Exemplify August Issue

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE Book Giveaway & Sanctuary Contest Prize Details!

The Single Journey a new column

living lives that glorify

Interview with... Naomi Carroll a new column

Counter Cultural: Teaching our Children to Pursue Holiness

How To...Fight Fair a new column

© Exemplify 2009

Editor’s Letter

August 3, 2009

from the desk of Kristen Schiffman

“As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy." Pilates works my abs. I should know the drill by now. Last week I was sore from my powerhouse workout for about five days! This morning as I was getting ready to put my muscles to the test, my abs were begging me to put them into early retirement. Every single Pilates movement and exercise targets the abs – your "core" or "powerhouse". The whole workout I listened to the instructor say, "Keep breathing. Focus on your core. Focus on your powerhouse. Focus, focus, focus!"

Today I found myself mumbling back, much like the people of Israel as they wandered through the wilderness. "You are doing this ab-focus-thing to kill me aren't you?" "I'm going to die here- sure, my "core" will be hard as rock, but my blood will no longer be pumping through my veins!" "I see a bright light…I think Jesus is here for me. Jesus, is that you?" All of this was said as I engaged my powerhouse during The Hundred, The Single Leg Stretch,

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The Plank, The Saw, The Spine Stretch…and the list goes on. I must have engaged my core for seven solid hours. Ok, in reality it was exactly one hour. I did have on my cute sweatpants -- which in my opinion makes a workout a real workout and worth it. You can ask anyone, I consider 90% of the fun of staying in shape, to be the workout gear. I have warm, feather vests for outdoor winter walks, Pilates pants for Spring, cute sneakers that make stretching to your toes worth the three foot trip.

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE If I am going to have to exercise my powerhouse, I might as well look good doing it. All of this core-strength talk has me thinking. In our spiritual walks, abs are not our powerhouse. The Holy Spirit is. I think so often we look at our biblical calling to be a holy people and feel discouraged. We forget we’ve been given everything we need to live this life for the glory of Christ.

I am pleased to feature articles written by Mary Pielenz Hampton of Refresh Moments, Elaine Olsen of Peace for the Journey and paula whitehouse of Paula’s sharing spot, as well as introduce you to Exemplify’s newest columnists:

Assistant Editor/Family Columnist Andrea Mitchell In 10 Minutes or Less Carol Moxley

• Wendy Miller • Judith Roberts • Christy McGraw • Victoria Jenkins

I am also happy to announce our new editor’s letter! If you are interested, you can read the details on the front page of our website and sign up for a weekly We forget we’ve been given The Devotional Letter straight from Spirit, named HOLY. my desk to yours. Are we engaging Him constantly? Are we working Him into our every movement? Are we led by His direction and shaped by His knowledge?

Founder/Editor in Chief Kristen Schiffman

Okay, I need to go ice my entire body. And eat a cookie. All of this Pilates talk has made me hungry!

Advice Column Christine Johnston

“Lorem Ipsum Dolor Set Ahmet In Condinmentum. Nullam Wisi Acru Singles Columnist Suscpit Consectetuer viviamus Lorem Christy Ipsum Dolor Set Ahmet.McGraw Lorem Ipsum Dolor Set Ahmet In Wisi Acru Suscpit Consectetuer viviamus.” Sanctuary Columnist Leo Praesen

Enjoy this month’s offering, Rock hard abs would be nice but Kristen Schiffman it is a strengthened faith I desire. Let us be filled continually with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit. I hope we will begin to work our Christ-given Powerhouse!

EXEMPLIFY ONLINE Online & Blog Team

This issue is dedicated to our pursuit of holiness and what it means to respond to that call.

Kristen Schiffman Andrea Mitchell Christy McGraw Victoria Jenkins Patty Wysong

*Editor’s letter adapted from a previously Published devotional written by Kristen Schiffman

Joanne Sher Wendy Miller Sonia Chacon Shane Schwichtenberg Kelli Reagan Christa Allan Daisy Olsen

© Exemplify 2009

Christy Klein Marriage Columnist Jenifer Jernigan Fashion Columnist Jennifer Norra Interview Columnist Judith Roberts

Ministry: Online! Columnist Amy Bayliss Devotion Columnist Kara Cox Book Review Columnist Katrina Fiction Columnist Tara Rachel Health Columnist Shannon Bible Study Columnist Victoria Jenkins How-To Columnist Wendy Miller

contents

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14

6

features 5 14 16 28 34 41

Sanctuary Book Giveaway Be The Blessing: Interview with Naomi Carroll Living Holy Walking my Holy What Do I Know of Holy? The Call of Zulina

columns 6 7 9 11 19 20 22 24 31 38 39 43

Sizzling Sanctuary Contest Developing Holiness The Single Journey: Beginnings Counter-Cultural The Book Nook How-to Fight Fair Holiness before Marriage In the word: bible study Ministry: Online! In 10 Minutes or Less: Love Thy Neighbor Surviving The Fiery Furnace Fiction: Damaris

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Sanctuary Book Giveaway! It doesn't matter whether you own or rent; whether you live in a mansion or a trailer. We each have the ability to create a beautiful, peaceful environment of our own---a more spiritual space to enjoy. Is the place you live truly your home? Is it where you can take refuge from the world and emerge refreshed...a place to nourish your family's dreams and draw strength from what you believe in? Now, inspired by a personal moment of revelation and insight, environment specialist Pamela J. Bailey shows you how to apply biblical principles and prayer to make your house a restful, vital place that fulfills your soul and heart. Learn how to:

Create a home that reflects your unique interests and values Develop a personalized "Power Cleaning" routine that makes housekeeping easy and fun Set aside time for rest and doing the things you love to do---and reap their God-given benefits to the fullest.

Find innovative, inexpensive ways to make the most of---and enjoy--wherever you are living

Using Scripture, an expert on home design reveals the secrets to creating beautiful and peaceful living spaces no matter the budget.

Interested in this giveaway? Simply leave a comment on our website, under the post entitled “Sanctuary Contest”! A winner will be announced this weekend.

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Sizzling Sanctuary Summer Contest Prizes Written by Christy Klein of christyklein.wordpress.com The time has come for me to set the cruelty aside and give you the skinny on the awesome prizes that await the 3 lucky winners of the Sizzling Sanctuary Summer Contest announced in our June issue. When I set out on my journey to find sponsors for this contest, I anticipated much travail and vexation of spirit... I’m just being honest with you. However, to my absolute delight, Exemplify’s call for sponsors was greetd with open arms by many lovely Esty shop owners. So much so, that we’ve had to begin lining them up for additional giveaways this fall! So keep your eyes open for those fun giveaway opportunities in coming issues.

Please note the following change: The finalists will be announced on the Exemplify Blog by September 5th. After which, the finalists will endure a week of public opinion voting to determine the 3 winners of the contest. The winners will be announced and featured in the October issue.

The 3rd Place Winner/Most Interesting Reinvented/ Refurbished Item will receive $55.00 in virtual gift cards to be used in the 4 sponsored Etsy shops. The 2nd Place Winner/Best Use of Color, Texture, Shapes, and Patterns will receive $95.00 in virtual gift cards to be used in the 4 sponsored Etsy shops. The 1st Place Winner/Most Dramatic Overall Change will receive $135.00 in virtual gift cards to be used in the 4 sponsored Etsy shops.

Throughout this issue, look for the FEATURED SPONSOR graphic to see what awesome prizes are up for grabs.

© Exemplify 2009

featured sponsor

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In high school I was kind of a loner. I wanted to fit in, to be popular, but I never felt like I could measure up. I spent many a lunch hour walking around campus by myself, talking with the only friend I felt I had, Jesus. It began as a bit of a pity party. I felt like a loner because of my faith. Looking back now I realize there were more Christians in my school than I realized, but some things are only seen in hindsight. God was merciful to me back then. Because what started out a bit pathetic and whiney (oh His sweet mercies toward me!) grew into a friendship that will continue for eternity. It was during that time that I really began to know what it meant for Jesus to be the friend that sticks closer than a brother. I would talk about all sorts of things, wonder about my future and the destiny He had for me, share my hurts and loneliness with Him. Over time I began to pray for others, or talk about scriptures I was reading, listen for what he was saying to me, or simply praise Him. I never once considered that he didn’t hear me. It was a beautiful thing. Since then I’ve never had a problem with that aspect of my relationship with God. I always know that I can run to Him, just to talk, cry, or sit in His presence and not feel alone. What was born out of a difficult time in my life has blossomed into something sweeter. It was the beginning of my being set apart for Him, of His developing holiness in me. I wouldn’t have traded those years for anything in the world. And I’m confident that God would not either. Back in High School being set apart felt like a terminal diagnosis. Who doesn’t want to fit in when they are fifteen years old? Even a girl like me who is no fan of the spotlight wouldn’t have minded a group of friends with which to spend my lunch hour. I'm not saying that a popular girl with legions of friends can't have a strong relationship with God. It just didn't work out that way for me.

Developing Holiness By Kara Cox of karacwak.blogspot.com

“God’s

holiness is

about what He works on the inside.”

God had different plans. He was setting me apart. Developing holiness in me. He knew what those lonely lunch hours would do to strengthen my relationship with Him. It was only a year or so after that I felt God calling me into ministry. Would I have heard His voice if I hadn’t been listening for Him while walking around my high school campus for all those years? Perhaps not. All I know now is how thankful I am for those times. I’ve always been one who struggled with the idea of perfection. Everything the world seemed to tell me about myself was that if it wasn’t perfect, I didn’t count. Somehow I foolishly let myself believe the same was true of God. If I didn’t measure up perfectly I didn’t please God. It was during those walks and talks that God began to show me that perfection didn’t equal holiness. As I searched scriptures I was relieved to discover that all my good was filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and it was Christ who made me righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21) and holy. Perfection or the lack of it wouldn’t keep me from being holy before God. Jesus had made a way. I learned that perfection in the world’s eyes has everything to do with the outside. God’s

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holiness is about what He works on the inside. So from those lonely high school days and all the way up to my single thirties He’s been working on the inside of me, developing holiness, fine tuning His set apart daughter. Daily He challenges me with scriptures like Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” So different from what the world concerns themselves with, isn’t it? I’m no longer an awkward teenager longing for a place to fit in, but life can still seem lonely. I can still struggle with the temptation to be a perfectionist. When it is difficult I am reminded that He is the one who works in me. I’ll never have to aim for perfection, but I always need to aim for Him.

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DEDEETSYSHOP The 1st Sizzling Sanctuary Summer Sponsor I’d like to introduce to you has been an Etsy shop owner since December of 2008. In the 8 months this shop has been open, it has already seen nearly 200 sales with a 100% positive feedback rating. You can visit this shop at dedeetsyshop.etsy.com

DEDEETSYSHOP Meet Deanna Janssen, owner of dedeetsyshop. Deanna’s love for sewing began with spending many hours at her grandma’s house, where she would watch her grandma work at the sewing machine crafting a wide variety of things, as only grandmas can do. So it should come as no surprise to hear that Deanna, herself, was already sewing as a little girl. She remembers taking old clothes and

odd scraps of material and lovingly creating little stuffed animals out of them. This began a lifelong love for sewing. Many years later when Deanna became a mother, she knew she wanted to be able to stay home with her son while contributing to the family’s income with her creations. One day, she came across a magazine article about Etsy and thought, "Why not!"  Deanna opened her Etsy shop in December of 2008 and hasn’t looked back since!   She loves every second of it - even the midnight sewing sessions on busy days. Deanna finds fulfillment in knowing the fruit of her toils are being used to create inviting atmospheres in homes everywhere. She is so thankful for the many wonderful customers that she has already had the opportunity to serve.

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

I am delighted to introduce you to Christy, the new author of our Singles column. In the coming months you can expect to join her on the single journey as she writes from the heart on her adventures & ponderings as a single woman. I am joyed to present her column to you this month & honored to call her friend. --kjs

The Single Journey

Beginnings by Christy McGraw I am sitting alone in my favorite restaurant as I write this. There is a couple in front of me and a family beside me. The little ones are enjoying a sip of their dad’s milkshake and giggling. The couple is quiet but comfortable with one another. Part of me is looking at the two families and longing and another part of me sits at this table alone and content.

of crittyjoy.typepad.com go into my favorite restaurant and sit by myself for a meal. Just me. Just Him. I put it off for a while until one day I knew I had to do it. So I ordered and picked a quite table in the corner. As I sat there in silence imagining Him in the chair across from me a deep peace settled within me. A comfortable silence with my Savior. Just sitting in the wonder of Him. It was just a beginning. It is all a part of the journey the Lord and I are taking.

A few months ago I would have never came into a restaurant with the purpose of sitting alone and enjoying a simple meal. One day God asked me to

Dearest Single Sisters this article is for you written by one of you.

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

“My Beloved is mine, and I am his.” Song of Solomon 2:16

I wanted to first let you know that this is a struggle for me and yet a triumph for me. I never imagined myself a 30 year old single girl. At this point in my life I was suppose to be married, have at least one child and be deliriously happy. This is not the case and yet on most days I can say I am happy. While not deliriously so, I am journeying to that point. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psam 37:4 (NIV) For a long time I used this verse my way not as the way the Lord intended it. I thought as long as I delighted in Him He would give me all the things I wanted, no “needed”. Over the past year He has shown me in many ways that while that may be true I must truly delight in Him for this to happen. The funny thing is when you start delighting in the Lord, your desires, they start to change too. And slowly but surely I have laid down some things before the Cross that I have never been willing to. Including my desire for a family. Now does this mean that I don’t dream of a family? A loving husband and sweet kids? No, but the dream is different. I only want those things if He desires them for me. Now this is not to say I do not struggle with this at times but I have learned to make Him my first desire. My Beloved. My Beloved is mine, and I am his. Song of Solomon 2:16 (NKJ) For a long time I thought of this verse in context of marriage. And what a beautiful sentiment, right? But the Lord gave me this verse this year, just for the two of us. He is my first Beloved. The NIV uses the term Lover. The Lover of my soul. And I am His Beloved, His Lover. He will always want and seek to be our first Beloved, the first Lover of our souls. This verse changed the way I thought of my Jesus. I began to see Him so intimately that it changed the very core of my soul. He is my first Beloved. The one

who saved me, redeemed me, and the one I will spend eternity with. More importantly He is the one writing my story. My love story. My life story. He has long asked for the pen I was using to write my story. And sometimes I would give Him the pen, but only for a moment and then I would grab it back. A game of tug-of war often ensued as I would do this, repeatedly. Seriously, there are times I am amazed by His relentless pursuit of us. Because I would have already given up on myself. And yet He continues to ask for the very depths of my heart, my soul. And I would continually give it and take it away. I finally gave Him my pen this year. To be honest, there are times I would love to snatch it back, and at times I think, I really could be doing a better job. I am sure when I say this He just smiles at me, patiently. I have also learned to look at my life as a single gal humorously. Because let’s be honest only some things happen to us single gals. This has also changed my perspective on things. What at one time I would cry over I laugh at now because in my heart, I know His plan is perfect and sometimes how He achieves that plan is unique and even *gasp* fun! This journey is still in the beginning stages. I know I still have so much to learn. And at times I am not interested in journeying any farther because my wants get in the way. Yet the relentless pursuit of a Groom for His bride continues..... And now I am sharing this journey with you, the high mountain roads and the low valley roads. My hope is that you will see parts of your journey in mine and that you will be encouraged by what He is teaching me. And I would love for you to email me at [email protected] so we can share this journey together, as Sisters.

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Counter-Cultural: Teaching Our Children To Pursue Holiness By Andrea of undergraceovercoffee.com

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6

I take a lot of comfort in that particular verse. Parenting is hard! There are days where things run smoothly, the kids behave respectfully towards me and their siblings, and we’re all smiling and happy at the end of the day.

with the hope that one day they will grow up to be madly in love with their Savior, and live their lives as a reflection of that, set apart from the world. But if you’re like me, you may wonder some days how on earth to do that.

And then there are those other days. The ones where you wonder if your children will ever learn the lessons you are teaching them, or if they’re going to grow up to be hooligans instead. Those are the days where the idea of “being holy because I am holy” seems like a distant dream, or at least a reality for someone other than my household!

Deuteronomy 6:4-7 gives us a blueprint for raising our children in holiness:

Holiness can seem like the impossible dream, can’t it? As parents we strive to raise our children in His ways

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are

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We need to teach our children to be counter-cultural.

on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

value. And in the process, I can guide them toward things that do honor God.

First off, we parents need to make sure we are loving God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, with every single ounce within us. Because let’s face it. If we aren’t living our lives in the fullness of God, serving Him out of the depths of our own love for our Father, our children likely won’t either.

But above all else, I want to encourage my children to not just honor Him with things, but with their very lives. I want my children to allow God to transform their hearts and minds so they can live lives of holiness.

Then we need to teach our children. Not just once. But again and again. Have you ever noticed how kids seem to need to have certain things repeated to them several times before it sinks in (or is that just my kids!)? Most kids are so busy being kids, distracted by the potential to experience life around them, that they fail to always pay attention to what we are saying. Our loving Father obviously knows this, because He tells us to repeat the things of God to our children again and again. And we can do that anywhere at home, in the car, at the park, at the grocery store, in the morning, at bedtime, even while picking dandelions in the front yard. Every moment we have is an opportunity to be teaching our children about the goodness of God. I believe there is another key aspect to leading our children into holiness. In Romans 12, verse 2, Paul tells us to not “copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Right now my kids are at the point in their lives where they are beginning to be influenced by their friends more and more. Their friends influence what they want to watch on TV, what kind of music they want to listen to, even what kind of clothes they wear. We need to teach our children to be countercultural. Instead of following the ways of the world, we need to encourage them to follow the ways of God. Not in a legalistic manner, but in a way that is a genuine expression of their own faith in God. I’m not saying all TV shows, music and clothing trends are bad. But let’s face it – a lot of it is. As a parent, it is my responsibility to hold those things up to the Word of God to show my children their true

So they can be holy. Because He is holy. Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got! Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your

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city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (The Message)

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JOOM The 2nd Sizzling Sanctuary Summer Sponsor has been an Etsy shop owner since May of 2006. Since that time this shop has completed nearly 4,000 sales with a 100% positive feedback rating! The items from this shop have been featured on dozens of blogs and in several magazines. You can visit this Etsy shop at joom.etsy.com

Joom had been trying to get her work out with little success when she discovered Etsy by accident. She liked what she saw on Etsy and decided to give it a try. Joom has never thought of herself as a seller, more like a shopper, and she believes that actually helps her to understand what the customers like and see things from their point of view. Joom’s shop is filled with a variety of products that people use in JOOM everyday life. She enjoys using different kinds of Meet Joom Klangsin, owner of Joom. Joom is an artist materials for her work. Joom gets most of her inspiration from nature, music, and her surroundings. and designer who lives in Oakland, California with She tries to make her products look clean, simple in her husband and dog, Seven. She was born and design, and full of color with unique shapes. Above grew up in Bangkok, Thailand. Joom received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Silpakorn University. are 3 beautiful examples of the items you will find in Joom’s shop. After graduating in 1995, she became a graphic designer for the company 711 in Bangkok. Then in 1996, Joom came to the U.S. to study graphic design at the Academy of Arts College, San Francisco.

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BE THE BLESSING: INTERVIEW WITH NAOMI CARROLL

Naomi Carroll Pictured

By Judith of www.thirstysouthernsoul.blogspot.com

Jesus said, “Go into all the world.” He also said to love your neighbor. Let’s take the time to look around ourselves. People are dying for a Savior. I sat with Naomi Carroll, singer, songwriter, wife, mother of pup Sadie, in her home in Monroe, La., as I petted little Sadie Bug on the belly. “I think I’ve made a friend,” I joked as Sadie lay there, content. Naomi smiled. She has a soft spot for animals; Sadie herself came from the Humane Society. Her tenderness stretches beyond animals. Naomi -- whose first CD, “Becoming,” dropped nationwide in July – just finished up a prison ministry tour in Oklahoma. “It’s probably the most amazing experience I’ve had in a long time,” Naomi said as Sadie

jumped down from my lap and rushed over to her “dad” and Naomi’s husband of seven years, Marty. “Women are hungry and thirsty for outside contact. Some of those women were wishing for their freedom, from behind bars and from their own (mental) prison.” She’s been singing since she was three years old and writing songs since she was 11, using personal experience, other people’s stories, and God’s word to inspire her. “I am moved by people’s pain, tragedy and celebration,” Naomi said. “I’m inspired by the messages I hear. I try to be as real

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as possible. When I hear stories that move me, the melody comes, and the words flow.” And the words have been flowing with her soulful, powerful voice for 20 years. So much pain, so many scars. Those who need His hope are right near where we are. Naomi’s struggle to this point in her musical career has not come easy. She has battled issues with self-esteem and was diagnosed with depression in 2003, but she has never given up on her dream to sing.

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Now is the time to look around and really listen. Now is the time to believe. Now is the time for us to be the blessing. “My ideas (for songs) come from everywhere,” she said. “It used to start from my own emotional place. Now it still comes from that place, but it’s a more determined place. I hear that I’m not pretty enough or skinny enough, but no matter how fat or skinny I am, my music is not going to change. It evolves with me, but I never forget who I sing for and why I sing.”

hope to grow closer and closer. Through marriage, I continue to learn what selfless, unconditional love is. Love isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice, and I choose daily to fall in love with Jesus. I struggle every single day, and I know when I have kids, it’s going to be harder, but I want to know what it means to be His daughter, to live out my faith. I have to remember what we’re here for.”

This north Louisiana singer auditioned for American Idol in 2004 but did not make it to the show, though she’s not disappointed. After winning the Central Louisiana audition, her way was paved to Chicago for the next round and, despite not making to the following round, said she and Marty had a fun time touring Chicago.

As I sat and talked with her, I realized even more so how down to earth Naomi is. Her laugh is infectious, and her joy is unmistakable. But she doesn’t skate around the hard issues. She’s not perfect – but none of us are.

“I had 15 seconds to audition, and then I was out the door,” she said, laughing. “When people didn’t get to go to the next round, some people would throw themselves on the ground, crying and screaming. There were cameras shoved into our faces, and they were asking, ‘Did this ruin your life?’ I was like, ‘I think I’m going to be okay.’” We are to love, we are to love and give hope. We are not to be comfortable. We are to love and give hope. And the time is now to live our purpose. Naomi felt God’s call to ministry at the age of 14, even though at the time she was not sure which ministry to follow.

She glanced over to Marty, who was still petting Sadie. “He’s so involved with this,” she said. “I would have given up a long time ago, but he’s always my support.” He’s part of her inspiration as well, as one of the songs on her album, “Making Me,” discusses selfless love. “I want my songs to be companions; I want them to draw people closer to the Lord,” she said. “To overcome the past, you must move forward and not stay stuck. We all have different struggles. We all struggle, but we need to reach for the hope that’s available. Life is not meant to be lived in misery.”

“The No. 1 priority for my goals is to grow with the Lord,” she said. “I

© Exemplify 2009

Now is the time to look around and really listen. Now is the time to believe. Now is the time for us to be the blessing. -- “Be the Blessing,” written by Naomi Carroll

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

FEATURE:LIVING HOLY

Written by Paula Whitehouse

Holiness is what God is. Holiness – living a holy life - is something that has not, and still does not, happen easily for me. I set out to do what is right to honor God, but the habits of old creep in. It’s not through lack of wanting to please God, but more through a lack of reminding myself to live how God intended. For me it also goes a bit deeper than that. The knowledge of having lived a life less holy can make me feel that I’m not deserving of God’s presence in my life.

holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Holiness is about how I should live; my thoughts, words and actions. It’s living a life filled with love for God and for others. God is love, and thus holiness is love. It encompasses right living based on who God is and how He tells us to live. It’s what Jesus displayed and how the Spirit guides us now. Whether we do this or not shows how we feel about His love and His requirements of us.

should be – holy, one and the same. What is so brilliant about this word is that both the noun and the verb say exactly the same thing; set apart, consecrated, sacred, separate, sanctified, dedicated, devoted. To be set apart, implies the action of set-apartness, i.e. living in the world but not of it; to be consecrated, we are to live a life of consecration, i.e. giving all we have to God for His purpose; and so on.

So, what is holiness?

Holiness is recorded in the Strong’s Concordance as both a noun and a verb. It describes what God is while also tells how we

Being holy entails sharing God’s heart with others and living out who He is and what He stands for; being dedicated and devoted.

Basically, holiness is what God is. In Leviticus 19:2 He tells us to “Be

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

By being holy we are not only honoring God but also outwardly acknowledging His selection of us. 2 Timothy 1:9 tells us about God “...who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” We are called to have a fearful and grateful respect for our Holy Creator and “Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous and praise his holy name.” - Psalm 97:12.

An important thing to do is learn more about God and His holiness through reading His Word, and also sharing it. He has given us His Word, written down by his servants and messengers to guide us today and into the future. Every word is relevant in one circumstance or another. We must learn it and meditate on it daily. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

How do we live a life of holiness?

It’s not only our lives that must be holy; our homes should be too. Deuteronomy 23:14 tells us that “...the LORD your God moves about in your camp to protect you and to deliver your enemies to you. Your camp must be holy, so that he will not see among you anything indecent and turn away from you.” Holy living flows from home to work to church to family to friends. It is not just one part of our lives; it is all of our lives. It’s said that home is where the heart is, and that is certainly true of holiness. We are our natural selves at home. If holiness is there, then holiness can be carried into the outside world as it is in our heart.

As holiness cannot be achieved without Him or by our own works, we must ask Him for help in this area. We must invite Him in and make room for Him in our hearts, minds, and lives. We have to let Him in and be a willing student. 1 Chronicles 16:29 tells us to “...ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness.” We do this by offering ourselves, kneeling before Him and giving everything we have to Him. We have been born again and made new through the blood of Jesus Christ, so we can fully cast off our old selves. This can be a difficult thing to do depending on life’s circumstances. I have struggled with this for many years and am only now starting to overcome and release my past. Ephesians 4:24 tells us that we are “...to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” The first step to achieving this is to pray Psalm 51:10 and ask God to “Create in me a pure heart...and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” God wants us to live with a clean heart and new spirit, and it is He alone who can help us to achieve this.

The result of following these principles will be living a life that is holy; being a living example of God’s love. As He is holy, so we will be, but only when we stay close to Him. He is the root and we are the branches. “If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.” Romans 11:16. This verse reminds me that, as a parent, as I display holy living my daughter will see God’s love and holiness showing through me. All these things will help us to grow into the person God has planned for us to be. We were made in His image. He sees us differently, and knows us to be different, from how we see ourselves and how others

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see us. He knows our potential. It’s an exciting prospect to think that within us is an incredibly amazing person just waiting to be released! 1 Peter 1:14-16 provides apt advice in regard to holy living “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Let’s live it; let’s do it! It IS possible in Him, through Him and for Him. His holiness, and His love for us, is more than enough reason to honour Him by living holy lives. Let’s live out HOLINESS. Honest Open Living ... in that I’m free to live as God intended Invigorating Newness ... in that I have been born again through the blood of Jesus Eternally Satisfying Service ... delivered daily in honor of my Father (All scripture has been taken from the New International Version.) ___________

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Be sure to visit Paula online at paulassharingspot.blogspot.com

Meet the Author Paula is a 39 year old full-time administration

She lives her life to honor God and share His love

worker and solo parent of 5 year old Jasmine.

through her life experiences, both past and

She has been God’s Girl for over 25 years and

present. She stands firm in the knowledge that

has walked on and off the narrow path during

God carries her through the good and bad times

that time.

in life, she has been blessed to be made new through Jesus, and that she is exactly where she is supposed to be today!

You can find her online at http://paulassharingspot.blogspot.com

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

The Book Nook By Katrina of callapidderdays.com

“From fears to insecurities to outright, no-sugarcoating-this sins, Aughtmon shares honestly, from the heart, about the struggles every woman deals with.”

The title of Susanna Foth Aughtmon’s book, All I Need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans, intrigued me. It sounded lighthearted, even a little silly. The subtitle though, pulled me in deeper: “the tired supergirl’s search for grace.” Tired? Check. In need of grace? Oh, yeah, that’s me. I wasn’t sure what I expected when I started this book. Humor, encouragement, a nice woman-towoman talk about our need for God? I certainly got that, but I also got so much more. In All I Need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans, Aughtmon makes some confessions. Twenty-three of them, in fact – every chapter title introduces the reader to a new one. I worry about things I am undisciplined I am lonely I am selfish I covet things…lots of them I don’t feel lovable

A great source for those who love to read and review books is goodreads.com. Check it out today!

From fears to insecurities to outright, no-sugar-coating-this sins, Aughtmon shares honestly, from the heart, about the struggles every woman deals with. And her honesty is refreshing! I don’t know about you, but I get weary of circles where everyone attempts to maintain an image of perfection. Sins are never confessed to each other; shortcomings are rarely acknowledged. And as a result, we all feel – very acutely – that we don’t measure up. We don’t even come close. Well, Aughtmon’s book is an antidote to all of that! In it, she admits, with incredible transparency and a healthy dose of humor, that the “Christian walk” can be downright hard. Our weaknesses and sin nature get in the way on a daily (hourly?) basis. The examples she shares of her personal battles had me laughing out loud one minute, and then nodding my head the next with a quiet, “Oh yes, me too. All the time.”

© Exemplify 2009

But she doesn’t stop with the confessions. In each chapter, Aughtmon shines the light of God’s word on whatever issue she’s dealing with. She then encourages readers to keep going, to hang in there, to depend on God for strength, wisdom, and help. I came away from each chapter appreciating Aughtmon’s vulnerability and thinking, “Hey – this girl is battling the same thing I am. But she’s right: God sees and knows my struggle, and He wants to walk through this difficulty right beside me.” All I Need Is Jesus and a Good Pair of Jeans would be the perfect book to go through with a good friend. A discussion guide is included, but the chapters are rich enough on their own to give two friends enough to talk about for hours. The relatively short chapters also make this a great book for busy moms – you can fit in a chapter here and there while the baby’s napping or while you escape to the bathroom for five minutes of peace and quiet. In the process, you’ll get a laugh, Biblical insight,

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

HOW-TO FIGHT FAIR

Written by Wendy Miller of thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com

“Couples report that the number-one problem they face in marriage is a ‘breakdown in communication.’”

If you are in relationship with others (that includes oh, just about everybody alive) it’s inevitable you are going to encounter times of tension and conflict. Even in these moments of friction it’s important to glorify God and communicate by expressing yourself in respectful and effective ways. Here are some guidelines to go by the next time you find yourself getting ready to pull out the gloves. “Couples report that the number-one problem they face in marriage is a ‘breakdown in communication.’” ~ Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

• Don’t Run From Fight It might be tempting to avoid conflict, thinking you’d rather not deal with such and such topic or you are too tired to get into “that” conversation, but really you aren’t doing yourself any favors by avoiding the conversation or conflict. In fact, you are letting unresolved feelings and issues build up, which potentially will erupt in a volcanic spewing of unrelated issues at a later date. •

Choose Your Battles Carefully

Here’s where you really have to decide if the socks on the floor are

© Exemplify 2009

that big of a deal. You need to calculate and do a self-check to see why the issue is niggling at you. Could it be something you need to work on, or is the topic a legitimate concern that needs to be addressed? This reflection period is vital before entering into a heated talk. It’s like doing your homework before going to school. It shows you care about the relationship, are willing to take responsibility and have assessed that the issue truly needs to be discussed. •

Define Issue Clearly/Know What You are Fighting About

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Be Open to Put Forth Effort in the Future “Money outranks all other topics as the numberone area of conflict among married couples.” ~ Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Defining the issue connects directly to choosing your battles. Once you’ve decided, Okay, I just can’t take (fill in the blank) action anymore. We need to talk, you are wise to know how you will broach the topic and at least a general idea of what you want to say. •

Express Feelings Honestly and Directly

Now you are in the midst of a fight. You didn’t expect to be. You were hoping it wouldn’t get to this place, but for some reason or another you are here. You are the big red dot on the map and you are fuming. You can feel your pulse quicken at the same time as seeing that bulging vein protruding from your husband’s forehead. You Are Here. Now what? It’s time to be honest and direct, sticking to the point while be mindful of how you are coming across. Examples of this include, but aren’t limited to, tone of voice, interrupting, mocking, body language like turning away, rolling eyes and crossing arms. Did you know that studies have shown that nonverbal communication accounts for 58 percent of the total message? Tone of voice makes up 35 percent of the message. The actual words you say account for only 7 percent. Use “I” statements. You might have learned about these in seventh grade homeroom class. It’s important when you are in an argument to take responsibility for your own feelings and not to blame and point fingers. The best way you can do this is to say something along the lines of, “I was hurt when you weren’t able to make it home by 7:00pm.” See how that compares with, “You are so insensitive. Why couldn’t you think enough to make it home in time for dinner?” •

Keep Feelings In Check

Whenever I reach this point of an argument I have a little sensor in my body that tells me to whip out the sword of insults or to press that painful button. It’s in our nature to protect, to defend and even to hurt back when we’ve been hurt. Knowing this can help us fight against it by saying a quick prayer, taking a walk or simply keeping our mouths shut. It’s imperative that we resist the hurtful digs or pushing certain buttons. “But for couples who know how to work it out, conflict can actually lead to a deepening sense of intimacy. The trick is knowing how to argue.” ~ Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts

At this stage of a fight I’m also tempted to unravel my red carpet length scroll of all the things my husband (or fighting party) has ever done to hurt me. I have to work against rehashing how many times he interrupted me already or whipping out the endless List of Wrongs I keep so conveniently tucked away in my brain. •

Practice Reflective Listening

If you are like me, you may think this one sounds a little hokey. But try it. It works. When the person you are fighting with is voicing a concern or a heartfelt feeling, reflect back what you’ve heard. It’s an extremely validating way to respond and may elicit some gratitude and heightened respect. •

Give Room to Breathe/Space

I had to learn this one early on in our marriage. Some people are “solve it now” kind of people and some people like to “cool their jets”. Be mindful which type of person you are fighting with and allow room when it’s needed. • Be Willing to Apologize I’m not even sure this one needs explanation. I have a loved one who admits she didn’t learn to say sorry until she was forty. When we offer genuine apologies we are demonstrating humility and empathy. These are the qualities God is hoping to bring out in us. •

Be Open to Put Forth Effort in the Future – Showing You Listened and Learned

Now that you haven’t run from a fight, you’ve chosen your battle, defined your issue, expressed your feelings with integrity while keeping them in check, practiced reflective listening, gave space as appropriate and have apologized, you have shown that you can fight fair. The last step in knowing how to fight fair is imperative to demonstrating whether or not you are willing to grow and create a greater sense of security and intimacy. In order to prove this, you need to show you’ve listened and learned and are open to changing and working hard at the relationship. This is one of the things I love most about my husband, the way he’s consistent to put forth effort. “Authentic communication is much more than just talking. It is understanding and being understood; identifying a tone of voice; detecting nonverbal cues; responding appropriately to offense; resolving conflicts; knowing what to say, when to say it and how to say it; experiencing the risks and rewards of knowing and being known; and much more.” ~ Dennis Rainey

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Holiness before

Marriage By Jenifer J. of

www.byhisgraceministry.com

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” Hebrews 13:4, ESV In a 2008 article published by Focus on the Family (http://focusonthefamily.com) they reported, “by the age of 24, 89 percent of males and 92 percent of females have had intercourse.”  The article goes on to say that “in the U.S. alone, there are 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) reported each year, with half of these cases occurring among 15-24-year-olds.” I can’t say that I am totally surprised by these numbers. What does take me aback though is the high percentage of young women who are sexually active by the time they turn 24. An alarming majority of brides lay beside their husbands on their wedding night having not saved the gift of sexual purity for this special time.

Why? Why is there such a high percentage of young women giving themselves over to men who are not their spouses? What can we as mothers, leaders, and mentors do to encourage the young women around us to keep themselves pure until their wedding days? Unfortunately, I would be counted as one of the 92 percent of women who are sexually active before marriage. Pulling from personal experience, I want to share with you what I was in search of as I sought out these very unhealthy relationships. No home is immune to the evilness of the world. I grew up in a very loving, caring, compassionate, God centered home. I was saved at the age of seven and felt called by God to a life of full-time ministry when I was thirteen.

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

I wasn’t bombarded with “worldly” stuff that could have influenced me to travel down the wrong path; what came into our home, where I went, and with whom I went was filtered by my parents.

“Helping our young girls find their self-worth in Christ is vital for their future as a wife, mother, friend, and daughter of the King.”

My pursuit in being accepted by others led to bad decision after bad decision. I developed very early on and was constantly teased by classmates. The boys liked me only because I had “big boobs” and the girls allowed me to tag along because I was the “tough one”. I over compensated in many areas to win their approval and make them happy. What started out as “helping” them with their homework, turned into actions that would carry lifelong consequences. With each day that passed and with each wrong decision that was made, my self-worth became less and less. My identity was found in the number of people who allowed me to befriend them. I was what others wanted me to be; the real me had been lost. I was empty and my heart was broken. I desired to be loved, accepted, and filled if only but for a moment. My acceptance was found in unhealthy relationships with guys who didn’t love me in any sense of the word, but who were willing to have me in their lives because I was willing to meet their needs. Walking down the aisle on my wedding day, looking into the eyes of the man who stood before me was not a joyous occasion for me. I had nothing to offer him, but a battered, bruised, used up shell of a person. My past relationships had a huge effect on our marriage. I couldn’t love him the way he needed me to love him because I didn’t even love myself. There was no trust between us, no security, and definitely no passion in the bedroom. Years into our marriage, due in large part to a very Godly woman, I began to realize who exactly I was. Yes, I was a woman who had made many bad decisions, but

those bad decisions were covered by the blood of Jesus. Because of Christ’s redemptive work on the cross, I was unconditionally loved, accepted, and filled with the power of His Holy Spirit. When I came to understand that in my heart of hearts, there was a passion and love like never before found in the arms of my husband. Helping our young girls find their self-worth in Christ is vital for their future as a wife, mother, friend, and daughter of the King. As older, seasoned women we must pour our lives into them, sharing our experiences, both good and bad, and point them to Jesus, the Lover and Redeemer of their soul. For those of you who could count yourselves in the 92 percent of young women who are involved in sexually activity outside marriage, please understand, there is NO condemnation here. Precious one, you have been forgiven. The blood of Jesus Christ covers every unhealthy relationship you have been a part of. • In Christ, you are free from the bondage of sin (John 8:36). • In Christ, you are a made new. The old, battered, bruised,

© Exemplify 2009

broken shell of a person that once held you captive has been replaced with a brand new life in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). • In Christ, you are complete, lacking nothing and needing nothing from anyone (Colossians 2:10). • In Christ, you have been forgiven of ALL your sins (Ephesians 1:7). • In Christ, you are healed because of the wounds that were inflicted upon His body (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5). • In Christ, you are HOLY and without blame (1 Peter 1:16; Ephesians 1:4).

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

IN THE WORD: BIBLE STUDY COLUMN It is my pleasure to introduce Exemplify’s new Bible study columnist to you. Victoria teaches through her writing with authority, anointing and authenticity. It is my prayer & hers that this column will encourage you to open your bible with us & Meet Christ within His word. --kjs

Written by Victoria Jenkins of www.letthesonshine.org

Before we dive into the riches of Scripture, let’s join together in prayer. It is so important to seek Godly wisdom before venturing into His Word. Let us not lean on our own understanding, but on that of our Lord. Father,

as we study from Your Word today, we ask that you would fill us with Your supernatural wisdom so that we might understand the lessons you have for us. Lord, please give us ears to listen and hearts to obey as we seek to apply Your Truth to our lives, daily. Thank you for this time in fellowship with those who walked the streets with Christ Jesus. Your Word amazes and we’re so grateful to be able to nourish our souls with these precious Scriptures. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

Sometimes I am positively crippled by the fact that, as a child of God, I am called to be holy and set apart from the rest of the world. I get this picture of purity in my head, this notion of near perfection that stops me dead in my tracks, even if the very hand of the Lord built those tracks. The word “holiness” seems too lovely a term to apply to this ever fallible, living example of Romans 3:23. When faced with the concept of holiness, it is as if the verse reads, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, especially that chick”, with an arrow pointing to my driver’s license photo…you know, just to really illustrate the fact that I am utterly flawed. Thankfully, just as this verse is surrounded by God’s Words of encouragement, we as Christian women are surrounded by His redeeming grace. We cannot lose sight of how it is we came to belong to the King of Kings. The gift of salvation, the gift of redemption, the gift of righteousness is not increased by our efforts. These gifts are in perfect completion before we’ve even accepted them. Our sanctification rests in His capable hands, and it is our God-given royal status as daughters to the King that brings us into our holiness—His holiness shining through us.

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

why do you think God chose to repeatedly instruct us to be holy?

Knowing that our salvation is a gift that we cannot earn, why do you think God chose to repeatedly instruct us to be holy? In Leviticus 11:44 and 45, we are told to be holy because our Father is holy. We’re reminded again of this call in 1 Peter 1:13-21 as Peter wrote to the exiles of the Dispersion as well as to you and me. The Message translation lights a fire under the lukewarm believer that lurks within us all. “So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives. Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, ‘I am holy; you be holy.’ You call out to God for help and he helps—he's a good Father that way. But don't forget, he's also a responsible Father, and won't let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.” Now that we’re all good and fired up, let’s get to the work of mining the treasures of Scripture! Why should we be holy? Being created in the image of God means we’re wired much the same. We should be holy, because He is holy, and Abba knows best. Our perfect and all knowing Father, who wants only good for His children, has told us to be holy. That must mean that something good will come from our holiness. In order for us to discover some of that goodness, we’re going to have to do a little digging.

googling—just your own idea of what it means to be holy. Where do you land in the light of your description? Does anyone in your life measure up to your image of what holiness looks like? I’d be embarrassed to share my answers if I weren’t learning so much in the process. In comparison to my preconceived notions of holiness, I don’t even register on the scale. As for holy people in my life… does the Pope count? “Holy” holds a lofty connotation when we rely on our own understanding. It seems to dangle far from our reach up there on that pedestal, but holiness is a goal we can all attain. First, we must redefine our goal as God defined it. The Hebrew word used to instruct us to “be holy” in Leviticus 11:44, is the verb “qadash”. An action word, qadash reveals that holy isn’t something we are, it is something active in us. Our holiness is God’s activity in, on, and through us by means of the Holy Spirit. God works best when we give Him something to work with. So how can we be more open to the Holy Spirit’s movement? When we acknowledge the Lord, detach from the profane, dedicate ourselves to Him, and allow God to cleanse our souls with the blood of Christ, we are opening ourselves to God’s movement, thereby answering His call to be holy. We need that like we need air. Don’t you feel it? A deep-seated desire to be more like Christ is growing inside each of us as God’s children. He has planted eternity in the human heart, and that seed yearns to grow to fruition. How can we help it to flourish? We can start by removing the weeds that stifle the longing of the spirit. List some of the thoughts, influences, or issues you are facing that might be choking the Life out of you.

Christ tells us, in Matthew 26:41, that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”

Please take a moment to define holiness, as you understand it. No dictionaries, thesauruses, or

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

...and our desires began to change into His desires for us...

“But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you” (Ephesians 4:20-24, MSG).

When we accepted Christ as our Savior, we opened the doors of our hearts to invite Him in, and our desires began to change into His desires for us. In her devotional, “Living a Holy Life”, June Hunt said, “With Christ in you, you will grow to be like Him…You will not become instantly sinless, but you will sin less and less and less.” This is the very meat of holiness. Allowing Jesus to change you from the inside out has so many internal benefits, and external ones as well; maybe even some soul winning! When others can see Christ in us, they will want to get a closer look. Let’s do some radical spiritual gardening today, ladies! I want you to take your list of holiness deterrents and give it to the Lord as an offering. We don’t want those entanglements, but God does. He implores us to cast our burdens unto Him, sisters! So, today we will do just that. Please take some time in deep prayer as you call each of these “weeds” by name before our King. Continue the prayer below by writing your own prayer out so that you can revisit this moment of submission and be restored to the holiness that Christ is working out in you. Father, you know my needs, my weaknesses, and my strengths. Today, I give them all to you. I thank you for being faithful to meet my every need. Lord, please use my strengths to fulfill Your purpose for me. And Father, please take from me the burdens that stifle my growth in you.

Lord, I need you… ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ Amen.

“But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” Romans 3:21-24, NIV “Be holy because I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44, 45 1 Peter 1:16

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

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experimenting with oils in November and uses both types of paint now. In 2007, after some nudging from a friend, she decided to open her Etsy shop.

Amazingly, Kathryn was never trained in art or painting and is pretty much self-taught. In November of 2008, she decided to go for her first art class and has been going back weekly since. Kathryn is inspired by art. Any art. In fact, she can’t Meet Kathryn Gorney, owner of arteest. Kathryn has look at a yard, forest, house, city line, or sky without been into art since she was a little girl. She used to sit thinking about how she would mix the colors to out on the back porch and draw the horses in the make it look like that. Just about everything Kathryn yard. She has dabbled in all kinds of artistic areas looks at, she pictures how she would draw or paint it. such as drawing, jewelry making, painting, and Above is a small glimpse at what you will find in scrap booking. Painting seems to be the one to stick Kathryn’s shop... the longest and is the only art form that has been able to support Kathryn’s “habit” with it’s sales. Kathryn paints with acrylics, but started

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© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

FEATURE:WALKING MY HOLY

Written by F. Elaine Olsen

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:2-3) I have one, you know. So do you. As the blood-bought children of God, we’ve been labeled as such (1 Peter 2:9). Not only labeled, but commissioned with its journey (1 Peter 1:15). Holiness. It’s a big word. An ever bigger understanding. Probably best left to the experts—those theologically trained with strengthened understanding, don’t you think? I’m not so sure, and here’s why. As a people duly noted by God as holy—a people consecrated unto him and entrusted with some secret things accordingly—we’ve

been given everything we need to live a godly and holy life. His Word tells us so; thus, I think, perhaps, some understanding is afforded to those of us less schooled in academia, nevertheless equally endowed because of our membership within God’s royal kingdom. To get there—to accurately comprehend the breadth of God’s intention as it pertains to holiness so as to begin in the personal journey of its cloaking— we must dig at its roots. Theological academia is helpful in this regard; it instructs us as to how best get at those roots. It leads us to rewind the biblical clock back to ©the Exemplify point of a “first2009 mention.”

Holiness receives its “first mention” in Genesis 2:3. It anchors itself within the soil of a first week’s conclusion when Creator God sat with his created and called it completed. Finished. Holy and worthy of a restful pause. In that moment, there was finality in God’s rest (see Hebrews 4:3). When he arrived on the backside of his six-day, creative extravaganza, there was no looking in reverse with regret; no do-overs. No wishing he’d done things differently. He simply and profoundly called it done and good and just as he intended. What remained for him was a time of consecrated reflection—a day he set apart as “holy.”

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Holy. Qadas in the Hebrew language. A word meaning “to be set apart, to be holy, to show oneself holy, to be treated as holy, to consecrate, to dedicate, to pronounce as holy.” It is, perhaps, an easier reach for us to reason that seventh-day as holier than the millions of others that have followed since. After all, sin had yet to take the stage and exact its carnage upon the hearts of subsequent generations. For a few moments in time (and there is ample debate toward quantifying that measure), the earth breathed pure and full of a perfection no longer available, or so we reason. But our reasoning and God’s reasoning exist on two different levels. And while our understanding is content to keep Eden and its holiness breathing in isolation, God is content to weave its consecration into our way of “doing life” now—not just then. Thus, we must ask ourselves a question or two as it pertains to this first mention of the word “holy” as contained in Genesis 2:3. How does this initial utterance from God add to our understanding of holiness? What can be gleaned from this moment of recorded history that furthers our comprehension about how to live a life of consecrated and “set apart” obedience? If this one reference to “holy” was the only word given on the matter (and it seems there to be a few thousand books written on the topic), what is its take-away value? Does it apply to us? Is it ample enough to satiate a heart that is driven to dig deeper in order to live holier? Perhaps, but to get there, we must be willing to think beyond what we’ve always thought. We must place ourselves in that seventh-day pause with God and begin to consider holiness from his perspective rather than with a

mind that is content to keep parameters on understanding.

Engaging with the living witness of humanity—creatures both great and small breathing with the breath of Almighty God, calling for our notice (day six).

Thus, a few thoughts that surface for me today, as I take some rest with God in his Garden and his first mention of holiness (Genesis There is a seventh day rest that 2:2-3): awaits us; a day when we will sit with our Father on the backside of God is the Author of holiness. our life, see the plan laid out What he makes holy, is holy. What before us from beginning to end he sets apart, consecrates, and and, with him, call it done, pronounces as “holy” is completed, holy, and just as he permanent and cannot be intended. manipulated by man’s attempts to alter its worth or to change the Holiness. A big word. An even requirements to get there. The bigger understanding, yet one proclamation of “holiness” that is ours to reason, to accept, belongs solely to the One from and to walk as a chosen people whom it roots. The good news is endowed with the ample wisdom that each of us who know Jesus to move our need for facts into as our Savior warrants such a the realm of a sacred faith. labeling (1 Peter 2:9-10). God has authored our lives for Holiness is a completed work—a holy living. He is working toward through and through, six days our completed end by allowing us worth of intentional work a six day season called “life”; it is accomplished through the hands achieving for us an eternal glory of God, not ours. We may think that far outweighs the journey to that our holiness is dependent get there. And once the upon our efforts, but in the end, it punctuation of the seventh day is God’s efforts in us, through the arrives, we will rest with our power of his Holy Spirit, that Creator. Understanding will be warrants the applause and “well final and holiness will claim its done” of heaven. concluding perfection within our hearts and because of his will. Our personal holiness punctuates after a six-day creation process A final “good” as the final word called “our life” that includes from the final One who is the seasons of: concluding Word. This is the day I am longing for, and until it arrives, Days and nights and nights and I’m walking my “holy.” I welcome days (day one). your companionship on the road Wild exploration of a sky’s as we head toward home in expanse between two waters; expectation of God’s one harboring the dew of consecrated rest. heaven, one harboring the wet of earth (day two). Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus. Walking some dry ground beneath our feet, including the Baker & Carpenter, entry for sowing and harvesting of an “qadas”, The Complete Word intentional fruit (day three). Study Dictionary Old Testament Illumination via a guiding light—a (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, sun’s heat, a moon’s respite, and 2003), 950-951. some twinkling stars of brilliance (day four). Abundant provision that hem us in —waters and skies teaming with energy and life (day five).

© Exemplify 2009

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Be sure to visit Elaine at her blog, Peace for the Journey: peaceforthejourney.blogspot.com

Elaine is the wife of Preacher Billy and has the delightful privilege of mothering four dynamic children who have been with her for nearly half of her almost forty-three years. She grew up amongst the rolling hills of the Bluegrass which boasts the presence of exquisite thoroughbreds and die-hard Wildcat basketball fans. Her growing up years were spent running the hallways of Asbury Theological Seminary where her father was a professor of preaching and her mother was the Registrar. From the cradle to her current, Elaine has been a church girl. The spiritual shaping she received from her parents quickly secured for her a belief in a great big God who loves her far beyond reasonable bounds. Elaine was born on Easter

Sunday. The significance of its shadow has followed her all the days of her life. God began the sacred conversation with Elaine’s soul from the earliest of ages, and she has spent the past four decades walking the path of such a gracious grace. He has marked her forever for kingdom living and kingdom loving. Her overriding hope and desire for her life is to live as authentic before her God and his created people. Be sure to visit Elaine at her blog, Peace for the Journey: peaceforthejourney.blogspot.com

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

MINISTRY: Online! Written by Amy Bayliss of AmyBayliss.com

Blog Design A split decision, that’s how long it takes for a person to decide whether or not they will stop and read your blog. As humans we are

The eye naturally travels from the center of an object, up and clockwise.

Like !":

drawn to things that are visually appealing and easy to use. Too often readers are turned off from blogs that are too generic or hard on the eyes. If your blog’s overall appearance is appealing but the blog isn’t functional or is too cluttered, then that can also cause them to leave in a click.

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

For this reason it is best to place an eye catching color or graphic in the first part of that area. It is also important to keep sidebars free of clutter. Only keep what is necessary. Blog rolls don’t increase your search ranking so only keep the blog rolls you use to build community. Awards can be put on a separate post and linked to from the navigation and lots of buttons and blinkies are distracting and may cost you readers. You should also keep in mind that you want to set your blog apart from other blogs out there so choose a theme or layout that is not widely used. You want to be unique – stray away from copying another design. Your blog as a whole, including your content, should reflect your personality.

ANOTHER TIP: Background images should complement the rest of your blog and not take away from it and if you don’t want you background to move when someone scrolls over it, simply add this code right after the code for the background graphic URL: background-attachment: fixed; Header

“You want to be unique – stray away from copying another design. Your blog as a whole, including your content, should reflect your personality.”

too that you can always use

Do something unexpected

a scripture verse.

within your design to

A free graphics program that you can download is getpaint.net. It is

Draw colors from a

simple to use and though it lacks

graphic or use a color

the features a professional

palette. Here are some

designer would utilize, it has plenty

sites to use:

enough for an amateur.

www.colourlovers.com ,

Your header is easily the most

When designing your header

important design element on your

keep these things in mind:

blog. It should contain your blog title, your catchphrase or subheader and a visually appealing design.

the elements of the header create an look. Don’t be afraid to

Before choosing your

overlap elements and

catchphrase or sub-header

drag them away from the

(or title for that matter) be

center.

sure to google it so that you can see if anyone else has already taken ownership of it. You do not want to

Give your design depth. Use shadowing and highlighting.

duplicate someone else’s catchphrase. Keep in mind

www.colorotate.org and kuler.adobe.com.

Centering and balancing

unnatural, unappealing .

create interest.

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Keep the size of the header on the smaller side. You want to be sure that your readers can see your content at first glance without scrolling down. Make sure you check the size of your templates header area prior to designing the header.

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Content & Navigation Content Area

Navigation

Don’t choose a background color that makes

If I get to your personal blog, like what I see

it difficult for the readers to see the text.

appearance wise but still can’t get around where I

Chances are if I have to squint or strain to read

need to be then I probably won’t be coming

your blog then I won’t be coming back. Black

back. Navigation can be built into templates;

on white is safe and in my opinion, best. Black

added to sidebars; or even done in widgets.

on other light colors also works well as long as

Navigation also includes the ease of going from

the font is crisp and clear.

one post to the next in chronological order. For

If you design a signature be sure to design in

ministry or business blogs it would be the ease of

proportion to your post width.

going from one post to the next in subject order. If your personal blog is your ministry blog then you

Don’t change your font to one that is not

would do yourself a favor by doing both.

universal. This means that if you choose a font that is not typically installed on the majority of

Then there are the labels. Be careful when labeling

computers then what you see on your screen

things, “Uncle Henry’s Hog”, or “Miscellaneous.” A

will not be what is seen on the screens of

person is not likely to click on those labels because

others. The best fonts to use are: Trebuchet MS,

they don’t know Uncle Henry and Misc. is just too

Trebuchet, Arial, Verdana, Tahoma and Sans-

broad a subject. You really shouldn’t need any

serif

more than 25-30 different labels. Ease of navigation is key. Take a look at my personal blog:

Blog dividers are a great way to divide

http://www.amybayliss.com . My categories/labels

content. Just make sure they are not big and

are clean and precise and I also have a

bulky and that they coordinate with the rest of

navigation bar on the top to take you to specific

your theme. A good way to discern is that if

places. You can also read my posts in

your eye is immediately drawn to the divider

chronological order.

then it must be toned down, either in size, color, or prominence.

When in doubt about your blog’s appearance and function, ask for help. Ask for other’s opinions.

Try to use photos with your posts. You can do

If you would like for me to take a look then just

this even if you don’t like to post pictures of

email me.

your family or friends for privacy reasons. One way is to do it in a fun creative way.

In future issues, we will discuss, in detail, the

Remember Tim the “Toolman” from Home

applications we can use to minister to others

Improvement? He had a neighbor named Mr.

via the World Wide Web. If you have any

Wilson. We never saw his face but we still got a

specific questions about blogging (design and

glimpse of who he was. You could do

writing), twittering, or anything else

something similar. You can also use stock

pertaining to online ministry please send them

photos.

to:

[email protected]. I will try to

answer as many questions as possible in each issue.

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

What Do I

Know of Holy? Written by Mary Pielenz Hampton

"But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:15-16 In the list of God’s attributes--love, justice, omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, holiness, sovereignty, etc--holiness often gets overlooked. We are all looking for some version of a superhero, right? Most of these traits are so clearly about God and His way of acting on our behalf. But Holiness is the one trait of God that motivates us to change rather than to seek his complete acceptance of us, sin and all. There are two aspects of holiness--the holiness of God, who is, was, and always will be holy, and our holiness, which is more of a quest than something we've attained. We have an almost innate awareness of God’s holiness. He’s higher, better, purer than we can

imagine. As A.W. Tozer said, “We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable.” And yet, we are called to be holy. The holiness we are called to is much less easy to grasp. (It’s also been more difficult to write about.) Looking at holiness from the human side is, as my husband says in various situations, like trying to nail jello to a tree. What is holiness? One dictionary definition of holiness says, “perfect moral integrity or purity; freedom from sin; sanctity; innocence.” Easier said than done though, isn’t it?

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Holiness is not a matter of degrees. Maybe we can better understand what holiness is, if we first look at what it isn't: Holiness is not a matter of degrees. Any spot or blemish renders us 'unholy.' A little white lie, an impure thought, bitterness, envy, greed...in their smallest components, they don't seem important, but when compared to pure, white, gleaming perfection, each shows up like bird poop on a bride's dress. (Shocking analogy? Is any spot of sin any less shocking in comparison with God’s purity?) Holiness is 'not a competition.' My boys will often say "I win" as one reaches the car before the other. The problem is, there wasn't an even start; no "ready, set, go." It's simply one brother completing the journey before the other. And I think holiness works the same way. It's not a competition. We can't look at our neighbor and say "I win." We are on a journey. We've each had a different start; we each face our own obstacles. And at some point, only God himself will be able to tell us the journey is complete and we've arrived. Holiness is without judgment of others. Holiness can only be evaluated in contrast to God's state of perfection; it has nothing to do with anyone else's achievement. Jerry Bridges explains it this way, "… God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Him.” In some senses, holiness gets a bad rap in our culture because the term is seldom used outside the context of "Holier than thou." And that simply means that when I look at myself, and then I look at you, I actually look pretty good. But anyone who is actually for striving holiness would never compare themselves to someone else, because we are not the object of comparison--only God is worthy to evaluate ourselves against.

have the time/energy to talk, do you have someone in the house make up an excuse? Do you fudge your experience on your resume? Lest you think I’m pointing fingers, I’ll admit that these are all examples that come to mind from my own experience— situations where there was at least the temptation to make an ‘unholy’ choice. You probably have your own list of potential (or actual) 'unholinesses.' We speak often of "loving the sinner and hating the sin." But do we really hate the sin? Our own especially? Do we make excuses for attitudes, actions and motives that blur the line between freedom in Christ and actually taking liberties? Do we presume upon His grace and forgiveness, implicitly (or explicitly) saying "God will forgive me," when we know we are walking headlong into a situation that will grieve His heart? Do we even remember that that's what sin does? Perhaps that’s why we don’t dwell on the concept much. I believe we do want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. No matter what a person's faith-perspective, there's a really good chance that they spend much of their time and energy working toward/thinking about how to be the best they can be (have you watched Oprah lately?). But when we get a sense that holiness is 'without spot or blemish or wrinkle' we get just a small glimpse of the truth that we cannot be holy on our own efforts.

According to the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, to be holy means to "be morally blameless." That's a daunting concept. We tell our kids "Be good," but are we good? Do we choose the 'best thing?' When given too much change, do you return it? When you get to the car at Target and realize your tiny kleptomaniac has gotten hold of an item that didn't get rung up, do you take it back and/or pay for it? When the chatty neighbor calls and you don't

© Exemplify 2009

So, the

question is...

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What difference does holiness make? • Keeps us humble before God as it's a reminder that there is nothing we can do of our own strength to be worthy of His presence. • Keeps us from judging our neighbor as we realize that no matter how far we feel we've come in overcoming various and sundry vices and shortcomings, we still do not measure up to any standard of "sinless perfection." • Helps us make better choices when tempted to let our standards slide closer to those of the culture around us. Entertainment choices, moral dilemmas, judgments of others.... If we evaluate our options from the perspective "will this cause 'spot or wrinkle?'" I think we might make different decisions fairly often.

How do I get to holy? "How can a young (man) keep his way pure? By living according to your word." Psalm 119:9 As we immerse ourselves in God’s word, we become familiar with His standards. We also find the strength to live out what we know to be best, even though our human spirit so often wants to yield to weakness. But, according to Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness, "Holiness is not only expected; it is the promised birthright of every Christian." It takes awareness and intentionality, but, like Ernest in the legend of Old Stone Face, if we focus on God and desire to be like Him, one day the resemblance will be remarkable.

Mary Pielenz Hampton writes from California where she lives with her husband of 15 years and her two boys, ages 6 and 3. Mary's heart is to take note of God's presence in the most ordinary moments of the day and find ways to bring an element of worship into simple tasks. Mary blogs at http://refreshmoments.com/ where her theme is "Turning the Daily into Devotion."

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Love, they say, is a verb. Here are a few simple ways to obey the second greatest commandment. ★Try your hand at the ancient art of letter writing! (The snail mail variety.) Or at least drop a little note. A simple note saying “Thinking about you today,” or “Thankful that you are in my life,” is a small gesture that really packs a lot of love-punch! ★Include a photo. Why hoard those treasured memories with your friend’s smiling face in it? Make an extra print and tuck it into the envelope. ★When all else fails, you can still send an e-card. ★Double a recipe and share for no reason whatsoever. Why wait until someone is ill or grieving to offer a homemade treat? ★It’s about time to thin out those perennials. Rather than throwing them all out, pot one and take it to a neighbor so they can add it to their garden. Tie a bit of ribbon or raffia around the pot for an easy, added touch. ★Or stop by with fresh cut flowers or home grown veggies from your garden! ★Read any good books lately? Pass along your finished copy to a shut-in or someone who simply likes to read. ★Mix tapes are a hip way to say “I’m thinking about you!” Burn a CD with some songs you think your friend might enjoy and leave it on their porch with a note. ★In heavy traffic, allow someone merge in front of you. It’ll only cost you a few seconds’ time.

★Offer your place in line at the store to a senior citizen or a mom with little ones. So what if you leave the store 10 minutes (or less) later than you would have! ★Did the strong winds blow your neighbor’s empty trash can down the street? How easy to just fetch it and tuck it close to their house for them! ★Pray for them. Life’s trials touch us all. Take a few minutes to pray for someone whether you know they are hurting or not. Those that appear to have it all together usually don’t. ★Better yet, pray with them. Even over the phone, share the power of prayer! Written by Carol Moxley of she-lives.typepad.com

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR in 10 Minutes or Less ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12: 30, 31

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SURVIVING THE FIERY FURNACE

Written By Shannon of asetapartgirl.blogspot.com

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we

serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17

Summer is supposed to be a season filled with free time and fun in the sun, right? I don't know about you, but here in the Midwest US, we're entering the hottest month of the year. And with temperatures rising to the high 90's and into the 100's, it is hard to be anything but miserable out in the sun. But if Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego could survive a furnace heated seven times hotter than usual, I bet there are a few things we can do to survive heat of the August sun.

Air Conditioning It might seem like a no-brainer, but the best way to keep cool in the hot weather is to get away from the hot weather. If you are somewhere

without air conditioning, try taking a cool shower or bath. Applying cool, moist towels to pulse points such as the neck and wrists can also be very effective. But if possible, get to a library or another public place with air-conditioning.

Water Staying properly hydrated is key to beating the heat. Drink plenty of water even before you're thirsty, and don't substitue carbonated, caffeinated, or sugar-filled liquids for water. Instead, try electrolyteenriched beverages. I like Propel Fitness Water drinks, which contain a relatively small amount of sugar © Exemplify 2009 compared to other sports drinks.

Limit Outdoor Activity Try to get any outdoor work done in the morning or evening, when the sun is less harsh. Especially avoid being outdoors between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is considered the hottest period of the day. If you must be outside, use the following precautions: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, light-weight clothing Have a bottle of water • available at all times Take regular breaks indoors or • in the shade Wear a wide-brimmed hat • Wear sunscreen of at least SPF • 15, and reapply often if you are sweating •

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be safe with your family and

friends while enjoying the summer weather

Watch for Signs of Heat Illness Even if all of this advice is followed carefully, there is still a risk of heat-induced illness occurring from extreme temperatures. Infants, children, people over the age of 65, people who are physically ill, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure need to monitored especially closely during episodes of high temperatures. Dehydration is the most common heat-induced illness.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration: dry mouth, decreased sweating and urine output, sleepiness, dizziness, headache, fever, rapid heartbeat, and loss of elasticity of skin (if you can pinch the skin on your hand and it doesn't "bounce back") Another heat-induced illness to be aware of is heat stroke. While less common, it is still a threat, especially in those groups of people mentioned, who are at a higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke: body temperature of 104 degrees or higher, hyperventilation, cessation of sweating, hallucinations, confusion, or loss of consciousness, and muscle weakness or cramps If you notice any of the signs of dehydration or heat stroke, take immediate action. Call an ambulance or take the person to the emergency room. While these tips might seem like common sense, it is always good to be reminded of ways to prevent such serious illnesses such as dehydration and heat stroke. I encourage you to be safe with your family and friends while enjoying the summer weather, and to check on and pray for the safety of neighbors and elderly friends. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov; Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.com

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EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

I was recently given the opportunity to read advance copies of several books published this summer by Abingdon Press, a Christian publishing company that has been around since the 1920’s. One of these books was The Call of Zulina,the first book of the “Grace in Africa” trilogy by Kay Marshall Strom, author of Once Blind: The Life of John Newton and more than thirty other books. It is also her first foray into fiction, and after reading it, I have to admit that I am impatient for the next book in the series to be released.

Review of The Call of Zulina Written By Kate of www.proverbs14.com

The Call of Zulinais set in West Africa in 1787 and centers around Grace Winslow, the daughter of an unlikely marriage of an English slave trader and an African princess. Her father, a drunkard and gambler, dreamed of raising his daughter as a proper English gentlewoman, despite living thousands of miles from his mother country. Grace’s mother, the cruel and terrifying Lingongo, despises the English and, because her marriage was arranged for political alliances, resents her husband. Because of her mixed heritage and her parents’ incompatible expectations of her, Grace is destined to continually disappoint both of her parents. When she impulsively decides to run away from home to escape a political marriage to an unsavory suitor, Grace finds herself involved in an uprising of prisoner slaves. At the beginning of her journey, Grace is quite naïve: She knows her father is a sea captain but does not realize that he is also a slave trader. In fact, he runs the huge fortress of Zulina, a sort of prison for slaves waiting to be sent to the New World. As she learns about the cruelty and horror of slavery, and as the rebellion intensifies, Grace is forced to

choose between what is familiar and what is right. As I was reading, several major themes emerged. Perhaps most obvious was the consequences of loving money. The slave traders were so intent on making a good profit that they were selling their fellow man, other human beings, as though they were property. They were so greedy that they convinced themselves that slavery was the proper, Christian thing to do. For instance, when one character, a ship’s captain, expresses his uneasiness with the practice of slavery and the selling of slaves, he is reprimanded for being weak and un-Christian. That brought to mind 1 Timothy 6:10“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Pride also was the cause of much evil. Lingongo, Grace’s mother and the headstrong daughter of a great African king, allowed her pride to drive her to

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unspeakable acts of violence and revenge. Cunning and manipulative, she would not allow any offense to be forgiven and seemed incapable of showing mercy. Several times in the book, she was referred to as or was compared to the devil. Indeed, pride was the reason Lucifer was cast down from heaven. In her unending quest for power and vengeance, she was like the foolish woman of Proverbs 14:1, who tore down her house with her own hands. In stark contrast to Lingongo was Mama Muco, a house slave who helped raise Grace from a baby and one of the few who cared for Grace’s well being. Mama Muco was saved by Christ as a child, when a missionary came to her village. Her passionate prayers on Grace’s behalf beautifully illustrate that no matter what one’s status in life, anyone can call on the power and saving grace of God.

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Her passion comes through in her writing

“I tend to read much more nonI tend to read much more non-fiction than fiction, but The Call of Zulina reminded me how satisfying a good novel can be. The characters were well developed, especially Grace, with her desire for freedom and belonging. Oftentimes, female heroines in novels are rather selfcentered, but Grace does not suffer from this character flaw. Despite her dysfunctional upbringing, she still realizes that compared to that of the slaves she meets, her life has been easy and privileged.

fiction than fiction, but The

Call of Zulina reminded me how satisfying a good novel can be.”

descriptive detail and emotional depth. Ms. Strom has written an exciting and compelling addition to an established genre. The Call of Zulina,which releases this month, is well worth the read.

Also, I had never read a book set in 18th century Africa, and was fascinated by the bits of information about various African cultures. There is even a lexicon at the back of the book that defines the African terms used in the story. The back cover states that the author travels around the world, “speaking out against social injustice, especially that of modern-day slavery.” Her passion comes through in her writing, which is rich in

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FICTION COLUMN Written by Tara Rachel of www.afuturepastorswife.blogspot.com

Dama#s

She sat in the shade provided by the small market stall...

She sat in the shade provided by the small market stall, carefully sipping her mulled wine from the clay cup. All around her the citizens of Athens hustled and bustled. Merchants moved in and out of stalls, hoisting crates of wares onto tables, wiping perspiration from their brows. Nearby a group of young men sat around a table, pouring over several scrolls. Damaris studied them carefully, noting that they couldn’t have been older than twenty. Students, she thought, smiling mildly. Her heart ached, and she swallowed thickly and looked away. Oh, Demas. Her thoughts wandered to her zealous lover. She knew he was preparing for his great meeting with the Christian Paul. He’d told her

about it the last time they’d been together. “He’s weak, a simpleton,” Demas had said, lounging on the couch in the peristyle of her father’s home. She had shaken her head. “I’ve heard he was high ranking within the synagogues of Israel. Surely a simpleton couldn’t get that far.” “Damaris, my dear, sweet, naive Damaris. You are missing the whole point! The mere fact that he is involved in religion proves that he is a simpleton. I’m sure the man knows a great deal about the Judaic scriptures, but the sheer fact that he needs a god as a crutch proves his intellectual immaturity.” Demas had taken a swallow of wine from his goblet and shook his head.

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“Man is the crown of the world, and therefore man’s sole goal should be the pursuit and attainment of pleasure. Religion, especially Judaism and this ridiculous new sect Paul is babbling about, tells its followers to deny themselves pleasure. Religion cripples people and prevents enlightenment.” She hadn’t spoken out at the time, but his words stung. She bowed before her gods every night, praying and beseeching them to turn in her favor and open Demas’s eyes to see how wonderful she was. She stole away in the darkness of night to make offerings at the various temples, away from prying eyes of Demas’s fellow students in the School.

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Gathering her tunic and palus, she

lowered herself carefully to the stone ground...

After Demas had left that evening, she went upstairs and picked up the carved gods off her prayer table. She fingered the rough ridges and crevices, pondering his words. Did believing in the gods make you weak? Did worshiping gods make you simple? She counted herself lucky that a man of Demas’s intellect and stature would even acknowledge her, much less agree to enter into a relationship with her. She tried to force out the thoughts that he was only interested in her for her inheritance. Demas was brilliant, of that there was no question. But there was a hardness, a callousness, to him that disturbed her slightly. He was so assured of what he believed and no one could reason with him about an alternative belief. He loved to learn, but only to gain knowledge to destroy his intellectual enemies and puff up his own theories and beliefs. He quoted Seneca as though Seneca’s words were divinely inspired. She chuckled. Perhaps she should suggest that Demas worshipped Seneca. She somehow figured he wouldn’t find the comment as humorous as she did. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, she realized it was time to head over to the Hill of Ares. She had promised Demas she would come to hear him speak, and she wanted to be as supportive of him as possible. As she moved through the streets, she saw how opposite Athens was to the new teachings circulating throughout the great schools. For all of Demas’s claims of “the god within” and “man’s superiority”, the city of Athens testified something different. Athenians were not only religious, but boastfully proud of their religions. Shops selling small, handcrafted idols of the different gods and goddesses littered every street of the city, and Athenians openly mocked the Romans and their “copycat deities”. Damaris found it interesting that the city most known for its intellect also did a flourishing trade in idol production. As she passed by, she looked over a table of one such shop, staring at the small figures perfectly lined up on the bright blue cloth. Different material for a different price. Wood, stone, bronze, silver, or golden gods, depending on your wealth. Something stirred within her, an uneasiness curling in the pit of her stomach. As much as she relied on her gods and desired their favor, she could see how Demas (and others in his study programs) could see why bowing down to the gods was seen as weak.

Why would you worship, prostrate, and beseech an inanimate object? She knew devout believers all over Athens, her mother included, who truly believed that the spirits of the gods were manifested in those small figures. She supposed it could be possible. But a part of her wanted something more, something... supernatural. She laughed aloud, startling an old woman walking beside her. Demas would cry out in protest if he could hear the tone of her thoughts! The truth was she didn’t believe the gods were manifested in any way in the small, crafted figures. But she played it safe. If beseeching the gods, however inanimate and crafted, was what it took to get what she wanted in life, then beseech the gods is what she would do. The pathway grew more crowded as she approached the Hill of Ares. She panted slightly as she climbed the rough rocks to the open area at the top. Demas had promised her a seat close to the front, a difficult task no doubt owing to the fact that she was a woman, but Demas had strong connections with the Council of the Areopagus. As she made her way into the clearing, he saw her and waved to her from the plinth. He motioned her forward, pointing to a seat close to the front. She pushed her way through the crowd, mostly men, until she reached Demas. He took her hand and kissed it, his brown curls falling across his forehead and his eyes dancing. “I am so glad you could make it!” He grinned widely, showing all of his perfectly white teeth. “I can’t wait for you to hear this fool. He’s passionate, no doubt, but a fool nonetheless.” She smiled coyly. “Perhaps you should let me hear him out first, then I will tell you if he is a fool or not,” she taunted. Demas laughed aloud and patted her shoulder. “If you see him as anything but, then it will be you, my dear, who are the fool.” An Areopagun guard came over and tapped Demas’s arm, motioning for him to come back to the plinth. Demas pecked her cheek affectionately and trotted away after the guard. Gathering her tunic and palus, she lowered herself carefully to the stone ground and observed the plinth. She saw a few more of Demas’s classmates, as well as Dionysus, a prominent Council member. Then her eyes fell on who was unmistakably Paul, the Christian.

© Exemplify 2009

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

His skin was darker than the skins of his Athenian companions. His long brown tunic was clean and neat with the exception of one tear at the hem. His sandals, however, looked the worst: the leather thongs were frayed in many areas and looked as though they were barely strapped onto his feet. She moved her eyes up and studied his face. He smiled politely at a few men who came to speak to him, but the smile never moved past his lips. It was obvious, even from her distance, that this Judean rebel was distressed by something. Demas moved forward onto the plinth, motioning for the crowd to settle and quiet down. “Athenians and scholars, welcome this day to the Hill of Ares. We are in for a treat today. Paul of Tarsus, the famed Christian, has agreed to come and talk with us today. Many of you have heard some of his more fancied claims of a mangod and resurrection from the dead. Today you will hear his,” Demas paused for effect, “stories about his religion and what it teaches.” Damaris frowned and did not applaud with the others as Demas sat down and Paul of Tarsus came forward. Demas had been deliberately condescending, and she didn’t think that was right. If Demas was truly open to hearing new ideas (as he claimed to be), then he wouldn’t need to result to condescension of those he disagreed with. Paul cleared his throat and looked over the crowd. Damaris felt a rush in her blood. Whatever was thought of Paul and his religious theories, he had become something of a celebrity in the Roman Empire. Most of the political leaders and all of the religious leaders disliked Paul, and she felt somewhat naughty to be sitting there listening to him, as though she were disobeying some unspoken but assumed rule. “Men of Athens!” he began, his voice booming over the crowd. “I have been in your town for several days, taking in your culture and learning about you, much as you like to learn of other

Paul spoke again. “As I walked around your markets and looked carefully at your

objects of worship, I

even found an altar with

this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.

Now what you worship

as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you.”

philosophies and religions yourselves.” He inclined his head towards the panel on the plinth. “I see that in every way you are very religious. I must say I have been greatly distressed. Distressed over the magnitude of idols and false gods I see in this great city. In fact, I was so distressed I went and met in the synagogues, with the very leaders of the traditions I used to practice before finding liberty in Christ, simply because they comprehend the concept of holiness, and a holy God.” He started to pace before the crowd. “I would go to your markets, day after day, preaching the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ - a gospel that sets men free from the bondage of death and of sin through belief in Jesus as Lord and life in the Spirit. As what has become customary, I was persecuted and ridiculed, but only with words and insults. The Epicurians and the Stoics came to me, debating me and accusing me of having no sense. It was only after realizing I am preaching a ‘foreign god’ that I was allowed to come here and speak.” Damaris sighed inwardly. Here we go, she thought. Another god to beseech. She debated rising to leave but she knew Demas

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would be disappointed in her if she left, so she remained seated. Paul spoke again. “As I walked around your markets and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown, I am going to proclaim to you.” Damaris snapped to attention. Paul had not shouted, yet there was something forceful in his words. He was making a declaration, a strong proclamation, the truth of which he was most assured. She felt goosebumps on her arms and wondered if she was that convinced of anything in her life. And an unknown god? She had seen those altars, and thought them curious. It was as though this unknown god transcended the twelve of Mount Olympus, and certainly any demi-god below them. She knew the reasoning behind the unknowable part: Athenians in their religious superstition wanted to make sure no gods were left out of their worship and thus offended by such an omission. If there was a higher power, even a higher power than Olympus, is it possible that this Paul could tell them who it was?

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

Paul continued. "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.” Behind him Demas snorted with laughter, but Damaris had never found anything less funny. This lined up with the questions that ran through her head each night as she pondered the mysteries of life. If there is a god who created the world and all the creatures within it, how is it this god can be contained within a temple built by men? And why would such a god stoop to living in a temple built by men? Suddenly Damaris felt very small, as her mind tried to comprehend the scope of the earth and the magnitude of a god who could create it. “And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” The crowd shifted uncomfortably, some scoffing like Demas, others scribbling Paul’s every word on scrolls spread out over their knees. “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek Him and perhaps reach out for him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us. 'For in Him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are His offspring.'” Paul inclined his head again to the panel on the plinth, many of whom were no longer smiling. Damaris’s mind raced. God did this so that men would seek Him... in Him we live and move and have our being... we are His offspring... Suddenly her skin became very real to her, as though she was noticing it and how it encompassed her and kept her from flying everywhere for the first time. She felt the coolness of the air being pulled into her nose and pulling into her chest. She marveled at the majesty that was

the composition of her body. I move... because of Him. But who? Who is “Him”? Paul was once again speaking, and she pulled herself out of her ethereal experience so as not to miss one of his words. “Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill.” Offspring... child. I am a child of God? Her mind worked faster than it had during any extensive study session while in school. On the surface, Paul’s words sounded like lunacy. But while her mind spun to new proportions, her heart began to beat faster, heavier. A child of God... Was this not something she had always wanted? A connection to whatever placed her here in this place and in this time? A connection to whoever held the reins of her life in their hands? A child... Paul’s countenance, so far having been subdued but firm, had changed. A new sense of severity came over his face. “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising Him from the dead." Damaris’s mouth had gone dry. Repent. She had heard the word in the different philosophy classes, usually when discussing the tenets of this new Christian sect. She had assumed that it only meant to grieve the wrongs you had done, but upon doing some research she realized it meant so much more. It wasn’t enough to just regret what you had done. It was a mind change, and decision to move forward in a new way, leaving the old behind. Her heart jumped in her throat, and she saw her life as though looking in from the outside. She had been so engrossed in

© Exemplify 2009

studies, in learning, in desiring to know as much as possible. She had pursued men of strong minds, men with no need of God, with no need for a divine connection, even though deep within her soul she felt lost and alone. And now as she listened to this Paul, the bane of the intellectual and political world, she realized she needed to change her mind. It was time to repent. Men were sneering at Paul, throwing verbal jabs his way. Still others sat as she did, mesmerized in their thoughts and comprehending his words. Paul spoke out again over the din. “Tell me, men of Athens, do your gods answer you? Can you hear them? Are you sure that they even hear you? Believe me when I say that there is a God who answers you, and His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was nailed to the cross for your sins and resurrected to overcome the curse of death!” A silence fell over the crowd. Damaris’s heart pounded. Out of everything Paul had said, one thing stood out: God will answer me? Yes, beloved, if you come to Me and serve Me only. Damaris shivered and stared around for the source of the voice, but she knew it was in vain. She knew she had just heard the Unknown God. The One True God. Oh God, forgive my unbelief. How can I be a child to You? As though invisible hands were turning his head, Paul looked straight at her as he gave his next discourse. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” “I believe...” Damaris breathed out. Then, from a holy courage that spread fire into the very tips of her bones, she cried out, “I believe!” She felt light as a feather, joy coursing through her. She felt free!

EXEMPLIFY MAGAZINE August 3, 2009

My sheep know My voice and they come when I call them.

Damaris shivered and stared around for the source of the voice, but she knew it was in vain. She knew she had just heard the Unknown God. The One True God. Oh God, forgive my unbelief. How can I be a child to You? As though invisible hands were turning his head, Paul looked straight at her as he gave his next discourse. “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” “I believe...” Damaris breathed out. Then, from a holy courage that spread fire into the very tips of her bones, she cried out, “I believe!” She felt light as a feather, joy coursing through her. She felt free! Demas came forward and snatched her raised arms out of the sky. “What is the matter with you?” he hissed. “Have you had too much wine?” She shook her head, unable to keep from smiling. “No, Demas. I’ve just had too much life.” He glared at her. “I’m surprised at you, Damaris. You know what religion does to people. You know only fools believe in a supremely divine being.” She shrugged. “I know what I have heard you say. And I know that I have wasted years of my life bowing before stone figures hoping and praying for an answer, an interaction. Just now I asked of God, the only True God, and He answered me.” Her eyes filled with tears. “He answered the prayer I have been praying to worthless elements my entire life.” She swallowed hard, her throat closing up from emotion. “It’s time to put the pieces of my soul back together. I’ve left pieces of myself at every altar in this city. I’m done with that. I’m taking all of me. All of me to Him.” Demas sputtered in indignation. “You can’t be serious! Do you know anything about this religion? Do you realize that this man-god Jesus is supposedly your high God come down in the form of a man to take away the sins of the world? Do you realize that under His rule you can experience no pleasure?” His words were meant to cut, but they only encouraged. “Demas,” she said softly, placing a hand on his arm, “I know this sounds crazy to you. You are entrenched in your studies and philosophies. But as much as you may deny it, there is a God above and it warms my soul to know He would come down to reconcile with His creation, rather than stay cold and aloof on a mountaintop. And as to the pleasure, well... I can’t remember the

last time I’ve felt this joyful, this free. To be completely honest pursuing worldly pleasures only left me feeling more empty in the end.” She raised her eyes to meet his, hoping he wasn’t too deeply offended by her description of their experiences. “I need to be full. I need to be alive.” Demas shook his head. “We’re done, Damaris. I thought you had potential. I thought you were brilliant. You are nothing more than a sheep, following whatever voice you hear.” He turned his back on her and strode away. Damaris stopped. Is this true? Of course it’s true, a calculated voice cut into her thoughts. You cannot think for yourself. You are ruled by your heart and a titillating speech. Damaris drew in a deep breath. She was going to step out again, to trust. To believe. God, if You are real and You are truly the One, I need to know: am I just a sheep following whatever whim that comes along? Silence. And then... My dear, do not worry. My sheep know My voice and they come when I call them. I have called you, My lamb. I will take care of you and lead you. I am all that you need. Damaris felt the tears falling fast and hot down her cheeks. The men of Athens were ushering Paul out of the Areopagus. A small band stood around him, exiting with him. Gathering up the length of her tunic, Damaris ran after them. She wanted to hear more, to sit at Paul’s feet, to learn all she could of the God of creation, who was above all and is all, and yet still saw fit to speak to her and meet her where she was. She thought of her idol table at home, the crafted trinkets of empty promise. She would dispose of them, if she even went back. She sought a new truth, a new glory. The glory of Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God. Oh God, oh Jesus, she prayed as she followed the group out of the Areopagus and down the hill, may my heart always be steadfast and never turn away from You!

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Adapted from Acts 17:16-34

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