Exemplifyonline.com December Issue

Exemplify Magazine December 2009

Prince of Peace Issue

Merry Christmas from Exemplify! Finding Peace in Friendships

Double issue! Check it out inside.

Overcoming Common Christmas Arguments in Marriage

Flu 101 Bie Study on Peace Inside

Editor’s Welcome Merry Christmas!



It’s our story too, you know. We’re just like those shepherds heading out to another day’s work. Like us, they carried with them the responsibility of their calling and the weight of their mistakes. Some were tired of the wait. Some didn’t think it would ever happen.

Maybe he didn’t know for what, but something deep inside of him hungered. Thirsted. We don’t know what was going through their minds or happening in their lives but we do know they each had a story. Each had his own life, his own desires, his own wants, his own let downs, his own

Let us not forget the moment when revelation dawned in the skies and the declaration of everything Holy met our hearts.

Or lost someone dear.

Or ached for silence. I’m sure at least one shepherd was hungry at the time.

A Savior has been born to you.

As we celebrate the birth of Redemption, let us not forget our night in that field.

Maybe they got into a fight with a loved one that day.

Maybe they wanted to be heard.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL the people.

You see– it’s our story too.

Like us, they silently wondered what really mattered and what they were living for.

Perhaps they really didn’t want to be stuck shepherding sheep another day. They dreamed of grander things and exploring the world.

But the angel said, ”Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord…" (Luke 2:10)

Christ the Lord.

Some still dared believe it would.

Maybe they just gave up and decided it wasn’t happening for them.

Peace in the Frenzy Page 24

He Will Be Their Peace Page 9

Peace in Friendships Page 8

Let us not forget, today, as we struggle with all of our “owns” (as perhaps the shepherds did) that Christ the Lord is still “good news of great joy…today.”

needs. Yes, to each, his own. Like us. And as night fell there in a field, as they were keeping watch over simple sheep, an angel appeared. Glory shone around them and they were afraid.

Let us not forget, today, as we struggle with all of our “owns” (as perhaps the shepherds did) that Christ the Lord is still “good news of great joy…today.” Christmas is ours to celebrate all year ‘round, because, amazingly... A Savior has been born to you. And me.

Merry Christmas to you & your family, Kristen Schiffman

contents

ED I TOR’ S P I C K

We’re expanding our team! Check out page 10 for details.

features

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The Exemplify Team Finding Peace in Friendships Well of Creations Giveaway Sneak Peek: Apologetics Column

columns 9 12 15 21 23 24 25 26 27

© Exemplify Magazine

He Will Be Their Peace Christmas Really Is The Most Wonderful Time of the Year How to Let Go of the Superfluous Bible Study on Peace The Christmas Sanctuary Peace in the Frenzy Jingle Bell Blues Flu 101 The Peace that Transcends

Check out page 30 for our Christmas Special Feature Issue And be sure to check out our December Christmas events!

Year End Spotlight On The Exemplify Magazine Team AN DREA MI T CH EL L

ANDREA MITCHELL IS A COFFEE DRINKING, JESUS-LOVING WIFE AND STAY-AT-HOME MOM OF THREE IN CONSTANT SEARCH OF JUST THE RIGHT MUG FOR HER BREW. YOU CAN FIND HER AT HER BLOG, UNDERGRACEOVERCOFFEE.COM WHERE SHE SHARES THE LOVE SHE HAS FOUND IN JESUS, ALONG WITH THE CAFFEINE-LADEN RANDOMNESS THAT MAKES UP THE MAJORITY OF HER DAY. GRAB YOUR CUP AND COME ON OVER!

C H R I S T Y MCGRAW

CHRISTY IS ON A JOURNEY TO BECOMING A WOMAN AFTER GOD’S OWN HEART. SHE DELIGHTS IN BOOKS, PHOTOGRAPHY, HER FAMILY AND HER FRIENDS. CHRISTY HAS A HEART FOR YOUNG WOMEN AND SINGLE WOMEN. SHE ALSO LOVES EMAILS! [email protected]

TARA RACHEL

TARA RACHEL IS A BORN-AND-BRED SOUTHERN GIRL WHO LOVES SWEET TEA, JESUS, AND FOOTBALL AND NOT NECESSARILY IN THAT ORDER. VISIT HER AT MUSINGS OF A FUTURE PASTOR'S WIFE, WHERE SHE BLOGS ABOUT HER DAY-TO-DAY LIFE AS THE WIFE OF A SEMINARY STUDENT/YOUTH PASTOR AND MOM TO A PRECIOUS TODDLER GIRL, AND THE DAILY TRUTHS THE LORD TEACHES HER.

J U D I T H ROBERTS

JUDITH ROBERTS HAS BEEN MARRIED TO HER COLLEGE SWEETHEART FOR FOUR YEARS, AND BOTH SHE AND HER HUSBAND ARE ACTIVE IN THEIR CHURCH. SHE IS A COLLEGE INSTRUCTOR PURSUING HER DOCTORATE AND HOPES TO MIRROR JESUS IN HER EVERYDAY LIFE.

KARA COX

KARA IS A SINGLE, THIRTYSOMETHING FOLLOWER OF CHRIST WHO LOVES TO LAUGH AND MAKES OTHERS LAUGH IN THE PROCESS. SHE IS DEVOTED TO ALL THINGS AUTUMN AND THINKS THAT PUMPKINS, FALLEN LEAVES AND FALL TV PREMIERES ARE A HIGHLIGHT OF LIFE. SHE WOULD ALSO LIKE YOU TO KNOW SHE IS THE MOST EXTROVERTED INTROVERT YOU WILL EVER MEET.

W E N DY MI L L E R

WENDY MILLER IS A BUTCHER (OF WORDS AS SHE EDITS HER NOVELS), A BAKER (OF BIRTHDAY CAKES AND TREATS FOR HER BELOVED FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS), AND A CANDLESTICK MAKER (NOT QUITE, BUT SHE ENJOYS CRAFTS OF ALL KINDS). SHE APPRECIATES THE OUTDOORS, WRITING AND LAUGHING WITH LOVED ONES. WENDY’S MISSION STATEMENT IS TO A LIVE A PASSIONATE LIFE FILLED WITH COMPASSION, GRATEFUL TO BE CALLED DAUGHTER OF THE MOST HIGH GOD. VISIT WENDY AT THOUGHTSTHATMOVE.BLOGSPOT.COM/ OR WENDYPAINEMILLER.WORDPRESS.COM/.

V I CTOR I A J EN KI N S

VICTORIA BEGAN WRITING FROM SCRIPTURE OUT OF THE SHEER INABILITY TO KEEP A GOOD THING TO HERSELF--THE EXCEPTION BEING BROWNIES, THOSE SHE REFUSES TO SHARE. SOON AFTER DELVING INTO HER FIRST BIBLE STUDY, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT GOD WAS BUILDING A MINISTRY THROUGH THIS NEWFOUND LOVE FOR HIS WORD. WHETHER SHE IS HOMESCHOOLING, HOUSEWIFING, OR HIDING FROM THE LAUNDRY HEAP, GOD CONTINUES TO GROW VICTORIA THROUGH THE MINISTRY HE SET IN MOTION...AND SHE CONTINUES TO HOG ALL THE BROWNIES.

J E NI F E R J ERN I G AN

JENIFER MAKES HER HOME IN NORTH CAROLINA WITH HER HUSBAND OF TEN YEARS, THREE CHILDREN, AND ENGLISH BLACK LAB, BELLA. ON A TYPICAL DAY, IF THERE IS SUCH A THING, YOU WILL FIND HER SIPPING A CUP OF COFFEE, HOME SCHOOLING HER CHILDREN, AND DIGGING INTO THE WORD. A FORMER PIT-DWELLER WHO HAS BEEN SAVED BY GOD'S AMAZING GRACE, JENIFER HAS A BURNING PASSION TO SHARE WITH WOMEN OF ALL AGES HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, MERCY, GRACE, AND FORGIVENESS.

AMY B AY L I S S

AMY IS A TRUE CAJUN PRINCESS WHO IS ON A MISSION TO MINISTER TO WOMEN VIA THE WORLD WIDE WEB. SHE HAS A HEART FOR ENCOURAGING AND EQUIPPING WOMEN AND SHE DOES SO BY UTILIZING MANY DIFFERENT VENUES. WRITING, SPEAKING, BLOGGING, PIONEERING… VISIT HER AT AMYBAYLISS.COM.

Exemplify welcomes the new writers featured in this issue: A L I S ON H U N T

ALISON IS A TWENTY-SOMETHING SINGLE WOMAN LIVING IN THE NOW AND HOPING FOR THE FUTURE. BASED IN NORTH FLORIDA, SHE AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT BY DAY, AND DREAMER BY NIGHT (LITERALLY). SHE CAN ALSO BE FOUND READING UNDER TREES, ZUMBA-ING, SPENDING TIME WITH FAMILY, AND CATCHING UP WITH FRIENDS OVER COFFEE. VISIT HER BLOG AT HTTP:// ALISONLHUNT.BLOGSPOT.COM.

J ES S I E J ON ES

JESSIE JONES IS A NEWLYWED MAKING HER WAY THROUGH GRADUATE SCHOOL WITH THE HELP OF AN AMAZING HUSBAND. SHE LOVES READING, COOKING AND WRITING.

Details on the writers featured in this issue begin on page 32.

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Finding Peace in Friendships Written by Jessie Jones

Peace on Earth. It’s such an interesting topic. What does that mean in this day and time? We are a world at war. We live in a country that fights constantly, over more things than I care to count. But for me, finding peace in my life has been a struggle lately. Going through life changes like getting married, having children, or moving away impact our friendships greatly. As women, we need to find peace on earth in our relationships. As a newlywed, this has been my struggle. As I sit and stare at my computer screen, I have a feeling that I’m not the only one. My friendships are changing. The beautiful women who stood beside me that day do not have near as much in common with me right now. There have been fading relationships,

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fights, and hurt feelings. I’ve felt so lost lately, but I found great advice from our Father. The words are so simple, as I sit and stare at them. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times. That means a friend loves at every single minute of every single day. So, even when life changes and times are hard, we are still called to love one another constantly. It’s such a beautiful thing to consider, and to live this verse out will only bring joy to our Father. I feel like this is my challenge, and our challenge as women as well. We are mean, catty, vicious creatures when we are caught up in the world. I find myself in each of those categories on a daily basis. Daily I am

learning to live differently, and I am trying to burn this verse into my heart and soul. I want to be this kind of friend. I will not be a doormat. I will not enable bad behavior in the women I love. But I will be a true friend. I’ve struggled with many of my friendships lately. As the first newlywed in our group of girls, I’m dealing with many things they aren’t. They are dealing with many things I no longer am. Maintaining these relationships keeps my life peaceful, and full. As we approach the Christmas holidays, I’m struck daily by this verse. It goes hand in hand with peace on earth. We are called to be one another’s friends in this life, and in the next. If we will live our lives and deal with one another in the spirit of friendship and love, peace will overwhelm us.

© Exemplify Magazine

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He Will Be Their Peace By Andrea Mitchell It was such a lowly place for the Prince of Peace to be born. To the people passing by, there was nothing extraordinary about the baby wrapped in cloths, nothing to draw them to him. And yet on this one precious baby laid the fate of the entire world. I’ve always looked at the baby Jesus as a beautiful gift from God – His gift of salvation for us. And yet these past weeks He has shown me just how much more He encompassed. Recently my son was hospitalized with appendicitis. My husband had taken him in the walk-in clinic near our home because I was worried over EJ’s stomach pains. Before I knew it, he was admitted and on the list for surgery the next day. Several years ago, my daughter Hannah was diagnosed with a condition called neutropenia, which while it turned out to be a benign © Exemplify Magazine

case that she outgrew, could have been a precursor to something much more serious, like leukemia. Both of these incidences saw me completely unable to pray. It’s not that I didn’t want to pray. I just couldn’t. I was paralyzed with fear.

went from a worrying, frantic mess to completely full of peace. It was during my son’s hospital stay that it hit home – that peace I knew without a doubt was from Jesus. The Prince of Peace.

“And he will be their peace..” Micah 5:5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 I could have spent the days of waiting for my daughter’s final diagnosis, or the days of waiting for my son to be released from the hospital in turmoil and agony. But instead, God reminded me to fix my eyes on Jesus. To be filled with His peace that passes all understanding. His reminder?

But once I realized what was happening, I quickly enlisted the help of several friends and family members, people who were more than willing to pray fervently for my children (and me!). I could pretty much tell you the minute people started to pray. I

God’s peace isn’t the same as the world’s idea of peace. The world believes peace means no war, no pain, no grief. God’s peace doesn’t promise the absence of these things. It promises the absence of fear and turmoil in the midst of these things.

A tiny little baby. Worshiped and honored above all men.

“And he will be their peace.” Micah 5:5

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We’re expanding our team! Exemplify Magazine is currently looking for the following: Practical Home Columnist Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write about practical tips for the Christian home. Articles on frugality, organization, time management and the like will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys the topic of stewardship and would like to encourage other women to honor the Lord with a life lived in holy balance. Closet Issues Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on overcoming women’s issues. Articles on overcoming abusive relationships, eating disorders, strongholds, etc. will be expected. This columnist may also interview women and write about the issues they have conquered in Christ. This column will be perfect for someone who

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enjoys cheering on those who are victorious in Christ and have a testimony they long to share. In the Kitchen Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write about kitchen creations! Articles on cooking, baking, cookware and the like will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys cooking and is able to write step by step guidelines with ease. Fashion Columnist - Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of beauty and fashion. Articles on current trends, beauty products, tips and tricks will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who enjoys fashion and beauty with a holy balance before the Lord.

Health Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of health. Articles on well being, physical fitness, healthy foods, health trends and products will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has an informed interest on health topics. Moving Toward Holiness Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of moving forward in the Christian faith. Articles on how to pray, set aside devotional time, make the most out of bible study, encourage our children to establish godly patterns now, etc. will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has a passion for seeing real life faith hit the pavement.

© Exemplify Magazine

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Empty Nest Columnist- Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of empty nest challenges and joys. Articles on adjusting to life without children at home, reconnecting with your spouse, common challenges and encouraging anecdotes will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has experience with empty nest challenges and desires to encourage others in this new phase of life.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please send a sample of your writing (or a link to your photography) to the Exemplify Team at [email protected] as well as a quick bio on yourself and why you feel you’d be a good fit for our magazine.

Single Parenting Columnist – Exemplify is currently looking for a columnist to write on the topic of solo parenting. Articles on dealing with divorce, raising godly children solo, common challenges and encouragement will be expected. This column will be perfect for someone who has experience in this area and feels the call to encourage others who are struggling.

We will be considering all the women who inquire so we ask that you do not contact us with a second email for at least one month. We plan to have the new columnists lined up by the first week of January.

Photographer- Exemplify is currently looking for photographers who are willing to submit their photos for our magazine issues. This position will be perfect for someone who enjoys life behind the lens!

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All positions are volunteer based.

Due to the volume of emails we receive it may not be possible for us to respond to each and every email. We apologize for this in advance. Serious inquiries may be asked to fill out a short questionnaire. All new team members will be asked to read our ministry mission and commitment. We realize that writing for a monthly publication is a commitment therefore we ask these things so that all parties involved understand their responsibilities. We look forward to expanding our team!

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Christmas IS the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Written by Jenifer Jernigan

She knew the conversation would eventually happen. Every year since they’ve been married the same issue comes up. “Do we go here? Do we go there?” Sarah knew the answer and was hoping this year he would too.

Sarah finished in the kitchen, checked on the kids, then crawled into bed to watch a little TV until Andrew came in. Andrew tinkered in the garage for a while, checked on the kids, then grabbed a blanket from the closet and made the couch his bed for the night.

“I thought we were spending Christmas day with MY parents,” Andrew said, “weren’t we at your parent’s house last year!”

“If he wasn’t so stubborn….” “If she wasn’t so stubborn…” were their thoughts as they nodded off to sleep that night.

“Andrew, why is it that we have this same conversation every single year! Christmas day WILL ALWAYS be spent with MY parent’s at their house, because, well… that’s just the way it is. We can go to your parent’s house another day. Pick one! There are 364 days to choose from,” Sarah shouted back as she tidied up the kitchen from dinner. “And… we ARE going to have a real tree this year with ONLY white lights and yes, I am listening to Kenny G’s Christmas CD again!”

Forget about peace on earth, good tidings to all men, fa-la-la-la-la. This couple is in desperate need of some peace and good tidings for themselves this Christmas season.

He stood looking at her in complete silence; dumbfounded by how stubborn his wife could be. “This is why I HATE Christmas!” Andrew grimaced as he walked out the door to the garage, slamming it behind him.

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Christmas- the celebration of the birth of the King of Kings. The time of year when we especially reflect on the peace the babe in the manger came to bring to the hearts of a people in turmoil. A time of year when families come together to share gifts and meals and make memories that will last a lifetime. If Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year” and the “hap-happiest season of all” then why do couples like Sarah and Andrew argue every year over whose home they will be going to for Christmas and what kind of tree they will have and what kind of music

they will listen to ? What can couples do to make certain Christmas IS wonderful and happy for both themselves and their families?

God ordained marriage to be a union between a man and woman who would both leave their own families and unite as one making a home for themselves (Genesis 2:24). Into this marriage both parties bring ideas, traditions, and memories from their childhoods. As their marriage grows and they begin to create their own family traditions and make their own family memories, one very important thing they must both keep in mind is to remain flexible and remember to listen to their spouse as ideas about traditions are discussed. My husband is not a Christmas person; I, on the other hand, love Christmas. The lights, sounds, and smells all hold special memories for me. When we first married we had to really work hard to make Christmas an enjoyable time of year. We’ve had many conversations about things we would do and things we wouldn’t do. Ten years later, we have our own family’s traditions and we make new precious memories each year.

© Exemplify Magazine

Here are a few things we’ve worked through during our years of marriage. Deciding where to spend Christmas. Decide where you will spend Christmas Day. Decide where you will be spending Christmas Day long before Christmas Day arrives and make sure both parties are in agreement. Because we live away from both sets of parents, each year we spend Christmas Day with my side of the family and then my husband’s family comes to our house the next week. We’ve done it this way for years. It works for us. Everyone knows months in advance where they will be and when they will be there. You and your spouse must be in agreement over where you will be so that your hearts and minds are focused on what Christmas is all about.

e Christmas tree. I always envisioned Christmas music softly playing in the background and hot chocolate sitting on the mantel as my husband and I trimmed our tree paying special attention to all the decorations as we strategically hung them on the tree. Ah yes! What a nice vision that was! My husband will bring the tree in from the storage shed and that’s about as far as he goes to trimming anything. He just doesn’t get into it like I do. For the first couple of years of our marriage it really bothered me that he wouldn’t help me decorate the tree. I’ve gotten over it and just enjoy him sitting on the couch talking to the kids and me as we hang the decorations. Remember ladies, we are decorators. If your husband doesn’t get into the trimming of the tree or the placing of the manger scenes all over the house, don’t make him do it. Just enjoy him being there with you.

Creating family traditions. My husband and I have made it a point to create a few special traditions for our family. We buy our children three gifts each year to symbolize the gold, frankincense, and myrrh that were brought to Jesus. Before any gifts are opened we read the story of Jesus’ birth from the Scriptures. Now that our children are getting older, they are beginning to take part in the reading of Christ’s birth. In recent years we’ve begun making it a point to give back to others in some form or fashion so that our children are seeing that Christmas is not all about them but is, instead, about a Savior who came into the world to give new life to a hurting and lost people.

Remember this year that Christmas IS the most wonderful time of the year! It is a time to reflect, a time to make memories, and a time to praise God for sending a Redeemer into the world. I pray this Christmas will be a joyous time for you and your family as you make memories and worship the King.

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Beautiful Giveaway! Win the Waiting...Hoping...Bag inspired by Psalm 1:1-3

You could win a one of a kind hand tote created, crocheted and hand-stitched by Robin of Well of Creations.  With large side panels and the bottom of the bag lined with cream denim fabric this is a piece that will compliment any wardrobe! As a military wife with a toddler at home, Robin found herself feeling isolated and trapped in her home during her husband Mike's deployment in 2008.  A desperate prayer one December evening led to miraculous series of events which led to the opening of "Well of Creations" on etsy.  Now, in the midst of yet another deployment, GOD is continuing to give her direction for her business and she is pleased to be able to share her latest renderings. To enter this giveaway visit Robin’s ship at http:// www.etsy.com/shop/wellofcreations and tweet us your favorite piece @exemplify. Winner will be announced December 15th.

How to Let Go

of the Superfluous

Written by Wendy Miller

Doesn’t it feel good when you decide to dig in your closet and sort through your clothes? I’m always amazed at how many items have collected dust in my closet that I haven’t worn in years. They have no purpose for being there and they bunch up against all the apparel I do wear, making it more difficult to find that favorite shirt when I’m in a rush to get dressed. Our closets aren’t the only place where we accumulate and save unneeded things. My words and thoughts have the potential to be infiltrated by unnecessary things. As Christians, we long to shine the light of Christ, to make our messages and our calling clear. I’m convinced that the more we rid of the cloudy, “extra” things of life, the brighter our light can shine. I’ve written this how to article a little differently this time. I decided to break potential superfluous things into three categories. Synonyms of superfluous are extra, surplus, redundant, excessive, unessential, and unnecessary. These will be good to remember as you read on.

Material Things

work of a garage sale and periodically throughout the year, give your stuff away. There are numerous clothing bins and plenty of Goodwill’s or Salvation Army’s around that know exactly where to put that toy you’ve had just about enough of.

Need vs. Want First, we’ll explore the good ole’ way of measuring how important something is to us before we buy it or ingest it. You’ve heard of need versus want? This is when you ask; do I really need this item, the second helping of brownies, that overly expensive scarf or do I just want it? I’m never surprised to see how well this works. It’s an excellent mental sifter, helping me to try to make wise decisions.

“It’s not the daily increase but daily decrease. Hack away at the unessential.” Bruce Lee

Garage Sale, Anyone? Once you’ve accumulated more stuff in your house than you know what to do with, you may find yourself tripping over toys thinking, what am I going to do with all of this? Garage sale, anyone? Or if you’re feeling extra generous, advertise a free garage sale. Or better yet, skip the

When Avoidance is Fruitful

You drive by it on your way home. It’s only a click away. What is it? It’s that store of gorgeous dresses that always seem to fit you perfectly or it’s that online site that pulls you in every time, where you browse their online catalog for hours on end admiring, then purchasing about half of the offered items. Normally, where people are concerned, we don’t practice avoidance. We’re taught confrontation is good and avoidance is unhealthy. Not so with that store or online site. Back to the need vs. want on this one. What are we really trying to fill when we desire that blouse with such fervor? Is that new kitchen utensil really as imperative as we’ve made it out to be? Are you able to test your ability to be disciplined?

Words

Needless Advice

This one is much simpler than we make it out to be. We live in a world full of fixers. Everyone has a problem and everyone else wants to fix it. It’s natural to want to fix. It tugs on us to lavish advice on a friend in need of it. But, we need to be extra careful with this. It’s not always our job. I’m willing to guess more often than not, it isn’t our job to lend advice when it hasn’t been asked of us. Just as everyone has problems, we are all learning. Some are faster learners than others. Allow others to go their pace, while you focus on your road ahead.

False flattery

This one grates on me. It’s manipulation. But it looks pretty. It’s still manipulation. Example: a lady glances you over and spots you talking with so and so, who happens to be the very person glance over lady has wanted to befriend, then glance over lady comes up to you beaming, with high pitched tone telling you how gorgeous you look, asking “how much weight have you lost?” when it happens to be a day you haven’t brushed a thing on your body, including teeth and hair and you’ve gained twenty pounds since you’ve last seen glance over lady. Blech. Save it!

Rambling, Ranting, Venting & Dumping

Writers try very hard to tighten their sentences, ridding them of any unneeded adverb or pesky adjective. This is not so with the spoken word. Women, we are famous for this. We love to talk. Ask my husband. He often prods me to a point by saying, “The headlines. I just want the headlines.” Much of what spills out of our mouths need not. I’m all for a long chat with a good friend, but make it about something interesting. Talking for hours about how cruel Aunt Betty was when she wouldn’t let you borrow hairspray to groom your dog’s bouffant tresses does not

constitute as interesting. As a matter of fact, we need to learn to call it what it is. Rambling, ranting, venting and dumping. We all do it, but we need to recognize our rants so we can work to minimize them.

“Take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” James 1:19

to a dark and desolate location to a much brighter and peaceful place instead.

“Gratitude is the mother of all virtues.” G.K. Chesterton Perspective

Thoughts

Grudge Check This is the messiest of the three. We can eliminate our spending, tame our tongues, but I’ve found taking my thoughts captive to be one of the most difficult aspects of faith. In one of her Bible studies, Beth Moore shares that often we hold onto past hurts as a way to punish the offender and because it can feel good to nurse a wound. This opened my eyes. I’d not viewed holding grudges in that light before. But, as you know, once the light is turned on, you see things for what they are. You no longer walk by darkness. I’d stuffed a lot of things into the attic of my brain that I’d allowed to become grudges. I’d allowed those things to turn into more than grudges, they marked areas of unforgiveness.

Worry Having kids exponentially increases the number of things you can choose to worry about. Now you have not only yourself to worry about, but other beings. Worry is fruitless, though. Nothing comes of it. Prayer, however…prayer is bringing the concern to the One who has the power to do something about it. Here’s something to remember, the next time you feel worry creep in, making your bones hurt with fear or uncertainty, pray. Ask for God’s direction, decision, or delineation.

On the heels of developing gratitude is discerning perspective. A flat tire seems mild in light of a cancer diagnosis. A squabble with the spouse shines dimly in the light of your neighbor’s bitter divorce. Grappling the truth that God is in control, that God has blessed you and that God will continue to bless you is essential for growing in a relationship with Him. Letting go of the superfluous enables you to grow in that relationship, unencumbered by all things trying to throw you off course or distract you from that growth.

To wrap up, materially we can slim down. We don’t need as much as we think we do. Our wants tend to dress up and walk around like needs. It’s time we expose them for what they are: wants. There are plenty of places and people that need our things. It’s wise for us to learn to give. Also, avoiding some of those temptation spots will help us to let go of the material extras in our lives.

With our words, we let go of the superfluous by refusing to give needless advice or false flattery. Gauging how often we rant and ramble demonstrates that we are consciously trying to let go of unneeded words that have a tendency to crowd and even water down our conversations.

Finally, letting go of the superfluous in our thoughts means being willing to let go of grudges, turning worry into prayer, establishing an attitude of gratitude and Gratitude insisting on understanding perspective. Why do we want to do all of the above A thankful attitude is like a sword to needless and unhealthy thinking. When you things? Because when we clear the clutter out, we are able to see more clearly God’s begin to be flooded by insecurities, tackled vision and direction for our lives. And what by past hurts, or bombarded with pride, establishing a set of things in your life to be could be more rewarding than that? grateful for changes the entire focus of your heart. It moves the compass from pointing

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Sneak Peek: New Apologetics Column

Written by Tara Rachel

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15 Have you ever sat down and flipped through your TV preview channel and counted how many legal television shows there are? Every channel seems to have some version of a courtroom based drama. There is the Court TV channel, the daytime divorce court shows, and every Lifetime movie has the same plot structure: 30 minutes of action and an hour and a half of courtroom resolution.

I’ll admit, the first time I was faced with these questions I fell flat on my face.

And it doesn’t stop with fictional television. John Grisham is one of the most popular, successful authors of all time, thanks to his gripping legal dramas. Our 24-hour news channels keep us abreast of any legal developments in scandalous cases of celebrities and politicians.

Unfortunately I found the opposite to be true. While I had a rock-solid faith, my knowledge was about Frisbee-deep.

We’re trained to like whodunits from childhood. Nancy Drew, anyone? We are a generation of defense-loving, problemsolving people. We like to know all the facts, all the pieces of the puzzle. And yet, as a generation of Christians, I wonder how we would respond if we were asked the following questions, especially by a stranger or someone we were trying to witness to: “How do you know the Bible hasn’t been changed at some point in history? How do you know you are really reading God’s Word?” “Why do you believe Jesus is God when He never actually says the words, ‘I am God’?” “Why do you believe in the trinity when the word ‘trinity’ isn’t even in the Bible?” “If Jesus is really God, where was He during the entire period of the Old Testament?” “If God is a good God, then why is there so much evil in the world?” “Tell me why it’s logically reasonable to believe in the God of the Bible.”

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I knew that I believed certain doctrines of the Christian faith. I just didn’t know why I believed those doctrines. And I was raised in church. If anyone should be able to answer questions about the Bible from the Bible, it should be me.

for one purpose – so we can use them! And He has left us one awesome treasure map of knowledge to follow! It is with great excitement that I announce to you a new column coming January 2010 – The Facts Behind Our Faith, a teaching column on apologetics. Digging into His Word and digging into history and really discovering why we believe what we believe. I hope you will join us here at Exemplify for this exciting journey!

A few months back I emailed our lovely, Jesusloving-and-glorifying editor Kristen about a project the Lord was laying on my heart. We each prayed about it and sought His direction and each feel Him leading us to this place. A place where women who love the Lord can come together and learn the facts behind our faith. Why we believe what we believe.

Today the Lord led me to Psalm 119:66, and I’m asking you to come there with me: “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.” Notice the order in which the psalmist prayed: he asks for knowledge because he believes in the Lord’s commandments. The belief is already there, but there is much knowledge and discernment left to discover.

I just love the Word of God. I love it in its perfection and simplicity. I love how God doesn’t ask us to just walk blindly believing what some pastor, Sunday school teacher, or seminary student says to believe. He puts it out there for us, perfectly exposed in His Word and perfectly timed in history.

Pray this Scripture with me today. Let us come before our Lord Jesus and ask Him to bless us with holy knowledge about Him and His Word. We can stand firm in James 1:5, knowing that He will give generously to anyone who lacks wisdom but asks for it.

He doesn’t do it for Himself. He certainly doesn’t need anything else to testify about His truthfulness and in by doing so make Him more truthful. He is the author of all truth; without Him there would be no truth. He is also a God of promises, a God who keeps His word. He tells us we can believe in Him and believe in His Word, and then – just like with His answered prayers, His miracles, and His involvement in our lives – He gives us proof, tangible proof in His Word and in human history. Because our God is a God who keeps His word.

It is my prayer that at the end of this series, you will be able to answer all the questions above… and then some. Are you ready to go on the ultimate treasure hunt? Then join us February as we begin to study the evidence for the greatest defense written in all of history.

There seems to be a postmodern consensus that to be a Christian you must also be unintelligent or dimwitted and gullible. I don’t think there could be anything further from the truth! Our magnificent Creator gave us these amazing organs we call brains 17

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Book Review: The Christ of Christmas by Deborah Boutwell

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This little book of 31 daily devotions helps me to remember the Christ of Christmas. Calvin Miller opens the story with a humorous story line between Michael and Gabriel (the two most famous angels of the Bible). They are impatiently awaiting the moment that the world starts keeping up with “Jesus Time” (A.D.), the moment that the angels are allowed to fill the skies with praise, and when a new star shines down on a little town. You will be taken on an eye-opening journey or maybe it’s better stated as a heart-opening journey through the months, days, and years that surround the birth of Christ and his childhood. Miller focuses each day on a verse from one of the Gospels giving wonderful insight and then offering additional readings and a prayer for each day. While quickly expanding on those events, he makes them all relevant to today.

Take for instance John. He was born to “bear witness of the light.” Miller I love to read, which is good since I’ve challenged me to be like John and been asked to do some book reviews for proclaim, “Here is the Lamb of God!” “To Exemplify. I truly feel blessed to be able stand in an uncaring world and say, ‘See, to share with you some books, fiction and here is the Christ’ is a daring act of non-fiction that have touched my heart. courage.” He offers a prayer to not My goal over the next few months is to “continue to walk silently while others pull books off my personal bookshelf and are walking in darkness.” share with you. My personal library shelves are full of books from every genre and various authors. Some of them may be books that I’ve pulled down many times, to journey again to a special place, others are brand new with spines waiting to be cracked and pages ready to be worn. There are books from every stage of life that I’ve been led through, most are marked and scored, notes in the margins, tears smearing the pages. The Christ of Christmas is one such book that has touched my heart. There is one thing that I can always plan on and this book touches on it right off the bat….the “sameness” of Christmas. “The same traditions. The same meals. The same songs. The same story.” I have often found myself just doing the stuff of Christmas and forgetting the why of Christmas….the birth of my Savior.

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Or Mary and Elizabeth. One too young and the other too old to be a mother, yet both chosen by God to fulfill His plan. Both willing to be used. Miller reminded me how wonderful it is to see older people who have loved God all their lives and still dream of how He can use them. Ordinary people chosen to do something extraordinary.

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“moment-by-moment anticipation” of what and how God was working in this crazy world of mine. I eagerly turned the pages searching for new insight into this familiar story. Who would have thought I would find it in Joseph?

He was chosen, just like Mary, but there is no prayer of thanksgiving from him. He was given no advanced warning of the miracle taking place. Joseph found himself in the middle of the miracle, unsure which way to go, who to believe. The woman he is betrothed to (probably chosen for the same reasons that God chose her) shows evidence that she has been unfaithful or completely lost her mind. Miller calls it “the spirit of Joseph”, the ability to have a loving treatment of the guilty or those that appear to be guilty. Can I have that kind of spirit?

So many treasures and challenges can be found in the daily walk through this book and through the Gospels. Miller talks about how God whispered to a few that He was in town that night. “Most of Bethlehem didn’t know God was in town. Some people there may still not know it or at least not think much of it.” Who in my town needs to be reminded Immanuel is with us?

This charming little book, The Christ of Christmas, is a perfect companion during the busy holiday season. It will help you daily with it’s short devotions, to remain centered in the reason we celebrate and give you excitement to look for His next coming.

“Don’t be afraid.” I wonder how many times that phrase is repeated throughout the Christmas story? Yet, after that assurance, God sets out to terrify them with His demands. And they listened and responded. A few days into reading this little book, I began to realize that I was being challenged, that my heart was being touched, and I was beginning to think of Christmas differently. I wanted to be chosen and used by God. I wanted to be terrified because of the exciting plans He had for my life. I wanted to have a

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Peace on Earth

and In My Soul

Written By Alison Hunt

During the holiday season stores are filled with greeting cards and decorations that read some version of “Peace on Earth”. This year it is making me ask myself, “Do I have peace in my little part of the earth? Do I have peace in my soul?” If I answered honestly, it would probably be “Um…sometimes, I think? Well, OK, I worry. A lot.” Please tell me I’m not the only worry wort!

relationship with God and even asked it’s time to exchange that anxiety for for a willing spirit to make a change. true soul filling peace. Exchanging is not a sacrifice out of “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it obligation, but a sacrifice out of an intense love and desperate need to have again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be more of the Holy Spirit, more of God, evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not more of Jesus living inside of me.

In Matthew 6 Jesus talks to his disciples about worry and asks them a very poignant question; “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” I believe Jesus is asking us the For the past few years I have been same question today. Now, you should embarking what I like to call “The know something about me. My life Process of Exchange”. A friend struggle has been anxiety and worry. I introduced me to the theory that we are have spent countless minutes, hours living a life of exchange. I sacrifice one and days rehearsing conversations, thing to gain more of another. Isaiah anticipating struggle, wondering how 59:2 (NLT) says “It’s your sins that have situations will be resolved, thinking cut you off from God.” Even David “What if…” or “I should have…”. But I cries out to God and says in Psalm recently realized that my worry 51:12 (NIV) “Restore to me the joy of requires no faith. It gives me an easy your salvation and grant me a willing out if things don’t turn out like I spirit, to sustain me.” David knew that thought they would, but when I worry his sin kept him from the fullness of his I also miss out on the peace of God. So,

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be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV) That passage of scripture has been my lifeline in my process to exchange anxiety for peace. Let me translate this into the AAV (Alison Amplified Version):

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Alison, rejoice in the Lord in everything you do! Rejoice! Do not let your fear and worry harden your heart. The Lord is near. Did you hear that? The Lord is NEAR! There is no reason to be anxious about anything, instead through prayer AND petition , with the thanksgiving that remembers everything He has done in the past, present your requests to God. This doesn’t mean you’ll get your answer right away. Instead, you get to have the peace of God because you trust Him. You’ll get His supernatural peace that you cannot even begin to understand. It will remain even in times when it seems ridiculous to be filled with peace! It is the peace that guards your heart and mind in Christ Jesus from the enemy.

I LOVE that the Bible is a practical tool in growing closer in relationship with God. How can He not increase when we fill our minds with the Truth? In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul gave some very clear directives about trusting the Lord. He tells us to Rejoice in everything that we do. Have you ever tried to rejoice and worry at the same time? It’s not possible. Try it. Spend 30 seconds, right now, praising God with everything you have and thank Him for who He is and what He’s done. I dare you. Did you worry? I would venture to say there was no room for that little worry worm to dig around your thoughts.

Throughout the rest of that passage Paul tells us to remember that the Lord is near. There is no reason to be anxious with our Savior right there. He tells us to talk to God, to tell Him our needs, desires and hopes. It’s not that God doesn’t know those things already, but that the act of coming to God with everything is an intimate experience. It requires you to be honest with Him about the good, the bad and the ugly. It brings you to a point of acknowledging to God that your will was not lining up with His will and asking Him to show you how to correct that in your life. It’s in the place of true genuine honesty with God that we make room in our soul for that transcendental peace Paul is talking about.

never writes anymore, though. Her ink well dried up years ago. In another corner is a tall standing mirror caked in dust and grime. She is beautiful, but there is no radiance in her tear stained cheeks because she has not seen the sun in a very long time. She can’t remember how she got inside, but she knows she wants to get out. As she walks the border of her room, she beats the walls looking for a weak point to escape. Everyday she walks her room and each night she draws the same conclusion that whoever built these walls spent a lot of time making sure they would never come down. At the end of the vision she went to her mirror, wiped some of the grime away, and I saw my face.

God showed me that in my anxiety and self-protection, I built myself a room with no This process of exchange that visible escape. But what I saw I’m on to give up my anxious next gave me hope. It was a thoughts for the peace of God picture of me standing in the has not necessarily been easy. middle of that very same room, To be honest, sometimes it has arms held high with my books been downright painful. When in my hands and the walls were I asked God to show me what crumbled to the ground. God anxiety has done to my heart is more than able to perform like David did in Psalm 139, He miracles in each of our lives. did. Sometimes all we need to do is just raise our hands and receive His peace. I wish I could draw you a picture of what God showed me. What I saw was a princess imprisoned in a tiny brick cell with no door to get in or out. In one corner is a pile of brick and mortar. In another corner is a stack of books filled with her secret desires and hopes. She

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she•lo•v•mi, she•lo•v•mi not

A Bie Study on Peace Written by Victoria Jenkins

Today is one of those days when our study of God’s Word is going to pit our literal understanding against the Spiritual understanding with which we must weigh all things. Complicated text is just one of many reasons prayer should always precede our time on the pages of God-breathed Scripture. Let’s petition our Father for the supernatural wisdom that He is ever gracious to deliver. Lord, The enemy often uses apparent contradictions in Your Word in his attempts to trip us up. Father, we know that with the wisdom You lend, we can grasp the many levels of Truth in every word of Scripture. We ask that You will grow us in wisdom and in understanding as we seek to become more pleasing in Your sight. Show us how we might apply Your precepts as You shape us into a more perfect picture of Your Perfect Son. Lord, thank You for being quick to provide our every need and faithful to fulfill each promise You’ve made to Your children. In love we pray, Amen.

The Christmas season awakens dreams of sugarplums and the like as it stirs our deepest hopes, however deeply they may be buried. Miraculously, the birth of one tiny babe has brought with it the hubbub of holiday while also providing the only real hope for humanity. Not just any infant, this swaddling-clothed child is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior, and the Prince of Peace.

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“For to us a child is born,

She•lo•v•mi, she•lo•v•mi not?

to us a son is given,

Speaking to His disciples, Jesus addressed the fact that the peace He and the government will be on his gives isn’t what the world would have shoulders. Him give, saying, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give And he will be called to you as the world gives” (from John Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 14:27, NIV). Not on the world’s gift registry and not given in the fleeting Everlasting Father, Prince of manner that is all this place has to Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). offer, Jesus’ brand of peace is eternal More than two thousand years after His and surpasses our every expectation. arrival, teachings, death, resurrection, I can remember praying fervently that and ascension, peace still eludes the God would deliver me from my once Earth. Where is the peace we were loveless and painful marriage. For promised long before Christ walked many years I believed His answer was among us? Every Messianic prophesy “no”, but with time the Lord revealed was fulfilled and yet we live in a that my rescue would be much perpetually war torn world. How can different than what I had in mind. we reconcile the vow to bring peace Instead of giving me what I thought I with the stark reality that mankind needed, God gave me what I never continually battles against itself? knew I always wanted. God healed my broken heart and is continually As I prepared for this study, God rebuilding my relationship with my faithfully revealed the direction He’d be taking us through a simple game of husband. I never imagined it was possible, and I’ll never stop standing in childhood. I’m sure you recall the amazement of the way God went days of plucking petals from beyond all that I could think or dream unsuspecting daisies, alternating between the rise of “he loves me” and for myself. Our Father dreams big for all of His children. Can you name a the fall of “he loves me not”. More than just a catchy title, She•lo•v•mi is time in your life when the Lord has the transliteration of the Hebrew word, turned what seemed like an shalom, which means “peace to you”. unanswered prayer into a blessing that surpassed your want? Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came to divide the world. (Luke 12:51) What about peace on earth?

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When the Lord’s reply to our wants seems to be a resounding “no”, we can know that our Father simply has something better in store for us. We can find immense encouragement in knowing Jesus’ brand of peace goes beyond what we might envision for ourselves and it exceeds the limitations of our fallen world.

How would you describe the expectations man has concerning the concept of peace?

In Jeremiah 6:14 and 8:11, God tells us, “they dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace.”

A state of quiet or tranquility Freedom from disturbance or agitation Calm Repose Exemption from, or cessation of, war with public enemies Public quiet, order, and contentment in obedience to law Exemption from, or subjection of, agitating passions Tranquility of mind or conscience Reconciliation Agreement after variance Harmony Concord To make or become quiet To be silent

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Each of these aspects of the world’s definition is as good as the last, yet none are as good as that which Jesus brings! The world will never be able to offer the one element that sets the peace of Christ apart.

As the Prince of Peace, Jesus is ruler over welfare, soundness, peace and completeness.

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What does that mean to you in this moment? We can tell our Father all about it as we fellowship with Him in prayer right now. The Holy Spirit will intercede and speak those words too rich for us to speak, too deep for us to mine, and too hard for us to admit.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Designed to be with the Lord and ripped from His side by our sinful Numbers 6:24-26, NIV nature, we are born with a God-shaped hole that leaves our spirits screaming for the wholeness in which we were made. Our efforts to fill a void fit for the King will never bring us the completeness we seek. Take heart! The Prince of Peace will live up to His name. He will live up to every one of His majestic and wonderful names. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV). We can rest in the fact that the promise of peace became a “yes” in Christ Jesus.

“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace” (Micah 5:4-5, NIV).

Let’s replace “their” with “my” in that last bit. And He will be my peace. As silly as it will undoubtedly feel at first, I want you to stand up with me right now and repeat those words until the silliness fades.

To stop

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The Christmas Sanctuary Written by Christy Klein

Christmas. The birth of a savior.

Is there anything more joyous in this world than that? Indeed, there is not. So, it’s no wonder why Christmas is such a beautiful and magical time. It’s truly the most wonderful time of the year – a time that should be celebrated and experienced with all five senses. The Lord has gifted most of us with five senses through which we experience life. Let us make use of those senses in our sanctuary to create long lasting memories for our families. Here are a few ways to do this…

• Sight: This perhaps is the most obvious, but let’s not forget to make Christmas a magical time for our family by decorating our sanctuary. Now, you don’t need to break the bank and erect a fully decorated Christmas tree in every room, however, try to attempt having a small glimmer of the Christmas spirit in every room. This can easily be accomplished by simply filling some glass jars with ornaments, or placing a small wreath on the wall. • Smell: Make sure your family and guests are experiencing the glorious scents of Christmas in all major areas of your sanctuary. Dust off those holiday scented candles and spread them around the house. If you live in a cold climate, perhaps you can have a fresh batch of the family’s favorite cider simmering in a crock pot on a regular basis. No scent permeates the sanctuary better than hot cider! • Hearing: Add extra holiday magic to your sanctuary by playing festive Christmas music as often as possible. Music has a profound impact on one’s spiritual and emotional well-being and has the power to melt away the stress of a busy day. • Taste: Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a platter full of freshly baked treats… especially for children. Endeavor to bake fresh Christmas treats at least once a week. I know this is a lofty goal and can be quite time consuming, however, Christmas only comes but once a year – lavish that Christmas spirit on your loved ones! • Touch: Encourage and entice your family and friends to experience Christmas with exploring hands. Add decorative items to your holiday decor that have interesting textures and beckon to be touched. Grab some boxes in various shapes and sizes and wrap them up like Christmas presents with sparkling paper and extravagant bows. Spread them around the house and see if family and friends can keep their hands to themselves! And don’t forget about that warm crackling fire burning in the hearth! If that doesn’t invite hands to join the Christmas celebration, then nothing will.

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Peace in the

Frenzy By Kara Cox I have worked in retail (well, the behind the scenes administrative side of retail mostly) for the last 10 years. We get ready for Christmas in the summer. The buyer is seeing catalogs for Santa’s and reindeer in midMarch. I order music in the early fall that will be on a constant loop from mid-November until the day after Christmas. We deck the halls before trick-ortreaters can make it around the block and we are ready for our Christmas Open House in early November. But all the preparation of this blessed time of year still doesn’t prevent the insanity that commences the day after Thanksgiving and doesn’t let up until January. It is a wild ride in retail, let me tell you. Fun, but wild. And really, anything but peaceful.

You don’t have to work in a store like I do to understand the crazy hustle and bustle of shoppers. Likely, you’re one of them. I know that when I venture outside the walls of my own store I am one of them too. You are completely normal as an individual, but sometimes you get in a crowd and the insanity just takes over. At least that’s how it appears from our side of the counter. Impatience is a given. Impulsiveness too. I love the men that 24

come in a day or two before Christmas (two days if they are a planner) searching desperately for something, anything, to give their spouse or girlfriend for Christmas. They are so wide-eyed and terrified it just adds to the insanity of all the last minute shoppers in a frenzy. They have no idea what they want but it better be good. We always have just the thing. It’s our job. But I have to wonder what it would be like if people put less emphasis on the gift buying and hoopla of our modern day festivities and more emphasis on what is really important at Christmas. We have made trite the whole “Jesus is the reason for the season” but it is the truth. Our Prince of Peace must scratch his head and sigh at all our endless activity. How often is He lost in the midst of it? How blessed would we be if we reveled in the peace He brings and stepped back from all the busyness to reflect and worship and share His good news?

I’m not abandoning all tradition this year. Christmas is hands down my favorite holiday. I love giving and receiving gifts. I love the lit up trees with shiny baubles tinkling around it. I love watching It’s a Wonderful Life for the five hundredth time in my life

(and don’t even get me started on Elf). I love parties and people and even, sometimes, work. I’ve already told you I think the hustle and bustle can be fun. But there is a stirring in me to want more than this. To make all the craziness take a backseat to peace. To revel in all the unparalleled beauty and wonder that Christmas truly is. To praise the One who planned redemption for all mankind through the birth of a holy perfect Christ child, born to a poor noble carpenter and his young wife in a stable. To imagine what it must have felt like to be a young shepherd on that hillside when the company of angels brightened the night sky startling them with a proclamation that would forever change the course of history. The scene still makes me pause in awe: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of

the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:9-14 NIV.

One of my favorite Christmas albums is from Sara Groves called O Holy Night. Do yourself a favor and check it out immediately (if for no other reason than to hear Sara’s precious son Toby read the birth story of Jesus on the song It’s True). There is a song titled Peace, Peace that ministers to me so much during this crazy time of year. Here are some of it’s lyrics: “Peace Peace, it’s hard to find, trouble comes like a wrecking ball, to your peace of mind and all that worry you can’t leave behind you. All your hopes and fears, all your hopes and fears, all your hopes and fears are met in Him tonight”. He came to bring a peace that passes all understanding. A peace that is worth celebrating this time of year, really, all throughout the year, just because. So if you come into the store I work in this month and see me take a step back, you’ll know why. I don’t want to miss it. I hope you don’t either.

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Jingle Bell Blues Written By Christy McGraw

I adore the Christmas season. The birth of our Savior, the decorations, the hustle and bustle of shopping, the parties, the time with friends, and the time with family. It surrounds me in all of it’s loveliness. At the same time every year I experienced a deep loneliness that at times can crowd the goodness of everything else.

To be honest, most of the year I am content in my singleness. I know at this season of my life it is where I am suppose to be. I do have moments where my heart wishes for that special someone but most days are good days. Only two events each year cause such loneliness that at times I think my heart physically hurts. My birthday is one of those times. I cannot help but to wish every year that I had someone special to share my day with. The other time is the Christmas season. From the day after Thanksgiving until the new year I feel so lonely.

head, What is wrong with me? Do I not deserve happiness? Does God dislike me so much that He does not see me as a fit person to be a wife and mother? The questions spin around in my mind over and over. At times I felt like putting my hands over my ears and yelling, stop! Soon I am obsessed with finding fault with myself and my insecurities start showing up in big ways. I become overwhelmed.

Last year after my 30th birthday I decided that cycle had to stop. I started a journal specifically about my singleness and my desire to be married. I also went to the Word and started specifically memorizing verses that told me how much I was loved. God immediately reminded me of my favorite verse. It was a verse that He gave me more than five years ago and it would become one of my mantra’s over the next several months.

Other things that helped was the book of 1 John and several songs that are still among my favorites. I started surrounding myself with reminders of His Love. A cross on my bookshelf as a reminder of His death. Beside the cross sits a rock to remind me of His conquering of death. I started having tea with Him. I would fix a cup of tea in a certain cup, shaped like a heart, and sit down with His Word and my journal. I became intentional in my relationship with Him.

From October to December my life changed tremendously. I became a more content person in all areas of my life. I was not only happy but joyful. Of course I was very nervous about Christmas because I was doing so well and I knew if anything would bring me down Christmas would. In the midst of all that God laid a blog post on my heart about my singleness. I wrote it but instead of hitting publish I saved it as a draft. The loneliness comes and goes and at “The LORD your God is with you, Finally on December 15th I hit times hits when I least expect it. I he is mighty to save. He will take publish. It was during that prayer will be getting ready for work and time the following day that I was great delight in you, he will quiet wish I had someone to share my given my word for 2009. Journey. you with his love, he will rejoice over bathroom sink. I will be driving in That post along with all the others you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 my car on my way somewhere and things was a first step. A step into (NIV) wish I was not driving alone. With learning and trusting and Journeying loneliness also comes the depression, with Jesus. As I look back over the or the jingle bell blues as I like to call last 12 months I cannot help but be in them. To me if there is anything awe of everything He has done in me Everything I need from Him was in worse than loneliness it is depression that verse. In The Message version and in my life. He brought me to a and loneliness. A lingering sadness place of contentment in my single God is called a mighty warrior. I that something is missing. needed someone to save me from the life, He brought me some fabulous cycle I was in, He was there. I needed friends. He brought me to Exemplify and then to this column. After this someone to delight in me and be my year I cannot help but look forward constant, He was there. I needed to Every Christmas I would wish and to the journey 2010 brings! know someone loved me no matter pray for the same thing. Every Christmas that wish and prayer goes what, and once again He was there. by, unanswered. And I wonder…am In many ways it was the beginning of my journey toward loving Jesus more I doing something wrong, why is it and knowing how very much He that I wish and pray and nothing loved me. comes of it? And sooner or later the same questions would pop into my

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‘Tis the season for joy, family, and…the seasonal flu. This year, the swine flu, or H1N1 flu, has become a major concern as well. Whether you are choosing to protect yourself through sanitary methods or by getting vaccinated, I’d like to offer some information and tips on these two viruses. Seasonal Flu Seasonal influenza is a very contagious virus that affects the respiratory organs. It is unfortunately very common, affecting up to 20% of the population yearly. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and occasionally stomach problems like nausea and diarrhea. If you experience some or all of these symptoms, you should avoid contact with others by staying home from work or school, and head to the doctor’s office. The flu is contagious from person to person even a day before symptoms show up, and a person stays contagious for up to seven days after symptoms appear.

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have a fever, you should wait until you are well again to get the flu vaccine. For more information on the flu vaccine, talk to your doctor or visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ index.htm. H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

I’m sure that everyone has become aware of the so-called “swine flu epidemic” that appeared in the U.S. in April of 2009. Although it was originally thought to be the same flu that affects North American pigs, recent studies have shown the H1N1 virus to be much more complex. It actually contains two different swine flu genes, an avian flu gene, as well as a human flu gene. While the symptoms appear to The best way to prevent yourself from getting or be nearly identical to seasonal flu symptoms, this virus appears to be targeting a younger spreading the flu is to get vaccinated with the crowd, unlike the seasonal flu. The people who seasonal flu vaccine. They usually cost about have been most affected by H1N1 are healthy $25, and some insurances cover them if you people up to the age of 24, pregnant women, get vaccinated at the doctor’s office. The and people with underlying health issues. vaccine comes in two forms – a shot and a Unfortunately, complications with H1N1 have nasal spray. The flu shot is highly led to many deaths in the United States. recommended for children aged 6 months to 19 years of age, as well as people 50 years or Luckily, an H1N1 vaccine has been made older. Pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, health care workers, and people who available to the public. However, supplies are limited. Young children and pregnant women are in contact with children are also among are among those that are strongly people who should get a flu shot. People who recommended to be vaccinated. Many public should not be vaccinated include people with chicken egg allergy, those who have had a bad health clinics and some pharmacies have or will have the H1N1 vaccine available. reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, and infants less than 6 months of age. Also, if you If you or someone you know does get sick with

effective prescription medicine called “Tamiflu” that has been the preferred drug for treatment of H1N1 as well as other serious influenza conditions. Tamiflu appears to take care of H1N1 without any complications if it is taken early enough. For more information and updates about the H1N1 flu as well as the vaccine, visit http:// www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. General Flu Safety Tips • Wash your hands frequently. • Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use it after touching things that have been touched by many others, like door knobs or credit card machine pens. • Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes at all when you are out of the house • If you suspect you or your children have flulike symptoms, get to a doctor as soon as possible Although it is easy to become anxious and worried about loved ones and ourselves with a scary virus on the loose, we can remain calm and find rest in Christ, our King. Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” He also says that anything we need, our Father will provide. Even when troubles arise, we can find comfort and peace in the presence of God.

the H1N1 flu, don’t panic. There is a very

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© Exemplify Magazine

Written by Tara Rachel

She lay there, completely still from expended energy, letting her senses take in everything. Her eyes, which had been closed from exhaustion, cracked open. She could see the moonlight peeking through the rafters. Outside the stars twinkled down upon them. She tilted her head to the side. He sat to her left, knees raised and arms outstretched over his kneecaps. He smiled weakly. I wonder what he is thinking. I wonder how strange this all is to him. Despite her exhaustion, despite her weariness, she felt the insecurity creeping up inside her. He didn’t ask for this. But the angel had visited him, too. The angel had intervened when he was considering divorce. He was such a good man; he had no malice or desire to shame her. He was trying to find the most discreet way to avoid shame himself. He had helped her during the birth, massaging her stomach, sponging her face, and helping clean the baby. No man should have to do that, especially not for a child that wasn’t even his. But if there was one thing

The Peace that Transcends she could say for Joseph, he was a man of great humility, and his rough carpenter’s hands gently caressed the small bundle as though the boy was his own.

against her head. The hard ground of the earth pushed back against her spine. She loved the warm pressure from Joseph’s hand on her head.

She smiled at him, loving him more than she ever had in their entire courtship. He reached out and stroked her hair.

She moved her eyes down, over to the cattle trough, studying His tiny perfect face. His hair was dark and matted on the back of his head. His eyes were swollen closed from the trauma of being born. His cheeks puffed in and out as he rooted his small, rosebud mouth against his tight linen wrappings. He was perfect.

She turned her focus to her ears. The soft swishing of hay and straw as the animals lumbered around. The crunching of the livestock eating the feed Joseph had pitched out of the manger to make room for the baby. Nearby a cow lowed softly. She could smell the hay, fresh and sweet, mixed with the pungent aroma of animal waste. She could smell her own sweat, and the sweet scent of fresh skin of new life. She could still taste the linen fibers from the rag she clenched between her teeth during the final contractions. Finally she shifted her attention to her final sense. She could still feel the pain throbbing in her back and abdomen. The sore muscles from the straining and pushing. She could feel her hair, soaked with sweat, plastered

She tested his name. “Jesus…” He opened His eyes for a fraction of a second, and she found herself lost in them before he slowly closed them again. “The LORD saves,” Joseph said quietly from beside her. She nodded, reaching to touch His hair. He sighed softly against her chest. Words from old came back to her, words she had heard as a girl and young woman.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” “In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” The journey down to Bethlehem had been incredibly difficult. 96 miles on foot and by donkey. Joseph had insisted she ride, afraid that the weeks of walking would make her go into labor and they would have the baby on the side of the road. So she had heeded his wishes, although the donkey was not exactly preferable. By the end of the first day she was sore, her body swollen and her center of balance completely distorted. She had trouble staying on the back of the swaying, trotting animal. The census could not have come at a worse time. She had been so prepared to have a calm, peaceful birth at home in Nazareth, hopefully with Elizabeth assisting her. Instead they had had to pack up and head south, to Joseph’s home seat of Bethlehem, by the decree of Caesar

Augustus via the governor Quirinius. She was so nervous, traveling so far and for so long being so close to delivery. Elizabeth had told her how many days to count and how to mark how much time had passed, and she knew she was closing in on the finish line. She had not been prepared for the crowds in Bethlehem, though hindsight showed her she should not have been surprised. Every single person from the house of David milled around Bethlehem. Crowds swarmed the streets. Joseph moved from inn to inn, trying to find a place for them to settle, pleading with innkeepers for the welfare of his expectant wife. There was no room to be had. They would have to sleep on the road, under the stars. And if she had the baby out in the open, that was what she would have to do. One innkeeper took pity on them, and offered them the stable. They accepted gratefully. While it wasn’t exactly a bed with enclosed walls, there was hay and water. It was sufficient. So sufficient that when the contractions began rolling in that night, they at least had some privacy. Mary struggled through the labor, unsure of the strength in her young, inexperienced body. But it was as though the same Holy Spirit who created the life within her drew Him out, and she sank back in exhaustion, amazed at what had just taken place. When she had regained some strength, she took Him and wiped Him down. He whimpered, but did not wail. She studied His features, etching them forever into back of her mind. As she took in the curve of His cheeks, the roundness of Him tummy, the length of His toes, Elizabeth’s words came back to her, clear as a ringing bell in a tower.

“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” “Blessed indeed,” Mary had whispered, smiling at the memory. She carefully wrapped Him tightly, binding His tiny arms and legs to his body. He stilled as soon as she finished, relaxing into the wrappings. He fell right to sleep, and she placed Him carefully in the manger that Joseph had so carefully packed with hay. Now, in the quiet, the surreality of the situation descended on her. She immediately questioned the hygienic conditions of the barn, wondering if placing her newborn baby in a trough that cows ate out of was the wisest decision.

But then again… he’s the Son of God. Is there anywhere on earth that is fit for Him to lay His head? She was still trying to wrap her mind around events if the night. While her belly grew, it was easy to not dwell on what was happening inside her body. There was nothing, except her expanding waistline, to touch or to care for.

But now, as this little literal miracle lay sleeping beside her, she couldn’t avoid letting her mind wonder into the supernatural, into places she wasn’t sure she was fully capable of understanding.

“This child,” she whispered to Joseph, “my Yeshua… He’s going to be our Savior. He’s going to be Lord of all and reign as king forever.” She looked over at Him, helpless and sleeping, trying to marry her words with her vision.

She was a little unsure of how to treat Him, how to hold Him. How do you care for the Son of the Most High God? She felt insecure, and even Joseph’s strong presence did not calm the anxiety. She wondered if she was qualified. She wondered if she was capable. But as she stared at the small, sleeping baby, she knew it didn’t matter whether she believed she was capable or qualified. She had received the call from the Lord, and as she spoke to the angel, she reaffirmed her commitment. “I am the Lord’s servant,” she said aloud to no one in particular. And I will begin by serving this child with all my heart and soul and might and strength. She let her mind weave together the words proclaimed and the events that transpired. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah… out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…” Out of Bethlehem… the two of Nazareth had to travel to Bethlehem for the census, and right at the time she was supposed to deliver… “…whose origins are from of old, from ancient times…” “…the Holy One to be born will be called the Son of God…” There was no possibility of this child being Joseph’s, or anyone else’s for that matter. Joseph, once his fears had been calmed by the angel, had not so much as laid a finger on her. And she was merely a child before becoming engaged. “… David’s throne… a Branch sprout from David’s line…” Joseph was in the line of David, as was she. They were both a part of the Davidic genealogy. “… the virgin will be with child…” She could scarcely believe how perfect, how intricate everything had meshed together, like fibers woven into a perfect tapestry. The significance of his birthplace did not escape her. An inn. A temporary dwelling. She knew it was a sign to her, a visible

reminder that this was only temporary. He was not born in a house to dwell permanently. Instead He came at an inn, a place where people only pass through. Where they stay for a time, and then move on. And suddenly, like a pane of glass wiped clean, nothing else mattered. It didn’t matter that people back home called her a whore and a harlot. It didn’t matter that Joseph had been slandered because of her. It didn’t matter that they didn’t have a bed to sleep on. It didn’t matter that politics had changed the shape of their ancient nation.

back, closing her eyes, as the angelic voices rang over her. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Peace. She didn’t know what the future years would bring. She didn’t know if they would be free of strife or the most difficult she would ever live.

What she did know is that she had firsthand, eye-witness experience of the miraculous power of the Lord God Almighty. And as His son slept away in His makeshift, humble bed, she knew that there was hope yet for the nation of God.

It didn’t matter that they were forced to learn the language of the pagans. It didn’t matter that evil men had taken control of the Temple.

There was hope. Because God in His glory cloaked Himself in flesh and came down to earth.

It didn’t matter that Jerusalem had been under siege. It didn’t matter that Rome was spreading, that their rule was trickling down to even the most remote areas. None of it mattered. She smiled sardonically. Pax Romana. The peace of Rome. Rome attempted to spread peace by rule and power and control. She reached out and gently lifted the sleeping infant to her chest. This was peace. A child, a baby – sleeping away while the world continued to turn around Him. She knew deep within her heart that soon the world would turn because of Him. Suddenly she could no longer hear the cows lowing, the drifts of conversations from late-night crowds in Bethlehem, the whooshing of the wind over the trees. All she could see was Him. All she could feel was Him. All she knew was Him. And then a holy chorus rang out, shaking her from her reverence. She carefully placed Him back in the manger and sat

She couldn’t completely comprehend how the baby beside her was also God. But she did know one thing: she would believe in and serve Him for the remainder of her days. He was the source of her joy, and the catalyst for her peace.

She leaned over to kiss His small forehead. “I love You from the depths of my heart. My Prince of Peace.” She pulled the blankets a little tighter around Him and settled back to rest herself.

As she felt herself slipping into the comfort that precedes a deep rest, her heart began to sing – praises to the Lord written deep within her soul and etched into her life. She drifted off, calm and content. Completely at peace in a world lost in chaos.

Adapted from Matthew 1, Luke 1-2, Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, Micah 5:2, Jeremiah 33:15 © Exemplify Magazine