial article critiquing the poem, Jeff thanked Kevin with absolute sincerity, humility and gratitude.

Jeff, in his own words (from this interview):

“I’m 22 years old. I’m not an expert; I don’t have a doctorate in theology. I have an extreme passion for Jesus. He saved me about four years ago. I love spreading his word. But I can tell you in four years I’ve only touched the surface of the character and nature of God and what he’s revealed about other things in Scripture, like the nature of the church.” [Read more of Jeff’s interview on Church Leaders here]

Let’s have teachable hearts and desire to represent the Lord with truth.

2) Use Every Bit of Your Talent
Jeff’s presence and talent for spoken word is remarkable – it’s why I immediately contacted him to give a male voice to Wonderfully Made after seeing his poem Sexual Healing. The passion with which Jeff is using his gift makes me think of this quote, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.” Like a middle school high girl who sings “Over the Rainbow” slightly off-key for her school’s talent show, our peers might not always love it and we don't always nail it, but we have to try.

Let’s be a generation of women who take courage, spend our talent and take risks in hope that others will know the goodness of Jesus. If Jeff hadn’t put himself out there, lives such as this girl’s wouldn’t have been touched:

"I've been struggling so hard for years now with forgiving myself and accepting Jesus in my life. I kept telling myself that I wasn't worthy of his love, that what id been through had tainted me. I've been beaten, raped, ridiculed, tried to kill myself over 10 times as a teen and been made to feel like i am absolutely nothing. My ex just got out of prison and while i was pregnant threatened to take my son by force. I've been barely hanging on trying to figure out how im going to make it from day to day with my son. I watched your video 'why i hate religion, but love Jesus' and i cried my eyes out as i felt Gods hand on me that night. Im giving myself to God and starting to finally realize that God can love me despite my past. I hope I haven't wasted to much of your time i just wanted to let you know your words helped make an impact on my life." (Taken from an email Jeff received).

3) You Will Be Hated. Get Over It.
When your heart has been touched in away that you have chosen to live a set apart, radical life as a follower of Christ you can expect to be hated, judged, looked down on and ridiculed. This is no news flash –anytime the spirit of God revives hearts, there is a dark, spiritual backlash. And in our social-media-centric world, there are a lot of cowardly haters hiding behind disgusting and hateful comments and tweets! Even I got “twitter-assaulted” this week after passing a tweet to Jeff!

Will much of the world think you’re crazy for believing in and living for Jesus? Absolutely. Will some of them hate you for it? Jesus told us they would.

I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist. Believing Jesus is who He said He is, isn't crazy. What's sad is believing nothing at all or not caring enough to find out. People are mean. Love them anyway.

More Worthy Reads On the “Jesus > Religion” Discussion:

What's your response?

WM Spotlight: Kristen Hoffman and Kate Kruuse (Part One)

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Rachel Johnson

Something I love about women is their ability to connect and form relationships in order to effect change and make a difference in the world. If they hadn’t met each in other in their local Pilates class in Washington, DC, Kristen Hoffman and Kate Kruuse may have never crossed paths – they are from different places, pursuing different dreams, and living different lives. But they began talking and realized that by combining their gifts and talents, they could truly do something great. Read more to learn about this dynamic duo and the non-profit organization they support, Sealed with a Kiss, and come back in a few days to read the rest of the interview – there was so much good content that we decided to make the piece last a little bit longer.

Q: Kristen and Kate, thank you so much for joining our blog series. Something I’ve loved about the women I’ve interviewed is that they are motivated, passionate women who use their God-given talents to make a difference in the world. You two come from very different backgrounds and you have different strengths but you’re both equally passionate about the organization you support, Sealed with a Kiss (Swakx). Tell our readers how you met.

Kristen: We actually met at a local DC Pilates studio, Fuel Pilates. Kate was there holding a trunk show for Swakx on Georgetown’s Fashion Night Out. I was trying to avoid the temptation of shopping all over Georgetown and productively attend Pilates. Once I started speaking with Kate and learning about the jewelry she was selling that was created by women affected by HIV/AIDS in South Africa, I knew that I had to get involved. Kate and I stayed in touch and I have been fortunate enough to become her partner in launching Swakx in the U.S.

Q: Give us some information about the organization and share some goals SWAKX has for 2012.

Kate: Swakx was started by my good friend, Liora Katz, out of a desire to help women in South Africa who had been affected by HIV/AIDS. Liora is originally from South Africa, where around one in every three women between the ages of 25 and 29 is living with HIV. Liora noticed that though there were many wonderful non-profit organizations working to assist children and young adults with HIV in obtaining an education, there weren’t many groups helping them find work once they graduated. Liora created Swakx in order to not only provide employment opportunities for young women affected by this disease but also to empower these women to break the cycle and change the future of their families.

Our biggest goal for 2012 is to successfully bring Swakx to American soil. Until now, Swakx products have been primarily sold in South Africa and we are excited that we get a chance to help American women sport some Swakx of their own.

Q: Kate, you’re drawn to South Africa for many reasons, specifically because it’s where your husband was raised. What else has caused you to want to work there?

Kate: Maybe it is by fate, but even before I met Dean (my adorable husband) I had an affinity for South Africa. One of my favorite writers in college was Nadine Gordimer, a truly inspirational writer and political activist that was a part of the anti-apartheid movement. However, nothing I had read could have prepared me for the poverty and hardship that much of the population of South Africa still suffers today. In spite of this, the joy of the people is undeniable. I am so inspired by these people who have so little, yet are so resilient. It is only natural to want to help provide these wonderful woman warriors a means to thrive.

Q: Kate, how did you meet Liora, founder of Sealed with a Kiss? How did your partnership grow?

Kate: A few years after college, I moved out to Boulder, Colorado, to pursue a career in photography (how things change) and pursue my Pilates training (yet stay the same ). Liora was introduced to me through mutual acquaintances and we became fast friends. I was already dating Dean at this point and we were eager to welcome another South African native into our network. Over the years, Liora and I stayed connected, regardless of our locale (which have been everywhere from California to DC to South Africa).

Last year, while visiting South Africa for the Christmas holiday, Liora gave me a few of her Swakx necklaces. From the moment I put them on, I knew she had created a product and a company that would go far. She asked me if I would be interested in bringing some back to the States to see how people perceived them. I knew that my involvement in the company had only just begun. As soon as I returned to the U.S., it was apparent that our product would prove successful not only for its sweet charm (no pun intended) but for the good it does for those less fortunate. Fast forward one year later, Kristen and I are now launching Swakx USA!

Swakx jewelry.

Q: Kristen, how did you decide that this organization was a cause you wanted to support and what is your role?

Kristen: Although it was the product that initially caught my eye, I could not stop thinking about the social mission of Swakx after my first conversation with Kate. Something in my heart told me that I should reach out to Kate and fortunately I was received with open arms. In this immediate moment, my role is to consume half of Kate’s pantry while we brainstorm our presence at market this year (we will be at New York International Gift Fair at the end of January).

But in all seriousness, Kate and I are equal partners in Swakx USA and we are conquering the challenges of starting a new business (but are doing so with smiles on our faces and plenty of clementines). I am blessed to be working with someone that is not only a great business partner but also someone that I have fun spending time with.

Stay tuned for part two of Kristen and Kate’s interview!

The Particularly Problematic Predicament of Perfecting Pretty

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

by Ashley Perez

pret-ty adj
a : pleasing by delicacy or grace
b : having conventionally accepted elements of beauty

If there is one thing we girls are taught to admire from the start it’s the idea of “pretty”. Phrases like “what a pretty dress you have”, “is that your pretty dolly”, and “isn’t that a pretty color” quickly turn a girls head. The word spins round and round in our heads, and what comes out? Seek pretty.

But then there’s a distinct shift that happens to all girls somewhere around adolescence, the age where doubt quickly replaces childhood confidence. We are no longer just supposed to seek pretty, we are supposed to be pretty.

This is a challenge.

And the reason it’s a challenge is because being pretty or being beautiful has moved from an inner quality to a petty judgement. Why even the word petty is just one letter away from pretty.

Do I think it’s wrong to want to be “pretty”? No, of couse not. I want to be considered pretty just like every girl whose ever existed.

The real problem is that we’ve forgotten to look beyond pretty, because in reality pretty is a hard standard to reach, it’s always changing, and it’s so subjective that if you spend your life in pursuit of it, you are sure to fail.

Instead spend your life in pursuit of real beauty, the kind that doesn’t fade.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. (1 Peter 3: 3-5)

So here is the challenge. We must change our goals. We must strive to be more than pretty things.

Women: let’s look at ourselves as more than pretty things, let’s cultivate in ourselves something worth being called “beautiful” over, something that scrapes deeper than the surface.

Men: admire women for more than their appearances. If there are women in your life whose character is truly beautiful let them know that you appreciate them.

What beautiful characteristics are you cultivating?

Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus

2012-01-12T06:18:00.000-08:00

Below is a video from our From A Guy's Perspective Contributor, Jeff Bethke. It went absolutely viral yesterday and has already reached over 800,000 views. Yay Jeff—we're so proud of you! In Jeff's own words, this is:

"A poem I wrote to highlight the difference between Jesus and false religion. In the scriptures Jesus received the most opposition from the most religious people of his day. At it's core Jesus' gospel and the good news of the Cross is in pure opposition to self-righteousness/self-justification. Religion is man centered, Jesus is God-centered. This poem highlights my journey to discover this truth. Religion either ends in pride or despair. Pride because you make a list and can do it and act better than everyone, or despair because you can't do your own list of rules and feel "not good enough" for God. With Jesus though you have humble confident joy because He represents you, you don't represent yourself and His sacrifice is perfect putting us in perfect standing with God!"

Take four minutes to watch the video and let us know your thoughts...

How does this change, reinforce or influence your view of Jesus?

Explore, Dream, Discover.

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Are you living your life to the full? How are you exploring, dreaming and discovering the world around you?

A Woman Caught in Adultery: Freedom-Found Future

2012-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.

Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”

And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. (John 8:2-9)

This is how I picture this passage: I imagine a closed door, kicked open by certain religious men. They enter the room and with evil contentment one of them asks, “What do we have here?” It was all so fast and sudden, they all spoke but not a word was understood. It could have been dark in the room and making out the faces of these voices could have been difficult. That’s when a heavy hand reached for her arm and dragged her out of the bed.

Between heartbeats and fighting for freedom, she is able to grab the sheet and cover herself. Not only was she yanked out of bed, but she was dragged and paraded through the city and into the temple walls. There she stood before the man who could condemn her to death. She stood roughly lifeless, certainly hopeless and immorally stained.

Have you ever felt this way?

When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)

I have often wondered about this woman’s life after verse 11. Did she allow the guilt of a forgiven past to obstruct her freedom-found future? Was she able to forgive herself? Was she anything like me?

This story gets to me every time. Though I wasn’t caught in the very act of adultery by a vicious group of Pharisees, I have been caught in the very act of sin. And much like this woman, the one who is able to condemn me to death has said to my life, “I do not condemn you; go and sin no more.” He spoke that to me fifteen years ago, but it was only last year that I was truly set free. I had accepted God’s forgiveness yet couldn’t find the courage to forgive myself. Shame and guilt bound my life from living in God’s aisle of grace. Grace I knew of, yet grace was precisely what I had denied myself.

It was through the words of Allie that God used to bring healing into my life, “Grace frees us to walk in the truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love. Our performance cannot; our brokenness cannot, nor can our pride or lack of self-worth.” I was set free from believing that I had to do in order to be fully forgiven; God had both resolved by sin issue and had spoken self-forgiveness. A guilt-free conscious hasn’t been fully settled, but the Lord is working in me day by day.

I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.

This is all we need upon our pardon. Jesus did not say, “Go, and live a life of guilt.” He has spoken to you this very day, “Go and sin no more.” In other words, go away from your past and enjoy the freedom He offers you. Lamentations 3 reminds us that His mercies are made new every morning. This new year, make it a habit to wake up each day with the words of Jesus, “I do not condemn you. Go and sin no more.”

There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (John 8:36)

"The soul of the believer needs grace every moment." –Robert Murray

How has God’s grace changed you?

The Character of Beauty

2012-01-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Below is an introduction to a series on beauty I've been writing for Darling Magazine since mid-December. My hope is that through exploring the qualities that make women truly attractive, we can learn about what real beauty is made of, start living it out, and inspire others to do the same. I hope you'll join me in pursuing true beauty in 2012!

We’ve all met that woman–the one who is so radiant we can’t take our eyes off of her. She’s beautiful, but we can’t quite figure out why. Is it her hair? Her figure? Her clothes? After speaking with her for a few moments, we know that her beauty is far beyond the physical. She exudes something lovely, contagious and rare.
I can only imagine how powerful it would be if we all grew into that kind of woman I just described–if we all started accepting who we are, loving our bodies, understanding our true value, and spreading real beauty wherever we go.
In my last article Healthy Girl Talk: Redefining Beauty, I talked about the need our culture has to redefine beauty for what it really is–so much more than physical appearance. I also shared four steps we can all take each day that will contribute to that redefinition: use positive language when talking about bodies, focus on the function of our body parts, celebrate non-physical qualities, and live a beautiful life by demonstrating those non-physical qualities.
In the coming weeks, I’m going to expand on that article by discussing various qualities of beauty that we could all afford to have a little more of in this world: kindness, joy, compassion, love, generosity and confidence. After all, how can we affirm others and live out these qualities if we don’t fully understand what they look like?
Let’s explore together what real beauty looks like. Let’s redefine beauty by the way we speak and act. Let’s take the big risk of being examples for the women we interact with each day. Wouldn’t that be something revolutionary?

What does true beauty look like to you? How do you pursue it in your own life?

P.S. You can read all of the entries in the series here. Enjoy!

Spiritual Promises

2012-01-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Bethke

The Puritans once noted that most Christians “live far below their privileges.” One of the biggest keys to a strong and grace-filled relationship with Jesus is constantly swimming in all the privileges we have in Christ. We must remind ourselves of these truths daily before even getting out of bed.

What usually happens is within seconds of me waking up I have a ton of voices, thoughts, and lies telling me who I am. Why shouldn’t I let the Word of God tell me who I am when all these other voices are too? This is why it is no coincidence the Apostle Paul constantly uses the word “remind” in his letters:

I want to remind you brothers of the gospel I preached to you. (1 Corinthians 15:1)

Paul emphatically takes us back to the gospel and back to the blessings we have in Christ in order to push us deeper into a knowledge of His amazing grace. So, below is a list of promises that are just some of the many afforded to us if we have trusted Jesus. You don’t have to earn these truths, you don’t have to work hard to gain these truths, you simply have to receive these powerful gifts we have in Jesus. Note they are all in past or present tense.

They are already true even if you don’t acknowledge it. If you are in Christ these all apply, so rest, accept, and live in light of them.

Maybe copy and paste these into a word document that you print out and put in a place you will see every day. Maybe commit to meditating on a few each day, marinating in its implications. Or, maybe open the Word and find the countless ones not even listed here that add to the list!

What are a few from this list that you struggle to grab hold of the most? What are some promises from the list that God has used the most in tough seasons of your life?

Plunge, Dive Deep and Swim

2012-01-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

In what ways have you been a slave to your past? How do you keep yourself forward-looking?

2011 Highlights

2012-01-04T08:42:00.001-08:00

This year we've seen so much growth in Wonderfully Made, and had the chance to reach more young women than ever before with a message of hope and truth about their value and worth. Here are some specific ways we've made an impact, thanks to your support—financially, prayerfully, and through spreading the word about us socially...

We Launched our New HerStory Film Series
We filmed two real-life testimonies this year for our brand new HerStory film series. This project will feature dozens of girls' powerful stories of redemption. Watch the first film here.

Our College Chapters Continued to Thrive
Under the guidance of our faithful student leadership teams, each of our four college chapters (Santa Clara University, Westmont College, Pepperdine University, Point Loma Nazarene University) continued to collectively impact the lives of thousands of women in their campus and community through programs, mentoring, activities and small groups.

Our Blog Reached over 15,000 Young Women Across the World
Under the management of Natalie Lynn Borton, our Director of Marketing, our blog hit a whole new level this year. We established a dynamic team of blog contributors and addressed pertinent topics in an effort to encourage, inspire and challenge today's modern young women. We even heard from blog readers from countries such as Norway, South Africa and Brazil!

We Signed a Contract for a New Bible Study Series
Set to release in June of 2012, our new small group study "Wonderfully Made: Becoming Who You Are In Christ" will provide thousands of young women with a practical resource to discover their true value, purpose and worth.

Our Conferences Reached Hundreds of Young Women
Through two Wonderfully Made Conferences, we had the privilege of sharing our testimonies, Biblical wisdom and the Gospel with nearly three hundred women. Decisions were made and lives were transformed!

Our Team Had the Privilege of Speaking to and Mentoring Girls
Several of us were presented with opportunities to volunteer and be a light to junior high and high school girls at various schools, youth groups and organizations. It is always a joy to speak truth and encouragement into the lives of girls.

This year was also our first year as a 501c3 non-profit organization, and we received $2,000 grant from Giving of Life thanks to thousands of votes from our community.

Without your support, we would be nowhere. If Wonderfully Made has impacted yoir life this year, we challenge and invite you to be a 2012 monthly supporter for as little as $10 a month so we can keep doing what we're doing. Thank you!

Featured Cause: Teens for Jeans

2012-01-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

by Chrissy Watson

It’s a New Year and time for resolutions, changes and new beginnings. Also, the perfect time to clean out your closet for a good cause! For this months featured cause I’d like to introduce you to Teens for Jeans.

One in three homeless people in the US are under the age of 18. So what can we do to help them? DoSomething.org, Aéropostale and P.S. from Aéropostale have partnered with over 1,000 homeless shelters across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico.

From January 16th through February 12th you can bring your jeans into your local Aéropostale or P.S. from Aéropostale store and they will be donated to a homeless shelter in your local community. The size or brand doesn’t matter, they can use them all but, they should be in fairly good condition.

Oh and did I mention when you donate your jeans at Aéropostale or P.S. from Aéropostale, you'll receive one 25% coupon for each pair donated? How cool is that?!

Get your school involved and you can win some awesome prizes!! Learn more about it on their website here. Now get started on those closets girls!

Do you have jeans you don't wear or need anymore? Will you participate in this year's Teens for Jeans drive?

A New Year, A New Mindset

2012-01-02T09:52:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

A self-confessed goal-setter and chronic list-maker, it has taken some time to learn how to set forth goals that are realistic, beneficial and honorable before God. For years since age 14, each New Year (and summer and fall!) I would write out my new plan to drop down to an “unhealthy-for-me” number on the scale – an effort that set me up for emotional eating, binges and mental misery. I’d be lying if I told you that temptation never crossed my mind from time to time, but I’m grateful God has given me the strength to rest secure in His truth that I am beautiful and healthy just as I am. Girl, let me tell you that NO number on the scale feels as good as freedom!

Maybe it’s finally time to do things different and examine any expectations, goals or resolutions you’ve made this New Year. Are they beneficial? Realistic? Will they draw you in fuller reliance upon your Maker? Are they rooted in a spirit or striving or are they grounded in God’s grace?

Proverbs 16:2-4 instructs us to, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” But what exactly does this mean? That whatever goals we commit to God will come to pass? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, although I often wish it were! To commit our plans to God is to present our desires, plans and dreams before the Lord and humbly ask Him to examine our heart and search our motives. “Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). To commit our plans to the Lord means that we give Him the say and seek His will in our life, not our own! It means trusting that God’s will is better than our own wants and desires. To commit our plans to Him is to genuinely want His plans for us to succeed, not the ones we have made for ourselves.

As we reassess our resolutions by committing them to the Lord, let us ask that He will give us the discernment to distinguish the goals and plans that are pure, noble, beneficial and honoring to Him, from those that are not in His best interest for the woman He’s created us to be. The result is success in God’s eyes – the molding of our inner selves – lasting transformation that begins with our heart. Give it a try! Let go and let God succeed in His plans for you!

Do you experience the pressure or temptation to start a rigid "get fit" or weight-loss plan every new year? Do you think your motivation is reasonable and healthy or is it rooted in unhealthy perfectionism that can lead to bondage?

We encourage you to give the HEAL Journey a try this new year. You can get a copy of my book "HEAL: Healthy Eating & Abundant Living" HERE.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T10:08:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a safe and happy new year! We are so thankful for you girls and look forward to another of spreading truth, encouragement and hope. Know your value!

xoxo,
The Wonderfully Made Team

2011 Reader Favorites

2011-12-29T09:35:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

With 2012 just around the corner, I thought it would be fun for us to take a look at which posts you girls loved the most in 2011. Interestingly enough, some of the most-read posts weren't even written this year. So which posts were the most popular, you ask? Click below to read (or re-read) this year's top ten reader favorites:

What was your personal favorite post from 2011? What kind of posts would you like to see more of in 2012?

Faith in the God of Love

2011-12-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

“When we fear failure more than we love life, when we are dominated by thoughts of what we might have been rather than by thoughts of what we might become, when we are haunted by the disparity between our ideal self and our real self, when we are tormented by guilt, shame, remorse, and self-condemnation, we deny our faith in the God of love.”

Brennan Manning
The Signature of Jesus

Have you ever experienced these fears or feelings? How did you find your way to the love and forgiveness of God?

Heart's Desires

2011-12-27T15:07:00.000-08:00

What are some of the desires of your heart?

Merry and Bright: Sending You Christmas Love!

2011-12-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."
1 John 5:11

We want each and every one of you to know that we are so thankful for all of your love and support, and are so glad you're part of our Wonderfully Made family. Wishing you a Christmas season that's merry and bright, and a joyful year in 2012!

xoxo,
The Wonderfully Made Team

Little Drummer Boy

2011-12-22T09:16:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Although my all-time favorite Christmas song is O, Holy Night (specifically the version by The Fray), this season I just can't get enough of The Little Drummer Boy. It seems to be playing everywhere, and the lyrics are resonating with me in a way they never have before.

Perhaps the problem before was that I'd only heard the ultra-traditional versions, and the words just seemed to blend into the music. Nonetheless, I've grown to love this song because of what it's about: God smiling upon someone bringing their best, even as little as heart-filled drumming.

My favorite version of this song is done by Phil Wickham. A video of him performing live and the lyrics to the song are below. If you can get past all of the pa-rum-pum-pum-pums, I think you'll agree with me that The Little Drummer Boy is a song for those of us who need to remember the kind of God Jesus really is...

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum,
On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.
Me and my drum.

As I repeatedly watch that video and really let the words seep in, I can't help but think about what kind of gift I can bring to God during this Advent season. I think perhaps the greatest gift I can bring him right now is consistency and honesty in my time with Him.

Do you believe that Jesus only wants our best, not perfection? What small gifts can you bring to Him this Christmas season?

P.S. I originally posted this article on November 29 on my personal blog, Thoughts by Natalie. You can read it here.

On Being a Real Woman

2011-12-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

by Ashley Perez

These days women are everywhere, and that’s to be understood, after all we make up half of the world (and probably the better half too). This isn’t the 50s anymore; we’ve broken free, allowed to participate in life outside of the kitchen, classroom, and hospital. Can you imagine there are more than three professions we women are allowed to aspire to? Good news, right?

Yes, except all women have not used their newfound power for good, many have used it for evil. Others have not even realized they hold any power, and still others are acting as if life’s just a supersized version of Barbie’s Dream House where shopping and pleasing Ken are still a girl’s top priorities. No thank you. So what is a “real woman” anyways? With role models ranging from the Kardashians to Taylor Swift to Hilary Clinton, how’s a girl supposed to know if she’s headed in the right direction?

This may help a little. Here is my list of five things that make a “real woman”:

Real women know what they want: And if they don’t know what they want they figure it out. Real women are passionate people; they live for the sake of exploring and experiencing. They don’t wait to be swept off their feet or have their breath taken away; they search for adventure even in the midst of mediocrity.
Real women care: Beware for “caring” does not equate to domesticity. Making a guy dinner and bringing him a cold beverage after a hard day is nice, but it is not the mark of a great lady. Women that care show real emotion, they are concerned for the well being of others, and just by their existence help to make the world a brighter place.
Real women inspire: Whether its at home, in the workplace, or in the trenches of everyday life, the mark of a real woman is that she makes those around her want to be better, to do good.
Real women are classy: Classy ladies come in all shapes and sizes, and being classy has nothing to do with how you dress, what makeup you wear, or how well you can fold a dinner napkin. Class is an attitude, it is recognition that everyone around you is worth something and deserves to be treated as such.
Real women know their value: It is not self-inflation that helps a real woman go far, and yet a real woman must know her own value. She loves herself and recognizes her value, because she takes special care to make sure she is a woman of value.

These are just my thoughts and I hope you contribute your own to this list. But just remember all you women out there that a real woman is greater than the sum of her parts. Let no singular thing define you, be it the clothes that you wear, the profession that you chose, or even the family that you’ve raised. What makes you a “real woman” is your recognition of the fact that you are more than the sum of your parts, you are more than enough, and with that you can change your world.

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right, for you'll be criticized anyway." -Eleanor Roosevelt

Could you add anything to this list? What does a real woman look like to you?

P.S. Like what you just read? Find more of it—and lots of hilarious commentary on dating and relationships—at Ashley's personal blog, Boys Are IDOTS.

Savor the Season

2011-12-20T09:02:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

[photo credit]

If you don't read Shauna Niequist's blog yet, you should start. She doesn't write too often, but whenever she posts something, it is always profound. Her most recent post, Present Over Perfect, is all about what matters this Christmas season. It is a charge to all of us to slow down, stop crossing off our to-do lists, and savor the remainder of this holiday season. These are her guiding thoughts for the season—thoughts that we could all afford to let guide us as well:

Present over perfect.
Quality over quantity.
Relationship over rushing.
People over pressure.
Meaning over mania.

How are you savoring this Christmas season?

Thank You!

2011-12-19T07:19:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

For a full list of the Giving of Life grant recipients, you can visit their website here. To support Wonderfully Made with a tax-deductible donation, please visit our donation page here.

WM Spotlight: Kendall Ciesemier

2011-12-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

by Rachel Johnson

I grew up in good old Wheaton, Illinois, alongside the beautiful Kendall Ciesemier. Ever since I’ve known her, Kendall has had a passion for serving others. She has an altruistic nature and a servant’s heart. Even during Kendall’s darkest times, she has strived to come to the aid of others. Specifically, her heart goes out to orphans in Africa. At a young age, she decided she could not sit idly by while children on another continent suffered so severely. Kendall knew she needed to take action – so she did. Read her story below and learn about how Kendall continues to make a difference in the lives of children all over the world.

Q: Kendall, we’re so thrilled to feature you on the Wonderfully Made blog. Start out by telling us about your experiences with Kids Caring 4 Kids, the non-profit organization you started.

Kids Caring 4 Kids works to inspire and empower kids to raise money and awareness for highly vulnerable children in Africa. The organization started after I saw the Oprah Winfrey Christmas Special in December 2003. The show highlighted the struggle of African orphans with AIDS. I immediately decided to sponsor an orphan with $360 of my own money.

Six months later I underwent two liver transplants. In lieu of gifts and flowers, I asked my family and friends to donate to help care for a community in Zambia, a project that I supported with the help of World Vision. By the end of that summer, I had raised over $15,000 for the project in Zambia and Kids Caring 4 Kids was born.

To date we’ve inspired over 7,000 kids to raise nearly 1 million dollars for almost 7,000 individuals in various regions of Africa. I’ve even been to Africa to see four of the eight projects we’ve been able to support.

Q: What motivated you to continue serving others even though you were undergoing numerous health procedures? So many people in your same situation would have quit and focused on themselves, but you were committed to your goal.

For me, Kids Caring 4 Kids is such a blessing. When I started it, I was undergoing the worst struggle of my life. It provided the positive focus and sense of purpose I needed to get through my transplants. It has allowed me to define myself not by my medical condition but by the work I am doing.

Q: Because of the impact your story made, you received many honors and recognition, including an appearance on the Oprah Show with Bill Clinton and a feature as Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year. How did those experiences shape you, and how did you maintain humility?

Obviously those experiences are thrilling and fun but they are absolutely not the reason that I created Kids Caring 4 Kids. But it is awesome that other people are exposed to the crises in Africa through my experiences and my hope is that when they see my story, they feel inspired and empowered to act.

I know that Kids Caring 4 Kids would not be what it is today without the divine inspiration and aid of God. The experiences that I’ve had in my life are so far beyond any exception or goal I could have for myself. I know He is behind the work that I’m doing. Plus I always have very humbling chronic illness that lurks around every corner.

Q: How has your vision changed now that you’re no longer living in Wheaton and you’re a freshman at Georgetown University?

During my first semester I’ve kind of put Kids Caring 4 Kids on the back burner and taken a much-needed break. It’s been really beneficial for me and for the organization because I now have more of an idea of where I want it to go in the future. Next semester I will start my work back up and hopefully create a team of peers to help with the cause.

Q: Tell us about the cool new gigs you have writing for Maria Schriver’s blog and serving as an MTV Global Correspondent. What’s the best thing about each opportunity?

It’s very exciting to be able to pursue opportunities that will help me gain experience in the journalism field, especially because I hope to find a career in that field someday. I’m having fun and learning a lot!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

That is easy – back to Africa! What can I say? It’s where my heart lies. There is nothing like a swarm of kids on both of your arms pulling you down to the ground with love and laughter. There is nowhere else I’d rather be.

Q: What plans do you have for your second semester of college, besides keeping up with your current workload and launching on on-campus organization to support Kids Caring 4 Kids?

Um…sleep more? Haha. I don’t ever really have plans. I like to live in the moment and see what comes my way.

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to host a talk show. Yes, I know that’s a weird dream…but hey, I’m just putting it out there. I mean, I wouldn’t mind anchoring the Today Show either…

The Comparison Complex

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Abby Farr

I've spent way too much of my life comparing myself to other women. I know I go in waves of not doing it nearly as much as other times, but I'll catch myself rather mindlessly taking note of others outward portrayals. However, at the end of the day, comparing or critiquing myself with other women does not put my head in a happy place.

Here's just a glimpse of how my mind whirls to far off, disenchanting places...

As I sit inside a local cafe, writing and relaxing, I take note of a shift just occurring in the room. I turned my head, to see a young lady collapsed to the ground. By the time the paramedics arrived. She was surrounded by those who went to help. I was feeling worried for her, wondering if there was anything I could do. Then, sadly and just as quickly, I found myself struck with distraction by another woman on the opposite side of the room.

I had trouble not continually looking over to see this woman, who seemed so attractively fake—perfect french mani/pedi to match her shiny white teeth. I knew she could afford it based on the size of her wedding ring (and my own critical judgment). She was blonde (was that fake, too?), and I don't know how old as she may have been hiding behind a plastic-perfect nose, and not a single wrinkle shown on her forehead. I thought how she must be filled with confidence. She sat so poised and sure.

Is that what I have to become to feel confident and secure? Surely not. I know I must look deeper to wonder what her life is like at home. Perhaps she's learned this act to hide her pain in public. Or maybe this is the only reality she's known, never letting the pain of life's inevitable trials run deep. Is it true that all of L.A. Is like that? If I ever lived there, would that numb me to that image? Somehow I don't think I could make it there. I'm not sure if it's because I'd actually compare my own girl-next-door look to them, or if I would look at them and just feel drained.

Perhaps for them it's relaxing to have all of that work done, or maybe just addicting. But it must be a huge ordeal. Even if I had the money, I'm not sure I'd feel like keeping up. For I truly believe there's beauty in aging. The marks on a face tell a story that begs to be know. Is plastic just something else to hide behind or is it more about looking beautiful on the outside?

Either way, I couldn't believe myself for haphazardly going into contemplation mode about this lady a good fifteen years my senior, while the young girl across the way was suffering! What is my problem? My hope and goal is to pay more attention to my inner beauty and letting it shine, so that my outward appearance glows. Then I'll have no need for pricy medical procedures or to compare myself with other females. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then we ladies can all make that same choice!

There is an expression, “Look at the plank in your own eye before looking at the speck in another's.” How empowering, freeing, and how much happier we will be if we are fixed on being the treasure we are!

How do you stay grounded in truth when you find yourself playing the comparison game?

One-Piece Lovin'

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Alexandra Evjen

It’s easy to dream about the beach and the warm, fun-filled summer days when our toes to the tip of our nose are numb. However, when the temperatures finally start to rise again and the time comes to put on that swimsuit many of us find ourselves tempted to believe the lies that our bodies aren’t good enough, and can start obsessing over imperfections that we see.

These are thoughts quickly rob of us of the joy of experiencing the sun on our faces and waves of water pushing us around in the ocean. One of the biggest delights we have is experiencing the beauty that the Lord has created with nature by swimming in vast oceans, tall waterfalls, calm lakes and small pools.

Today I want to share some fashionable swimsuit ideas with you that not only will fulfill their purpose of helping us to enjoy one of the most fun things on earth, but they will also allow you to express your style with modesty. Confidence only comes from knowing the Truth, but these swimsuits definitely will help too!

Whether you’re feminine to the bone and enjoy pretty floral prints or you lean toward geometric and edgy shapes or you’re a simple gal that looks for the always classic striped patterns—there’s something for everyone here...

FLORAL

I love how this swimsuit by DKNY takes the femininity of the pattern even further by adding ruffles. The shape gives plenty of coverage, the pattern is very concealing and the colors are complementary of any complexion.

MARC by Marc Jacobs has made a beautiful floral one-piece that is perfect for curvaceous figures, especially women that have a larger bust. The under-wire support is a very helpful designer detail, and the added belt that ties at the smallest part of the waist is very flattering for those with hips. Plus, the busy pattern conceals any insecurities around the stomach area.

GEOMETRIC
A fashion trend that is very popular right now is wearing geometric patterns.

I love this black and white bathing suit by Red Carter because the colors are timeless, the pattern creates a really cool optical illusion and the cut is a bit more unique than the average one piece. I will say, however, that this swimsuit would only be modest on those that have a smaller cup size. Sometimes halter bathing suits like this just don’t give enough support for those with larger chests.

This swimsuit by Zimmermann is amazing. The color combination is so modern and the geometric pattern looks like a beautiful kaleidoscope. The shape of this swimsuit is also nice because it gives plenty of coverage and support.

STRIPES
Stripes are timeless, and are more in style than ever before.

This sweet swimsuit by Juicy Couture is perfect for retro fashion lovers out there. The vertical stripes are flattering, the straps and cups for support are there for curvy women, and the swim skirt is adorable and modest in one!

I love this one-shouldered number by DKNY just because it’s a cut that is different from the rest. The placement of the strips is also incredibly flattering.

After reading this fashion post, do you find yourself excited or scared to shop for a swimsuit? If you find yourself scared, are you willing to let your fear rob you of your enjoyment of God’s creation?

Mary: A Sinner Saved

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, 'Woman, behold your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold your mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." (John 19:25-27)

A few years ago I played Mary in a monologue skit. I was as an elderly Mary, gray haired, wrinkled and fragile. With a raspy yet thundering voice I entered the sanctuary singing ‘Kadosh’ as I, Mary, walked down the aisle and up to the stage. There I told the stories that made up the life of Mary as recorded in the Gospels. From the wonderful encounter with an angel to miracles Jesus had performed, story after story was retold as a Grandmother would reveal her yesterdays.

All was sweet until Mary began to give an account of the crucifixion. There she cried out, “That is my son on the cross, my son!” I cried that line louder and louder a few more times. Mary then paused to cry and lifted her hands pointing out and said, “That is my Savior on the cross! My Savior!” She pounded on her chest with her fists and cried.

I don’t know when the actual exchange happened in Mary’s mind, but it did. Was it when Jesus performed His first miracle at Cana? Or perhaps when He raised Lazarus from the dead? Could it have been when John was told to care for her? Did it take place at the foot of the? One thing is for sure, Mary was a sinner and Jesus was her Savior.

"Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." (Acts 1:12-14)

Mary had been pursued with grace, was made accepted by God, called by God to a mission impossible, was empowered by the Spirit of God, she treasured the Words of God, and accepted the salvation of God. What might appear to many as the end of her ministry was only the beginning of God’s redemption story with Mary. She continued with one accord in prayer and supplication. The more you read in the book of Acts, you know that she was present in the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit invaded the hearts of many. Mary was witness and a participant of the early church. And her story doesn’t end here.

While on earth, it was the hands of Mary that caressed baby Jesus, healed his scrapes, combed his hair and held him close in a sweet in embrace. The roles would switch and as she bid Farwell to this earth and entered into eternity. For it the hands of Jesus caressed her, healed her wounds, restored her health, removed every tear, and held her close in a sweet embrace forever. Her glory was more than simply delivering the Messiah; her glory was accepting Jesus as her Savior.

Mary did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you've delivered will soon deliver you. –Mark Lowry

How or when did this beautiful exchange happen in your life?

Mary: Asking and Storing

2011-12-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

"So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them." (Luke 2:45-50)

Mary was troubled, anguished, anxious and desperate. Imagine with me, God had chosen her, favored her, entrusted her and supernaturally equipped her to raise Jesus Christ the Messiah. Here we find her in a very vulnerable state. What thoughts and questions must have crossed her mind: “I have failed God. Was God wrong in choosing me as His Mother? I am responsible for the lost Messiah. How could I have been so irresponsible? Why did I let Jesus out of my sight? Where is my son?” Joseph and Mary relentlessly searched for Jesus until He was found. If you haven’t witnessed one of these moments, let me put it to you in these terms, the grieving parent experiences three stages of emotions: fear, relief and retribution.

We all have experienced some sort of trial, and like Mary we become troubled, anguished, anxious and desperate. We experience emotions of fear, the relief of God’s rescue and at times retribution takes over us. Like Mary, we ask God the following question, “Why have You done this to me?” And when we get an answer, we are left dumbfounded, not understanding the reply from Heaven. You are not alone: Mary felt that way, Joseph felt that way and I feel that way at times too. I am glad that the God made sure that verse 50 was written in Luke 1.

We are free to ask Jesus any question. He is faithful to always answer us. His reply may be immediate, while other times He may take much longer to respond. His answer may be a yes, no or simply wait. His answers could make sense to us or they may not. It may be that He shares information with you that we will only comprehend days, months, or years after they were told you.

Then he returned to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. And His mother stored all these things in her heart. (Luke 1:51)

Among the various Bible translations available to us today they all say that Mary stored, she treasured, and kept all these things in her heart. I absolutely love that though Mary might not have fully understood all the things Jesus said, she valued every word so much so that she hid them in her heart. I encourage you, whether it is an answer God gives you or a scripture in His Word, treasure it as Mary did; even the answers that you may not understand at the moment.

"It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24)

"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." (Psalm 119:11)

"I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure." (Psalm 119:162)

How do you treasure God’s Word?

Christmas Postcard: We Need Your Address!

2011-12-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner, and we'd love to send a christmas card to each and every one of you faithful blog readers because you're part of the wonderfullly made family! If you haven't done so already and would like to get our card, please fill out your information here.

xoxo,
The Wonderfully Made Team

Mary: Mission Impossible (Part One)

2011-12-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

"Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1:26-30)

Highly favored?! I can almost imagine those two words echoing in Mary’s mind as she stood confused and agitated. To be favored meant that Mary had been pursued with grace, and was made accepted by God. Both of which could have baffled anyone in Mary’s place. For starters, she was born a woman. Born into a society that believed women were not as important as men, worth only half as much as a man and was less welcomed into the world than a male infant. Not only did her name mean bitterness but it wasn’t uniquely hers as her older sister was also named Mary. Her marriage was arranged and most likely a dowry was exchanged for her. Mary found herself betrothed (legally married) to a man she may have known very little about. And I repeat myself in asking, highly favored?

“'And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.' Then Mary said to the angel, 'But how can this happen? I am a virgin' And the angel answered and said to her, 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. For with God nothing will be impossible.'” (Luke 1:31-35, 37)

Why Mary? What set her apart above all other women? She wasn’t royalty or the daughter of some influential man. The Bible gives us very little about her. She was a woman created by God, and as we will see, her value was found not in her circumstances but in her obedience. Mary was chosen by God to co-labor in the greatest mission of all time. And how exactly was this ordinary gal going to accomplish mission impossible? The angel declared it, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Then Mary said, 'Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." (Luke 1:38)

Mary did not let the obstacles of her past or present hinder this glorious calling. Fear for her marriage, reputation and life did not hold her back from accepting God’s will. And her lack of ability did not cripple her from moving forward into all God had prepared for her.

Much like Mary’s days, the world today tells you that: You are not important, You have no worth, You’re a nobody, and You have no purpose. But God says, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” Yes, YOU! He has created you with a beautiful purpose. He has a great mission just for you. You may already know what it may be and it terrifies you. Dear sister do not fear, for the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. The Holy Spirit is a change agent in our lives, changing the impossible for a mission possible. If you don’t know God’s calling for your life, seek Him in prayer and study His Word and He will reveal it to you.

Last but not least, be encouraged by Mary’s faith. When the angel spoke God’s will to her, she received it. Not because it made sense but because she believed His words (God’s Words). Verse 37 is better translated as this, “For with God every Word is possible.” If God declares something, it will get done. Every word that God speaks has the power to fulfill itself. So why complicate ourselves and get all worked up when God has already spoken to us? Child like faith un-complicates life. However hard God’s will for your life may seem, remember the words of Zechariah 4:6 “not by might nor by strength, but by His Spirit.”

Do you have a mission impossible story?

P.S. Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3...

Media Commentary: Fickle Facebook

2011-12-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

by Kati Smith

[photo credit]

Recently one of my male Facebook friends updated his status to read: “Two things I don't get about girls and social media: 1. Pinterest. 2. Why girls constantly, temporarily delete their Facebook.”

While I don’t understand boys not appreciating the magical world of Pinterest, I couldn’t help but laugh at his recognition of the fickleness of girls and their Facebook pages. I’d venture to say it was a pretty keen observation on his part—we all have regularly disappearing girlfriends, right?

So what is it about fickle females and Facebook?

I posed the question on my own Facebook page and asked some ladies who’ve erased themselves a time or two from the social media scene to weigh in on the motivation behind it. The responses were both interesting and heartbreaking, and there seemed to be two key underlying factors: The desire (and need) to be engaged in real life, and the realization of the vulnerability of putting your life on the internet.

The first—desiring and needing to engage in real life, sans computer screen—is an issue of practicality for the most part. One young girl commented that she occasionally deactivates her Facebook when she’s facing finals week or has a big project to do. Another college-aged girl commented that she sometimes just wants to actually get out and live life instead of constantly telling others what she’s doing.

With the average person spending 12.5 hours per month on Facebook*—a rather conservative estimate, in my opinion—there’s a certain realization that much else could be accomplished in that same amount of time. It begs the question: Exactly what other things in our life do we consistently devote at least 25 minutes a day to doing, every single day of the month?

The internet is both a great wealth of information and knowledge at our fingertips, and a time-wasting trap that can keep us from being our most productive self or from really investing in real life. Social media takes it to new extremes by both connecting us to other people we might have never known otherwise, yet fostering sometimes shallow relationships with acquaintances and even strangers.

There is truth to the idea that the internet is simultaneously connecting us and driving us further apart. Through Facebook I might connect with 20 “friends”—a.k.a. casual acquaintances—per week, but what would my relationships be like if I spent that same 2.9 hours in face-to-face conversations with friends over coffee? Or what if I spent those same 2.9 hours each week volunteering at my church and really investing in community?

Like almost anything, there is such thing as too much of a good thing. For many girls, it’s just easier to quit Facebook, even if only for a while, to regain some balance in life or finally write that long paper that’s due next week.

The second underlying issue—realizing the vulnerable position you put yourself in when your life is on display—is entirely more devastating.

Recently one of my friends entered into a particularly painful season of her life. Shortly after much of it began surfacing, she disappeared from the Facebook scene. She later re-emerged under a fake name so she could be friends with a select few. When I posed the question about Facebook, she sent me a message with some sobering words. Here’s a snippet:

I found that Facebook became a window for the people in my life who I thought were my friends and support system, to gawk at the car-accident my life was becoming. They would peer in, occasionally make a small comment, but they were lurking to get info that they could manipulate and construe for their rumor mill.

In her case, I can absolutely attest to the truth in her words. I’m even willing to step out and admit that I have used social media in the same way—when you hear a rumor about someone, it’s easy to find their page and get some or all of the details. Putting details of your life on a social site is inviting all of your “friends” in, and depending on your use of privacy settings, it sometimes goes beyond that.

I’m sure we’ve all had those awful Facebook moments—the times when we’ve had to let everyone read that we’re “no longer in a relationship” or see the bad photo we we’re tagged in. I’ve learned on Facebook that I wasn’t invited to a party all of my friends were going to, and even that someone said something mean about me. I’ve found out friends were pregnant or up to no good, that divorces were happening, and the list goes on and on.

My point is that when we put it on the Internet, it can go anywhere. More and more girls are realizing that sometimes it comes with hurt or embarrassment and, worst of all, it’s a gas to the gossip flame.

The best way we can approach Facebook is to remember to limit our time spent and our information shared, and always consider others first. Don’t spend too much time staring at your screen. Call a friend and meet for coffee in person, or pick up the phone and call. Limit the information you put out there—your casual acquaintances don’t need to know all of your business. And most importantly, take great care in not using and abusing social media to get the latest dirt and to spread gossip. Remember there are real girls behind every polished profile picture—be kind.

*Data gathered from this article.

What are your thoughts on this? What's your approach with Facebook and other social networking sites?

WM Spotlight: Meg Bourne

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Rachel Johnson

My name is Rachel Johnson and I am the newest contributor to the Wonderfully Made blog! Natalie Borton is one of my best friends from college, and she invited me to join the team as the WM Spotlight Contributor. I was so excited by her invitation to join a community of amazing women. Thank you for reading my piece!

As the Director of Project Development for the Touch A Life Foundation, I get to meet so many incredible women who are doing profound things all around the world. Meg Bourne is no exception. She hails from Joplin, Missouri, and has discovered an innovative way of combining her passions for art and therapy. Read on to learn more about Meg’s creative mind and her desire to serve others.

Q: Meg, thank you so much for being part of this blog series. Will you give our readers a brief overview of the non-profit organization you founded, Art Feeds?

Art Feeds exists to mobilize creative healing and encourage creative development in children. We are a Mobile Arts Center and community of individuals dedicated to the growth and healing of children through art. Art Feeds, based in Joplin, MO, creates programs for elementary-aged students who have undergone trauma. We work mainly in Joplin and Ghana, West Africa. Art Feeds strives to cultivate an environment where students are empowered to express themselves, which mobilizes creative healing.

Q: From Missouri to Ghana—how great! What caused you to include an international component to your work?

I have always had a heart for developing nations, culture, and travel. I did an internship at TOMS that made me very familiar with different needs in areas of Africa. Through friends I met Pam Cope, Co-Founder of Touch A Life Foundation. I was so inspired by their programs that I approached Pam with the idea of introducing our therapeutic art and creative education to the Touch A Life kids in Ghana. Since they have survived such a severe trauma of being rescued from slavery, I wanted to use Art Feeds programs to help.

Q: Speaking of international work, how did your trip to Ghana impact you?

One way I could describe the little ones in Ghana is hungry. Not in the way of food, but hungry for education, music, movement, books, and all forms of art. They are hungry to learn, read, think, grow, and better themselves. My first trip there was life-changing because not only did I want to satiate that appetite, I wanted to have that same type of hunger in my own world.

Q: What similarities did you notice between the children in your programs in Missouri and the children in the programs in Ghana?

The beautiful thing about being immersed in two very separate cultures is that similarities are presented instantly. Although they are on different continents, both sets of children giggle at the exact same things. Both freely express their love for you with hugs, letters, works of art, and more.

Q: What inspired you to use your passion for art to help others?

It was really just a matter of seeing a need and fulfilling that void with the talents I had. In 2009 I was volunteering in a behavioral disorder classroom where one little boy was falling behind on his work. As I started looking into the problem further, I found that he wasn’t being fed at home, which made him lethargic at school. Obviously this problem was solved in other ways but because art is something I’m passionate about, I began working with him in various mediums with my own supplies. The transformation he was astounding. He thrived in watercolors and as his work and talent progressed, his self-worth grew. It was then that I saw that art was feeding this student emotionally and developmentally, which was just as essential to him as the food he was missing.

Q: And thus Art Feeds was born. How has Art Feeds changed you?

Art Feeds is changing me every day. I never thought I would be running a non-profit organization but it’s just a testament to the concept of meeting a need with the tools that you have. Some days I think someone else should do my job but I think in a way, that was God’s plan. I think He knew that I was just naïve and crazy enough to take this on, and just stubborn enough to not let it fail.

Q: Rumor has it that Art Feeds was the recipient of a gift from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition! Give us the details about that.

I can’t believe I get to say this but THE RUMOR IS TRUE! The Extreme Makeover Team came to Joplin to build seven homes for seven very deserving families who lost everything after the tornado in May. Art Feeds works with the children in two of those families, helping the little ones cope with the trauma from the tornado. During their time in Joplin, Extreme Makeover came to film our programs. While we were working in our community, they asked us to come on set, where they completely surprised us with a Mobile Art Center! It is a 35-foot-long bus that they converted to be fully equipped for our programs. Now we have this incredible tool to go from schools where we conduct programs to camps and weekends art workshops where we host special programs. We are so blessed by Extreme Makeover, CVS, Charity Cars, and the amazing team of designers who made this perfect vessel. The show airs in early January.

Q: People will certainly be inspired by your story and want to know how they can help. What can they do to support Art Feeds?

I ecstatically welcome all new supporters! We are bursting with opportunities to volunteer and donate. You can find our instant updates on Facebook and Twitter. And you can always contact me directly at meg@artfeeds.org.

Featured Cause: A Very Special Christmas Album

2011-12-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Chrissy Watson

Before I tell you about this month's cause, you should know that I LOVE Christmas music. I pretty much know every song by heart. I sing at the top of my lungs every morning and have been heard by actual neighbors. Co-workers, who unfortunately are not as enthusiastic, are annoyed by my sheer joy at the mention of Rudolph, Frosty or any other make-believe character that a glorious song has been written about.

I’ve also been known to play Christmas music nowhere near December or even November. I listen to KOST 103.5 every year and have been on air not once but twice requesting a song or two. Every year after our Thanksgiving nap, my family hauls out all the Christmas decorations (seasonal bedspreads included) and cranks up the holiday tunes.

One of my family’s favorite Christmas albums is titled “A Very Special Christmas.” On the album is a collection of classic Christmas songs sung by whoever the popular artists are that year. I recently discovered some information about these albums that needed to be shared with you girls: the money received from records sold benefits the Special Olympics!

The founding idea for the “A Very Special Christmas” series came from producer Jimmy Iovine’s wife, Vicki. As a way to remember Jimmy’s late father she suggested the record benefit the Special Olympics, the organization for which she was working as a volunteer.

Selling 1 million copies in its first year, the premiere album, A Very Special Christmas, released in 1987, and set a precedent for the following albums, which have generated more than $100 million for Special Olympics—the most ever raised by a benefit recording series.

These albums have allowed the Special Olympics to change lives. Christmas tunes that make a difference...how great is that?

You can purchase the CD’s on Amazon. You can read more about the amazing things that are being accomplished in the Special Olympics thanks to these records here.

A Prayer for the Case of the Mondays

2011-12-05T13:36:00.001-08:00

[photo credit]

"O Christ, I pray thee that today I may be saved from all lethargy, all doding of responsibility; may I be really alive and alive in worth-while things."

Amen.

E. Stanely Jones
Victorious Living

Coming Monday: New Website Launch!!

2011-12-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

Good morning, and happy Friday! We have some very exciting news to share with you: come Monday, we will officially launch our brand new website. Hooray! It's been a long time coming, but it's finally ready to be shown to the world. The image above is a little teaser to get you excited.

Make sure that you check it out on Monday morning at WonderfullyMade.org and let us know what you think. All input is welcome and encouraged, as we want the site to serve you well and be both informative and attractive.

Happy weekending!

xoxo,
The Wonderfully Made Team

What are your plans for the weekend?

Advent Conspiracy: The Art of Reclaiming the True Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

I'm ashamed to confess that one of things I’m looking forward to the most this Christmas is getting some new Lululemon gear and another pair boots—I gave my mom my wish list and she always comes through for my inner diva. See, I’m twenty-eight and I still think I’m the reason for the season! God-honest, soul-checks are never pretty are they?

What if you didn’t get a single Christmas gift this year? Would you really be content? Are Jesus and the blessings He’s given you really enough to satisfy you? How do we reclaim Christmas in a culture that has cheapened the real meaning of the season? Here are few tips, inspired by the Advent Conspiracy, the brainchild of Living Water:

Make that Call, write that Letter. Make a list of your friends and family members you've been meaning to catch up with. Make a commitment to call each one of them or mail them a handwritten note. Your presence in their lives is the best present of all.
Give Your Time. “Christmas is about God giving himself away to the people he loves. Why don’t we do the same?”
Give Gifts That Give Twice. If you’re going to buy gifts, choose to be a compassionate shopper. Think 31 Bits, One Mango Tree, Krochet Kids, Wonderfully Made, Project 7, World Vision, TOMS, or Della…just to name a few!
Spend Less, Give More. Americans spend $400 billion on Christmas every year. Imagine if we all bought less and gave more? This Christmas give to a cause you’re passionate about it and believe in.
Celebrate Jesus. Worship fully. Read the Christmas story. Invite someone to church. Play that Christmas music full-blast and sing with joy.

Do any of these tips resonate with you? In what non-traditional ways would you consider celebrating the Christmas season this year?

Gripping the Ground: Overcoming Negative Thoughts

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Abby Farr

[photo credit]

Have you ever found yourself desperate or discouraged? I'm not quick to acknowledge such negative sounding emotions, but as I've found myself in a season with all of life up in the air, I woke up this morning finally able to identify the yucky feelings I've been having lately.

They aren't constant, but they are whirling around inside of me enough to influence too much of my life. After spending a day at Disneyland—a place proclaimed as the happiest place on earth—only to be 80% present due to the chaos in my mind, I knew I needed to act fast. Being such a visual and tactile person, I knew I needed similar action points. So after consulting a few friends and some personal self-reflection here's the game plan I've come up with:

1. Be positive.
I need to take every thought I have captive and convert any negative ones into positive ones. Otherwise, before I know it, I can create a whole horrible story in my head that never has and probably never will happen. I've found not letting myself finish those stories is harder than I thought since I've never fully treated the issue. In fact, sometimes “going there” to that destructive spot with my thoughts can feel more comfortable than banning those thoughts and making the effort to create an appreciative one instead. But after day one of being very intentional not to, I've been in a much better place, and head space.

2. Get Grounded.
Another idea a couple of friends gave me has to do with getting grounded. One literally recommended grabbing hold of something solid and sturdy when my thoughts or feelings begin to wander to out of control land. The other suggested imagining my feet growing roots deep into the ground. Then my footing will be steady and strong.

3. Feel the feelings.
The third tip, so I don't overwhelm myself with a million and end up doing zilch, is to have my feelings. If I am feeling desperate, for example, it's okay for me to let that feeling sink into my core, and then let it flow out of me. I do this when I'm by myself, even if that means going to the bathroom at a restaurant for a moment. Likewise, I need to be selective with who I share such deep emotions with because not everyone needs or wants to hear it—and venting may only impregnate the exact seeds of feelings I want to pass away. Experiencing my despair rather than trying to suppress it delivers me through that dark feeling place much faster than holding back the emotion altogether.

Each of these ideas help me to move on from painful moments and take charge of my feelings, rather than letting them get the best of me or have any control over a day filled with great hope and potential. I hope these few baby steps I'm beginning to implement will help you when your feelings feel out of wack, too!

What are your strategies for overcoming discouragement?

Drawing the Line: Unwanted Attention

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Kristie Vosper

In the last few weeks I’ve covered the topic of flirting. We’ve talked about flirting for validation, competitive flirting, and the art of putting yourself out there. This week I’d like to address an important part of the flirting conversation: How do you set boundaries when someone is making you uncomfortable by flirting with you when don’t want them to?

I’m not talking about flirting when the love is simply unrequited with someone who is respectful and nice. I want to address the category of behaviors that fall into a disrespectful and unwanted place. I’m talking about flirting that crosses the line.

Our culture raises girls to please others and be nice. How do you please and be nice when someone is almost forcing you to hug them. How can you say “no” to a hug? Isn’t that being rude? Doesn’t everyone deserve a good hug?

Nope. No they don’t. Well, sure they do…but not that kind of hug. They can get their hug somewhere else.

After years and years of being nice to unwanted attention, I was in college when I began to understand the repeated damage my passive behavior was having on my soul. My passive behavior was not to blame for the unwanted affection, but I learned that I could be kind and bold in the same moment and take care and protect myself a little better.

There was a usual crew of college-aged people who would gather at a local coffee shop I’d frequent to study and socialize. Amongst the coffee shop crew of regulars was a guy named Clint. Each time I’d go to study, Clint would come up to me in this fake-sultry “I’m going to be a Casanova and woo you” kind of way. He gave me a feeling that made me want to run away. It wasn’t friendly, it wasn’t even good-flirty, it was just yucky. He always wanted to give me these long, smelly hugs.

One day as Clint approached me after I'd armed myself with some new boundaries, courtesy of my therapist, I said, “Oh, no thank you. No hugs today,” and I put my hand out to prevent him from moving closer towards my body. Did it frustrate him? Probably. I smiled. I was nice. I just didn’t let him step into my physical space and take from me in a way that I didn’t want to give.

I had to let go of worrying about the feelings of someone who was being inappropriate and care more about my heart. I had to learn how to take care of myself and ask to be treated the way that I deserve.

There is a difference between giving and being taken from. Ask yourself the hard questions: Is someone “taking” from you? You’re not there’s to take. Are you afraid of what it would be like if you didn’t just play along?It might seem harmless, but it really isn’t. You’re worth more than this. Flirting, hugs and affection are a way of giving generously of yourself. You want to be the one to give of yourself and guard against being taken from.

Some personalities don’t struggle with this as much as others. As someone who is by nature (and also nurture) a pleaser, setting these boundaries has been a vital part of my freedom and health.

I don’t think we have to resort to mean-girl behavior (but you certainly should if it’s needed) every time we set a boundary. For me, I wanted to be true to who I am. I wanted to be kind, but I also wanted to be firm and bold. It’s amazing how much being polite while you set a boundary shocks people. It’s as if they don’t have a mental category for nice and bold.

Let’s practice together:

“Oh, no thank you. I don’t want your hugs anymore.”
“Please leave me alone. I’m not interested in you this way.”

There have been plenty of instances where a bit more strength is necessary, but if it’s just someone who doesn’t seem to know the line, then they clearly need help finding it. Spelling it out might seem rude, but their unwanted movement towards the precious things you offer the world is all the more intolerable.

Practicing boundaries and making them a natural part of your behavior might take time and practice, but it’s worth the work. Your vulnerability is worth protecting because it is a precious part of who you are.

Steps towards having great boundaries:

Look for role models. Who do you want to become? Who do you see that sets good boundaries but hasn’t let it become a wall around them? Watch their boundaries and learn to make them your own.
Read good books. A starting place would be Boundaries by Henry Cloud.
Find someone to celebrate you. Explain your desire to grow in learning good boundaries with someone you think will “get it” and who “gets you.” Ask them to be someone with whom you can celebrate a boundary set, a conversation had, and the moments when it doesn’t go well. Find people who you can walk the road of freedom with.
Seek help. The roots of my mandatory care-taking and epidemic pleasing ran deep. I needed the help of a great therapist to uncover why I did what I did. I had healing work to do.

Deborah: Mighty Leader

2011-11-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

[photo credit]

Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time. She would sit under the Palm of Deborah, and the Israelites would go to her for judgment. One day she sent for Barak son of Abinoam. She said to him, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: Call out 10,000 warriors from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun at Mount Tabor. And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.” Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.” “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh. (Judges 4:4-9)

In the times of the book of Judges, Israel was a wicked and perverse nation. Having forgotten the Lord their God, the people were spiritually malnourished. Israel was oppressed by their enemies and national chaos was rampant. The Lord brought up judges whose leadership imparted wisdom, temporary restoration, deliverance and rule. They were primarily known for their military victories. A prophet is an interpreter of the times, of the people’s heart, who reveals divine revelations and who is the mouthpiece of God. We read that Deborah was all of the above. And true to the word that the Lord spoke through her, victory was given to Israel and indeed, Sisera was defeated by the hand of a woman.

Deborah is the only female judge recorded in the scriptures. Her wisdom and leadership set her apart in a time when male leadership was lacking and zeal and courage was lost. She is an example to us of obedience as well, for when the Lord spoke; she immediately called for Barak to lead the people in a holy war against their oppressor. Adding on to her list of virtues, she had great courage. Let’s not forget that without hesitation she joined 10, 000 men in a journey to deliver her nation.

There were few people left in the villages of Israel— until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel. (Judges 5:7)

Judges chapter 5 is a song written by Barak and Deborah. Interesting that when she describes herself, she writes as “a mother for Israel”. She does not refer to herself as wife of Lappidoth, prophet, judge, warrior, general or any other term of leadership. She terms herself as mother. Indeed she acted as a mother would towards her children: protecting the people, leading them in the right direction, inspiring righteousness, leading them to a place of restoration. Her strong faith made way for peace in Israel that lasted 40 years.

Whether you are in a leadership role or not, God wants you to be a Deborah in your sphere of influence. We live in a society much like hers, the people around us do as they please; they are wicked, perverse and selfish. There are Christians around us who are spiritually malnourished and have forgotten the Lord. As Deborah did, lets call a holy war and fight this battle for our families, friends and all mankind. Be proactive when it comes to loving the lost and loving the found.

Ephesians 6:10-20 gives us the perfect armor for this battle. Purpose to be honest, just, obedient, courageous, and selfless as Deborah was in her days. May you be set apart by your great faith. And may you be “as a mother” to those around you, inspiring them to righteousness and leading them to the Prince of Peace.

Which of Deborah’s characteristics would you like to have?

More Than a Love Song

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

As a baby of the eighties, I'll never forget the days of being a tiny passenger in my parent's tan Toyota minivan as love songs like Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's "Endless Love" blared in the background. To and from the soccer filed, softball field, McDonalds and school "today's mix 106.5" would keep us company.

As an emo-driven Barbara Streisand song played, I remember vividly asking my parents "Why is every song on the radio about a man and woman in love?" Isn't there something else, something better people can sing about? Even as a pint-sized, freckled-faced tomboy I knew that there had to be a greater type of love—though it would be several years later before I'd encounter it for myself.

Though I'm pretty adept at singing Taylor Swift's entire album in the shower, I prefer to listen to songs that speak of the deepest kind of love humanity has ever experienced.

Above is Josh Garrels (one of my absolute favorite artists) speaking about the love that compels his music and art. You might recognize his unique style in the background music of our Psalm 139 video.

If you haven't already, you better go TREAT YO-SELF and download his latest album "Love & War & The Sea in Between" for FREE. Like right now. You can thank me later!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

[photo credit]

"I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."
Ephesians 1:16-18

What are you thankful for this year?

Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Part Two)

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Bethke

[photo credit]

Yesterday we looked at the fact that every human being, no matter the age or gender, has exchanged the Creator for the created. The fundamental problem with the human race isn't an attitude problem, a psychological problem, but rather an identity problem. We worship everything except the actual one who is worthy of our worship.

Only through Christ's exchange for us can we rid ourselves of the exchange we've made for Him. Today we're going to look at three common areas young ladies tend to make an exchange, and place their identity and worth in something other than the King.

1. Worldly Pleasures & Possessions
First, is worldly pleasures, or what feels good. Rather than defining ourselves as royalty and children of the king, we demote ourselves to slaves. We are simply a slave to our fleshly desires and can’t help but be ruled by them. We are a slave to the newest fashions, a slave to the newest relationship, or a slave to newest parties. Test yourself, by asking, could you go out in public in sweats and no makeup and still feel beautiful and loved by God? If not, you probably have made an idol of appearance.

Here’s the thing though, do they ever satisfy? Never. Worldly pleasures always over-promise, and under-deliver. They never work. Human history is the miserable conveyor belt of humans getting exactly what they desire and going “What?! This is it?! Is this all there is?!” and then repeating that cycle until death hoping the next thing will finally bring rest. Like the verse in the beginning states though, we have every spiritual blessing in Christ in the heavenly places.

You already have everything you will ever need and want! We have all the life, all the blessing, all the riches, all the love we can ever ask for and that is more than enough to satisfy. What could a gadget, a boy, or a party give you that Christ couldn’t give you more deeply? It’s like toilet water. If we were slaves and had nothing better, I think we would actually enjoy and crave toilet water, not caring that it’d make us sick later. So it is with sin. But, we are children of the King that get free, living water (Jesus) that satisfies for eternity. When you have fresh living water, toilet water because less attractive. Let us see Jesus in this way also. Let him become so glorious and attractive to us that sin starts to become less desirable.

2. Worldly Performance
This one is an epidemic in America. Rather than demoting ourselves to slaves, we promote ourselves to the place of God. We are king, we make the rules, what we do is what defines us. Ask yourself, especially if you’re a Christian, do you gain worth from your quiet time, your singing at church, and your moral effort? What is it like when you don’t do these things? Is your joy gone? Do you feel grumpy? If so, you’ve probably made an idol out of your performance.

This has been exceedingly true in my life, especially as of recent. God has graciously been dealing with me and my addiction to the approval of others. I’ve noticed that I have a tendency to perform, speak and write articles not just for the approval of God, but for the approval of man. I get my worth more from what people say about my content, than what God does. It’s intoxicating.

“That we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ…” (Ephesians 1:4-5)

Like that verse says though, He has presented us holy and blameless. He performs, not us. We have been adopted into the royal family, solely because of what he has done. We don’t need to earn anything. Think about a royal family for a second, and the benefits the children receive. Do they not have access to everything the King has access to? Whatever their father owns is theirs—free of charge—simply because they are a child of the King. So it is with Christ! We earn nothing, but inherit everything.

3. Worldly Past & Pain
This one can usually be because of a failure in the first two. Instead of defining ourselves by what we own, or what feels good, we define ourselves by our mistakes and our past. We are merely a sum of that adultery we had, that abusive relationship we were in, that abortion years ago, or that shame and guilt of an incident that still haunts us. We are no different than Adam and Eve who after falling into temptation felt “naked and ashamed” and tried to clothe their nakedness with fig leaves. Aren’t we the same? We might not use fig leaves, but we try to clothe nakedness and shame with the newest shoes, the newest boyfriend, or the newest smartphone.

It’s in those moments though where Christ just softly whispers, “I Love You.” Have you ever let Him graciously say that to your soul? Have you lingered in it? 1 John 2:1 suggests that right in the moment (not after) of your sin, your filth, and your shame God whispers, “I Love You, I am your Advocate.” Because we are in Jesus, even in the moment of our sinning God doesn’t see us in our sin but rather sees us holy and blameless in Christ! That is scandalous grace! And we wonder why Christ was hated and murdered by the religious leaders, that is why. Grace is dangerous, but beautiful. He sees us as if we have already lived a perfect and obedient life. God loves us with the same love He loved His son.

Jesus absorbed all our shame, guilt, and sin on the cross 2000 years ago, stop trying to pay for it yourself. He looks down and says, “It’s paid for, you are mine, you are a child of the King.” Nothing can change that because being a child has nothing to do with activity it has everything to do with identity. If we were an employee, God could fire us when we mess up (like the prodigal son suggested when he returned home and asked the father to make him one of his “hired servants). But, when we are a child of Him, He doesn’t fire us when we mess up He actually gets more intimately aware with situation like every good father does!

So, whoever you are, please rest in the fact that you are His beautiful and holy child. You have freedom to struggle because Jesus bought it for you on the cross. He took your sin, and gives us His righteousness. You are in Jesus, and He is in Heaven, which means you are secure.

Why do you think we are so hesitant to release our other identities and rest securely in our identity in Christ?

Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Part One)

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Jeff Bethke

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ.”(Ephesians 1:3-5)

Think for a second of all the different hats you wear on a consistent basis. What roles define you? For me, I am Jeff the employee, Jeff the athlete, Jeff the roommate, Jeff the son, Jeff the brother, etc. Maybe you’re Katie the hairdresser, Molly the dancer, Caitlin the daughter. Out of all those you thought of, which one if taken from you would hurt you the most? Which one would affect you if changed?

If it’s not the fact that you are a child of God, then you are probably not living how God intended you to live in His fullness. Because, truthfully speaking, being a child of God is the only one that can’t be taken from you. If we put our identity in anything but Christ we are putting our identity in something broken. It will hurt if I lose my job, or my family, or my ability to throw a baseball, but I know that God calls us to put our identity in Christ because we can never lose our status of being a child of the King!

The truth is though we all in one way or another have put our hope in something other than Christ. We have done what Romans 1:25 states by exchanging the truth about God for a lie, and worshiping and serving the created over the Creator. The base fundamental issue with society is in this verse. The reason we struggle, or have sin in our lives, or aren’t living how we were designed to be is because we have exchanged the truth about God for a lie and put our identity in created things. This problem lies at the root of all sin.

So, ultimately you don’t just have an insecurity problem, or a relationship-addiction problem, or a disordered eating problem, but most fundamentally you have an identity problem. You don’t know who you really are. Who you really are has nothing to do with you. It's all about His performance, not yours; His victory, not yours; His efforts, not yours.

Tomorrow we will look at the three predominant areas most young ladies tend to put their identity in besides Jesus. But for now, ask yourself these questions:

What lies are you buying into? What if taken from you would you not be able to survive without?

Ask, Seek, Knock: How to Make Your Dreams Reality

2011-11-21T08:30:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

[photo credit]

This print could not go more perfectly with what I learned this morning. Instead of listening to my usual pump-up 50 Cent-inspired Pandora station (embarrassing, but true), I decided to listen to one of the Mars Hill podcasts by Mark Driscoll. The one I picked was on the Holy Spirit, and I figured it would pass the time nicely.

Not only did it do so, but it also reminded me of a truth that this beautiful print gets across so well: we need to take action if we want to see results. If I want God to make my dreams into reality, I need to ask him, seek him out, and annoyingly knock at his proverbial door.

Let's remember...God is our daddy! He has adopted us as his daughters and he wants us to fulfill our dreams to his glory. If you didn't grow up with a father in your life, this is a tough concept, but regardless of whether we had a good and loving father, we need to go to God in the same way a little girl goes to her beloved dad.

She crawls up into his lap, confident of his love for her; she asks for what she really wants, without using fancy words; and she trusts that whether the answer is yes, no, or maybe, her dad hears her request and is glad that she came to him with it.

Rather than sitting back and hoping that life goes our way, let's be women of God and start making things happen through the power of the Holy Spirit, diligence in prayer and the unending love of our Father.

What are you afraid to ask God for? What dreams are you fearful of pursuing?

One Mango Tree Giveaway WINNER

2011-11-18T07:03:00.001-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

We apologize for the immense delay. Blogger had a few kinks in it and refused to let us post anything from this blog. Thankfully, all is good and fixed and we can make our announcement.

And the winner is...Miss Rachel B

CONGRATS, girl! Email me so I can get your contact information and send you your adorable new clutch.

Thank you everyone else for participating. Happy Friday!

The Vulnerable Art of Putting Yourself Out There

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

by Kristie Vosper

“You’ve got to put yourself out there!” some might say to you. In almost the same breath someone else might say, “Don’t look for love. It comes when you least expect it.”

So which is it? Do you look for it or do you ignore it? Do you flirt with men you like or do you foster an apathy for the thing you want very much?

I believe in being authentic. You want to date someone. Okay. That’s real and good. I suppose it’s a balance like most things.

Putting yourself out there doesn’t need to mean wearing your tightest top to the local bar. It should mean being aware, present, open-hearted and flirting a bit.

I think the advice to “not to look for love” is a suggestion to avoid desperately prowling around for a man to give you attention and affection. This is great advice.

There are universal signals that can be identified as flirting. Generally flirting is constructed in a series of non-verbal and verbal signals we give to each other in order to let the other know that you dig them. You like them…you know…that way.

The first time I put myself out there I was in elementary school. In second grade I had a crush on a boy named Matt in my class. When it came time for Valentine’s day I searched through my Care Bear Valentine’s cards for the most suggestive card I could find. I decided it was on Valentine’s Day that I would reveal to my friend Matt that my feelings ran deeper than just liking playing tetherball with him at recess.

At the very bottom of a Valentine’s card I wrote “I like you” in small printing. I was throwing my tiny little love grenade out into the pile of candy hearts and red lollipops to see if perhaps he would like me back. It felt risky and exciting.

After we’d gone around the room dropping our Valentines into our carefully constructed shoeboxes covered in glittlery heart stickers, I sat with my red fruit punch and sugar cookie, dizzy and embarrassed. “What had I done!!??,” I felt totally vulnerable.

Moments later, distracted by the fun and merriment of opening small envelopes filled with treats, a tap on my shoulder startled me. It was Matt.

Matt looked into my eyes and said, “Thanks for my card,” with a big smile on his face.

I was relieved and embarrassed in the same moment. “I guess he knows. I guess it doesn’t freak him out. I guess that’s good,” I thought to myself.

These days, it seems more complicated than valentine cards with “I like you” at the bottom, but is it?

Most of the time we need to give a green light to the person we like in order to let them know that it’s safe to be vulnerable and make the next move.

Several years ago I dated a man named Jake. Week after week at church we’d share fun conversations, smiles, and good eye contact. I thought I was clear, but he hadn’t asked me out. “Did he like me? Why hadn’t he asked me out on a date?”

I made a card (I’m noting a theme here) and sent it in the mail to him after he had missed a few weeks of church. In the note let him know that I’d missed seeing him. Weeks later (yes weeks…it was agonizing) Jake nervously asked me out on a date. I was thrilled!

Later he admitted that he wasn’t sure if I liked him romantically because of all of the male friends I had at church. I talked to them, I joked with them, perhaps I just wanted to be friends. Risking that step to ask me out was a move he needed a little more reassurance to do. My card gave him that green light. Now he knew I liked him, and the good news was that he liked me too.

I didn’t gain his trust just with the card I mailed. I made good eye contact. I affirmed great things I saw in his character, “That’s so cool that you help feed the homeless. I really respect that.” I smiled at him. I touched his arm while we were talking for just a moment (not too long or it’s weird of course). I communicated with non-verbal and verbal signals that I really liked him.

It’s a bit of a fantasy to expect to be asked on a date without showing some sort of clue to the man you’re interested in. Flirting is about being vulnerable and letting someone know you like them. Shine that smile of yours and open your eyes wide. Risk looking at him across the room for more than a second, and look him deep in the eyes and smile at him. It’s vulnerable, it’s not easy, but it’s good to practice because it’s the way we connect with others…and you might find yourself on a date with your crush if it all goes well.

How have you let someone know you like them? Was it vulnerable? Are you willing to take a risk to “put yourself out there?”

Featured Cause: SheaMoisture

2011-11-14T07:37:00.001-08:00

by Chrissy Watson

SheaMoisture produces skin care, hair care, baby and shaving products. How can this be a cause to support? I didn’t even know it was one until I bought a bottle of their Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Lotion. Initially I picked it up because I saw the word coconut. I love anything and everything coconut. The taste, smell, everything--I love it. In fact, I still didn’t know until after I purchased it and started reading on the bottle. Here’s what I read:

Sofi Tucker started gathering Shea Nuts for sale at the village market in Bonthe, Sierra Leone in 1912. By age 19 the widowed mother of four was selling her Shea Butter, Black Soap and other homemade hair and skin preparations to villagers, missionaries and tourists all over the countryside.

Sofi Tucker was our Grandmother and SheaMoisture is her legacy. Her story is no different than that of millions of poor women in under-developed countries seeking a better life.

With this purchase, you join our family in supporting disadvantaged growers and helping women like our Grandmother rise above poverty to realize a brighter, healthier future for their children.

Not only is this product amazing it supports women in poverty. Oh and did I mention that it has no formaldehyde, no synthetic color, no synthetic fragrance? Also, no parabens, which can mimic the hormone estrogen, that is known to play a role in the development of breast cancer (learn more here). When parabens are applied to the skin and absorbed through the pores they can mimic estrogen in the body. Too much estrogen in the system can result in hormonal mood disturbances, weigh gain, fluid retention as well as the greater potential for breast cancer. Yikes right? As a certified organic product they leave out a ton of other stuff that can cause cancer and harm your skin instead of help it.

Take care of that beautiful skin of yours while also taking care of women in need! SheaMoisture can now be purchased at any Target, Walgreens or WalMart!

Are you more likely to purchase a beauty product if it's connected to a good cause? Why or why not?

More Beautiful Than You Think.

2011-11-11T09:06:00.001-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

I completely agree with this statement. Every day I seem to be reminded of just how small the world is and how connected we all are to one another. You and so-and-so went to high school together? Who knew? Additionally, I am consistently surprised by the unique and unexpected ways beauty shows up in other people.

One minute someone is a completely average person next to me in line, the next minute they purchase coffee for a stranger or pay me a kind compliment and my opinion of them is completely changed. Through one action, they switch from unremarkable to notably kind. That's the beauty we need to see more of. True beauty, which comes from kindness, generosity, love, and joy.

Let's open our eyes, and ask God to show us more of the beauty that's all around us.

When have you encountered beauty in someone else unexpectedly?

Permission to Enjoy: Reflections from a Saltwater Cowgirl

2011-11-10T08:47:00.000-08:00

by Allie Marie Smith

Print by Mae Chevrette

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (Phillippians 4:4)

What is our chief purpose in life? This famous question presented in the Westminster Shorter Catechism is answered with profound simplicity:

To glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.

Most of us girls are well aware of the first part of our purpose. But how often do we intentionally enjoy God with total whimsy and absolute abandon? Like, really, completely, fully enjoy God?

The good and perfect gifts God provides come in two forms - physical (or common grace) blessings and spiritual blessings.

The other day I went horseback riding on ocean bluffs and galloped through canyons, picked wild avocados and surfed tiny waves on a giant red longboard. As a girl who has had my dark days and darker nights, I sometimes feel guilty to have such good days. And sometimes the fear that something horrible is going to happen to ruin it all robs me of joy in the moment.

Me on my ride.

While the physical blessings of that day were momentous, it was the spiritual blessing of being clothed in peace that surpasses all understanding that really made me overflow with joy.

So go ahead - intentionally, purposefully and ridiculously enjoy God today. You have His permission.

What physical and spiritual blessings make you most enjoy God?

I Believe in Pink.

2011-11-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

I stumbled on this print while perusing on Pinterest this morning. It's such a fun and playful little statement of belief from Audrey Hepburn, an iconic beauty for sure. It got me thinking, what do I believe in? Of course, there are the obvious beliefs, including Jesus and gravity. But let's just agree that those are understood, and this is not a complete statement of every belief I carry. After thinking for a few minutes, here's what I came up with:

I believe in women.
I believe that hot tea soothes the soul.
I believe in love that lasts forever.
I believe that bad things can be redeemed in time.
I believe that confidence is the best accessory.
I believe that each morning is a fresh start, and
I believe we are worth more than we can comprehend.

What do you believe in? Share your statement with us!

Loving Your Body Now: Overcoming Conditional Confidence

2011-11-08T07:29:00.000-08:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

This post is actually an article that I recently wrote for Darling Magazine, a soon-to-be-launched online magazine about the art of being a woman. For those of you who struggle with conditional body-confidence (like me), this article is for you:

I’ll love my body when I lose weight. When my skin clears up. When my thighs are slimmer. When my stomach is flat.

We’ve all been there. We’ve all had a conditional love for our bodies. Whether it was in middle school when we dreamed of having more curves, or 10 years later when we cursed every curve on our body. We want what we can’t have, and we refuse to love our bodies until they’re in whatever perfect state our twisted minds want them to be in.

It’s a messy situation. Is it wrong to want to look different? What does it mean to really love our bodies anyway? Is it possible to love a body that isn’t the way we want it to be? These are the questions I want us the dive into together.

First things first, what about wanting to look different? Truly, it’s a natural desire to want what we don’t have. The grass can always be greener, and we will always want something different. Whether we wish we were curvier or skinnier, taller or shorter, we each have a certain size and shape that we’ve been given and we can’t change that. However, I believe the desire for beauty is something everyone is born with, and there is no shame in desiring to be or making ourselves more attractive physically. The key to keeping these changes within healthy boundaries is to stay true to what makes us unique (i.e. wearing clothes that flatter our figure, rather than going on an extreme diet to lose weight). Remember: there’s nothing special about being a copy of someone else.

Secondly, what does loving our bodies even look like? The best way I’ve heard it said is, “Treat your body like you would treat a friend.” This could include some or all of the following:

Feed your body nourishing food and be true to your real hunger.
Buy and wear clothes that fit your body as it is today, not as it was five years ago or will be in a few months.
Use positive language when talking about your body--regardless of if it’s in your head or out loud.

Lastly, how can we love our body if we actually hate it? It’s a paradox, indeed, but if we ever want to have healthy body image, we have to learn to accept the way our bodies look as they are RIGHT NOW. If we can’t love our body today, we won’t love our body when it’s “perfect,” because that idea of perfect will always change.

Look in the mirror today and delight in what you see, even if it's not the reflection that you wish you had. Look at your eyes, your smile, your skin, your hair, your legs. Thank your body for what it does for you and spend this week delighting in the joy of your beauty. You are a woman, and you are beautiful.

What are your strategies for overcoming conditional body-confidence?

P.S. You can find the original article on the Darling Magazine website here.

GIVEAWAY: One Mango Tree

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

Hey girls, it's that time again...giveaway time!! One Mango Tree has so generously donated this beautiful clutch for us to give to one of you lucky ladies. All you have to do is tell us why you want or need it, and we'll randomly select a winner from the group of responses.

Check back on Thursday, November 17th to see if you're the winner!

Why do you want or need this One Mango Tree clutch?

Believe in Yourself

2011-11-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

When have you been held back because of insecurity or lack of confidence in your ability to do something?

PLEASE VOTE FOR US!

2011-11-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Well, ladies, the day has come. It's the LAST DAY TO VOTE for the Giving of Life grant we're in the running for, and we are absolutely in need of your help to push us to the top of the list. The stakes are high--up to $50,000 in grant money--so please take a moment to vote for us here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

With Gratitude,
The Wonderfully Made Team

HerStory Film #2 Recap

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Allie Marie Smith

Tuesday I dodged down the 101 (Starbucks in hand and teal chair in-tow), and headed to the foothills of Los Angeles County to shoot our second HerStory film featuring Kelly Vegas. I first heard Kelly's story at the Breaking Through Conference in Costa Mesa earlier this year - it was heart-wrenching, raw, real, and full of hope.

It was a story I know forever impacted a thousand girls that day and one I knew Wonderfully Made had to help share with thousands more. After Kelly and I hugged and greeted one another, it took us five minutes to realize we had never actually met in person. In the words of Anne of Green Gables - "kindred spirits."

At seventeen, Kelly's battle with anorexia gave her a brush with death when she suffered a heart attack on prom night. Of course there's much more to the story, but today Kelly is healthy and free. She's a gorgeous soul armed with an awesome sense of humor, contagious belly-laughs and a passion for God.

We filmed her story under an oak tree on a private ranch, surrounded by beautiful greenery as the November sun back-lit Kelly's frame, making her look even more radiant.

Thank you for joining us on this journey as we try our best to shoot many more HerStory films in hopes of reaching girls everywhere with the message of their true beauty, purpose and worth. To watch our first HerStory film and learn more about how you, your organization or church can be a part of our film series, click here.

In five sentences or less, tell each other your story.

The Best Kind of Fruit

2011-11-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another." (Galatians 5:22-26)

Which part of this resonates with you the most?

Goodbye Ghosts

2011-11-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

This morning I woke up 30 minutes before my alarm went off. It was a little odd, since it was still dark out and I really had no reason to stop sleeping. Nonetheless, I didn't have another ounce of shut-eye in me. Since Brian was taking full advantage of his final 30 minutes of snoozing, I grabbed my phone and scrolled through Twitter. I read news updates from Mashable and recipes from Cooking Light, just passing the time. Then I stumbled upon a link to a blog post from To Write Love on Her Arms:

It's a clever take on the way our pasts haunt us--very appropriate for it's Halloween posting date. And though at first I thought it would be a bit cheesy, I quickly realized that it carried so much truth. Read for yourself and let us know what you think.

What does it mean when something is haunted? What exactly is a ghost?

It's easy to talk about haunted places. A haunted house. A haunted building. We smile at those stories. We get excited. There is no stigma, no shame. But what about haunted people? Isn't it true that, as people, our lives can become haunted things as well? The past can haunt the present. The past can steal the future.

Isn't that what most of this is about? Something painful in our past? Something breaks or something dies and in living with the pain, we begin to live with ghosts. And by our choices, we either ask the ghosts to leave or we help them make a home. [read more...]

Why do you think it's so difficult to let go of the past?

It's My Body

2011-10-31T08:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween, girls! Today we wanted to share an original poem by Jenni Schaefer that our friend Rebecca Bass-Ching posted on the Potentia blog. We hope you enjoy the beautiful truth she speaks and that this poem will help you continue to make peace with your body...

It’s my body. If I am overweight by societal standards or some height/weight chart, my body does not need to be starved in order to fit in. My body will be the size it is supposed to be if I am taking care of myself. I will not fight it.
It’s my body. If I go out on a date and a guy buys me dinner, I do not owe him a kiss or anything else. A simple, “thank you,” does the job just fine. Despite what society might say, my body is not my currency.
It’s my body. If I overeat at a party today, because the food is just so good, I do not need to restrict or over-exercise tomorrow. My body needs to be nourished, everyday, and never deserves to be punished.
It’s my body. If I have been abused, my body does not deserve to be hated. My body is not disgusting because of what someone else did to me. My body is not something to feel ashamed of or to hide. I cherish my body.
It’s my body. If I am sick, I need to give my body rest and do whatever it takes to get well. My body is not invincible. It is fragile. I must not abuse it with food, alcohol, drugs, or anything else. I must take care of it.
It’s my body. Today my organs are nourished and can function properly. I get enough sleep. I am strong. I do things that feel enjoyable like hiking, swimming, getting a massage, yoga, or even kissing my date — when I choose to do so.
It’s my body. I do not look like you or anyone else. You might be taller or thinner than me. By societal standards, you might be prettier than me. But you are not me. And I am not you.
It’s your body. Respect it. Nourish it. Love it.

How do you respect, nourish and love your body?

Competitive Flirting: When Girls Fight For Attention

2011-10-28T07:00:00.001-07:00

by Kristie Vosper

It was Halloween weekend and I was going to several parties with my girlfriends. If you know much about Halloween parties, you’ll likely agree that they can be permission for many to dress in little outfits and take on a whole new persona. It seems to become a cultural vacation from modesty. Combine this with alcohol, the opposite sex, and a dark night and you have plenty of opportunities to do things you’ll regret the next morning. “Try on some sexy confidence!” the costumes seem to beckon us.

My girlfriends and I were trying to play it cute rather than scandalous, but we all still were dressed a little edgier than we would in any other setting.

A cute boy who had never paid attention to me before had spent Friday night chatting with me, and the buzz from everyone the next day was “Wow? What is going on? Are you guys into each other? I saw you flirting…”

The next night as the Halloween parties continued, my roommate buzzed in wearing her bumblebee costume. In a room full of 100+ twenty-somethings, she zeroed in on my Friday night guy while we were busy dancing and talking together on the dance floor, and swept him away with her long fake eyelashes.

I was furious.

All of the sudden I was awkwardly dancing by myself watching her flirt and giggle and draw close to his Superman costume with her bumblebee striped legs.

Instantly, tears welled up in my eyes and I walked out front of the house the party was bumping inside of. I wanted the black lights and weird goblin drinks to go away. I wanted to go home and most of all I wanted my friend back. “How could she!?” I mused. She was the one who was asking about this new crush only hours before, what had changed? Didn’t she care about me?

There was a verbal girl fight that night on the front lawn. “How could you??” was followed by a list of excuses about how he wasn’t mine and I couldn’t call “dibs” on a guy. Oh the drama we can create!

Because he was paying attention to me, I believe that she decided it was worth even more to grab his attention away. Her thirst for feminine power and validation became even more important than honoring our friendship. I was hurt and pissed. Our friendship was never quite the same again. A trust had been broken that went deeper than the flirting.

Women don’t like to admit it, but competition is just as alive between us as it is amongst a bunch of men in front of the mirror lifting weights at the gym. We can be ruthless and mean, when the truth is that we are in need of loving friendships with each other to build us up and bring us life.

We need to do our best not to flirt with men who are attached to other women. It can be tough to resist the urge to win a battle, but the battle isn’t worth competing in if it isn’t for a good cause. You be you. Be genuine. Be authentic. You will get yours when the time is right.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be the kind of woman that other women trust around their husbands, boyfriends and crushes. I don’t want to be the kind of woman who takes any opportunity to grab at what I can to gain some power or validation at the expense of others.

Dig deep. Know your value so that chronic flirting for validation doesn’t become your trademark.

Going forward: Say you’re sorry, and forgive your friends because it is out of our deep pain that we behave so poorly. Knowing how valuable we are takes time, healing the deep wounds of our lives is hard work. Competitive flirting may give you a high for a minute, but it will never fill you up the way you really need to be known.

When have you witnessed or experienced competitive flirting?

How to Address Modesty During Halloween

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Jeff Bethke

This is part one of a video I put together for you ladies. The video addresses the issue of women's dress during the halloween season.We all notice when October 31st rolls around, all of a sudden girl's clothes get smaller and smaller. This video discusses that, as well as how Jesus applies to the situation and how you don't have to fight for guy's approval and eye because you are already perfectly accepted in Jesus.

Click here to see part 2...

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Red Letter Ink Giveaway WINNER!

2011-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

And the winner is....

CONGRATS, Alison! You're our Red Letter Ink Giveaway winner! Please email me so we can get your info and set you up with a free print.

Thank you everyone for participating--with such a good response, I think it's safe to say we'll be doing more giveaways in the future!

Rhoda: The Messenger

2011-10-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Raquel Rodriguez

In this exciting chapter of the book of Acts, King Herod is persecuting the early church; James is murdered and we find Peter arrested and imprisoned. But the early church continued to meet together and offer prayers, constant prayers for Peter. One night, God sent an Angel to free Peter and led him out of the prison and unto the street. Where was He to go? This is where we pick up:

So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” Now Peter continued knocking; and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. But motioning to them with his hand to keep silent, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place. (Acts 12:12-17)

Not much is shared with us regarding Rhoda. Was she a little girl or a teenager? Was she a believer of Jesus? Was she meeting at John Mark’s home to pray? Was she related to anyone? Who is this Rhoda? The Greek word for girl is paidiskē, meaning a young girl, a damsel, maid-servant, young female slave. We can conclude that she worked at this home and was most likely responsible for answering the door.

When Peter knocks, we read that she recognized His voice. In the Greek, recognize is epiginōskō, meaning thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well. I dare to say that she must have sat and heard Peter’s exhortations, preaching’s and heard of the miracles. We read that upon hearing Peter’s voice she overjoyed and overflowed with gladness, so much so that she forgot to open the door for Him and ran quickly to proclaim the good news.

Can you imagine with me, the excitement in her voice as she tells the praying saints that He whom they are praying for is free and at their door? They mocked her and even accused her of being crazy but she insisted. How far was their faith that even if it were an Angel at the door, they did not react. But Rhoda was persistent.

Rhoda experienced firsthand the power of prayer and the miracle of a life set free. I challenge you today to imitate her. Much like Rhoda we are servants. We serve a great and mighty God. She was surrounded by prayer warriors. Are you surrounded my people who pray? Are you a prayer warrior? Rhoda recognized the voice of a mighty man of valor. Are you able to discern the voice of the Lord? Can you recognize His voice above all others? Rhoda was filled with gladness upon witnessing the goodness of the Lord. When those around you are blessed by God, are you filled with gladness or bitterness?

Rhoda was used by God as the messenger of good news. You are a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the ultimate good news. They lashed out in scorn at Rhoda, the person who told them that their prayers had been answered. Beloved Sisters, the world will lash out in scorn at you but be encouraged by young Rhoda who did not keep silent.

In what ways are you a messenger of good news?

Filling up by Flirting Out: A Five-Part Series on Flirting

2011-10-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Kristie Vosper

There was a girl who I grew up with, we’ll call her Jenny. In every season of life Jenny seemed to win the school popularity contest. She was cool and cute, but it was in high school that I deduced her secret weapon: she was a great flirt.

I watched her one day in the lunch shelter as she flirted her way across a table full of the football team. She wasn’t discriminating as I had been doing, mostly because I was totally unnerved and shy around a large group of teenage boys eating their lunch. She flirted with all of the boys no matter what their social status, attractiveness, or athleticism. I remember being surprised and taken aback as I watched her flash her long eyelashes and a coy look out the corner of her eye touching their knees and calling them by name. Did she really like him? Was she really into that guy? Why did I catch her flirting with an unattractive boy who was not cool or popular? She didn’t come off as slutty, but powerful. Her power seemed to work and so in those days of feeling powerless, I learned to flirt.

I’d play the game, flirting in the grocery store or at school with any semi-attractive man that I could gain some validation from. It wasn’t that I wanted to date most of them, it was truly about finding out if they would look back at me. It was an exchange of validation between the sexes. I learned how to use men for my own validation and I’m quite sure that this is what Jenny in High School was doing too. It was about feeling powerful, sexy and beautiful. I learned how false confidence could feel like adrenaline soothing, for a moment, the soul in so much need of real love.

Before you think I’m blacklisting all flirting and calling it evil, I do think that flirting can be good. It is part of being human. Like almost everything, it can be turned in another direction and be used and abused. It’s hard to draw a hard line in the sand because I think there is something good and well about a man or a woman enjoying the beauty and ascetic of another. It’s a question of intention that we all must wrestle with to know if our motives have shifted to an unhealthy place.

I had another friend in college. By profession, her mom was an impersonator of a famous actress. She traveled to Vegas and did shows all over for money because she looked so much like this famous woman. My friend told me that on the days her mom needed extra attention she would watch to see the color of her lipstick and the cut of her shirt tell the story of how valuable her mom was feeling that day. On those low cut, tight fit, shocking red lipstick days, I imagined that her mother wasn’t all that present to her or anyone, but out patrolling the men in her vicinity looking for some attention and eye contact. I believe on these days her mom felt lonely and wanted to be seen.

I know other girls who simply don’t know how to flirt. They’ve come to me asking “how” as if they feel totally stripped of their sexuality because they learned it was all taboo. If they really like a guy, they don’t know how to communicate that non-verbally. In this case, I think learning to flirt and feeling free to express yourself in this way is good and part of life. You will want to flirt with your husband, it’s part of being alive and sexual. All flirting is not bad.

Let’s ask some questions together: What is flirting? Is it good? Is it healthy? Should we do it? If so, when? Do we have to get so serious and analytical about something that seems harmless and fun?

To live a healthy life of intention and freedom, yes, we do need to look at this topic and bring it into the light. I love to flirt, but over the years I’ve had to learn how to be a healthy flirt so that my worth and value are coming from the right place. I know when my flirtation goes in the wrong direction and uses others for validation with no intention of following through with what my eyes might be suggesting.

Let’s have eyes that are authentic and wide to the world, showing our true self and the light we have inside. Let’s not be women who use others to fill the empty places inside of us. To great men, our kind eyes and pure hearts will be the thing they are looking for most. Sultry glances will only fill us for a moment, but truly knowing our value takes time and goes the distance.

Upcoming Blogs in this series:

Competitive Flirting
How & When to Flirt
Self-Esteem & Flirting: Healthy Validation
Boundaries for Unwanted Flirting
Intentional Living: “He doesn’t just flirt with anyone, he must like you!”

If there is another aspect of flirting that you think we should cover, leave a comment below and we’ll take it into consideration.

Get honest with yourself: When do you flirt and why?

Beauty to Pursue

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Arielle Royer

In what non-physical ways do you pursue beauty?

Crags & Clay

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Standing up from crags and clay
The peaks of earth
In full display
They break the lines
That break the sky
That’s full of life
Full of life

The chaos of creation’s dance
A tapestry, a symphony
Of life himself
Of love herself
It’s written in our very skin

All praises to the one who made it all
Who made it all
All praises to the one who made it all
And finds it beautiful

Soil is spilling life to life
Stars are born
To fill the night
The ocean’s score
The majesty
Of sculpted shore
Mystery

All praises…
Fearfully and wonderfully and beautifully made

Whales for Life

2011-10-20T07:00:00.001-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

One of the many reasons I love my girlfriends is that we email each other regularly--whether to check in, to share news, to pass along links or YouTube videos. On Thursday, Erin sent us an email titled "whales for life" with a link to a post from the Sunnie Brook beauty blog. In the post, Sunnie included a story she read on beauty that was oh-so-profound and true. Read and be inspired...

A while back, at the entrance of a gym, there was a picture of a very thin and beautiful woman. The caption was “This summer, do you want to be a mermaid or a whale?”

The story goes, a woman (of clothing size unknown) answered the following way:

“Dear people, whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, seals, curious humans), they are sexually active and raise their children with great tenderness. They entertain like crazy with dolphins and eat lots of prawns. They swim all day and travel to fantastic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea or the coral reefs of Polynesia. They sing incredibly well and sometimes even are on CDs. They are impressive and dearly loved animals, which everyone defend and admires.

Mermaids do not exist. But if they existed, they would line up to see a psychologist because of a problem of split personality: woman or fish? They would have no sex life and could not bear children. Yes, they would be lovely, but lonely and sad. And, who wants a girl that smells like fish by his side?

Without a doubt, I’d rather be a whale.

At a time when the media tells us that only thin is beautiful, I prefer to eat ice cream with my kids, to have dinner with my husband, to eat and drink and have fun with my friends.

We women, we gain weight because we accumulate so much wisdom and knowledge that there isn’t enough space in our heads, and it spreads all over our bodies. We are not fat, we are greatly cultivated. Every time I see my curves in the mirror, I tell myself: “How amazing am I?!"

Regardless of my size, I pray that I will be like the whale described in this story. What a beautiful picture of what really matters in life--of what is truly beautiful and worth living for. Ladies, let's stop trying to be mermaids and start living the whale's life!

How does this story affect your view of beauty?

Red Letter Ink Giveaway!!

2011-10-19T07:00:00.001-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Hey girls! Today is your lucky day because we are doing a giveaway from Red Letter Ink, whose work you might recognize if you read our last post on true identity (the image is one of their beautiful prints!!). I know what you're thinking now...How do I enter?!?

Head on over to their etsy shop and browse around.
Pick your favorite print and tell us why you love it.
Check back on Wednesday, October 26 to see if you're the winner.

Did you check out the Red Letter Ink Etsy shop? Which of the Red Letter Ink prints is your favorite and why?

P.S. Here's some more info about Red Letter Ink and their founder, Aimee...

Aimee has loved art from very early on, according to her mom. She was always the one making posters for various events at church or in the neighborhood, and always came up with creative, homemade gifts for family and friends as a child. So it was no surprise when she declared her college major in the field of graphic design. After earning her degree, Aimee worked in corporate America as an in-house graphic designer for several years.

She left her full-time job shortly after the birth of their second child, when she and her husband received a heart-wrenching diagnosis of a neurological disorder for their eldest child who had just turned 2. But as He always does, God had a plan and provided freelance work so Aimee was able to manage multiple therapy appointments each week with their daughter while running her freelance graphic design business, which flourished.

Deep down, Aimee's desire had always been to use her gifts to create artwork grounded in scripture--especially as scripture provided so much comfort and hope to Aimee and her husband as they dealt with the challenges and uncertainty that comes with having a child with special needs. That dream finally came true in April 2011 when Aimee started her second business, Red Letter Ink. She's excited to continue on this journey to see how God is going to use this business to bless others!

True Identity

2011-10-17T09:47:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

I attend a women's bible study on Tuesday mornings and have been blessed with a wonderful small group leader and group of peers that I look forward to meeting with every week. Last week, our leader Spring handed out fun, homemade bookmarks for us all to take with us. They were left over from the study on the book of Ephesians she'd done in the summer, and covered with affirming truths from Scripture about our identity in christ. At the bottom is an excerpt from Victory Over Darkness by Dr. Neil Anderson:

"The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity."

Today, let's dwell on and reaffirm our identity in Christ...

I am accepted...

I am God's child. (John 1:12)
I am Christ's friend. (John 15:15)
I have been justified. (Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord and I am one spirit with Him. (1 Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price. I belong to God. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
I am a member of Christ's body. (1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a saint. (Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God's child. (Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18)
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. (Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ. (Colossians 2:10)

I am secure...

I am assured that all things work together for good. (Romans 8:28)
I am free from any condemning charges against me. (Romans 8:31-34)
I cannot be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
I am hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3)
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected. (Philippians 1:6)
I am a citizen of heaven. (Philippians 3:20)
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me. (1 John 5:18)

I am significant...

I am the salt and light of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-14)
I am a branch of the true vine, a channel of His life. (John 15:1,5)
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. (John 15:16)
I am a personal witness of Christ's. (Acts 1:8)
I am God's temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16)
I am a minister of reconciliation for God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
I am God's co-worker. (2 Corinthians 6:1)
I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realm. (Ephesians 2:6)
I am God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10)
I may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:12)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Did you know these truths before? Did you learn anything new about your identity in Christ?

You Are More

2011-10-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

In the case of those who struggle with disordered eating, the standard of legalism might be to be ‘model thin’ to achieve a certain weight at all costs, or to believe that when we ‘lose’ weight, life will be perfect and we will be free from all our problems. When we adopt external methods to constrain our behavior, we’re buying the lie that victory can be won with our self-will.

While ‘losing weight’ might result in an immediate increase in our sense of self-worth and value, it is temporary and does not change the deep-rooted feeling that we are irredeemably flawed nor does it satisfy our silent hunger for intimacy with God.

Judy Halliday, Thin Again
(Co-Author of HEAL & Author of Thin Within & Thin Again).

Has the scale ever been your enemy? How did you overcome (or how are you currently overcoming) that?

Identity: Who Am I?

2011-10-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

What do you identify yourself by? What makes you who you are? Is it your relationships? Your major or college degree? Your profession? Your strengths? Your weaknesses? It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our worldy identity and forget our primary identity–our identity in Christ. We are HIS. We are created by Him and for Him. We are dead to ourselves and alive through His Spirit.

I discovered a “Prayer of Identity” in a book a read a few years ago, which goes something like this...

I am not (my relationships)
I am not (my training/degree)
I am not (my job)
I am not (my gifts)
I am not (my failures)

Here's my personal Prayer of Identity:

I am not a wife, daughter, grandchild, or mentor.
I am not a communications expert.
I am not a Director of Marketing, a writer or speaker
I am not intelligent, funny, organized, insightful or passionate.
I am not envious, judgmental, selfish, controlling or impatient.
I am none of these.
I am a naked soul clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Try this exercise for yourself. Who are you?

She Needs Us: Girls, Self-Hatred and Toxic Hazardous Culture

2011-10-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

by Kristie Vosper

This summer I was talking to a young woman in Malibu about the pressures she says the girls are facing at Malibu High. I know well that Malibu High is just one of the many many high school campuses where girls are epidemically struggling in a prison of self-hatred when it comes to their bodies. As someone committed to working with women to help them recover from this problem, as I have, I wanted to listen well to this girl.

She is 15, beautiful and articulate. I asked her permission to share this story and she has given it to me willingly. A few months ago she was approached by a modeling agent who said they would like to bring her on board. Once that conversation began, the agent said to the 15 year old girl, "you'll need to lose about 30 pounds first."

This girl doesn't need to lose a pound. Seriously.

She looked at me with a rare confidence as she told the story. She said,

"Kristie, I just didn't want to get into that kind of thinking. I know my body is healthy and I am at an ideal weight for my height. It just made me so sad that this is the standard."

The next part of what she said is the part that haunts me to this day: With a serious, and undramatic matter-of-fact tone she said,

"You know, here's the thing: Each summer a whole group come back from vacation thinner. Their clothes hang on their bodies. Their bones stick out. I look around and I think, 'we're creating our own holocaust,' and is anyone doing anything about it!?"

Here is a video my friend Hugo Schwyzer and the wonderful people at Heathy is the New Skinny put together. It is a message to the fashion industry, and a message to each one of us. They're doing something, Wonderfully Made is doing something, and it makes me excited. Watch, share, spread the word. Our girls are dying inside and many on the outside...and we must do something.

What do you think about "Healthy is the New Skinny"? Do you think the fashion industry will ever change?

P.S. Have you downloaded Allie's Body Beautiful App yet? It's the only iPhone app that promotes positive body image and self-esteem among women and girls!

Morning Renewal

2011-10-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

I love mornings. They are certainly my favorite time of day, and what I look forward to every night as I fall asleep. As my dear friend Kenna once said to me, "It's as if you wait all night for morning to come." It's sort of silly, but also somewhat true.

I like mornings for a variety of reasons: breakfast, crisp air, hot beverages. But the main reason is the feeling of renewal. Each day is fresh and brand new. What happened in the past is gone, and you have nothing but the future ahead.

We no longer need to give in to our bad habits or the sin we seem to fall into over and over again. With a new day, there is grace and the opportunity to take another step toward the women we were created to be.

When do you feel most renewed?

Featured Cause: Project Night Night

2011-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

by Chrissy Watson

In my house, in my closet, in a box marked, "Keepsakes" is a blue baby blanket I've had since the day I was born. While pregnant with me my mom made this blanket. She hoped and prayed I would be a girl and thought if she made a pink baby blanket, with her luck I would come out a boy.

I slept with my blue blanket every night, it kept me warm, and comforted me. I remember going to church camp for the first time and taking it with me. Yes, if you're wondering, I was in 7th grade.

Even now when I stumble across that blanket I feel loved and so blessed to have it. I think we all have something we slept with when we were kids, something we treasured and couldn't sleep without. Take a moment to think what that was for you and I'll bet a smile comes across your face at that memory.

Little things like that in life make us who we are. They're in our hearts forever.

I want to introduce you girls to an awesome cause that is doing powerful things in hopes that those memories can live on forever, in the heart of every child.

Project Night Night donates over 25,000 Night Night Packages each year. A Night Night Package contains a new blanket, a children's book, and a stuffed animal. This organization has one goal- to deliver Night Night Packages to every homeless child in the country who needs one.

Check out their website for more information on the organization and ways you can get involved. There are so many ways we can comfort these homeless children! Let's start by giving them something they will remember and carry in their heart forever.

Yearning for Joy

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Over this past year, there have been quite a few tragedies in Brian's and my circles of friends. From death and sickness to tough friendships and trouble at work, so many people seemed to be having a rough season in 2011. The always inspiring C.S. Lewis once wrote,

Human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.

It's tragic but true. How often have you looked back on your life (or looked at the present) and realized that you are desperately searching for joy and happiness in all the wrong places? Your boyfriend, your family, your grades, your job, your clothes--none will ever satisfy the yearning for joy that is deep in your soul. That, girls, can only come from the one who created you to yearn for it. You may be one of those people who is in a rough season.

Maybe you are battling with lies about your self-image, maybe you feel dissatisfied with your daily work, or maybe you just feel apathetic about life in general. When I feel that way, I like to remember that we were made to live fully alive and to have life abundantly. If we aren't experiencing it now, we will experience it in time. God is a redeemer and a healer. He comforts us when we're down, and promises to renew all things in time.

"I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow." (Jeremiah 31:13)

What have you turned to (or are you currently turning to) in order to satisfy your soul's yearning for joy?

A Force of Beauty

2011-10-05T07:09:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Last week I got an email from my dear friend Shawna about a commercial that I just had to watch. It's part of the new Bare Escentuals ad campaign, Be a Force of Beauty. Those of you with the luxury of cable television may already have seen this commercial and realized what a gem it is, but for the rest of us still depending on Netflix for our entertainment, this is for you--it's a message I want us all to grasp!

Pretty is not enough. Pretty is nice. It's fine. Pretty can turn heads. But beauty? Beauty can change the whole world. Pretty is what you are, but beauty is what you do with it. Pretty lifts spirits. Beauty makes them soar. So smile. Be bold. Show your beauty. Because when you put pretty into action, there's no limit to what you can do.

So girls, are we going to settle for pretty, or are we willing to step forward into lives of beauty? Will we change the world, make spirits soar, be bold, and show our real God-given beauty to a world that yearns for it? I sure hope so.

What steps can we take to move from our obsession with pretty into a pursuit of real beauty?

Five Ways to Love Yourself Today.

2011-10-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton

Good morning, girls! Hope you all had a restful weekend and are feeling refreshed. Today I want to share with you some wisdom from author and women's advocate Jess Weiner. According to Jess, "True confidence is earned over time through your thoughts, actions, and experiences." Below are five ways she recommends for us to love ourselves right now...

Forgive. Forgive yourself. Forgive others. Forgive your parents. You get the drill. But when you begin to let go of resentments and regret you begin toimmediately feel lighter and more loving. Now, forgiving isn’t the same as forgetting – so take some time to dig up any old or recent issues you’ve buried and confront them head on.
Take small steps of action. Can’t stand your job? Revamp your resume. Feeling bad for not spending enough time with your kids? Log off the computer right now and play with them! Unhappy with your physical wellness…strap on your sneakers and take a walk. Get out of your head and into your life. Taking an immediate action when we feel bogged down mentally – will help you move the energy in a new direction.
Practice grace daily. You know that nasty nagging voice in your head? The one that says you can’t do anything right? Well tell it (gently) to go take a hike! Grace holds the space for things to be in progress, imperfect, and messy. Practice daily Grace and like a muscle, the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes.
Pay attention to your body. Yes, that vehicle of flesh, blood, and bones that carries you around from one amazing experience to another needs your attention! Stop bashing it, ignoring it, neglecting it, or abusing it. It wants love just like you do. And part of loving your body is really tuning into it. Learn its cues: when you are tired, rest. When you are hungry, eat. When you are stressed, breathe. (See step #2 Take Action). It really can be that simple.
Make friends with patience and progress. Becoming buddies with the qualities of patience and progress will help you roll more smoothly through life’s experiences. Patience (see #3 on daily Grace) is all about allowing yourself to make mistakes, learn and grow, and inviting others to do the same. Remember, happiness is not just a destination in life but a manner of traveling!

Could you add anything to this list? How do you love yourself?

Walking Tall When All You Feel Is Small

2011-09-30T08:58:00.000-07:00

by Allie Marie Smith

I recently had the privilege of hearing one of my biggest role models and inspirations speak. She’s a woman of faith; a committed wife and mother; successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

I had every intention of introducing myself, but I was late to get a seat and the meet-and-greet line was twenty-people deep. I didn’t want to be a bother. I even mustered up the courage to ask a question in front of 240 people, but didn’t act quickly enough.

Five feet away from her, I felt so small. Yet, had I introduced myself I know she would have made me feel important, known and valued – that’s the kind of woman she is.

I gazed at the stage as one of my friends interviewed her – they were both impeccably dressed, poised and articulate. I couldn’t help but think I should be something more than I am.

Make money. So you can buy nice clothes and get manis and pedis. Don’t forget to tweeze your eyebrows. Lose fifteen pounds and read the Wall Street Journal.

I drove home on the 101 through the California fog and felt clumsy and awkward, like a fragile foal just learning to walk amongst a herd of wild horses.

I mourned over a missed opportunity and wallowed in self-pity over the reality that it’s likely I’ll never own a billion dollar enterprise, grace the pages of magazines or get away without wearing Spanx at forty-something (or twenty-eight).

But as God is faithful to do, He taught me something:

Choose to walk tall, even when you feel small.

The truth is God doesn’t need you to walk tall, but as His child, He invites you to walk worthy of the identity He has clothed you with: his treasured possession - beloved, redeemed and cherished.

Stand tall, walk worthy and run your own race – the next lane over has already been taken.

When's the last time you felt small? How can you walk tall?

Ocean Song by Jessica McLean

2011-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

by Allie Marie Smith
I started off my morning with a girls group I'm leading using our friend Christina DiMari's bible study "You're Designed to Shine." It's quickly becoming the highlight of my week. This morning, I played my sweet friend Jessica McLean's music video, "Ocean Song." It's one of my all-time favorite songs (and Jess is also one of my all-time favorite musicians and people!). I realized some of you girls have probably never even heard it so I want to share it with you! Enjoy!

The Widow of Zeraphath: The Baker

2011-09-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Raquel Rodriguez
Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go and live in the village of Zerphath, near the city of Sidon. I have instructed a widow there to feed you.” So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, “Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?” As she was going to get it, he called to her, “Bring me a bite of bread, too.” But she said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.” (1 Kings 17:8-12)
In those days a widow was considered a second class citizen, notorious for their poverty and often going hungry. They seldom had a way to provide for themselves, much less for a guest. Hospitality was more than a friendly gesture; it was and still is a way of life in the culture of the Middle East. For someone who has been instructed to feed a visitor, this widow has shown a lack of hospitality. Rather than keeping busy at home, preparing a warm meal for the sojourner, we find her gathering sticks.
The Widow of Zeraphath is about to use the last of her flour and oil which stood between her son’s and her own starvation, when along came Elijah and told her to make him a cake. Her condition is so severe that she is ready to call it quits and die. Interestingly, she calls God “the Lord Your God,” revealing to us that He is not her God. What is this widow to do: Give the last of her bread to a stranger or to her son?
But Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!” So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her son continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah. (1 Kings 17:13-16)
Not only is the Widow of Zeraphath alone, poor, hungry and depressed but here we read that she was also fearful. Elijah doesn’t seem to care of her social position, economical status and evident poverty. He tells her not to fear and because it was the word of the Lord God that promised her food throughout the famine, she obeyed even though it was at a great risk.
Like the Widow of Zerapath, are you found alone? Abandoned? Depressed? Empty? Helpless? Hopeless? Hungry? Thirsty? Ignored? In physical poverty? Spiritual poverty? Knowing of God but not knowing God? Are you at your wits end? It may just be that like the Widow of Zerapath, the Lord is asking you to make Him a cake, to offer the little that you have?
Elisabeth Elliot put it best:
“Make me a cake.” In other words, Elijah said: There is one thing you can do. Even from your poverty, you can give me something. It may not SEEM like much, but it is the very thing I need. If you will give it to me I can do something I could not do without it. When all we have to offer seems pitifully small and woefully poor, we must offer it nevertheless, in obedience like the widow’s, and in the simplicity of a little child who brings a crushed dandelion to his mother. The child is not bitter and resentful at the poverty of his offering.” –A Path of Loneliness
The Widow of Zerapath gave the scraps she had left. The effects of that obedience went far beyond her imagination. Imagine what the Lord can do with the little you give Him. Now imagine what He can do with your loneliness, your emptiness, your poverty, your hunger, your helplessness, hopelessness, brokenness and restlessness if you would hand it over to Him.
Why do you think it's so difficult for us to hand over our needs to God?

Media Commentary: The Emmy's

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Kati Smith
Hollywood’s big awards shows are always fascinating to me. Watching the stars come down the red carpet, I can’t peel my eyes away from the TV. The lights are flashing and everything from the diamonds and satin to the flawless skin sparkles and glows. I’m mesmerized by the glamour and the A-list couples and all of those designer gowns.
Then the show is filled with camera shots of beautiful, happy, laughing stars. They give (usually) well-crafted, sincere, tearful acceptance speeches and cheer for their peers. The whole thing can feel so magical.
Last week I was traveling while the Emmy’s were on, but I hopped on my laptop in the airplane to see the photos and follow along. Kate Winslet’s red gown made me almost gasp—and so did the appearance of the entire cast of men from Entourage in slick black suits and skinny ties, if I’m being honest. From what I could see in the photos and articles, this year’s awards were much the same as always—glamorous.
Yet as I was clicking through the images and reading about it, I saw something I hadn’t really seen before…
For every sparkle and perfect hair day, there’s a “Worst Dressed” worthy outfit and a bone thin actress feeling uncomfortable in her own body. For every tearful acceptance speech there’s embarrassment and feelings of inadequacy or injustice. The host tells jokes that are funny for a moment, unless you see that they are usually at someone’s expense.
It’s so easy to be enthralled with the glamour and magic that we see and feel in the carefully crafted moments of television, or music and movies. Celebrity is a whimsical idea in that it is just beyond our reach at any given moment. Something whispers to us that if we had just the right moment or tried just a little harder, we might look that way or enjoy the same success.
The harm is becoming too engrossed in it all is when we start to compare. Anything just beyond our reach feeds our discontentment. Inevitably the feelings arise of not being beautiful enough, thin enough, poised enough, polished enough, or just enough. There is no real harm in watching and being entertained, but keeping a sense of reality is so important. These Hollywood stars are just people—people who are airbrushed and hidden behind roles and publicists to create a hollow shell of a perfection. When we hold ourselves to these same standards, we are attempting to become something that doesn’t exist.
It just echoes the old saying, “All that glitters isn’t gold.”
Does your self-image change after you view awards shows or look at magazines? How so?

Contract Signing & Bible Study Planning

2011-09-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton
On Friday Allie, Christie, Kayla and I met at the W Hotel in Westwood to plan our outline and assign chapters for the bible study we're writing this fall for Wonderfully Made! We signed our contract, prayed for guidance about the study, and worked through all of the logistics, like what voice we'll use in our writing, what each chapter is about, and who will be responsible for each chapter.
Though we planned to spend the whole day planning and discussing the study, we didn't anticipate watching a photo shoot in the middle of the hotel! We had the honor of meeting the nice photographers from Life + Dog Magazine, actress Mary Lynn Rasjkub, and her cute pups Ginger and Emily. What a fun surprise!
We'll be asking for your input as we begin the writing process, so keep your eyes peeled for your opportunity to be part of our bible study in the coming weeks.
When have you seen the Lord open doors in your life in ways you hadn't imagined?

How Modesty Campaigns Objectify Women (Part Two)

2011-09-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

by Jeff Bethke
Yesterday we looked at how sometimes a good thing (modesty) can turn into a God thing (idolatry). In part two we will look at two reasons why I think we fall into the trap of modesty legalism.
Everything Caters to the Men
Imagine if men were subject to women’s “stumbling block” argument as much as women are to men? Imagine if a woman’s heart was cared for, cherished, and defended with the same tenacity that Christians defend men’s purity? You would certainly hear a lot less sermons about women having to dress a certain way, and more sermons about guys needing to repent of flirty text messages late at night with a girl he has no intention of pursuing. Maybe rather than girl’s having to pass the “skirt test” in the hallway, the teenage boys would have to pass the “text message test” by having their Christian teacher read through them everyday. Imagine that?
It is sad how much of the Christian theology centers on the man being helped and defended. Women are constantly told to dress in a way that makes the mennot “stumble.” Now it is extremely encouraging from a guy’s point of view when you can tell a woman is dressing in a way to honor and help a brother in Christ. But, a lot of times this is just a cop out for guys to not deal with their unrepentant lust, sexual sin, and heart issues. It is following in the footsteps of their first father Adam who didn’t take responsibility but instead blamed his wife (Genesis 3).
The truth is a guy can lust or think sinful thoughts about a woman if she were fully covered head-to-toe. No matter what a girl wears the guy has a choice whether he will let Jesus and the power of grace rule in his heart, or if he will let his flesh rule over him. So women, dress modestly, but don’t become a slave to a man’s eyes, become a slave to Jesus.
We love Rules and Regulations, not the Spirit
No matter what the issue is, we as humans prefer rules, regulations, laws, and checklists to Jesus himself. Rather than asking the Spirit what the real issue is inside a woman’s heart, we simply want them to externally modify their behavior. We love to live by the letter of the law, and not the Spirit of the law. We do this because the rules are easier and quicker. But please take note of this one simple truth; a woman must have her heart changed, before her clothes ever will.
Trusting the Spirit takes constant communion, relationship, praying, etc. We can make rules and adhere to them whether the Spirit is absent or not, but to live by the Spirit means you must have a real, intimate, and lively relationship with Him in order to be in communication with Him. This does take time and effort, but the change that occurs here is real, deep, and lasting. If we are only after behavior modification and not the heart, we’ve lost the point completely and are in the same sin as the promiscuous dressing girl, just with a different bent. This is why I love Jesus; He is the perfect solution and antithesis to both religion and rebellion.
Solution
Trust the gospel, and no longer submit to a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1). Don’t feel that your standing before God is in exact parallel with how you dress. You are clothed in perfection because you are in Jesus, not because you dress modestly. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Above that though bring glory to God through your clothes. Dress in such a way that points to your Savior and Creator, not yourself. Because as mentioned above, even sometimes modesty campaigns can be all about you, when God calls us to dress in a way that’s all about Him.
On a practical level, ask your husband, boyfriend, or a guy who is a “brother figure” about this subject. I think this type of guy usually knows you enough to have an honest conversation about what is helpful, what isn’t, and what brings the most glory to Jesus. Lastly, attack the heart of the issue and ask the Spirit to reveal where something may need to change. Remember that clothes (and the attitude that puts on those clothes) are simply an outflow of what’s in the heart. So, ladies, let our Savior’s grace, rather than your righteousness, be exalted through your dress.
How does this impact your view of modesty? Will it change the way you look at how you get dressed in the morning?

How Modesty Campaigns Objectify Women (Part One)

2011-09-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning, girls! Today is our first-ever post from our new contributor Jeff Bethke. He will be regularly sharing thoughts on purity from a guy's perspective, and we hope you'll enjoy this new point of view and his refreshingly honest style.
by Jeff Bethke
Ladies, can I talk to you as a brother real quick? I more than anyone is for girls dressing modestly, but I think we are in danger in the future if we don’t realize a few things. I came across a recent article that argued modesty standards are sometimes just as sinful as girls who dress promiscuously. I wholeheartedly agree, but first let me explain.
Because promiscuity is so prevalent today us in the church have reacted by elevating modesty to unhealthy proportions. We jump too quickly into behavior modification and don’t realize that most of our modesty campaigns are actually borderline legalism.
One rule in particular that “Christian” schools, universities, and clubs like to enforce is the “skirt test.” It usually involves the woman getting on her knees to see if the skirt touches the ground, which if it does it’s deemed acceptable. My question though is what are we doing in that moment? Is the gospel being exalted or are we heaping shame and condemnation on them?
The fact that she is on her knees for the test couldn’t be more symbolic of submission, power, shame, and guilt. The trouble, however, is that while modesty standards are set up to not make women’s bodies an object, it is in fact doing that very thing.
Highlighting the girl’s dress in front of everyone, and telling her she should dress a certain way because she doesn’t want “to make the men stumble” is simply making her an object. In the body we need to realize using men’s sin and lust issues as the reason why a woman should dress a certain way is actually making her just as much an object than if she were to dress promiscuously.
Now am I saying a woman should dress promiscuously? Hear me emphatically say NO. There is nothing more attractive to me than a woman who dresses in a way that brings attention to her face, not her body. But, I am arguing that we must be on guard against our hearts natural inclination towards legalism.
Every lady should ask herself when getting dressed, “am I getting dressed thinking about God’s gaze upon me or someone else’s?” Because the truth is whether you dress to be looked at modestly, or you dress to be looked at promiscuously, you are still dressing to be looked at by someone other than your Creator.
Let me say this loud and clear ladies: you are not an object! Dressing so “church people” will accept you or dressing so guys will gawk at you is the same sin—becoming a slave to the praise of man. Tomorrow we will look at two reasons specifically that usually lead to this idolatry of modesty, and propose the solution to how we can live with the proper biblical tension on this subject.
Have you experienced idolatry to modesty? How so?

Food: Enemy or Friend?

2011-09-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

by Natalie Lynn Borton
Good morning, girls! How was everyone's weekend? Brian and I just got back from what seemed like a month-long vacation, and strangely enough, I feel glad to be back into the routine of daily life. I loved relaxing lakeside and poolside as well as seeing friends and family, but I've missed being home. It's nice to sleep in our bed, go for a walk around our neighborhood, and sip coffee on our balcony again. I love home sweet home.
Today's post is about having a healthy relationship with food. A while back I read an article from Women's Health Magazine called "Why We Love Food", which shed some light on the social, cultural and biological factors that impact how we eat. At the end they share some helpful tips for befriending food again and I wanted to share it as an encouragement to any of you who have struggled with food issues in the past, or are currently struggling with them.
You can't alter your DNA, change your cultural background, or turn back the clock and make your pregnant mother drink vegetable juice. But now that you understand how these and other factors influence the way you eat, you can work toward making each new experience with food a pleasurable one. It's a matter of giving yourself permission to enjoy what's on your plate instead of fretting that you're not eating the right thing, the right amount, or the right way, says Lombardo. Here are some other tips:

Focus on your food.
You may not have time to savor every bite of every meal, but turning off the TV and sitting at a table will help you take more pleasure in your food.

But don't be hypervigilant.
"Being too aware of what and how much you eat can turn you into a food obsessive," says Wansink. "Not to mention that having a mind-set of 'If I walk two miles, I can eat this many chips' is a terrible way to live."

Don't tell yourself no.
Deprivation diets set you up for failure. "It's a lot more liberating to say 'I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want, as long as I know how much I actually want,' " says Wansink.

Listen to your gut.
If you like steak, order it, even if everyone else is having salad.

Don't take on others' emotional static.
"Repeat this mantra: 'I choose to enjoy this food,' " says Lombardo. At the end of the day, each of us has to decide for ourselves if food is the enemy or a dear friend.
How does this change the way you view your food?

Imagine if You Knew...

2011-09-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

by Allie Marie Smith
Imagine if you really knew this. Like didn't just know it to be true, but really believed it with every ounce of your being. How would your life be different than it is today?